Meet The Team
All the staff at Stepping Stones Preschool hold Paediatric First Aid Certificates, current Enhanced DBS certificates and have attended Safe Guarding training.
At the Stepping Stones Preschool we adhere to the following adult to child ratios:
- 2 to 3 year olds – at least one member of staff to every five children at all times
- 3 to 5 year olds – at least one member of staff to every eight children at all times
Claire Smith
Setting Manager, Designated Safeguarding Officer, Level 3 Qualification
Claire first became involved with Stepping Stones when she joined the committee as a parent when her son attended in 2010. She went on to become Chairperson in 2011. Having previously worked in childcare, Claire joined the team of staff in 2013 progressing to manager in 2015. She is responsible for the day to day running of the preschool and enjoys watching the children develop independence and grow in confidence.
She enjoys spending time with her 3 children and Cockapoo Stanley. Her hobbies include watching films, sport and going to see West End shows.
Toni Bristow
Staff Manager, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Level 3 Qualification
Toni joined Stepping Stones in 2015 with 5 years of childcare experience. She has a vast knowledge of SEN and has a level 2 qualification in counselling skills. Toni enjoys supporting staff in their own professional development and carrying out wellbeing workshops with the children.
When not at work Toni enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 daughters. They enjoy exploring the local woodland and going for bike rides.
Kylé Holland
Deputy Manager, 3 & 4 year old room leader, Transition co-ordinator, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Key Person, Level 3 Qualification
Kylé has worked at Stepping Stones since 2018, taking a short break to work as a family worker for Brighter Futures for Children before returning in 2020. Kylé oversees the planning and routines for the rooms and oversees the transition process.
She is a mum of 2 children and her free time mainly involves football.
Sarah Pollek
2-year-old room leader, Key Person, Level 3 Qualification
Sarah has 25 years of Childcare experience, the last 5 years of those have been at Stepping Stones. She has received training in the Curiosity Approach which she has introduced to the setting. Her favourite part of her role is watching the quiet children flourish into confident characters.
Sarah is married with 2 grown up children, she enjoys socialising with friends and holidays in the sun.
Jodie Silvey
SENCo, Key Person, Level 3 Qualification
Jodie joined the setting in 2018. She previously worked in a private setting, but the preschool hours work perfectly around her family.
Jodie works with all age groups and is also part of the SEN team. Jodie has a bubbly and enthusiastic approach to childcare.
Jodie lives at home with her son and is a social butterfly with hobbies ranging from colouring in to attending festivals.
Loraine Lynch
Key Person, Level 3 qualification
Loraine has worked at Stepping Stones since 1995 and has watched it grow from a playgroup to a successful preschool. She enjoys working with the children to create topic areas in the classroom.
Loraine has 3 grown up children and likes to spend time with her grandchildren.
Jemma White
Key Person, Level 3 Qualification
Jemma joined the growing team at Stepping Stones in January 2022 and works in the afternoons with the 2 year olds. She enjoys having a key role in the transformation from when children start to becoming independent, chatty and confident individuals.
Jemma has 3 children, 2 cats and a dog. Her hobbies include socialising with friends and singing.
Hayley Stowel
SEN assistant, Key Person, Level 3 Qualification
Hayley joined Stepping Stones in 2019 and is now part of the SEN team working in the 2 year old room. She enjoys seeing the progress children make and helping them learn.
Hayley enjoys days out and going to the park with her 3 boys.
Carla Tucker
SEN assistant, Key Person, Level 2 Qualification
Carla joined Stepping Stones in 2020 as a level 2 qualified and is now studying towards her level 3. She is part of the SEN team working predominantly with children with additional needs. Carla assists the Speech and Language therapist and leads communication and social development groups.
Carla is a busy mum to two daughters.
Nicola Painter
SEN assistant, Key Person, Level 2 Qualification
Chloe Silvey
Key Person, Health and Safety Coordinator, Level 2 Qualification
Chloe has worked at Stepping Stones since 2019 and is the younger sister of Jodie.
She works with 2 year olds in the Caterpillar room and enjoys getting to know her children, helping them to develop new skills.
Chloe enjoys spending quality time with her daughter on her days off and spending time with her friends.
Jodie Andrews
Key Person, Level 2 Qualification
Jodie joined Stepping Stones in December 2021. Jodie works with the 3 and 4 year olds and enjoys engaging with the children in role play and small world activities. Jodie enjoys carrying out adult led activities.
In her free time Jodie likes to spend time with her family and friends
Clare Sheehan
Key Person, Level 3 Qualification
Clare is known to staff and children as Sheep. She has worked at Stepping Stones since January
2020. She enjoys carrying out PE sessions with the children and encourages children to join in by
demonstrating her football skills during outdoor play.
Out of work, Sheep likes to keep active and spend time with her teenage son.