Elifnaz Bozdag
Learning Support Assistant (Butter Hill)
Since I was a little girl I have always wanted to work with children and become a teacher. I have worked in a primary school (reception class) and a nursery previously as part of completing my Level 3 Early Years qualification and I really enjoyed working with the children. I have now started my Level 4 degree in Early Childhood and Education to qualify further and work closely with all children. I have two siblings who have ADHD and ASD, and I am also a young carer for my brother. Since my brother and sister both got diagnosed it really made me want to work more closely with children with additional needs and be able to offer and support their individual needs.
Since starting at Play B C, I have really enjoyed having that 1:1 with my key children and meeting loads of lovely children who make me smile every day and also working with the most amazing staff who are so friendly and offer me so much support. I have a strong passion to keep the children happy at Play B C and help gain their confidence and independence whilst at preschool, so they are all prepared for big school 😊.
I am really loving and soft, and love getting messy and playing with the children.
Ann Chitrin
Preschool Assistant (Butter Hill)
I’ve been working at Play B C for almost eight years. I come from a very large family and I was always helping with the young ones, I did a lot of babysitting, I knew from there I wanted to work with children.
I get that passion from my mother. She always looked after children, I would help her and I loved it I even looked forward to the children coming back, I wrote my future when I was 12 years old. I didn’t know if I was going to work with children but I knew that was my destination.
I am a nurturer by heart, am really soft. I really love how children are comfortable around me and can tell me anything, most days I can be having a bad day but as soon as I see the children am filled with so much joy, when a child smiles at me my problems melt away and a smile from a child is worth everything.
I have gained a lot of confidence at Play B C. I get a lot of support.
Marsha Dann
Lead Teacher
I am committed to making a difference in the world and have always loved being around young children, so preschool life is just perfect for me.
I used to teach in primary schools and before that I worked in local government developing equality policies and managing special educational needs casework. I have over 15 years experience of early years teaching, a masters in Education and a diploma in teaching for special needs among other things (I am a bit of an eternal student).
I set up the preschool because I thought there might be a better way of doing things. Back then we were a pack-away preschool. Nearly seven years on I am proud to offer two fantastic learning environments with the support of a committed, hard working team with a wealth of knowledge about child development and a combined total of nearly 100 years experience.
Mandy Dawson
Preschool Assistant
I have three grown up adult children 36, 34 and 24 and seven grand children.
I started my child care career when my daughter started school. I was keen to start learning again and found a perfect course that fitted around my children’s schooling. I completed an NNEB course which helped me to understand my children more and the importance of play. I also found out through my training that one of my children had dyslexia. This was invaluable to their future learning. I was able to support them find ways to channel their energy and emotions. I enjoy working with children as it brings out the fun side of life. I still love learning and have continued with my personal development.
I love reading and walking especially in nature and hugging trees! Many laugh at this however research says it is ‘great for your mental health’. I also love Pranic healing meditation, yoga and spending time with my close friends and family.
I enjoy working at the preschool as it is a great caring team to work with. I love seeing the children learning through play and having fun together (even though they don’t realise they are learning).
Alison Edwards
Preschool Trainee Teacher (Butter Hill)
I have been working with children for around ten years. After having children myself and volunteering regularly within primary schools I realised that working with children was what I wanted to do. Being able to assist and watch children grow is a real privilege, seeing the world through their eyes also makes each and every day different and exciting!
Working at Play B C is like being part of a large extended family and like any family, we have our ups and downs but it’s never dull and we are all invested in each and everyone in our community’s wellbeing. When I am not at work I like to walk in the woods or better yet on the beach and often turn up to Play B C bearing shells, rocks, or pine cones as a result!
I am also an avid reader and one of my favourite things is to share a good story with the children.
Eunice Ellingham
Senior Preschool Assistant (Mill Lane)
Hi I’m Eunice. I am a qualified NNEB with over 25 years experience and training in working with children of all ages.
Most of my working life has been with the two to five year age group in a variety of settings in various roles, including as a childminder. I have also worked with four to 11 year olds as a teaching assistant as well as in breakfast / after school clubs as Deputy Manager or Supervisor. This is my second time working with Marsha at Play B C, before was from 2014-2017.
I enjoy working with young children and their families, including those with SEND, watching each child become a little individual and go off into the big wide world.
I have two daughters of my own and two grandchildren.
Beatriz Lozano
Preschool Assistant (Mill Lane currently on maternity leave)
I’ve been working with children for five years in different settings across London until I started working for Play B C on a full-time basis. I’ve always had an interest in child development and how the early years shape the rest of your life. So when I moved to the UK, I decided to take my career in a different direction and study a Level 2 in Early Years Settings at Sutton College.
Working with little children is always fun and fulfilling. It’s amazing to witness the important changes they go through in such short periods of time, and how you can be part of those key moments and be a positive role model for them.
Play B C preschool gives me the opportunity to work with a very diverse group of children from different backgrounds, ages and stages. It’s great to work in a place where every child is treated as a unique individual, and the love and concern from the team towards the children is genuine.
