Wendy (Pre-School Manger)
After many years in a variety of childcare settings, I now bring my experiences together in my role as manager here at Thakeham Preschool. My journey started here with my children attending the preschool in the old village hall, where my passion for childcare developed. I enjoy forest school and watching children grow and learn when playing outdoors.
In my own time, I like spending time with my family and travelling around the country, watching speedway
Qualifications
- Level 3 in Early Years
- Level 3 in supporting Teaching and Learning in schools.
- Level 2 in Forest School
- Paediatric First Aid
- Level 2 Award in Food Safety
- Safeguarding and Child Protection
Denise (Deputy Pre-School Manager)
I have been working in childcare for almost 15years (or more) experiencing a wide range of settings, roles and responsibilities. I love the way Pre school children in particular see the world and this is reflected in the wonderful questions they ask.
I like to join in their games when I’m asked and be involved in all activities.
Outside pre school I like to spend time with my family and friends. Having everyone around the table sharing a meal is my ideal way to spend a Sunday afternoon and if Chelsea FC happen to win at the weekend then I’m a very happy person
Qualifications
- Cache level 3 NVQ in children’s care Learning and development
- Paediatric first aid
- Food Safety and Hygiene for catering (level 2)
- Fire awareness training
Lucy (SENCO and Pre-School Supervisor)
I started working at Thakeham Pre-School in 2011. I am passionate in my work with children, at Pre-School. I love to build a good relationship with the children through play, messy play being my favourite. In 2016 I became the SENCO and I’m very much enjoying this role.
In my spare time, I enjoy having days out with my partner and her children, this being walking in the woods, trips to the park and spending time with our extended family.
Qualifications:
- Diploma in Childcare and Education level 3
- Diploma in Playwork
- SENCO level 4
- Paediatric First Aid
- Safeguarding and Child Protection
Cathy (Pre-School Practitioner and Forest School Teacher)
I started Thakeham Pre-school in 2018, having worked previously in a nursery for 8 years with the pre-school and after school club. Before this I worked with teenagers in the Cuthman centre linked to Steyning Grammar school.
I thoroughly enjoy working with pre-school children and find great pleasure from watching them learn and develop into individual characters. My greatest pleasure is educating the children about the great outdoors and nature from slugs and snails to birds, wildlife and plants I encompass all about the environment and how to protect it.
In my spare time I enjoy many pursuits from dog walking/ training, gardening, baking, arts and crafts, knitting and reading. I am also a director of wild foxes Forest school in Steyning which holds sessions in the holidays and this has become my latest endeavour/passion.
Qualifications
- Advanced level Apprenticeship in Advance Playwork level 3 diploma
- Forest school leader level 3
- Paediatric First Aid
- Food safety in catering
- Food safety in the outdoors
- Makaton
Grace (Pre-School Practitioner)
I joined Thakeham Preschool in September 2019, I started as Bank Staff and my role has developed and I am now a Key Person, which I am really enjoying. I love being with the children, and using in the moment planning to extend the children’s learning.
In my spare time, I love to spend it with my family, we enjoy fishing, bike rides and generally just having fun.
Qualifications
- Level 2 in supporting Teaching and Learning in schools.
Amy (Pre-School Practitioner)
I started working here at Thakeham Pre-School in 2015. Both of my boys attended the Pre-school they very much enjoyed their time there, it was a pleasure to work alongside my youngest son. At Pre-School I love spending time with the children 1-1 getting to know them and helping to build their confidence, I also very much enjoy all types of messy play.
I love spending time with my two sons and my daughter. My partner and I love taking them on days out and to see our extended family.
Qualifications:
- NVQ in Childcare and Education level 2
- Child Protection
Ang (Pre-School Practitioner/ Bank Staff)
I started working at Thakeham Preschool in 2021, and I love it! My daughter attended Pre School and she had a wonderful time. I really enjoy getting to know the children and their interests, watching them grow and I do enjoy arts and crafts.
In my spare time I enjoy spending it with my husband and daughter, we enjoy walking, swimming and we generally have lots of fun.
Jackie (Pre-School Practitioner / Bank Staff)
I have been back at Thakeham Pre-School since September 2019 after being away for 9 years pursuing other ventures. My favourite part of Pre-School is doing snack time with the children where I have gained the nickname ‘Snack a Jack’.
In my spare time I like spending time with my family and friends, I also enjoy baking cakes and walking in the local area and when I’m away on holiday.
Tracy (Administrator)
I joined Thakeham Pre-School in January 2012. I love it here as it is such a fun friendly place to work. My 2 sons came to Thakeham Pre-School and I have enjoyed watching their progress and development.
In my spare time I like to go running around the local area, spending time with my two lovely boys and socialising with friends.