FLYING START SUPPORT SERVICE

The team are able to offer a bespoke package of support dependent on need, often utilising up to 3 staff on the onset and then with a focus on emerging issues and need.

The team is supervised by Tracy Pike MBE with 44 years’ experience of supporting children and families both within the education sector and twenty-five years at CYCA. Tracy was the first social prescriber to offer stress management on prescription in 1994. Tracy has trained over 900 NHS and Education staff in resilience as well as providing consultancy support to schools in ACE’s and trauma. Tracy is often a keynote speaker at national conferences in supporting resilient families.

Kath Bowen holds a first-class honours degree in BA Early Childhood and has worked at CYCA for 18 years. Kath is the supervisory manager for our two flying start nurseries. Kath has extensive knowledge in the field of Early Years, Children and Young People, Families, Play, Safeguarding, Managing Challenging Behaviours, Mentoring, Training and Education. Kath is our Internal Quality Assurer for Agored Cymru

Lianna Davies – Community Connector Manager and Specialist Training Coordinator Lianna has worked for third sector charities for 20 years, Lianna has a Teaching Degree & a Degree in Childhood Studies, her specialisms include Children & Young People’s Development 0 – 19, Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults, Play work, Health and Social Care.

Julie Thomas Julie is a qualified teacher and worked at a Llanelli Primary School for many years as a Class teacher and ALENCO. She has extensive knowledge and experience within the fields of Physical Education, Early Years and Primary Schools.

In 2018 Julie decided to change her career to pursue her passion for Wellbeing and Physical Fitness, she re-trained at Ty Coch College as a Personal Instructor in Nutrition and Physical Fitness. 

Since joining our team Julie has also trained as a Pilates teacher to support the mental and physical wellbeing development of our beneficiaries. Julie is also a Welsh speaker

Amy has worked in CYCA for 9 years and holds: BA (Hons) Early Years Education and Care: Early Years Practitioner Status 1st class honours.

She also holds numerous outdoor play qualifications level 2 and top up to play work, level 5 in childcare and management.

Key to the team for those needing specialist intervention is Emma Harding our Therapeutic Play Practitioner.

Emma has been working with CYCA since 2014. who started my career with CYCA working as a nursery assistant and a play worker/leader in the after-school clubs. This led to her completing a degree in Psychology. After this she then completed her Masters in Developmental and Therapeutic Play.

Training includes:

• BSc Psychology Degree
• MA in Developmental and Therapeutic Play
• Level 3 Childcare
• Level 3 Play Work
• Safeguarding Training
• First Aid Training
• CPD Training in Child Bereavement, Child Mindfulness

Currently working towards Diploma in Child Yoga and Mindfulness