One parent said……….
“Staff are all very approachable and knowledgeable. They always take their time to answer questions etc. They are the main (and very valuable) asset of the pre-school!”

Our staff would like to introduce themselves………

I am Michelle Yarwood and I started working in pre-school in 2000, just as my youngest child was about to start school. From the start I enjoyed working with young children and found it personally rewarding to be able to be involved in their first experience of learning. I completed the Diploma in Pre-school Practice in 2002 and believe it is important to keep updating my knowledge and skills through further training. I have attended courses on a wide variety of topics from special needs, outdoor play, safeguarding children, first aid and many others over the years. I grasped the opportunity to get more involved with the running of the pre-school as a partner in 2003 and have found it very challenging to guide the group through the changes we have faced. Now as sole proprietor and with the wonderful staff team I have beside me I am looking forward to the continuing success of Little Ducks.

My name is Annie Hill and when I chose the pre-school for my own two children back in 2000 little did I know I had chosen a new vocation! After volunteering as a parent helper I started working at the pre-school in 2003 and then went on to study for my Diploma in Pre-school Practice. I love working with young children and as manager of Little Ducks I strive for us to be the best pre-school we can be.

My name is Sally Humphreys. I am married and have 2 grown up children and live in Hutton. I have worked at the pre-school based in the Scout HQ since 1998 and I have been on a variety of courses, regularly updating my knowledge. One of my main roles is to coordinate the gardening and maths activities. I enjoy the challenges and job satisfaction of seeing the children progress and move on happily to school.

My name is Dawn Read. I live in Hutton and I am married with two grown up daughters. I have enjoyed working at the pre-school since October 2002 and during that time I have attended a number of courses. I am also in charge of role play resources and the two year old integrated reviews.

My name is Carole Lester I am married with 1 grown up daughter and have lived in Hutton for almost 30 years. I joined Little Ducks in Sept 2016 and am enjoying it very much. I love helping the children settle in and developing their progress, it’s such a rewarding role. I have worked previously at a pre-school in Hutton for 15 years, roles being SENCO & dept. supervisor. Also I have qualifications for Level 3 Diploma in Preschool Practice, and paediatric first aid.

My name is Tina Poole. My experience in childcare dates back 21 years. I always wanted to work with children so when I secured my diploma in childcare I worked as a teaching assistant, nanny, nursery nurse and preschool teacher. I have been fortunate to have worked in pre-schools, the nursery of Goldman Sachs, in the Bahamas for Walt Disney and the Alps with Mark Warner. I have also supported a number of children with additional needs and found this very rewarding. After a lengthy break to have two children of my own I was very impressed with the care and support my youngest received whilst she was at Little Ducks . I felt very lucky to secure a role when a position became available

My name is Lyn Webb. I am married with two grown-up children. I have worked in Early Years since 1999 and have Level 3 Diploma in Pre-school Practice. I have attended a variety of training including Safeguarding and Paediatric First Aid and have held supervisory roles in previous settings. I enjoy helping children discover new things and seeing them progress in their learning. I especially enjoy cookery and outdoor activities with the children. I joined Little Ducks in January 2018 and have found the Pre-school to be a friendly and organised place to work.

My name is Molly Yarwood. From the age of 10 I always loved caring for younger children and used to love days off school where I could come into pre-school and read to the children. I knew from a young age that I would love working with children. After leaving school I went to Chelmsford College to study for my Level 3 Diploma in Childcare. I worked in local nurseries for a few years before becoming a Nanny. I find working with children very rewarding and enjoy seeing them grow and develop. I am now pleased to be a full time member of the Little Ducks team and working alongside my mum !

My name is Kelly Lamb.  I am married with teenage twins and a daughter at junior school. After backpacking around the world for nearly 3 years, enjoying many fantastic experiences, I settled back in Hutton where I grew up and worked as a PA until I had my twins. My youngest daughter was lucky enough to attend Little Ducks where I was so impressed with the care and support she received.  My first steps into child care was as a child minder for both my nephews for a total of 4 years.   In September 2019 after volunteering for a short time at Little ducks, I became a member of the team and couldn’t have been happier.  I love working with children, helping and watching them become independent, going from strength to strength and developing in this healthy and friendly environment. I feel very privileged to work here with such a lovely team of ladies.

My name is Rebecca Hunt. I am married and have two teenage children. We have lived in Shenfield and then Hutton for the past 18 years. After starting my family I worked in a local preschool and gained my level 3 Diploma in childcare. I have recently joined Little Ducks and am enjoying being part of a great team of ladies who provide a secure and happy environment for all the children in our care.

My name is Jane Guest. I am married with 2 grown up children. I qualified as a nursery nurse in 1990 and have worked with children in schools and preschool ever since. I have a passion for reading stories and singing with the children. I have previously worked at Little Ducks for 8 years and have now returned!! It is a joy to work here with everyone in such a wonderful environment for the children

My name Is Molly Whymark and in July 2022 I completed my level 2 in Childcare at Chelmsford College. I have always enjoyed working with children and volunteered in St Peter’s Church creche from a young age which helped me to realise I would love to work in Childcare

My name is Caroline Fenwick. I joined the team of Little Ducks in September 2022. I am married with two grown up children. I have worked in childcare all my career, I gained my NNEB (level 3 childcare) in 1993, I then worked as a Learning Support Assistant in a primary school in Woodham Ferrers for 3 years, I then worked in a nursery in Birmingham for two years. I then had a few years break to have my own children, we moved to Hutton in 1999. I then started working at a preschool in Hutton in September 2003 when my younger daughter started at the preschool. I then studied to get my Foundation Degree in Early Years and Education (Level 5), in 2010. I then worked in the local primary school from 2011-2015 alongside still working at the preschool. I then became SENCO in 2016 in the preschool working alongside the children and other professionals. I enjoy seeing the children develop socially and in all areas of development through their time at preschool. I find the job rewarding seeing the children gain confidence in all areas. I like to do cooking and crafts with the children. The staff are all very welcoming and all work well in a very organised team.