Our Early Years Staff
This page provides an overview of the Early Years educators working across Gardners Lane, Hesters Way, Noah’s Ark, Oakwood, and Rowanfield. It highlights the dedicated professionals who support children’s learning, development, and wellbeing within each of our settings. Every member of our team brings specialist training, experience, and a commitment to delivering high‑quality Early Years education.
You can browse the staff profiles below to learn more about the educators who contribute to our nurturing and inclusive Early Years community.
Gardners Lane Early Years Educators
Gardners Lane Team (ID 1485)
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AgnieszkaEarly Years Manager
Agnieszka
As the Early Years Lead, SENCO and DSL at Gardners Lane Early Years and I feel incredibly privileged to be part of each child's unique learning journey. Watching their progress, witnessing their joy when they achieve something new, and celebrating those special moments are truly the highlights of my role. Children's honesty, imagination and creativity inspire me every day, and I believe I learn just as much from them as they do from me.
I am passionate about supporting children to learn through play, creating an environment that is fun, safe, nurturing and appropriately challenging. I also love empowering my team, helping them grow in confidence and develop their own strengths.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and my dog.
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VickiEarly Years Deputy
Vicki
I am a Senior Practitioner and Deputy DSL and hold a Level 3 qualification. In my spare time, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and little boy. We love going for walks, exploring new places together, and getting creative in the kitchen as a family.
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CharlotteEarly Years Educator
Charlotte
I am a dedicated professional holding a Level 2 qualification and I am a proud mother of three. I balance my hard work with a love of family life. In my spare time I enjoy making memories with my children, watching Disney Classics and enjoying a bit of retail therapy.
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DanielleEarly Years Educator
Danielle
To follow
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DijanaEarly Years Educator
Dijana
I am a Level 3 Early Years Educator. I volunteer with the RDA and love spending time with my family and animals, which helps shape my calm, nurturing approach to supporting children.
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JannahEarly Years Educator
Jannah
My name is Jannah. I have over 20 years of experience in Early Years and hold an NVQ Level 3 qualification in childcare. I am passionate about working with children and believe that every child has the right to be heard. Their safety and wellbeing are incredibly important to me, and I strive to support them in thriving, growing, and believing in themselves as individuals.
I enjoy messy play and all things creative. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family, building Lego models with my son, and working on crochet projects.
Hesters Way Early Years Educators
Hesters Way Team (ID 1486)
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PaigeEarly Years Manager
Paige
I am the Early Years Lead, SENCO, and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at Hester's Way Children's Centre. I began my childcare career in 2018, and for six of those eight years I've been proud to work here at Hester's Way. During this time, I've built strong relationships with the local community, outside professionals, families, and of course the children. It's especially rewarding to see so many families return to us over the years.
My passion lies in supporting children with additional needs and helping to shape the very beginning of their educational journey - making a positive difference for both them and their families.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and friends, listening to music, and going to concerts.
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GinaEarly Years Deputy
Gina
My name is Georgina, but the children usually call me Gina, Gi, or even GiGi. I am the Senior Early Years Educator and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead here at Hester's Way. I've worked in childcare for 20 years, and I've spent the last 11 of those proudly based at Hester's Way. I love watching the children grow in confidence and independence, and it's always wonderful to welcome returning families back into the setting.
At home, I have a little boy, a lovely husband, and a playful puppy named Arlo. I enjoy holidays in Cornwall, listening to music, and absolutely love Christmas. I'm happiest when things feel cosy, and autumn is my favourite season.
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DanielleEarly Years Educator
Danielle
My name is Danielle, but everyone calls me Dani. I'm a Level 3 Practitioner and have been working with children for 17 years. Early in my career, I spent four years in Turkey working as a children's entertainer, supporting young people from a wide range of nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds. This experience really shaped my love for music, movement, and outdoor learning - especially Forest School activities.
In my spare time, I enjoy going to the gym and spending quality time with my husband and our two boys.
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EllieEarly Years Educator
Ellie
I've been part of Aspire Foundation for two years, working across both the 2‑year‑old room and the Pre‑School room. I really enjoy supporting children at different stages of their development and watching their confidence grow.
In my spare time, I love reading, shopping, and going to the cinema. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
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KatyEarly Years Educator
Katy
I have worked with the Aspire Foundation for over 10 years and am currently a Level 3 Early Years Educator at Hester's Way. I am passionate about supporting children's development and wellbeing, and I find my role incredibly rewarding - especially watching children grow, reach new milestones, and gain confidence in their learning.
