Our Team
Carol Smith
Pre-School Manager SENCO & Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Early Years Leadership and Management Professional Development (20 Credits) and NPQEYL Leadership Level 7
I became Pre-School Manager in November 2018, having previously worked as Deputy Manager. I am also our Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), coordinating support for children with a range of additional needs, and I serve as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children in our care.
I joined the Pre-School in 2006 after initially volunteering within the setting and quickly discovering my passion for early years education. For 11 years, I led my own key group, supporting children aged 2–5 years, while also assisting the Manager in my Deputy role.
Before moving into early years, I worked for 20 years as an Education Officer within an advertising and public relations company in London. Since moving to Greenhill in 2005, I have been proud to become part of the local community and to support so many families over the past 17 years.
I feel privileged to lead our dedicated staff team and to watch children grow in confidence, independence, and ability during their time with us. Supporting children and their families through those important early years is both an honour and a joy.
I live in Greenhill with my husband and family, I have two children, my son and my daughter, and our lovely dogs.
Nicola Wheeler
Deputy Manager & Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Health and Safety Officer & 2 Year Old Advocate
Early Years Leadership and Management Professional Development (20 Credits) and NPQEYL Leadership Level 7
I became Deputy Manager in November 2018, having previously worked as Team Leader. I have been part of Briary Pre-School for 12 years, leading the Honeybee group as a Key Person while supporting the management of the setting.
I hold a Level 3 NVQ in Early Years Care and Education and a Leadership and Management Certificate. I am also a Two-Year-Old Advocate, Health and Safety Officer, and Designated Safeguarding Lead.
My role involves supporting Carol and the staff team with the day-to-day running of the Pre-School, ensuring a safe, organised, and nurturing environment where every child’s individual needs are met.
Outside of work, I live in Broomfield with my husband and enjoy spending time with my three children and grandchildren, along with our cats and dog.
Chloe Knight
Ladybird Key Person & Deputy Team Leader
Early Years Practitioner, Level 3- Children and Young Peoples Work Force, Health & Safety Assistant,
Designated Safeguarding Lead Assistant & NPQEYL Leadership Level 7
I have been part of Briary Pre-School since 2018 and am the Key Person for the Ladybirds group.
I also support the team as Assistant Health and Safety Officer, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Student Mentor, and Team Leader when on ratio.
I hold a Level 3 qualification in Early Years Care and Education. I love creating fun and unusual activities for group time, especially art and craft, and enjoy watching all the children in my key group grow and develop.
Outside of pre-school, I enjoy spending time with my family and looking after my many animals.
Lucia Wells
Business and Finance Officer
BA Honours Level 6 in Early Childhood Studies
MA level 7 in Early Childhood Education & NPQEYL Leadership Level 7
I am the Business and Finance Officer at Briary Pre-School, working four days a week managing finance, administration, and committee matters, while supporting the management team.
I previously worked at the Pre-School before having my children and have recently completed a my NPQEY Level 7 in Early Years Leadership.
I live in Herne Bay with my husband, daughter, and son. On weekends, we love spending time together at soft play, exploring local parks and enjoying family adventures.
Maria Wheeler
Office Administrator
Health & Safety Assistant
Working towards Social Media Marketing
I have been part of Briary Pre-School since 2018, having volunteered in 2017 before joining as Office Administrator.
I live in Herne Bay and previously lived in Medway.
In my role, I support the Pre-School with administrative and finance tasks, maintain the website, track children’s attendance and development records, assist with fees, set up new starters, organise trips and events, and manage Tapestry accounts for families.
On the weekends, I love spending time with my family, and I love to relax, watch films and enjoy a takeaway with my fiancé.
Claire Rocke
Dragonfly Key Person
Early Years Practitioner
NVQ Level 3
Student Mentor
I am the Key Person for the Dragonflies group at Briary Pre-School.
I previously worked with children for eleven years, supporting ages from six months to five years, before becoming a full-time mum.
I hold NVQ Level 2 and Level 3 in Childcare and enjoy supporting each child to learn, grow, and develop in a safe and nurturing environment.
I live in Greenhill with my two children, who attend Briary Primary School.
Quyen Tran
Honeybee Key Person
Early Years Practitioner
Early Years Educator Level 3
Maths Champion Lead
I am the Key Person for the Honeybee group and lead our Maths Champion programme, supporting children’s early mathematical skills and confidence.
