Meet the team…

Our dedicated team of Early Years practitioners bring together a wide variety of skills, interests,

languages and backgrounds…

We have one clear focus: your child's individual needs. In order for us to support your child's development in the best possible way, we have established an experienced and caring team. Through your involvement and the commitment of the staff we aim to ensure that each child: • Is in a safe and stimulating environment • Is given generous care and attention • Has the chance to join with other children to play, work and learn together • Has an allocated key person who makes sure that each child is happy and making good progress. • Is in a pre school that sees parents as partners in helping each child to learn and develop • Is in a pre school in which parents help to shape the service it offers All our staff are friendly, approachable and operate with an ‘open door’ policy. Our vision and goals are clearly defined and accessible; we are committed to communicating them with clarity and honesty.

Samantha Thorne

Preschool Manager Designated Safeguarding lead, Qualifications - Level 3 in Early Years Level 1 Food & Hygiene, First Aid Advanced Level Safeguarding and safer recruitment training

Debbie Maddison

Lunchtime assistant Level 1 Food & Hygiene, Safeguarding level 1 and First aid

Kate Leonard

Learning Lead and Keyperson Qualifications - Level 3 for Children’s & Young Peoples Workforce Level 1 Food & Hygiene, Level 1 Safeguarding and First aid

Charlotte Hawkins

Keyperson

Leigh-Ann Denby

Practitioner

I joined Cygnets in November 2024. I have always loved working with children and watching them grow and thrive! It’s amazing seeing them explore and develop their understanding, reaching new milestones. I am also a Mum, I have 2 daughters, I truly believe that our children are the most precious gift, who should be able to flourish in a safe and nurturing environment.

“I’m a mum of 2, I’ve always wanted to be a mum and work with children. I love helping the children become engaged in their play and watch them flourish in their childhood.”

I have been working at Cygnets for over ten years. I am passionate about Early Years education and putting the children first. I enjoy working with my colleagues to provide a secure, happy environment where our children feel safe to explore, learn and thrive. It is also my mission to inspire all children to enjoy stories and I can often be found sharing a book in our quiet area. My personal interests include walking, nature, and I am a self confessed foodie.

#teamCygnets

Melissa Hibberd

SENCO and Keyperson

Stacey Williams

Assistant Manager Key Person & and Deputy safeguarding Lead

Hannah Kirkham

Keyperson Qualifications - NVQ Level 3 relevant to early years Level 1 Food & Hygiene, Safeguarding level 1 and First Aid

Charlotte Amor

Keyperson

“Staff interact with children at an exceptionally high level, to build on their excellent communication and language skills. For example, children pretend to be opticians as they engage enthusiastically in role play. They carry out eye tests on staff, engaging in lively conversation as they practise writing for a purpose, successfully linking sounds to letters.” OFSTED 2020

Chloe Wells

Level 3 Apprentice Level 1 Food & Hygiene, Safeguarding level 1 and First Aid

Alison Potter

Bank staff Member and Cleaner Level 1 Food & Hygiene, Safeguarding level 1,

“I am a mum of 1 and have been working in childcare since I left school at 16! I love supporting children with their learning, watching their personalities flourish! I joined Cyngets at the start of 2023 as a level 4 key worker.”

Jemma Finney

Admin Assistant and Bank staff Qualifications - Level 1 Food & Hygiene, Safeguarding level 1 and First Aid Level 3 relevant Early years qualification

I started working at Cygnet’s in September 2022. I have two young children and have lived locally for many years. I love singing away in the kitchen and spending time having fun with the children. I have a very positive nature and come in everyday with a smile for everyone!

I joined the Cygnets team in 2023 I have worked in childcare for over 6 years. I'm a mum of 2 boys! I love to see the children grow and flourish into amazing little people.

Level 1 Food & Hygiene, Level 1 Safeguarding

Qualifications - NVQ Level 3 relevant to early years, Level 1 Food & Hygiene, Level 1 Safeguarding & First Aid

Qualifications - Level 1 Food & Hygiene, Safeguarding level 1 and First Aid Level 3 relevant Early years qualification

I joined the Cygnets team in 2020 to start my journey in childcare. I am a mum of 2 and i am passionate about helping children blossom into caring and kind young adults.

I joined the Cygnets team in 2022 in the office as admin assistant. I am a mum of four so always busy. I have always been around and worked with children and enjoy watching them thrive and learn.

I joined cygnets in 2021 and began my journey as an early years practitioner, in this time I have gained experience and knowledge. I have completed my level 3 and now I am a key person. I love being able to support the children with their learning and watch them grow and flourish in their childhood.

Qualifications - Level 3 early educators Level 1 Food & Hygiene, Advanced Level Safeguarding and First aid

Qualifications - NVQ Level 3 relevant to early years, Level 3 Early years senco Level 1 Food & Hygiene, Level 1 Safeguarding & First Aid

Kelly Spencer

Level 3 Ealy years practitoner Level 1 Food & Hygiene, Level 1 Safeguarding and First aid

I developed a real interest in Early Years child development and education while raising my own 4 children, this turned into a fascinating and rewarding career, never a dull moment. I'm thrilled to be joining the Cygnets team and I'm looking forward to getting to know all of the children and families.