Our Team | herne-bay

Meet the Pre-School Team

Carol Smith

Pre-School Manager SENCO & Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Early Years Leadership and Management Professional Development (20 Credits) and NPQEYL Leadership

My name is Carol and in November 2018 I took over as the Pre-school Manager, having worked previously as the Deputy Manager. I am the SENCo, co-ordinating support for children with a range of difficulties and Designated Safeguarding Lead. I live in Greenhill with my husband and family, I have two children, my son and my daughter, and our lovely dogs. I previously worked as an Education Officer, in an advertising and public relations company for the dairy industry, in the heart of London for 20 years. I moved to Greenhill in 2005 and quickly started volunteering here at the Pre-School, I then was appointed in September 2006. For 11 years I had my own key group, the Ladybirds, supporting children aged 2-5 years of age and supporting my Manager as Deputy. In December 2018 I was appointed as the Manager and am excited to lead our wonderful staff team to deliver and provide the best quality teaching and childcare that we can. I have been so privileged to work with so many local families over the past 17 years, some of the children that I first worked with here are now leaving school and starting their careers! Our children and families are my motivation to work here, seeing the small steps of progress and watch a child grow in their time with us is an absolute honour and a pleasure to be part of their journey.

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

My name is Nicola and I live in Broomfield with my Husband, I have three children, my eldest daughter, my son and my youngest daughter and I have one beautiful grandchild. In 2006 I moved to Herne Bay, previously living in Medway. I have three cats and one dog. In November 2018, I took over as the Pre-School Deputy Manager, having worked previously as Team leader.

I have worked at Briary Pre-School for 12 Years as the Honeybee Group. I was the Key Person of the Honeybee group and Deputy Manager of Pre-School. My other roles are two year old advocates and Health and Safety Officer. I have Leaderships and Management Certificate and a Level 3 NVQ Early Years Care and Education, I am also the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

My role is to support staff and Carol my manager with the day to day of running the Pre-School as a whole team and making sure every child needs are met.

Chloe Knight

Ladybird Key Person

Deputy Team Leader

Early Years Practitoner

Level 3- Children and Young Peoples Work Force

Health & Safety Assistant

Designated Safeguarding Lead Assistant

My name is Chloe, I live in Margate with my family.

I am the Ladybirds key person and I have been at Briary Pre-School since 2018, and I have loved watching all the children grow. My other roles are assistant Health and Safety Officer, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Student Mentor and team leader where I support my team when I am on ratio.

I love art and craft and often come up with unusual group time activities that are a lot of fun for my key group. I have a Level 3 in Early Years, care and education.

I have many animals and I am often out with my family.

Claire Rocke

Dragonfly Key Person

Early Years Practitioner

NVQ Level 3

My name is Claire, I live in Greenhill with my two children. My son and daughter attend Briary Primary School.

I am the Dragonflies Key Person. I previously worked with children for eleven years with a mixed group of ages from six months old up until five years old, I then decided to become a full-time Mum.

I have an NVQ Level 2 and Level 3 in Childcare.

Quyen Tran

Honeybee Key Person

Early Years Educator Level 3

Early Years Practitioner

Hi! My name is Quyen (pronounced Queen) and I am the Honeybee Key Person.

I live in Herne with my husband and daughter. I have been working with children for over 10 years in Vietnam and have been part of Pre-school since 2019.

I hold a CACHE Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, as well as a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification. I am also leading our Maths Champion programme, supporting children’s early mathematical skills and confidence.

When I’m not working, I enjoy learning more English, gardening when the weather is nice, and using my sewing machine for sewing projects and repairs.”

Alana Kember

Firefly Key Person

Early Years Educator Level 3

Early Years Practitioner Apprentice

My name is Alana, and have lived in Herne Bay since I was born. I used to attend Briary Pre-School when I was little. I love to go on long walks with my dog Freddie around the park and exploring new places.

I was previously a student Level 2 and completed my qualification at pre-school and I am the Fireflies Key Persons. I am now an Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprentice.

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Mel Dallas

Butterfly Key Person

Cache Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)

Hi! My name is Mel and I am the Butterfly Key person.

I have always had a passion to work with children so I finally took the plunge in 2023 into a new career path. I was lucky enough to start as a volunteer at Briary Pre-school and then appointed as cover staff whilst still studying. I now hold a Cache Level 3 Diploma in Early Years which I’m so happy about.

A little about me, I live in Herne Bay. I have two children of my own, my youngest who is in primary school and then my daughter who is in secondary school. I love Disney, and a big kid at heart. I’m often putting on silly voices and getting into character within reading, role playing with the children. I’d say I have lots of imagination and a creative side who enjoys making up games and anything arts and craft.

I love spending time with my family, going on trips..Legoland..theme parks..seaside..zoos. I also enjoy baking cakes..me and my son make the best chocolate chip and banana muffins!!

