On this page we share the achievements of CALA staff, in recognition of their dedication to professional and personal development.
Katrina Woods
Congratulations to Katrina Woods, practitioner at Junior World Early Learning and Childcare in Nairn, who recently received her SVQ in Social Services. Katrina completed her qualification in a very timely manner. Centre Manager Jayne Macintosh said: “We are very proud of her achievement”.
Elizabeth Reid
Congratulations to Elizabeth Reid, Assistant Childcare Practitioner at Junior World in Nairn. Elizabeth recently received a Saltire Ascent Award for completing over 500 hours of voluntary work within her local community! Elizabeth has also been selected as a Saltire Ambassador by Signpost Inverness and Nairn.
Care and Learning Alliance would like to congratulate Elizabeth for her fantastic dedication to making her local community a better place.
Kirsty Hunter
On Tuesday 6th of November, CALA Chief Executive Jaci Douglas, and Mentoring Support Officer Kirsty Hunter travelled to Edinburgh for the Scottish Mentoring Network Awards.
#Openingdoors ended up winning not one, but two awards on the night. #Openingdoors received a ‘Highly Commended Project’ award, while Kirsty won a ‘Highly Commended Employee’ award.
Congratulations Kirsty!
James O’Donnell
BA in Childhood Practice
Congratulations to James O’Donnell who won two awards in 2018, in recognition of his outstanding attitude and commitment to his work. The two awards were:
- The ‘Judges Choice’ award (Scottish Social Services Awards)
- Highland Youth Volunteer of the Year (Highland Third Sector Interface)
James contacted Jayne Macintosh at Junior World in 2017 to ask if he could be supported to follow his dreams to find employment working with children. He has been committed, enthusiastic and has demonstrated great determination, completing our #Openingdoors program and online learning modules. This dedication has led to him being accepted to undertake his SVQ with UHI and shortlisted for a SSSC award. James is a fantastic role model to other young men who may wish to consider a career in Early Learning and Childcare.
Sadie Kevill
BA in Childhood Practice
Sadie graduated in September 2017 following completion of her BA in Childhood Practice after 5 years part-time study through Inverness UHI. Sadie says: “It was an amazing feeling achieving this after highs and lows of working, studying and being a mum of two. I can now see it was worth all the hard work.”
Congratulations Sadie!
Rebecca Smart – Modern Apprentice
Rebecca joined CALA as a Modern Apprentice in Business Administration in 2016. Rebecca had recently completed 6th year in secondary school and had worked within retail while she explored her future career options.
Rebecca said: “I completed my diploma in December 2017 and was lucky enough to be offered a full time position as a Clerical Assistant where I support both our finance and main office. I can’t thank everyone at CALA enough for all the support and for giving me such an amazing opportunity!”
James O’Donnell – Volunteer Childcare Practitioner
Congratulations to James O’Donnell, who won the SSSC Awards ‘Judges Choice’ award! James volunteers with CALA run Junior World in Nairn, where he is hugely popular with both children and staff.
Junior World centre manager Jayne Macintosh said of James: “James is a fantastic role model to other young men who may wish to consider a career in Early Learning and Childcare. As a volunteer James has developed strong and trustful relationships with the children and his considerate and thoughtful approach also makes him a great hit with our new friends during our Intergenerational Care Home visits.”