Meet the Team
Leonie Harper - Manager
Leonie has such a warm and welcoming nature, she is always looking for opportunities to inject fun and laughter into the children’s learning.
Her positivity and sunny outlook helps the children to look for the best in each other and in situations, and her child-led approach to problem solving sets an incredible example to the children, teaching them about resilience, determination and believing in themselves.
Leonie has such strong, positive relationships with our preschool parents - they feel confident approaching her for help and advice as well as a for a laugh or hug!
“I absolutely adore my job, the children are amazing and the team are incredible. Every day is different, new sets of challenges which is what I love. The children are always so happy and are always ready to tell you what they have been doing, and always ready to give you a big hug.”
Dan Gray- Assistant Manager
Dan has a such natural way with children - the sort that can’t be taught, but is part of the very core of him! The children adore him and respond so well to his calm, steady, and consistent character. They obviously feel safe and content in his care, allowing them to explore new ideas and thrive in their learning. Dan is studying alongside his full time role for a level 5 lead practitioner diploma which will provide even greater learning experiences for the children.
Dan brings a great deal to our staff team and helps bring out the best in our children.
Kellie Dickerson
Kellie has many years of childcare experience, and is a kind, level headed and practical member of our team.
She is in her element being in the garden digging, pruning, planting, weeding and bug hunting with the children! She loves to take them for walks to explore the environment and see what the children can spot around them.
“I enjoy having access to different areas and opportunities (e.g. our allotment and garden; village walks; the park and the church) to help our little people explore, develop and grow.”
Carmella Prior
Carmella is a very experienced Early Years Practitioner who is always prepared with a creative activity for the children to take part in.
Carmella is the epitome of kindness and is in her element when leading parachute games or imaginative storytelling. There are always cheers of glee (from children and staff alike!) when Carmella arrives to join in the afternoon sessions.
There is nothing that Carmella cannot do! She arrives at work full of incredible ideas for the children that fits in with our chosen topics. Carmella is dedicated to the children’s learning and always has their full attention when she is taking part in any activity with them.
Ruth Wall
Ruth brings lots of Early Years experience to our Up Up and Away team. Her love of craft and creativity is evident in the way she works with the children, encouraging them to cut, stick, colour and mark make to their hearts content.
She quietly gets alongside the children, allowing their personalities and interests to shine through as they play together.
Caitlin Mellor-SENCO
We really hit the jackpot when Caitlin joined our team. Her kindness and sensitivity to the children are so evident, and she has got to know each of them so well already. She always has a warm smile and fun approach to learning, and she has an incredible way of adapting her approach to the needs of each individual child.
Caitlin brings a wealth of Child Development knowledge as well as a great deal of experience in working with children who have additional needs.
Rebecca Young
We have managed to gain another amazing member of staff to join our team. Becky has struck up an immediate bond with the children and they all love her (so do the staff!). Becky has a wealth of child care experience and with four children of her own she is a natural at giving the children support and encouragement in everything they do.
Laiha Harper
Laiha has joined us for one day a week as she is studying musical theatre the rest of the time. Laiha is a natural with the children and will do her upmost to give them all the time and cuddles that they need. Laiha is going to be concentrating on music and instruments in the new term, hoping to give the children the confidence and experience to understand sound and amazing things you can achieve with music.