The day to day running of The Hullbridge Pre-school relating directly to the children is in the hands of our experienced staff.
Donna Thresher
Director, Level 5 Pre-school practitioner in Children Workforce. SENCO and Paediatrics First Aid qualified and is the GDPR DPO.
Hi I’m Donna, my family have lived in Hullbridge for over 60 years and I attended
Riverside primary as a child along with my brothers, where my old dog Tramp used
to walk us to school!
I love holidays and adventures with my own children who are now teenagers. I enjoy
listening to the stories that the preschoolers tell me of all the things they enjoy doing
and what they get up to in the holidays.
I have two cats one of which we rescued during lock down and his name is Hawk
eye!
I’ve done my job for a long time and it has changed a lot over the years!
Leigh Mansfield
Manager – Level 3 Practitioner – First Aid Qualified, H & S Officer, Designated
Safeguarding Lead.
Hi, my name is Leigh and I am the Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) here
at The Hullbridge Preschool. I have been part of the preschool family for 10 years now and
truly love being able to watch the children grow, learn, and develop during their time with us.
Seeing their personalities shine and helping them build confidence as they take their early
learning journey is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.
Outside of preschool, I have a teenage son and I love spending quality time with my family
whenever I can.
Karen Lye
Level 3 Practitioner, Enco, First Aid qualified
Hi I’m Karen I started working at the Pre-School in 1991, so yes that’s a long long
time. Back then we were known as Freechurch Preschool operating in the church
hall. I’ve seen many changes over the years and so many children, some of whom
are now bring their own children to us which is lovely.
I have 2 grown up sons who along with my husband are Fulham FC season ticket
holders so when there’s a spare ticket going I like to go too. I also like going to
London for a day out or to the theatre. Although I live Rayleigh I often see people in
know through preschool in town or Asda and it’s funny to see the children’s reaction
seeing me outside of work.
Cat Jones
Deputy Manager – Level 3 Practitioner – First Aid Qualified, H & S Officer,
Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Hi I’m Cat – Real name Catherine- I have worked at the preschool for 10 years and
completed my training whilst working here. I have lived in the village for 14 years and
have 2 daughters one of which is in secondary school and the other is in Primary
both girls attended the preschool. I describe myself as laid back and curious. I have
been renovating my house for years which takes up any spare time I have when not
running my kids to different places! I have a dog called Tess who is getting on in
years now but still acts like a puppy.
Sammy-Jay Baisden
Level 3 Practitioner – First Aid Qualified
I’m Sammy Jay. I have worked at the preschool for four years now. I have lived in Hullbridge coming for up to 15 years. I have four children, 2 boys and 2 girls. I have recently come back to work after having my fourth baby. In my spare time, I spend my weekends on the sidelines watching all my children play football. I am a very caring, fun, and playful member of staff. I love building bonds with the children, and you will usually find me dancing around playing with them. I find my job so rewarding, and I love helping and watching the children grow and learn. It really is a Privilege to be a part of their journey.
Jen Barlass
Level 3 Practitioner – First Aid Qualified
Hi I’m Jen I’ve worked at the preschool for almost 3 years now. I would describe
myself as fun and a little bit loopy. In my spare time, I enjoy cross fit and working out
and walking my little fluff ball dog Betty. My daughter used to come to the preschool
before I started working here.
Keely Jack
Room Leader- Level 3 Practitioner, First Aid Qualified,
SENCO trainee
Hi I’m Keely & have worked within the childcare industry for 20 years in various
roles, working with children from birth to 16yrs. I have been working at Preschool for
18 months & absolutely love it! I would describe myself at work as patient & fun,
hopefully the kids would agree! I have 2 children of my own who keep me busy &
entertained in my spare time.
Laurie Davenport
Level 3 Practitioner – First Aid Qualified
Hi I’m Laurie and I have lived in Hullbridge for just over 7 years. I have worked at
the preschool for 18 months in this time I was able to complete my qualifications. In
my spare time I am a leader with the 1st Hullbridge cubs and enjoy holidays and
camping with my 2 boys who also attended the preschool. I have an interest in all
things SEND, with my oldest son being autistic, I have attended several courses and
learned strategies through my own experiences that I can apply in the preschool. I
am extremely passionate about promoting and supporting independence in our
children. I have far too many pets that I love to talk about with the children.
Mandy
QTS – First Aid Qualified
I’m Mandy. I am a qualified Primary School Teacher and Level 3 Practitioner with over 11
years' experience teaching in Nursery, Reception and Year 1, as well as working in several
nurseries. I joined the preschool in 2025, but it has been a special place for my family for
much longer, as both of my children have attended here, with my youngest still enjoying her
time at preschool.
I love supporting children on their learning journey and watching them grow into confident,
independent learners. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my two children and
looking after our black cat, Aria.
Lacey Balmer
Level 3 Apprentice- First Aid Qualified
Hi I’m Lacey. I moved to Hullbridge over a year ago but feel like I’ve been here forever. I
started at the preschool as part of my Level 2 placement and now working towards my Level
3. I have 2 Cocker Spaniels that are crazy and keep me busy. I love doing arts and crafts
and hope to share this with the children.
Eden Upshell
Admin Assistant
Hi, I’m Eden. I have lived in Hullbridge my whole life, and the preschool is very close to my
heart- Donna, is actually my mum! While I don't work directly with the children, I handle the
behind-the-scenes tasks that keep everything running smoothly. You’ll usually find me
managing administrative work or making sure our rooms and outdoor sheds stay clean, tidy,
and organized. Outside of work, I love spending time at home with my pets, we have two
cats and a tortoise.
A full list of each staff member’s qualifications are available at the Pre-school for you to view.