Amy Bottomley
Centre Manager - Great Beginnings Baldivis
“I love watching children grow and learn every day and being a part of their early years journey.”
I had always wanted to work in early education from a young age after completing work experience in my local school. I started working in early education after finishing secondary school in 2006. I began my apprenticeship in Scotland where I worked in both private and public centres before moving to Australia in 2012. I now hold a diploma in early education and have been in the sector for 16 years where I have worked my way up from an unqualified assistant to the centre manager.
I am very passionate about working alongside children to give them the best start in life as the first 5 years are the most important. I love watching children grow and learn every day and being a part of their early years journey. My teaching style is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. I think every child is unique and has the right to feel safe and supported. I strongly believe that children should be able to express themselves in many ways and that they learn best through play.
At the centre, I take the time to meet with each family prior to them starting at our centre as I like to develop that relationship with them. We offer orientation visits which are great for both the children and their families as they get to meet with their peers and educators and become familiar with their new environment. I believe that the collaboration between families and educators is important for each child’s development and assists in the settling-in process. We also use the xplor app to keep all parents updated throughout the day.
I strive to provide a home away from home for children and their families. I aim to make families and children both feel comfortable and supported within our centre.