Jackie Rankin – Head Of Centre
About me: I live with my partner and our two dogs, Mac and Sparky. I have two grown up sons who have flown the nest which means I don’t spend my whole life tidying and cleaning. We enjoy walking with the dogs, especially on the beaches on the west coast of Scotland
Fun Fact – I got my first ever tattoo in 2025.
Qualification: BA Childhood Studies 2009, starting my first post in childcare in 1994.
Champion Role: Lead for Renfrewshire’s Nurturing Relationships Approach
Aileen Darroch – Depute Head of Centre
About Me – I live at home with partner Gary and my Cockatiel called Alfie, who is 24 years old. We love to travel, our favourite place is Vietnam where we have travelled a few times and have met lots of interesting people
Fun Fact – Many years ago in my dancing school I won Junior Miss Paisley.
Qualification – BA Childhood Studies.
Champion Role – Lead for Digital Learning
Jade Caldwell – Full Time Early Learning and Childcare Officer
Area – Outdoors and Social Zone
Fun Fact – I got married on a mountain.
Qualification – HNC Childhood Practice
About Me – I live with my wife Rachael, and we spend most weekends exploring Scotland in our campervan. I enjoy hill climbing, paddleboarding, live music and veggie tacos. If I had to describe myself in three words, they would be positive, creative and adventurous.
Champion Role – ECO Schools
Leagh Strahorn – Term Time Early Learning and Childcare Officer
About Me – I live in North Ayrshire, engaged to my fiancé Ewan and I am currently expecting my first child in August 2026. When I was 19, I was a restaurant supervisor at a local restaurant while studying to be an Early Learning and Childcare Officer. I enjoy spending my spare time with family and friends.
Fun Fact – I have swung out over a building at 100 metres high.
Qualification – BA Childhood Studies gained in 2022
Champion Role – Digital Learning, BookBug and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Chloe Mooney – Full Time Early Learning and Childcare Officer
Area – Creative Area
About Me – I am currently in the middle of renovating my house from scratch, I enjoy spending my spare time going new places to walk the dogs or trying new restaurants.
Fun Fact – I used to do competitive cheerleading and gymnastics
Qualification – SVQ Level 7, PDA Level 8 Childhood Practice
Champion Role – Renfrewshire’s Nurturing Relationship’s Approach
Hannah Gavin – Full Time Early Learning and Childcare Officer
Area – Social Zone
About Me – I enjoy spending my time with my friends, family and my black labrador Harley. I have recently gotten engaged and bought my first home with my fiancé. I would describe myself as creative and colourful! I love going to the gym, walking, shopping, being out
with friends and going on holiday!
Fun Fact – I have 22 tiny tattoos!
Qualification – Started Modern Apprenticeship with Renfrewshire Council in June 2019. Gained SVQ3 Social Services (Children and Young People) in February 2021.
Champion Role – PATh’S, Renfrewshire’s Nurturing Relationship’s Approach, Digital Learning.
Alison Barney – Full Time Early Learning and Childcare Officer
Area – Outdoors
About Me – I live at home with my dog Buddy. I love going on holiday- my favourite destinations so far have been India and Cambodia!
Fun Fact – Along with Jade, Stuart, and Linda, I have climbed Ben Nevis and raised over £3,000 for ACCORD Hospice.
Qualification – Completed Modern Apprenticeship with Renfrewshire Council in June 2019. Gained SVQ3 Social Services (Children and Young People) in February 2021.
Champion Role – Talk for Writing
Caroline McMillan – Full Time Early Learning and Childcare Officer
Area – Home Corner
Fun Fact – I can ski ⛷️
Qualification – Qualified in 2020 with HND in childhood practice
About Me – I live in Paisley, with my husband and two sons. I came to early years later in life and it was the best move I’ve ever made; I love it! I love chocolate and all things animal print.
Champion Role – Renfrewshire’s Nurturing Relationships Approach and PAThS
Simone Fairbairn – Full Time Early Learning and Childcare Officer
Area – Creative Area
Fun Fact – I have been parasailing in Mexico.
Qualification – Level 3 and Level 4 SSCYP. BA Childhood Studies.
About Me – I live in Bishopton with my mum and dad. I enjoy spending time with my friends and going on holiday. I have also recently learned to crochet bags and kindle sleeves.
Champion Role – Talk for Writing
Yvonne Thomson – Term-Time Early Learning and Childcare Officer
Area – Book Nook
Fun Fact – I’m a great dancer
Qualification – HNC 2012
About Me – I ride my bike to work
Champion Role – ECO School
Stuart Finlay – Full Time Early Learning and Childcare Officer
Area – Blocks
About Me – My Dad, brother, and I are all St Mirren fans and have been season ticket holders for over 15 years. Every weekend we attend and enjoy spending time together travelling to other stadiums across the country.
Fun Fact – I can play the Tuba and travelled with Renfrewshire Schools Band to Germany to play a series of concerts across 4 different towns.
Qualification – BA Childhood Studies
Champion Role – Digital Learning
Elizabeth McWilliam – Full Time Early Learning and Childcare Officer
Area – Imagination Zone
About Me – I am 31 years old and live at home with my husband Gerard. We are expecting our first child in January 2027. I enjoy spending my time with my loved ones or going to the cinema and reading a book.
Fun Fact – I have 5 brothers and I was the first Smith girl in 50 years before I got married.
Qualification – HNC Early Education and Childcare. I started early years in 2017.
Champion Role – Talk for Writing, BookBug and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Linda Fox – Full Time Early Learning and Childcare Officer
Area- Outdoors
Champion Role – ECO Schools
Simone Fairbairn – Full Time Early Learning and Childcare Officer
Area – Creative
Fun Fact – I have been parasailing in Mexico.
Qualification – Level 3 and Level 4 SSCYP. BA Childhood Studies.
About Me – I live in Bishopton with my mum and dad. I enjoy spending time with my friends and going on holiday. I have also recently learned to crochet bags and kindle sleeves.
Champion Role – Talk for Writing
Amy Whiteoak – Full Time Early Learning and Childcare Officer
Area –
Fun Fact –
Qualification –
About Me –
Champion Role –
Emma Kerr
Role – Support Worker
About Me – I’m a busy mum of 4. When I’m not at home you will find me at the side of a football pitch cheering on my oldest son. I recently came back to working in childcare after having my youngest son during Covid. Lots of people used to say I had my children too
young, but it has been a pleasure for me to grow with them.
Fun Fact – I have 4 children ranging from 16 to 4
Qualification – SVQ level 7, I qualified in childcare in 2019.
Helen Campbell
Role – Support Worker currently on maternity leave
About Me – I have an older brother, who lives in Australia, and a younger sister. I have, to date, 14 nieces and nephews, mostly from my husband’s side. I enjoy dancing and have been doing it since I was 4 and still coach one night a week for a children and young people’s charity. When I do have spare time, I enjoy meeting up with my friends for dinner and films. 
Fun Fact – I have a black belt in karate.
Qualification – Started in support work in 2025. Currently studying through open university in Early Childhood Studies.
