Jobs

Career Profile of Lisa Marie Cocksedge, Deputy Manager for a Children's Home

Ever since she was 15 Lisa Marie Cocksedge has wanted to work with children.

Starting off in holiday playgroup schemes and youth clubs, she worked her way up from child care worker to deputy manager at a children’s home in Holloway before moving to Welwyn Garden City.

“My first day at Stanfield was New Years’ Day 1999 and I’m not going anywhere. I love it here,” she said.

Lisa Marie is assistant manager at Stanfield which has two small homes and looks after children and young people from 11 to 18.

“We all work as a team to provide a relaxed family atmosphere,” she said. “We chat to them about their day at school, they help with getting tea ready, watch telly together, and sometimes moan and argue with each other. No day is ever the same.”

Lisa Marie balances family life looking after her three year-old son with her job – and relies on the support of her manager Veronica Hart and the rest of her team.

“My husband and I both work shifts and it takes a lot of organising, but my manager has been so supportive that I’ve never had to worry. I’ve got great people above me and great people around me.

“The best times are definitely the summer holidays when we all go camping. We take the tent and have a rota with the children and staff so everyone gets to go. It’s lovely seeing them having fun and enjoying themselves. We have a fantastic time.”

Manager Veronica Hart said: “I have a team of brilliant workers and Lisa Marie is so highly committed to the young people she cares for.”