MEET THE TEAM

Meet the Children Always First team! Simply click on an image to read more.

Julie Elliott
Director/Responsible Individual

Julie Elliott - Director / Responsible Individual

I started my professional career as a Director of a Language and translating business in Spain. Fluent in Spanish, I returned to Manchester to teach and became Head of Year in an inner city secondary school. My passion for making a difference to vulnerable children continued as I went on to lead a behaviour support unit in one of the biggest schools in Manchester.

I then moved to Worcestershire to take up a post as Social Inclusion Officer for the County. Here I developed Learning Support Units in over 20 schools and led on inclusion projects for children and young people who were excluded from school. As part of this role, I took the lead for the education of Looked After Children.

In 2004, I took the post of Service Manager for the Integrated Service for Looked After Children (ISL), a multi-agency specialist service made up of colleagues from 17 different professional backgrounds. This service developed into a ground breaking, nationally renowned team and has been recognised as making an outstanding difference to the lives of looked after children in Worcestershire.

My knowledge and experiences were then transferred to a strategic management role, where I became Service Manager for Integrated Provider Services. I was responsible for over 200 staff and led on Corporate Parenting and the Children in Care Council for Worcestershire County Council. I was able to transform services for children in care. All 4 residential homes were judged as outstanding by 2012.

As Director of Children Always First, my main ambition is ‘excellence in fostering’, I believe this is the key to changing children and young people’s lives.

Jan Blazak
Director/ Business Manager

Jan Blazak - Director/Business Manager

My name is Jan Blazak and I am the Director/ Business Manager here at Children Always First, along with my wife, Julie we decided to set up Children Always First in 2013. I care passionately about providing the best possible outcomes for vulnerable children and young people and in particular those children who are ‘looked after’. We decided to set up Children Always First so that we could really make a difference to children and young people and with the background I have I felt I would in a good position to set up an agency that really do put the needs of children first.

Before setting up the agency I worked for seven within the fostering sector. Previously working as a Youth Manager at Worcestershire children services, as a Fostering Social Worker as well as being a manager of a residential unit. From my varied roles I was becoming somewhat disillusioned, believing things could and should be improved and therefore decided that the best way of realising his vision of high quality care would be to establish an agency.

In my spare time I love football and I am a huge Norwich City fan, I am also a keen golfer and try and play as often as I can. Another one of my passions is music production.

Hannah Cooper
Registered Manager

Hannah Cooper - Registered Manager

My background and passion has always been working with children, young people, families and carers from when I left school. I studied at Worcester University and got a degree in Early Childhood Studies, following this I started working in a Family Centre for children who were on the child protection register (As it was in those days). I then moving onto be a children / Outreach Worker in a local women’s refuge where I remained for close to two years working with women, children and young people who had experience domestic violence and abuse.

In 2004 I then took up a position in the Integrated Service for Looked After children as a mentor and children support worker in Worcestershire Local Authority where I remained for 12 years. Both these roles I supported Looked After and adopted children with their education, emotional and social needs and including supporting placement whether the children were in foster care, residential or living with family. I then made the decision to study for my social work degree and took on roles and experience in Duty and Assessment Team, Adult mental health and then final became a Social Worker in the Looked After Children Team where I remained until I joined children Always First.

I chose to join CAF, as I wanted to work for an organisation that focused and kept children and young people at the heart of what they do. I was inspired by the ethos and beliefs that Children Always First follow so decided to apply. I joined CAF as a Fostering Social Worker and in 2018 became the agencies Registered Manager. A role I am really enjoying.

When I am not working I enjoy spending time with friends, going out for meals, trips to the theatre. I also enjoy swimming regularly, listening to music and reading.

John Taylor
Fostering Manager

John Taylor - Foster Manager

I have been working with children and young people for about twenty years when I began to train and then qualified as a counsellor. I worked in a number of secondary schools for a young people’s counselling service and then worked for the NSPCC for eight years in a community young people’s centre. During this time I worked with a lot of children who were on the edge of the care system or who were looked after and offered counselling to young people who had experienced abuse or were thought to be at risk of abuse. During my last two years with the NSPCC I had qualified as a social worker and undertook a number of roles which included working with families whose children had been identified as being at risk and an interesting project completing risk assessments of suspected sex offenders.

After leaving the NSPCC I began work in fostering and then joined CAF in September 2015. Like many people who have joined CAF I was attracted by how child focussed the Agency was and that the emphasis of caring for children was based in a clear therapeutic model, which fitted well with my background in counselling.

It’s been an exciting three years seeing the Agency grow and I am enjoying my role as Fostering Manager.

In my spare time I enjoy sport, walking the dogs (or should say spending half an hour trying to get the younger dog back on a lead) and taking my youngest son to rugby matches or training.

Bonita Fradd
Senior Therapeutic Practitioner

Bonita Fradd - Senior Therapeutic Practitioner

My name is Bonita and I am the Therapeutic Practitioner at CAF. My role at CAF is really varied and interesting and I am lucky enough to work with many of the carers as well as the children. I began my therapeutic career over 15 years ago when I trained as a counsellor and worked with vulnerable young adults. However, my passion has always been working with children and families and I soon continued my training in creative psychotherapy and attachment focused family therapy.

