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
Deputy Manager – Level 3 Practitioner, First Aid Qualified.
Hi I’m Leigh, I have worked at the preschool for 8 years. I started my training at the
preschool just after my son left, he is now at secondary school. I have lived in the
village 10 years and most of my family live in the village also. I enjoy socialising with
friends and spending time with my family. I have a cat called Binx.
Louise Follon
Deputy Manager – Level 3 Practitioner, First aid Qualified
Hi I’m Louise I’ve worked in childcare since leaving school and at the pre school for
8+ years having a small break to have my daughter. I also have 2 adult children. I
like to go on long walks with my family and our 2 dogs. I especially enjoy going for
walks along the beach. As well as having two dogs I also have a pet rabbit. I enjoy
watching the children learn and develop and hearing about what they have been up
to outside of preschool.
Marie Brooks Level 3 Preschool Practitioner, First aid qualified.
Hi I’m Marie, I have worked at the preschool for 11 years. I’m originally from
Plymouth and moved to Essex along time ago. My children are now grown up and
we still love spending time together going on holidays and shopping. I would
describe myself as caring and patient. I have a Jack Russel called Poppy.
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
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 8 years and
completed my training whilst working here. I have lived in the village for 12 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.
Amy Heard
Room Leader – Level 3 Practitioner
Hi I’m Amy and I have worked at the preschool for two years where I completed my
training. I'm also a mother of three youngsters so I have a great understanding of my
children. I like to create a nurturing environment for our young learners. I’m
passionate about play-based learning and creativity. I enjoy running to stay active
and energized. I have two dogs and two cats.
Sammy-Jay Baisden
Level 3 Practitioner – First Aid Qualified
Hi I’m Sammy and I have worked at the preschool for 3 years. I am currently on
maternity leave.
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
Level 3 Practitioner – First Aid Qualified
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.
A full list of each staff member’s qualifications are available at the Pre-school for you to view.