Outside of work, I'm a proud parent of two children. I love going on adventures with family and friends and creating lasting memories together.
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LaurenEarly Years Educator
Lauren
I have been part of the Aspire Foundation for the past six years. I bring a warm, outgoing personality to my role and truly believe that outdoor play offers some of the best holistic opportunities for children's growth and development. I bring plenty of energy, enthusiasm, and care to every session, ensuring each child feels supported and inspired.
In my personal life, I'm a parent of three, have a dog named Max, and have been happily married since 2013. I enjoy investing in my own personal development through running, hiking, and reading. When it's time to unwind, I love a good movie or a family board game.
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ZoeEarly Years Apprentice
Zoe
I am the Early Years Apprentice at Hester's Way. I first joined the team as a volunteer and loved the work so much that I decided to train for a qualification in Early Years. I currently work in the two‑year‑old room, but I've also gained valuable experience in the Pre‑School room.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, especially my two daughters.
Noah's Ark Early Years Educators
Noah’s Ark Team (ID 1487)
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RachelEarly Years Manager
Rachel
I knew from being a young girl that I always wanted to work with children. After finishing school, I completed my NNEB and continued to grow in my own learning and have a degree in Early Years. I have been an Early Years Lead at Noah's for just over 2 and a half years, working at Noah's is like being part of a family, everyone is very supportive. My passion is providing the children with varied learning opportunities and then observing the children in my care grow and be confident learners. I have 2 children and 3 dogs that keep me on my toes. I love to walk and go to the gym.
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FlorenceEarly Years Deputy
Florence
I have worked in early years for almost 13 years, and at Noah's for just over 2 of these. I trained in performing arts, and love bringing storytelling and music into my practice. The sense of community at Noah's is something special, and I love being part of it. I have 3 children and when they are not keeping me busy, I love reading, walking and watching films.
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JessicaEarly Years Educator
Jessica
I am currently coming to the end of my level 3 apprenticeship. I really enjoy working at Noahs, as all of the children have great characters and I love working alongside them and watching them learn and grow. I am creative and enjoy doing crafts at home and listening to music.
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StacieEarly Years Educator
Stacie
I have worked in childcare for 6 years with 2 of those being at Noah's Ark. I am currently coming to the end of my level 3 apprenticeship, I enjoy watching the children grow and develop and making new friendships. I have a passion for working with children with SEND needs and supporting their journey and families along the way. In my spare time, I enjoy shopping and keeping active and going to the gym.
Oakwood Early Years Educators
Oakwood Team (ID 1488)
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LeanneEarly Years Manager
Leanne
Hi, I'm Leanne. When I was on maternity leave many years ago, I spent time volunteering with families and attending lots of baby groups. During that period, I realised how much I loved working with children, which inspired me to study Early Years. That was over ten years ago, and I still love watching the children grow, learn, and surprise us every year. I enjoy dancing, getting creative with messy play, and sharing stories with the children.
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DarenEarly Years Deputy
Daren
I qualified as an Early Years Teacher in 2015 after completing my placement at Rowanfield Children's Centre. Following this, I joined Aspire, initially covering maternity leave within the Achieving Twos groups before moving into a fulltime role at Rowanfield.
I later progressed to Gardners Lane Children's Centre, where I spent over four years as the Early Years Lead, further developing my leadership and pedagogical practice. I then moved to Oakwood Children's Centre to take on the role of Senior Early Years Educator and Deputy DSL, where I continue to build on my experience and passion for high quality early education.
Outside of work, I am happily married and a parent to three children, ranging from a six-year-old enjoying primary school to a seventeen-year-old who has recently started college. I am passionate about physical activity and outdoor learning within the Early Years, and I love using my creativity to enhance environments - especially through hands on DIY and repurposing everyday resources to create engaging learning opportunities.
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AlishaEarly Years Educator
Alisha
Rowanfield Early Years Educators
Rowanfield Team (ID 1489)
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EmmaEarly Years Manager
Emma
I am the Early Years Lead, SENCO and DSL at Rowanfield. I have worked in Early Years for 16 years, beginning my journey as a parent volunteer at Rowanfield. This experience inspired me to complete my Early Years qualifications and pursue a career dedicated to supporting children and families within the local community.
I am passionate about creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, included, and valued. Making a positive impact on children's early learning and development is at the heart of everything I do. It is a privilege to watch children grow in confidence and independence, celebrating every achievement — no matter how small — as part of their unique learning journey.
