Meet the team
Paula Thompson
"Every child is unique and that is an understatement. I love that we can make a difference to each and every child and their families. I'm now teaching children of children that attended Pre-school when I first started! Being able to teach a child something new, watching them understand and seeing how proud they look is wonderful. The funny things they say makes you smile each day (we love rhyming at preschool!)."
Pre-School Manager
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Paula has worked at Pre-school for 30 years, 28 as manager. Paula wears many hats, including; designated safeguarding officer, health and safety officer, administrator, mentor, gardener and expert gazebo erector!
All of our staff are key workers to a small group of children.
They are Paediatric first aid trained, food hygiene safety trained
and have relevant Early Years qualifications.
Rachel Smith
Deputy manager/SENDCO
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Rachel has worked at Pre-school for 19 years and is our SENDCO, doing a wonderful job of looking after those children who may need a little extra help.
"The things I love about working at Pre-school are getting to know the children, watching them grow in confidence, form friendships and helping them to prepare for their next steps in life when they start school. In my role as SENDCO I coordinate additional support for children in our setting, liaise with staff, parents and other professionals. It is an incredibly rewarding part of my job"
Julie Birchall
Play Leader
Julie has worked at Pre-school for 15 years and is our resident cake maker and frequenter of the staff accident book. Both Julie's children came to Pre-school, giving her the desire to pursue a career in working with young children.
"From when my own children attended Pre-school I appreciated seeing all of the care, hard work and commitment given by the staff which made me want to become a play leader myself. I love seeing the difference we can make from when they arrive to when they leave "
Bekki Wilson
Play Leader
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Bekki has worked with children under 5 for 24 years in a mixture of settings and has recently joined the team at Fazeley preschool.
"Working with small children is one of the most rewarding jobs a person can do. Watching a child grow and develop in such a short time is a wonderful thing to see. It's very true what people say, "no two days are ever the same!". You never know where a child's imagination may take you and it's always an honour to be taken on a child's journey with them."
Laura Thompson
Play Leader
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Laura has worked at Pre-school for 4 years officially, although she has volunteered at many events over the years. Laura has just completed her Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.
"Witnessing firsthand the huge difference Pre-school and the other staff have made to the children and families in our community, I realise how rewarding and worthwhile working with young children is. It's wonderful introducing them to as many new experiences as possible, discovering their interests, strengths and talents and watching them have fun as they learn."
Jemma Davies
Play Leader
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Jemma has been a member of the team for two years and has recently completed her Level 2 Early Years Educator qualification.
"I've been a part of the Pre-school committee for 4 years with both my boys attending this wonderful setting. I've been lucky enough to have the opportunity to join this amazing team and I can't wait to see what the future holds for me here at Pre-school, where no day is the same and you never know where the children's imagination is going to take you"