Service Manager
Keith
My name is Gillian Mitchinson and I am a busy mum of four teenage children, 20, 17 and twins 16. I live in a rural area beside Huntly with my four children and husband. I love the peace and tranquillity that it brings and it is perfect for walks with my 6 year old Cavachon dog.
I have been involved in childcare since 2010 where I began as a parent helper and then as a Practitioner with Sunshine Developmental Playgroup in Keith. This was a setting that was purely for children, birth to five, who had Additional Support Needs. During this time I completed my SVQ and was also doing relief PSA work at the local primary school. Sadly Sunshine didnt reopen after Covid and I was then offered permanent hours at the school, which I accepted.
I have always loved working with children but felt, now my children are a bit older, that I was ready for a new challenge. I wanted to continue in childcare but also felt I wanted to be in a role where I could also support and help other Practitioners and engage more with parents. I was lucky enough to get the role of Assistant Manager at Strathisla Childrens Centre in April 2025 and so far I am loving it. The team are amazing and everyone both in the setting, parents, Senior Leadership team and other Managers that I have reached out to, have all been incredibly welcoming and supportive. I look forward to continuing my journey with FCSS! I have also been given an unconditional offer to study for my BA in Childhood Practice which I begin in September.
In my spare time I enjoy nothing more than a walk along the beach with my husband and children, always finishing off with an ice cream. Apart from that I enjoy reading, listening to music or relaxing with a Netflix series or a RomCom film.