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MaggieEarly Years Deputy
Maggie
I've been working in Early Years for over 20 years. I love working with children and their families, supporting them as they grow, learn, and flourish. One of my favourite parts of the day is sharing stories — using different voices, bringing characters to life, and making the children laugh. I don't have one favourite book, as I genuinely enjoy most children's stories and love discovering new ones with the children.
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KatjaEarly Years Deputy (Baby Room)
Katja
I love working in Early Years because every day brings something new, and there is always plenty of fun and laughter. I especially enjoy helping children explore their interest in nature and watching their curiosity grow as they discover more about the world around them. Sharing stories is one of the highlights of my day.
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CharlotteEarly Years Educator
Charlotte
I have had the privilege of supporting and caring for young children for the past 11 years, and I feel very fortunate to be part of each child's journey, guiding them through their time in nursery. Watching them grow in confidence and develop new skills is incredibly rewarding. I especially love sharing story time with the children, and my all‑time favourite book to read together is The Gruffalo.
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ClaireEarly Years Educator
Claire
I have worked in Early Years for 16 years, and I am very creative and passionate about supporting every child to be the best they can be while exploring, learning, and having fun. I love giving children hands on experiences such as gardening, cooking, and lots of messy play. I also enjoy making natural, wooden resources to extend the children's learning and spark their imagination. Most importantly, I want the children to be happy, confident, and full of joy as they learn through play.
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EllaEarly Years Educator
Ella
I am an Early Years Educator with a strong passion for supporting children's learning and development, particularly those with special educational needs. I love creating nurturing, inclusive environments where every child feels valued, supported, and able to thrive.
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HannahEarly Years Educator
Hannah
I began my Early Years journey as a childminder when my own children were small, and I thoroughly enjoyed supporting children to grow and develop in a caring and nurturing environment. After ten years, I decided to move from working at home into a setting, and I joined the Aspire Foundation, where I went on to gain my childcare qualifications.
Now, with 13 years of experience in childcare, I still love spending my days caring for, playing with, and teaching children. Watching their progress and seeing their confidence grow is incredibly rewarding. My favourite activities to share with the children include baking, exploring the outdoors, and discovering nature together. I also love reading with the children and have many favourite stories that I enjoy sharing with them.
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LauraEarly Years Educator
Laura
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PaigeEarly Years Educator
Paige
I am a Level 3 Early Years Educator with six years of experience, and I love creating a nurturing environment where busy young minds can grow and thrive. I enjoy setting up child centred activities that support each child's learning and development, while building positive, trusting relationships with families. Ensuring every child feels safe, valued, and confident is at the heart of my practice.
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Tanya DaviesEarly Years Educator
Tanya Davies
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TarnyaEarly Years Educator
Tarnya
To follow
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TrinaEarly Years Educator (Baby Room)
Trina
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KelseyEarly Years Apprentice
Kelsey
Zero hours Early Years Educators
Zero hours Early Years Educators (ID 1484)
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CharlotteZero hours Early Years Educator
Charlotte
To follow
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HelenZero hours Early Years Educator
Helen
I began my training in early years with Aspire in 2010, after which I worked as a classroom TA for 4 years and a Forest School Leader before returning to Aspire in 2016. I have Level 2 and Level 3 early years educator certificates and Forest School Leader qualification. Outside of work I like to walk my dog, swim, do yoga, play bingo and go to the cinema.
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MeganZero hours Early Years Educator
Megan
I am a qualified primary school teacher currently working on a cruise ship within the youth team, where I provide fun, engaging activities and memorable experiences for children. When I'm home, I love to stay busy and continue pursuing my passion for Early Years education. Supporting young children as they grow, learn, and develop is something I find incredibly rewarding.
I believe that the foundations of learning are vital, helping to shape a child's whole educational journey. Every child deserves to feel valued, safe, and encouraged, with opportunities to have fun and develop as confident, independent lifelong learners. I particularly enjoy creating messy play opportunities, leading creative activities, and sharing stories with children.
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RachelZero hours Early Years Educator
Rachel
To follow
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SandraZero hours Early Years Educator
Sandra
I love working with children aged 2 - 5, and it's been a joy to do so for more than 20 years. Every day is full of fun and curiosity, and no two days are ever the same. The children's energy, enthusiasm, and eagerness to join in with a wide range of activities make the work both exciting and rewarding. It's always a busy day - filled with laughter, learning, and lots of memorable moments.