Mrs Button, Head of Early Years

Miss Debbie, Deputy Pre-School Manager

I have worked in Early Years for over 25 years and have been part of the St Swithun’s family since Sunbeams opened in 2018. I am passionate about giving young children the best possible start and particularly enjoy developing children’s early literacy, creativity and curiosity through rich, hands-on experiences. 

 I work closely with our children, families and staff to ensure that every child is supported to flourish. I have completed the Accredited Level 3 SENCO qualification and am currently undertaking my NPQ in Early Years Leadership, helping me to continue developing my knowledge and practice. 

 Away from Sunbeams, I enjoy spending time with my family and our Jackapoo puppy. We particularly enjoy walks along the beach and finding dog-friendly cafés to visit together! 

 For me, Sunbeams is about creating a place where children feel happy, safe and secure – because happy children are ready to explore, play and learn. 

Miss Jodie, Lead Nursery Practitioner

I joined Sunbeams shortly after it opened in November 2018 and hold an NVQ Level 3 qualification in Childcare. I have worked with children of different ages across a range of settings and am continuing to develop my knowledge of supporting children with additional needs through SEND training. 

Creativity is a real passion of mine and I love finding opportunities for children to explore, imagine and learn through play. I particularly enjoy thinking about how we can adapt activities and experiences so that every child can participate, develop new skills and experience success. 

 As a mum of two myself, I understand just how important those early years are and how valuable a strong partnership between families and the people caring for their children can be. 

 The most rewarding part of my role is seeing how much our children grow and develop during their time with us and building the special relationships that help them feel happy and secure at Sunbeams. 

Miss Kayleigh, Nursery Practitioner

I hold a Level 3 qualification in Children’s Care, Learning and Development and joined the Sunbeams team in May 2021. I have worked in childcare for over eleven years and love helping young children learn through play, exploration and discovery. 

 I am particularly creative and enjoy developing inviting learning experiences for the children. Small-world play and tuff-tray exploration are particular favourites of mine, and I love seeing where the children’s own ideas and imaginations take their play. 

 Outside Sunbeams, I am a mum to a girl and a boy. As a family, we enjoy trips to the beach, farms and zoos – as well as a good family movie day! 

Miss Laura, Nursery Practitioner

I have worked with children for over 12 years, from babies through to children of primary-school age. During that time, I have completed my Level 3 qualification in Childcare, lived and worked in France and completed a degree in English Literature. 

 I first joined St Swithun’s as a midday assistant in October 2022 before becoming part of the Sunbeams team in September 2023. 

 I love bringing creativity and stories into children’s learning and particularly enjoy developing activities inspired by our story of the week. Seeing children become absorbed in a story and then take its characters, ideas and language into their own play is one of my favourite parts of working in Early Years. 

 My different experiences, both professionally and as a parent myself, have helped shape the nurturing and creative approach I bring to working with our Sunbeams children. 

Miss Vicky, Nursery Practitioner

I have worked in childcare for over ten years and was part of the original team that helped to establish Sunbeams Pre-school in September 2018. It has been wonderful to see how Sunbeams has grown and developed since then and to have welcomed so many children and families through our doors. 

 I particularly enjoy music and movement with the children. Whether we are dancing, singing or enjoying some yoga together, I love giving children opportunities to express themselves, develop their confidence and, most importantly, have fun. 

 Outside Sunbeams, I enjoy spending time with my son, going for walks and seeing family and friends. 

 I am very proud to be part of the Sunbeams team and look forward to welcoming new children and their families. 

Miss Sam, Nursery Practitioner

I joined the Sunbeams team in January 2023 and hold a BTEC Level 3 qualification in Childcare. I have more than ten years of experience working with children of different ages in a variety of childcare settings. 

 Working with children is something I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember. I have a gentle and caring approach and love creating an environment where children feel comfortable, happy and confident to be themselves. 

 Music is a big part of my day at Sunbeams – you will often hear me singing nursery rhymes with the children or turning an everyday moment into a song! I love how music can bring children together and support their language, confidence and enjoyment. 

 Outside Sunbeams, I am a mum to a girl and a boy and love spending time with my family.