Our Staff Team
Elaine Greenshields
Playgroup Manager & Child Protection Officer
My name is Elaine and I have been employed at The Centre Playgroup since August 2014 and was promoted to Manager in February, 2022.
I was employed straight from college where I gained my HNC in Early Education and Childcare, I then completed my PDA in Childhood practice level 8 in 2019. I then gained my BA in Childhood Practice at the University of Glasgow in 2023 and currently working to gain a Masters in Early Years Pedagogy. I aim to use my knowledge and experience to further develop the playgroup to ensure we are continuously providing the best learning and nurturing environment for your child.
I am registered with SSSC, PVG checked, First Aid qualified and I have attended many training courses to ensure my CPD is current.
We have an amazing team here at The Centre Playgroup and I feel privileged to be part of it. Our playgroup family which includes all our staff, children, parents and the local community make this a very exciting and special place to grow, learn and have fun.
Janice Watt
Deputy Manager
My name is Janice and I am the Deputy Manager.
I have been employed at The Centre Playgroup since 2004. Throughout my time at the playgroup, I have advanced my position from Keyworker, Senior to Deputy.
I have my Level 3 SVQ in Children's Care and Development and I am registered with SSSC, PVG checked and a qualified First Aider. To ensure my CPD is current I have attended many training courses.
I am very proud to be part of the playgroup team. I am passionate about providing an enriching, nurturing and inclusive environment for the children to thrive in.
I love working with all the children and feel honoured to be part of your child’s journey through their early years.
Gina Murphy
Practitioner - Keyworker for the YELLOW Group
My name is Gina Murphy and I am the keyworker for the Yellow Group.
I started my childcare career back in 2020 at college, where I started with a introduction to Childcare. I then went on the complete my NC and HNC in Early Education and Childcare. Since then, I have attended university to learn about Frobel's work in Childhood practice and I have started working towards my PDA -level 8.
I have been employed at The Centre Playgroup since 2020. I am SSSC registered, PVG checked and a qualified first aider. I also have my Food and Hygiene level 2. To keep my CPD current and up to date, I attend various training courses over the year.
I am very fortunate to be part of a team who are as passionate and enthusiastic as I am of working with children. I really do love my job and it is a privilege to be able to be part of your little one's journey throughout their time at Playgroup.
I am so proud to be a part of The Centre Playgroup team and help to provide a safe, welcoming, inclusive, enriching and nurturing environment for children to thrive in.
Molly McMaster
Practitioner - Keyworker for the BLUE Group
My name is Molly, and I began my career in early years in 2022 when I started as an apprentice working towards my SVQ Level 3 (SCQF Level 7) in Social Services (Children and Young People). I became fully qualified at the beginning of 2024 and was fortunate to join the Centre Playgroup in the summer of 2024.
I am registered with the SSSC, PVG checked, and first aid qualified, and I always ensure that my CPD is kept up to date.
I love working with the children every day and collaborating with staff to gain new knowledge and work together to develop fresh and creative ideas that help nurture the children. Each child has their own way of learning, and through each activity I enjoy finding new ways to support and encourage every child’s learning.
Rochelle Lundie Practitioner - Keyworker for the RED Group
My name is Rochelle and my career in childcare started around 14 years ago when I started doing supply work in After School Care. This path with primary children continued after first qualifying with my HNC. I have since gone on to further my education and have obtained my PDA Level 8 in Childhood Studies. During this time, I also found an increased passion for working with younger children and changed my career path to nursery-age children, where I started working with babies before finding myself very lucky landing my current position at the Centre Playgroup, joining at the start of term August 2024.
I am currently with the SSSC, PVG checked, as well as First Aid qualified, and always ensure my CPD is kept up to date.
I find working with children a very privileged career, as you get to play a vital role within each child’s early years of education. This is very rewarding to myself, and I feel that I am constantly learning when working with each child as much as I hope I help to enrich and nurture them. Watching how each child learns and grows is one of the most rewarding parts of working in early years, and I find myself very honoured to have this role.
Christine Forbes
Practitioner - Keyworker for the PURPLE Group & Child Protection Officer
My name is Christine and I began my career in Early Years in 2003.
I have gained a BA in Childhood Practice from Glasgow University and a Post Graduate Certificate in Pedagogy and Inclusion from the University of West of Scotland. I am registered with SSSC, PVG checked, First Aid qualified and I have attended many training courses to ensure my CPD is current.
I adore working with children and young people. I am fortunate in my post as Early Years Practitioner at The Centre Playgroup to collaborate with a likeminded team who are equally enthusiastic, child centred and led. We are aware that each child is unique, capable and has different views, interests and learning styles.
I find a deep sense of pride and satisfaction in planning, scaffolding and nurturing children’s
individual learning needs and being part of their developmental journey.
Ren Paterson
Keyworker for the Green Group
My name is Ren Paterson, and I am the Key Worker for the Green Group.
I hold an SCQF Level 7 qualification in Social Services (Children and Young People), which I attained in 2024. I am registered with the SSSC and hold a full PVG. I am first aid trained and am always seeking to further my CPL through additional courses and training.
I am very passionate about providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for all children. Every day is a new opportunity to offer children exciting and rewarding experiences. I absolutely love working with children and look forward to being part of their early years journey.