Today, I combine all the experience and knowledge I have gained through training, clinical support and therapy at CAF. Attachment focused therapy is at the heart of my practice, and as CAF has been founded on the principles of DDP and therapeutic parenting, I am able to weave my experience and knowledge into the fabric of the organization. Outside of CAF, I work as a clinical supervisor to other therapists and assist in the training and personal development of trainee play therapists. In my spare time I love cooking and socialising with my family and friends; I also love being with my beautiful dog who accompanies me on many walks and indulges my sense of humour!

Megan Herrett
Senior Fostering Social Worker

Megan Herrett - Senior Fostering Social Worker

I am a senior fostering Social Worker and Practice Educator with responsibility for Social Work Student Placements. I chose CAF as I had worked with the agency as a Local Authority Social Worker. I was impressed with the level of support offered to the carers and the young person in placement and was very interested to learn more about therapeutic parenting and DDP. I have been qualified as a Social Worker since 1996 and previously to CAF always worked for Birmingham local authority.

I like to watch good films; go and see comedians; go to music festivals; travel abroad and to sit in the sun and spend time with my friends and family.

Diana Sidwell
Fostering Social Worker

Di Sidwell - Fostering Social Worker

After qualifying as a Social Worker in 2001 I worked as an Officer in the Youth Offending Service for 6 years. During this time I was able to see the difference a good foster placement made to the lives of the young people I worked with, and decided that I would like to work with Foster Carers who are able to make such a difference to young people’s lives.

I began working as a Fostering Social Worker in 2007 and have worked in this sector ever since, supporting and advising Foster Carers who play such an important role in the lives of the children and young people they care for. I joined CAF in 2017 and am very impressed by the child centred, therapeutic ethos that runs throughout the agency.

When I am not working I enjoy cooking and gardening, and spending ]time with my family.

Edward Little
Fostering Social Worker

Ed Little - Fostering Social Worker

I chose Children Always First because of their therapeutic approach to working with children and foster carers. I previously worked as a Social Worker for the Local Authority Social Worker and remember being impressed with the ethos and professional commitment to achieving the best outcomes for children that CAF showed.

Prior to working as a Social Worker, I had multiple roles in various occupations but most pertinently, I worked for two voluntary agencies who supported children and young people in the community as a Youth Support Worker.

Away from my professional role I like to spend time with my family and friends.

Jacqueline Bowley
Fostering Social Worker

Jacqui Bowley - Fostering Social Worker

My name is Jacqueline Bowley and I am a Supervising Social Worker with Children Always First. Prior to working at CAF, I was a Safeguarding Social Worker within a Local Authority where I gained a wealth of experience working with children and their families.

In addition to this I have volunteered in a school and at a local Women’s Centre, as well as being employed as a Youth Support Worker.

I wanted to join Children Always First as I knew the Agency were DDP accredited and their ethos was in line with my own, in regards to parenting from a therapeutic perspective.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and training my dogs which we rescued from Romania and Cyprus.

Emily Payne
Fostering Social Worker

Emily Payne - Fostering Social Worker

I chose to join Children Always First for my first Supervising Social Worker role as I loved the family feel about the Agency and that the foster carers, children and staff all really mattered. I love that the children are at the centre of everything CAF do.

I qualified from Wolverhampton University with a BA (Hons) in Social Work in May 2017. I then started working at CAF in July 2017 and have really enjoyed my time so far with CAF.

I love anything creative! Reading, writing and baking are my favourite things to do in my spare time.

Jonathan Benfield
Fostering Social Worker

Jonathan Benfield - Fostering Social Worker

My name is Jon and I am a Supervising Social Worker here at CAF. I joined the agency in March 2018 after a year with St Basils, where I worked as a Co-ordinator. Prior to my role as a Co-ordinator I worked for another fostering agency as a support worker.

I chose to work at Children Always First as I valued their therapeutic approach to caring for vulnerable children.

In my spare time I enjoy a variety of sporting activities including basketball, MMA and running. I am also passionate about food and asking questions.

Kerry Martin
Fostering Social Worker

Kerry Martin - Fostering Social Worker

I joined Children Always First at the end of May last year. I have been a Qualified Social Worker for three years. I have previously worked for the Local Authority and I was in my previous fostering agency for two years. I was drawn to Children Always First for its therapeutic approach. I liked that they use the DDP Model.

In my spare time I like to spend time with my family and I have a keen interest in football, I try to get to as many games as I can.

Charlotte Hick
Fostering Social Worker

Charlotte Hick - Fostering Social Worker

My name is Charlotte and my role at Children Always First is Fostering Social Worker. I decided to apply for the role as I had worked with CAF as a local authority social worker and was impressed with the level of support they offer to both carers and young people. I understand the importance of ensuring that carers have the best support in place to allow them to offer support to vulnerable young people.

I qualified as a social worker in 2015 and have been working for the Local Authority as a social worker for Looked After Children since then. Prior to this I did placements with Pupil Referral Unit and Women’s Aid. I have also volunteered abroad on two occasions in both Uganda and Fiji.

