Our Staff
Pilton Pre-school is made up of a small but dedicated team of experienced childcare professionals. We are passionate about providing the very best care and education for your children.
Hannah Johnson - Manager
Hannah has been the manager of Pilton Pre-school since February 2019. She is the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the setting. Hannah is a qualified teacher and has worked in early years settings for over 11 years. Hannah says, “Early Years is so special and magical and it’s such an honour to watch these little children discover, play and grow during their time at Pilton Pre-school.”
Teresa England - Business Manager (Lv 6, Information Technology)
Teresa has an IT degree and before joining Pilton Pre-school in 2016, she had many years experience as a project manager. Teresa works closely with Hannah and the committee to keep the Pre-school finances in order and to meet our Charity Commission and other legal and financial requirements. Teresa loves spending time outdoors with her family and dog and is a member of her local running club.
Tori Lester-Vincent - Deputy Manager (Lv 5 Early Years)
Tori has a degree in Early Years and has recently completed a qualification in Children and Young People’s Mental Health. She has worked with children for 20 years in a range of settings from babies up to year 2. Tori joined us as our Deputy Manager in September 2019 and says “I love working with children, no two days are the same and it is wonderful to see them grow and learn and play a part in their journey. I have a daughter so also have a parent's perspective. We have 2 cats, and 1 dog and enjoy spending time outdoors. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends.”
Rebecca Lee - Early Years Practitioner & Forest School Leader (Lv 5)
Beccy has a long association with Pilton Pre-school, having been the manager here between 2012 and 2017 and then a parent committee member after that. Beccy rejoined us in 2021 as an Early Years Practitioner and leads our Forest School sessions twice a week. Beccy holds a Level 5 Foundation Degree in Early Years and is also qualified in Emotion Coaching. Beccy enjoys all things sensory, malleable and creative story telling.
Georgina Emery - Early Years Practitioner (Lv 4)
Georgina holds a Level 4 qualification in early years childcare and has 13 years of experience working with children aged 0-5 years. She is our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and has been an Early Years Practitioner with Pilton Pre-school since 2018. Georgina says “I love watching the children’s personalities blossom and how their development grows through different activities. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my son and dog and going on lots of adventures.”
Pip Farmer - Early Years Practitioner (Lv 3)
Pip first became affiliated with Pilton Pre-school in 2014 as a parent and quickly become an active member of the committee, regularly helping out as a volunteer. She joined us a member of staff in 2017 while studying for her Level 3 and has since added Level 3 Senco and Level 4 Language and Literacy too. Pip is the Pre-school’s SENCo and ENCo. Her creative nature helps her nurture our children’s creativity and the children regularly enjoy ‘Cooking with Pip’. Pip says “I am committed, and hugely passionate about fulfilling my roles and supporting both children and their families. Having first-hand experience as a parent of a child with special education needs, I understand how valuable good and honest support is and the positive impact that has for both the children and families that attend Pre-school.”
Hayley Kessell - Early Years Practitioner (Lv 3)
Hayley has been working in childcare since she left school and completed her Level 2 and 3 qualifications. Both of Hayley’s children attended Pilton Pre-school and she joined us at the start of 2021 as an Early Years Practitioner. In her spare time, Hayley captains and runs a local rounders team.
Jack Melville - Early Years Apprentice
Jack joined us in September 2023 and is currently studying for his Level 3 apprenticeship with Strode College.
Visiting Staff and Volunteers
Our Pre-school staff are supported by our Yoga Instructor, Polly, and our parent committee who regularly volunteer at the setting. We have previously welcomed students and appropriately DBS checked volunteer staff into the setting and if this is something you would like to do, we would love to hear from you.
Pilton Pre-school is highly committed to developing staff knowledge and skills across all areas of Early Years care and education. All staff are trained in Safeguarding, Positive Behaviour, Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene and the setting's ethos.
Our management team have a wealth of training and skills in both staff and business management. Knowledge is kept up to date by regular attendance at Provider Information Evenings.
We believe children's emotional well-being is at the heart of all learning and so encourage a gentle nurture-based approach to supporting children's development. All staff are trained in the importance of attachment and how to promote positive relationships.