With over 24 years’ experience of working in Early Years, Debbie leads our setting and manages our staff team. Debbie holds a BA Hons Degree in Childhood and Youth Studies, has Qualified Teacher Status and is currently working towards a National Professional Qualification in Early Years Leadership. Debbie also holds Level 3 Forest School Accreditation and, like all our Practitioners, is Paediatric First Aid Trained, Food Hygiene and Allergy Awareness Accredited. As well as being our Preschool Manager, Debbie is our Designated Safeguarding Lead, Health and Safety Officer and Apprentice Mentor. Debbie also works very closely with local schools and settings to foster good links within the community and to support dual setting placements and school transitions.

With a particular interest in weaving Phonics, Physical Development and STEM into our learning environment Debbie is passionate about igniting a love learning in young children to help them reach their best future potential.

Debbie has 3 children of her own and is hugely proud of them and loves encouraging them in their own skills and hobbies. She has a busy household with 2 dogs, a guinea pig and a pondful of fish but still finds time to enjoy playing netball, going on long walks and listening to music.

As our Deputy Manager and SENCo Claire is another highly experienced member of our team. She has a PGCE in Early Years Education and has been teaching Reception-aged classes in local schools for over 15 years. She has also worked as part of the BANES team, supporting and enhancing other Early Years settings. Like all our Practitioners, Claire is Paediatric First Aid Trained, Food Hygiene and Allergy Awareness Accredited.

Claire has a particular passion for imaginative play and is always looking for ways to encourage collaborative play between children. She also loves to read stories and to extend children's vocabulary and communication skills by sharing this love of books.

Claire has 2 young children of her own and they keep her very busy outside of preschool! At weekends, they can usually be found swimming, bike riding or at a local farm. She also loves holidays, spending time with friends and gymnastics, and has recently started adult trampolining classes.

Gemma is our Early Years Assistant and is qualified with a Level 3 NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing. Like all our Practitioners, she is Paediatric First Aid Trained as well as Food Hygiene and Allergy Awareness Accredited.

Gemma works as part of our staff team, nurturing and supporting the children in their development. She loves having fun with the preschoolers, encouraging them in our sports sessions, exploring the outside and developing their creativity with arts and crafts activities.

As a mum to her young daughter and a lovable dog called Chilli her family is always busy; they enjoy being outside, swimming, dancing, roller-booting and having fun with friends.

Laura is our Early Years Apprentice and has already completed her Level 2 Early Years Practitioner certification with us and is now working towards her Level 3. Like all our Practitioners, she is Paediatric First Aid Trained as well as Food Hygiene and Allergy Awareness Accredited.

Laura supports our staff team to nurture the preschoolers in all their areas of development and enjoys working closely with our families too. Laura particularly enjoys having fun and using her creativity to set up different role play environments for the children to enjoy and encouraging them to bring it to life.

With 2 young children of her own Laura enjoys day trips, time at the beach together and catching up with friends and getting to gym when she can!

Abby works behind the scenes and is also our Deputy Safeguarding Lead. With a a BA Hons in History and MA in Museum Studies Abby brings skills and experience from her previous role as a Business Manager at a large heritage charity.

Abby is responsible for finance, admissions, compliance, recruitment and all things admin. She works from home most of the time but loves her days in the preschool playing and spending time with the preschoolers.

Abby has 2 young children of her own and getting muddy on long adventures and exploring the local area is their favourite thing to do as a family. Abby enjoys reading, cooking, yoga and being tidy!