Ruth, Director, Zac’s Club Limited. Ruth started her career in Childcare in 2008, when she started Young Discoverers Before & After School Club (now Zac’s Club Escrick), entirely from scratch. Her former career as a Bank Manager gave her the business background to ensure that the setting became sustainable, and a facility that parents could rely on for their childcare needs. She also opened a Day Nursery in 2009, also in Escrick, and again entirely from scratch, and in changing the Before & After School Club to Zac’s Club, also opened a further out of School Club setting at Riccall School. She is very proud that through both Companies, employment for 24 people, and childcare for nearly 150 different children a week was provided through the 3 settings. Having sold the Nursery in 2020, Ruth is now able to dedicate more time to Zac’s Club, and her other business The Helping Hub, which supports other childcare settings and providers of Early Years products and services. Her passion is about delivering the very best childcare possible, and placing the children, their parents, and her staff at the very heart of all they do. Ruth holds a BA(hons) in English with Associated Drama, Level 2 Occupational Health & Safety and Level 4 Children’s Care, Learning & Development, as well as certificates in SENCO, Paediatric First Aid, Autism Awareness Level 2, Food Hygiene & Safety Level 2 and is a Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Andrew, Operations Manager. Andrew has been Manager at Zac’s Club Escrick since 2012, and is now our Operations Manager for both settings. He started his career in childcare at a Nursery in 2010, having had a successful career driving car transporters amongst other things prior to wanting to take up a career that meant he could be home more, and in an environment that suited his skills better. He initially worked on a voluntary basis, then trained as a Nursery Practitioner. He gained his level 3 Diploma in Childcare, Learning and Development, and spent some time both in the Baby Room and Pre-School room once qualified, before taking up a Playworker position at Young Discoverers Before and After School Club. Andrew then took on a Relief Deputy Manager role, before becoming Manager in September 2012, and taking the setting through the change to being Zac’s Club in 2017. Andrew is especially keen on ensuring the children have plenty of opportunity for outdoor play, and thoroughly enjoys working with the Primary school children. He is keen to see his team develop, and for the children to get the most out of their sessions at Zac’s Club. Andrew also holds a current Paediatric First Aid Certificate, First Aid at Work, Safeguarding Lead Professional, SENDCo and Food Safety qualifications.
Levi, Manager, Zac’s Club Escrick – We are super proud of her achieving Apprentice of the Year at the Selby District Business Awards 2023. She also achieved the club worker of the year award at the out of school club awards in October 2023. It was very well deserved as she is helpful and always getting involved with a range of activities with the children. Levi faces many challenges head on, and has a very natural way with children. She is now becoming manager at the Escrick setting and will be an excellent addition to the management team. She gained her Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification in December 2023 and has also gained a qualification in paediatric first aid, a certificate in food safety and Advanced Safeguarding lead training, joined the team in October 2022.
Lauren, Manager, Zac’s Club Riccall – Lauren joined us in 2017 as a Playworker initially whilst completing her studies at York College, and completed her Level 3 Childcare Diploma after 2 years of work experience across different settings, and some extra hours during the holidays at Zac’s Club. Lauren spent some time away taking on the role of a full-time qualified practitioner for just over 3 years, and also being a self-employed nanny for a short period, she came back to us taking the role of Deputy Manager in 2021. Lauren was then our Acting Manager at Zac’s Club Riccall for sick Cover in January 2023. Having gained further experience as a Manager in a private early years setting within a school, and supporting them towards a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating Lauren returned to us as Manager at Zac’s Club Riccall. She holds a level 3 Diploma in Childcare, Learning and Development. She also has current certificates in Food Safety, Advanced Safeguarding Lead Training, Level 3 Early Years Senco training, and Paediatric First Aid.
India, Deputy Manager Escrick and Riccall – India started Zac’s club as a play worker, she has been excellent with the children and getting involved in a range of activities. she has now progressed to deputy manager and will be working across both settings. she also works in a primary school as a teachers assistant, she enjoys helping children learn new skills. She has a qualification in level 3 childcare and had significant experience in the childcare setting. she also has a certificate in paediatric first aid and qualified as a level 3 senco. Joined us in August 2023.
Abbie – Is our new Apprentice she will be working at both our Escrick and Riccall settings. she has had experience working in a nursery and will be starting with us on 1st March. we are delighted to welcome her to our team.
Rebecca joined us in April 2022 and has volunteered and worked in schools both in the UK and abroad. She has gained lots of practical experience in working with children and young people, and is enjoying sharing her skills with us at Zac’s Club. She works at both settings and brings loads of enthusiasm and kindness to Zac’s Club.
Elizabeth has previously gained vast experience as a volunteer at her church children’s group, and as a nanny for many years, she is a natural with the children and loves to get crafty. She joined the team in January 2022, and we’re delighted to have her with us. Elizabeth works regularly at both our Riccall and Escrick settings.
Claire Play worker also known as Mrs Humphrey at Escrick School where she is a Teaching Assistant. Claire is an amazing help to the team, especially in the school holidays when she frequently helps at holiday club, but is also on hand after school on occasion too, often at short notice as part of our relief team. She has extended experience in a variety of roles in Early Years, as well as school, and holds Early Years Teacher Status, having initially started as an Early Years Apprentice as her first childcare role.
Hazel is studying English at the university of Lincoln . She also has previously worked for Zac’s club before so its lovely to welcome her back. She is also a qualified life guard and works at a local swimming pool. she has gained a qualification in safeguarding and a certificate in food safety whilst working for Zac’s Club, and joined the team in June 2023.
Linda, works an additional job cleaning which she enjoys. she has gained her Level 2 play worker qualification and has had previous experience working in childcare. She enjoys finding out the new things children are interested in and helping them develop new skills. She also has a qualification in safeguarding and food safety and has been with Zac’s club since June 2023.
Jennie Play worker also known as Mrs Fenton at Escrick School where she is a Teaching Assistant. she is very well know to the children at Escrick school and frequently runs cooking club. She has a BTEC level 3 in early years qualification and First aid at work qualification. she is joining the team in the up coming summer holiday.
Holly, Is a new addition to the team, she is studying a psychology masters degree at the University of York. she also attended the club herself when she was younger so is delighted to become part of the team. she joined us in October 2023.
Rhianna, Is a new addition to the team, she is studying a psychology masters degree at the University of York. She enjoys crafts with the children. She joined us in October 2023.