Meet the team

We are very lucky to have a fantastic team of experienced, caring and dedicated staff supporting our children learn. All our staff are DBS checked, Paediatric First Aid trained and update Child Protection training regularly in accordance with Ofsted requirements. Our staff team are all very experienced in childcare, and have or are working towards childcare qualifications. We pride ourselves in practising continuous professional development. 

   

 
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_0007-1.jpg

Esther Griggs – Manager

  • Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead 
  • Level 3 Early Years Practitioner 
  • Textile Design BA Hons Degree

I have been working at West Hoathly Preschool for the past four years. I began to help out when my youngest son attended but have been involved in some way with the preschool for around ten years.  After finishing my A levels I went onto art college to study Art and Design. I then went on to Nottingham University where I achieved a degree in Textile Design.  I worked up to become a Design Manager of an interior textile design company and worked in this field for twelve years. I have completed my NCFE CACHE Level 3 Early Years Practitioner course so I am fully qualified. I have completed training courses in paediatric first aid and safeguarding. I love working with the children and staff at the West Hoathly Preschool so much and find it incredibly rewarding. 

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_0001.jpg

Becca Denne –  Early Years Practitioner

  • Level 2 Early Years Practitioner 
  • Photography Degree

I was introduced to West Hoathly Preschool when my eldest daughter started attending. I loved the friendly community feel and joined the committee, finding it a great way to meet new people. Having grown up in Ardingly, I loved the idea of both my children experiencing the same community spirited preschool. My previous career background is in photography and after completing my degree I worked in London as a picture researcher working within a photo agency. Since having my first daughter, I have been looking after my children as a full-time Mum and have worked at West Hoathly Preschool since January 2016. I have completed my Cache Level 2 in Children and Young People’s Workforce. I am also paediatric first aid trained and continue to update my qualifications.

Liz Shannon –  Deputy Manager

  • Level 2 Early Years Practitioner (working towards level 3 qualification)
  • Music degree and teaching diploma

I have been a part of West Hoathly Preschool since my first daughter started attending in 2006. Back then, I was new to the village and found joining the preschool committee a great way to meet other parents and become part of the community. Since then, all 3 of my children have attended and benefited from the preschools caring and nurturing environment. I studied at the London College of Music and gained an honours degree and a teaching diploma. I have been teaching music to children since graduating and prior to joining the preschool team I ran preschool music groups in various early years settings. This has enabled me to experience first-hand the positive impact and importance that music can have on a child’s development.