Outside of work I coach cheerleading on a weekly basis and have been doing this for 5 years.

Scott Paxton
Senior Youth Worker at CAF

Scott Paxton - Senior Youth Worker at CAF

My name is Scott and I am the Senior Youth Worker at CAF. I love being a youth worker and getting to spend time with the young people of Children Always First. The youth support team are mentors for our children and young people and we organise and deliver lots of social opportunities within the foster agency for children and foster carers.

I am proud to say I have been a youth worker for almost 25 years and worked with children and young people in lots of different settings. I value young people and try to listen to them and enjoy the energy they bring to the world.

I have worked at CAF for three and a half years. During this time I have been able to develop a model of support that places the young people at the heart of everything, working from a person centred approach. CAF care about the children and young people and invest in relationships using a therapeutic model of engagement. This is why I wanted to be part of the team at CAF.

I love sports and outdoor activities and spend my time out of work playing football and keeping fit.

Tammy Griffin
Youth Support Worker

Tammy Griffin - Youth Support Worker

The completion of a Youth and Community Work degree led me into play work where I ran play sessions in the local community and after school care. My journey then continued into education where I worked as a teaching assistant and after two years trained as a primary school teacher. This role gave me an insight into how tricky school can be for some children I found myself wanting to learn more about how they can experience a happier time in different areas of their lives.

I chose to join CAF because the diverse role of a Youth Support Worker enables me utilise all of the skills I have developed and is centred around the very thing I love the most – spending time with children and young people through building positive, supportive relationships. I enjoy the therapeutic ethos at CAF and have hugely benefited from the amazing training opportunities available that complement this approach.

I love all things creative and enjoy dabbling with crafty bits, singing and yoga!

Delroy Madden
Youth Support Worker

Delroy Madden - Youth Support Worker

My name is Delroy Madden, my role at CAF is a youth worker role. I have previously worked as a youth support worker for a number of years and gained lots of valuable experience in supporting young people into moving in and sustaining their own accommodation also supporting them to engaging in education training and employment.

I decided to Join CAF to gain a working knowledge of the care system and to help children that are exiting care develop their own independent living skills.

I really enjoy working with young people my aims when working with young people are to help them reach their full potential and become productive members of society. I believe every young person should be given the opportunity to take part in activities and express themselves without fear of being judged or ridiculed.

My hobbies include music production, football and cooking the best part being the eating bit!

Alice Nuttall-Basham
Youth Support Worker

Alice Nuttall Basham - Youth Support Worker

Hi I’m Alice and I am a Youth Support Worker. I have just started with Children Always First and I chose to work for CAF because they are passionate about providing the best for their carers and children. They have a family friendly environment which is exactly the environment I wanted to work in. I have supported children and young people for many years and enjoy having fun and I am always ready to get stuck in, especially with new challenges.

In my free time I enjoy travelling and seeing different parts of the world and at home I enjoy baking…..which I love to share with friends and colleagues!

Alison Bradley
Panel/Quality Assurance Administrator

Alison Bradley - Panel and Quality Assurance Administrator

My name is Alison Bradley and I am part of the administration team at Children Always, my role at CAF is Panel and Quality Assurance Administrator.

I have a background of administration in Special Educational Needs, School Improvement and Adoption within a local authority and joined CAF in September 2017 as the Business Administration Manager. Due to family commitments, however, my role has since changed to Panel and Quality Assurance Administrator and I now work on a part-time basis.

I wanted to join an Independent Fostering Agency with a real passion for children

In my spare time I love travelling, eating out and socialising with the special people in my life, spending time with my amazing granddaughter and walking my gorgeous cocker spaniel Paddy.

Elliot Wilday
Business Administrator

Elliot Wilday - Business Administrator

I am the Business Administrator at Children Always First and I am responsible for various things such as; invoicing, payments, human resources, health and safety and office maintenance.

For the last five years, I worked for a large-scale Independent Fostering Agency. Unfortunately due to rapid growth of the company, it began to feel impersonal and corporate. I wanted to have a more direct involvement with foster carers and children and build actual lasting relationships and memories. This is why I really loved the approach of Children Always First as this the heart and soul of what they do.

My motivation for joining Children Always First was because I wanted to work for small, family-feel organisation, who were passionate about changing the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

Outside of work my hobbies include making music and attending gigs and festivals. I’m also passionate about computers and technology and spend many hours playing around with electronics and video games.

Shelley Candlin
Training/Support Administrator

Shelley Candlin - Training and Support Administrator

My name is Shelley Candlin and my role at CAF is Training and Support Administrator. I have a background in administration and have worked within the fostering sector for over five years.

As part of my role I organise all of the agencies training for our foster carers and also organise our external DDP level 1 and 2 training with Kim Golding. My role is very diverse, I work with supporting the youth support team as well as organising meetings and the development of our social media pages.

I really love working with such a lovely team and feel that we offer our foster carers a really high level of support and training.

In my spare time I am usually out socialising somewhere. I love cooking and baking and being creative.