It’s such a pleasure to be able to watch your little ones grow, learn new skills and be apart of their journey

Maria Wheeler

Office Administrator

Working towards Social Media Marketing Diploma

My name is Maria. I have been living in Herne Bay since 2007 and I previously lived in Medway when I was younger. I have been working at Briary Pre-School since 2018, I previously volunteered at Briary Pre-School in 2017 helping in the Office and in 2018 I was appointed as the Office Administrator.

My occupation at Briary Pre-School is the Office Administrator. I support the Pre-School with lots of administrative tasks and finance information. I maintain the Pre-School website, I enter accounts information onto spreadsheets, I track children's attendance and enter all the development tracker information, I help my Finance and Business Officer with Fees, I also set up new starters, I maintain Tapestry, helping families set up their accounts to view their childrens journal. I love supporting the preschool staff and do lots more, supporting all the staff where I can.

Lucia Wells

Business and Finance Officer

Level 6

BA Honours in Early Childhood Studies

MA in Early Childhood Education

My name is Lucia, I am the Business and Finance Officer. I live in Herne Bay with my husband, my daughter and my son. I previously worked here before having my daughter as an admin and practitioner.

I have currently finished studying my masters degree in Early Childhood Studies. I work at the preschool four days a week completing business and finance enquiries and paperwork. I manage committee matters and support the management team.

Samantha Gambrill

Augmented Support/ Cover Staff

Hello my name is Samantha, I live in Whitstable with my husband and our daughter. My daughter has autism, dyspraxia, and dyslexia, so I have personal experience of additional needs children although I’m always open to learning more. I believe that all children are equal yet individual.

I enjoy reading, swimming, long walks, watching films, the theatre especially musicals, listening to a huge variety of music I listen to music all the time. I love to bake and cook and enjoy arts and crafts with my duaghter I don’t mind a mess I usually end up in a huge mess anyway! I also enjoy quizzes and board games. I am friendly and sociable. One of the things I enjoy most is volunteering with Girl Guiding UK as a Rainbow leader we have so much fun and I’m so proud of being able to nurture the girls helping them to grow in confidence. I have some knowledge of both makaton and British Sign Language which are similar yet different!

Jessica Jno Baptise

Cover Staff

Hello my name is Jessica I have recently moved to Herne Bay and will be working in the pre- school.

I have 3 children of my own and I have always enjoyed working with children.

I have worked with children for many years and I have a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare. I’m looking forward to meeting the children.

Sarah Littlewood

Practitioner - Cover Staff/ Augmented SEND Support

Level 3 Award in Childcare and Education

Hello, my name is Sarah and I am SEND support at Briary Pre-School.

I have over three years experience in early years. This includes providing cover, interventions and one to one support. During free time, I completed my level 3 in Childcare and Education, along with many free courses such as Understanding Autism and Attachment in the Early Years.

I live in a little flat in Herne Bay, with a brilliant sea view. My interests are reading, writing, sewing, and in the warmer weather walking, and swimming in the sea. I really enjoy spending time with family, especially my sister, niece and nephew.

Freya Gillibrand

Augmented Support/ Cover Staff

My name is Freya Gillibrand, I am 30 years old and currently a university student studying Primary Education. I will be in my final year from September. As well as working at Briary pre-school I work at another school called Far Skate on a Thursday teaching maths and English. I have one daughter and also have two nephews who live with me including Mason who comes to Briary Pre-School too. I help with Ladybird and Honeybee group.

Mia Cusden

Apprentice Early Years Educator Level 3

Hi! My name is Mia, and I am currently working towards my Level 3 apprenticeship in Early Years Education. I love working with children and enjoy supporting them as they explore and grow. Growing up in a large family with six sisters and two brothers, some of whom have SEND, inspired me to want to specialise in this area and make a positive difference for all children.

I actually attended Briary Pre-School myself when I was little, and it’s a real privilege to now return and work alongside some of the staff who had such a special impact on my early years. Being part of this setting has strengthened my love for helping children learn, grow, and feel supported.

I am excited to continue learning and gaining experience in my career, and I look forward to supporting the children at Briary Pre-School as they explore and enjoy their own early years journey.

Our Students

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Amelia Lee

Student

Hi, my name is Amelia. I am currently working towards getting a qualification in Early Years Education. Earlier this year I had the opportunity to work in a Primary School for several weeks. This experience sparkled my passion for working with young children, as I found it enjoyable and rewarding.

I come from a large family, with many younger cousins. I have always had a natural connection with children which has strengthened my desire to pursue a career in this field.

I am eager to continue gaining more experience and learning as I progress in my career, and I look forward to the opportunities ahead!

Emma Waite

Cover Staff

Early Years Practitioner (Cover Staff)

Foundation Degree in Early Years Studies

BTEC Childhood Studies

Hello my name is Emma. I work as cover staff mainly on Thursdays. I have a foundation degree in early years.

I really enjoying being part of the Briary Pre-School Team. I have worked in Early Years settings for many years and for the last 8 years in Primary School as a 1:1 support and a general teaching assistant.

I live in Herne Bay with my husband and twin girls, who now attend University. I have a very cute little dog called Teddy who is a registered pets as therapy/ reading dog. In my spare time I really enjoy going to the theatre, running, gym classes and walking my dog.