I have over 10 years’ experience working with children in Vietnam and have been part of Briary Pre-School since 2019.
I hold a CACHE Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools and a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.
I live in Herne with my husband and daughter. Outside of work, I enjoy learning English, gardening, and sewing projects.
Mia Cusden
Firefly Key Person
Apprenticeship Early Years Educator Level 3
Early Years Practitioner
I am currently completing my Level 3 Apprenticeship in Early Years Education.
I love working with children and supporting them as they explore, learn, and grow. Growing up in a large family, with some siblings who have SEND, inspired me to supporting all children’s individual needs.
I actually attended Briary Pre-School as a child, and it’s a real privilege to return and work alongside staff who shaped my early years. I am excited to continue learning and helping children enjoy their own early years journey.
Mel Dallas
Butterfly Key Person
Early Years Practitioner
CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)
Student Mentor Support
I am the Key Person for the Butterfly group.
I’ve always had a passion for working with children and started my journey at Briary Pre-School as a volunteer in 2023. I then worked as cover staff while studying and now hold a CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years.
I live in Herne Bay with my two children. I love Disney, role-playing, and using my imagination to create fun activities, games, and arts and crafts for my key group.
Outside of pre-school, I enjoy family trips to Legoland, theme parks, the seaside, and zoos. I also love baking—my son and I make great chocolate chip and banana muffins!
It’s a real pleasure to watch the children grow, learn new skills, and be part of their journey.
Samantha Gambrill
Augmented SEND Support
I live in Whitstable with my husband and our daughter, who has autism, dyspraxia, and dyslexia. This gives me personal insight into supporting children with additional needs, and I’m always eager to learn more. I believe every child is equal yet unique.
I enjoy reading, swimming, long walks, musicals, and a wide variety of music. I love baking, cooking, arts and crafts (mess included!), quizzes, and board games.
I also volunteer as a Rainbow Leader with Girl Guiding UK, helping young girls grow in confidence.
I have some knowledge of both Makaton and British Sign Language to support children’s communication.
Sarah Littlewood
Augmented SEND Support
Level 3 Award in Childcare and Education
I provide SEND support at Briary Pre-School, with over five years’ experience in early years, including cover, interventions, and one-to-one support.
I hold a Level 3 in Childcare and Education and have completed additional courses such as Understanding Autism and Attachment in the Early Years.
I live in a flat in Herne Bay with a lovely sea view. In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, sewing, walking, and swimming in the sea. I also love spending time with my family, especially my sister, niece, and nephew.
Freya Gillibrand
Augmented SEND Support
BA Honours Level 6 Primary Education
I recently graduated from University after studying Primary Education.
I work at Briary Pre-School supporting little learners and sometimes covering key groups.
I live with my daughter at home.
I enjoy helping children learn, grow, and explore in a fun and supportive environment.
Stacey Collins
Cover Staff
Early Years Practitioner
I live in Herne Bay with my husband and three children.
I hold a level 2 support work in schools and level 2 in understanding Autism.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time down the beach, going on bug hunts with my youngest daughter and spending time with my family.
Jessica Jno Baptise
Cover Staff
Early Years Practitioner Cover Staff/ Ladybird Key Person (FRI) Honeybees (WEDS
I live in Herne Bay and I joined Briary Pre-School in 2022.
I have three children of my own and have always enjoyed working with children.
I hold a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and have many years of experience supporting children’s learning and development. I look forward to meeting the children and being part of their early years journey.
Emma Waite
Cover Staff
Early Years Practitioner
Foundation Degree in Early Years Studies
BTEC Childhood Studies
I work as cover staff at Briary Pre-School, mainly on Thursdays.
I hold a Foundation Degree in Early Years and have many years of experience in early years and primary school settings, including supporting children one-to-one.
I live in Herne Bay with my husband and twin daughters, who now attend university, and our adorable dog Teddy, who is a registered pet therapy/reading dog. In my spare time, I enjoy theatre, running, gym classes, and walking Teddy.
Our Students
Niyah Bubb
Early Years Student
Canterbury College
I am currently studying a T-level Level 3 in Early Years at Canterbury College. I have always had a passion for working with children and enjoy being part of their learning and development.
I love helping to create a warm, welcoming and supportive environment where children feel safe and encouraged to be themselves. I am passionate about helping children grow their confidence, develop new skills and reaching their full potential. Through my studies and work experience I hope to continue building knowledge and skills to make a positive difference in the lives of the children I work with.
