About us
Who we are
In 2011 a small group of community members came together to implement the delivery plan developed as part of the exit strategy for the New Deal for Communities Programme ( 2001 – 2011). With an annual Annuity from Salford City Council of £90,000 per year until 2047 the group had a small amount of financial security and again through the good management of the New Deal for Communities Programme office space was secured within the Innovation Forum until 2047 rent free.
In 2014 the delivery group was ready to take the next step in becoming an independent Charity and taking on the roles of Trustees of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation Inspiring Communities Together.
As part of the New Deal for Communities programme there was a close relationship with Lower Kersal Centre who ran Yogurt Pots child care provision from Lower Kersal Primary School. The provision relocated to Sports Village in 2015 as part of a city wide programme to provide additional space for primary school children.
In December 2017 a merger took place between Inspiring Communities Together and Lower Kersal Centre and Yogurt Pots staff came across to work for Inspiring Communities Together.
Since 2018 work has been ongoing to develop the current Children and Families offer as part of the Inspiring Communities Together portfolio of work to support local people within the neighbourhoods of Salford.
The ‘Children and Families’ programme, previously known as ‘Start Well’, focuses on fostering strong, caring relationships and providing responsive support for all our families. Led by our Children and Families Programme Manager, our team ensures a nurturing environment that promotes the social and emotional well-being of children and contributes to a more caring and connected community.
Our values
Community focused
We will be accountable to and representative of the local community
Respectful
We will value all staff and members of the organisation
Innovative
We will be innovative and provide value for money in our approach to deliver of everything we do
Meet the team
Daniela Davies
Level 2 Early years apprentice
Daniela is passionate about early years childcare, especially how young children develop and learn. Her first work placement involved working with children, an experience she loved and wanted to pursue further. After her placement ended, she transitioned into an apprenticeship when a position became available, and she has now started her Level 2 Childcare Apprenticeship with Yogurt Pots. In her free time, Daniela enjoys staying active with her dog, Dexter, and participates in 5k runs every Saturday.
Carol Hyde
Children & Families Programme Manager
Carol’s journey in childcare began in 1998 when she volunteered at a local playgroup. Over the years, she advanced her qualifications and worked her way up to Deputy Manager in Salford. After managing another setting, she transitioned to agency work before finding her role as Deputy/SENDCO in an Oldham nursery in February 2020. In August 2021, she returned to Salford as the Children & Families Programme Manager at Inspiring Communities Together. Outside of work, Carol enjoys family time with her three grandchildren.
Janine Wallis
Early Years Practitioner (Room Leader )
Janine started volunteering at the Lower Kersal Centre in 2004 supporting the summer playscheme. She was asked if she would like to volunteer all year round and help with childcare and the café provision she took up.
During her volunteering, an opportunity became available to complete her level 2 and 3 in childcare at Yogurt Pots and a level 3 play worker qualification.
In 2005 she took up paid employment in Yogurt Pots. In 2017 she transferred to Inspiring Communities Together and Yogurt Pots relocated to its current home at Sports Village.
Janine enjoys learning and has taken up opportunities to further develop herself including completing wellcomm training to support children’s speech & language and SENDCO training. In 2024 Janine secured a temporary position as Room leader for Yogurt Pots.
Janine is a mother of five children and loves spending time with her children and her two grandsons.
Naomi Cassidy
Early Years Practitioner
Naomi, a local resident of Lower Kersal joined Inspiring Communities Together in 2023, initially as part of Salford City Council Job Match scheme. Securing a one year Apprenticeship later that year Naomi Starting her journey to complete a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Qualification, which she has now completed and passed. As a result Naomi is now employed by us as a Level 2 Practitioner (August 2024), and She has now enrolled onto a Level 3 qualification in Early Years. “I absolutely enjoy working at Yogurt Pots, where I get the opportunity to make a real difference every day. It’s so rewarding to contribute to the development and well-being of the children in our care!”