On a personal level, I love painting and drawing, and learning new things every day!
Lucy Mackey
Preschool Assistant (Mill Lane)
Ever since my two daughters were aged four and five years old, I have been working in local schools as a Teaching Assistant (TA). So, that is 17 years as an educator now. I have worked as a whole class TA and a 1:1 TA. I have worked in every year group from Nursery to Year 6. I love working with the little ones. Learning through play is so great because it is holistic. I believe that the foundation years are the most important for the best possible start in life and education. At Play BC Preschool, I am hoping to help facilitate the children’s sense of wellbeing, belonging, and uniqueness. Happy children learning through play to develop their interests, confidence and communication skills will flourish when they go to Primary school. As well as having an NVQ Level 3 Teaching Assistant certificate, I am currently studying for a degree in Health Science with the possible, eventual aim of specialising as a Speech, Language and Communication Therapist. I like arts, crafts, construction, science, board games, singing and storytelling.
Jacky Pallavan
Preschool Assistant (Butter Hill)
I love working with the young children at Play B C and helping them grow and mature.
I have now been working with children for around nine years.
I play the piano in my spare time and I enjoy going out on long walks.
Elisha Redfern
Preschool Assistant (Mill Lane)
I’m Elisha, I have just completed my Level 3 in Childcare and Education and am currently studying Level 4 Early Childhood Education and I hope after this next few years of studying I will be a teacher. I also think I will continue to work towards being a qualified counsellor at some point, as I enjoy that also. As a parent myself, I try to consider what my own expectations would be within a preschool and bring that into my day to day work with the children.
Play B C Preschool has been a part of my world for a while now as my daughter attended. She was always happy and was school ready when time came to transition. When she went to school I was ready to study. Play B C were kind enough to let me complete my placement for my Level 3 and will now mentor me through my Level 4. I can vouch for the level of respect and care the practitioners and teachers have for the children and their learning. I hope to contribute positively to your children’s future too!
David Robinson
Preschool Assistant (Mill Lane)
I’ve enjoyed helping the children grow and learn and to help the transition to school easier has been rewarding.
I’ve had moments in the garden with some of the children and when they really open up how they feel one to one it feels so nice as you know you earned their trust and respect 🤛🏼
I like cooking.
Sarah Robinson
Senior Preschool Assistant (Butter Hill)
I have worked with children for 20 years!!!! (Wow I feel old lol). I started working with children after I did my high school work experience in a play school and I knew it was the job for me.
I enjoy working at Play B C because we are a small and friendly team who all care about the children in our preschool and want them to be safe, happy and reach their full potential.
I like to read and go walking on the beach or exploring the countryside. I also enjoy being a chaperone for my son and his performing arts school including West End shows, and I like going to the skateboard park and watching my other son drop down 6ft ramps, pump the vert and Casper flip 180!
And I was a red coat at Butlins!
Alice Scirea
Preschool Teacher (Mill Lane)
I decided that I wanted to be a teacher as a child, when in my bedroom I used to sit my teddies on the carpet and pretend to teach them the numbers and the alphabet. Today I have been working with children for more than six years and I love my job.
I love working at Play B C and see the children growing and developing in such a fundamental stage of their lives. It’s amazing to witness each child’s achievement and believe that I have contributed to it, playing a little but important role.
As I come from Italy I love food and sharing it with other people. From my country I also bring with me the love for the sun and for those sunny days, when it’s warm and the sky is bright and blue.
Jemma Thursfield
Preschool Assistant (Mill Lane)
Having my own children started my interest in child development and after working in Human Resources for many years, I decided to retrain in 2019 and study Level 3 Childcare.My first experience of Play B C Preschool was when my son attended in 2017. The staff were always so friendly and welcoming and created a lovely atmosphere. I was therefore delighted to join the team in 2020 and become part of the Play B C family.
I love working at Play B C, the staff are all so friendly and caring and every day is different and full of fun.
I love family days out at National Trust places, going for picnics, baking and yoga.
Sena Ulas
Learning Support Assistant (Mill Lane)
My passion and drive to facilitate children with the best possible support and education has brought me to where I am today. I believe the first few years of education are crucial for children as they are truly the building blocks of their future.
I am a level 3 qualified practitioner and have worked with a wide range of age groups with different needs through the years. I have also worked in private nurseries and schools which have all solidified my desire to aid children through the key stages of their lives. I am continuing my education further by studying Level 4 early childhood education as I believe the more knowledge I acquire, the easier I can support children through their transition into higher key stages.
I have been around children of many ages since I can remember. Coming from a large family has taught me many things including how strong my inclination to nurture really is. I knew from an early age that I wanted to be someone young children can rely on, albeit with this comes immense responsibility however I have dedicated many years to making myself completely able to fulfil this role.
I am not one to shy away from mess and love to give the children fun and exciting days at nursery to remember.
We are always on the look out for exceptional practitioners and offer a comprehensive package of CPD. If you are interested in joining the team please complete and return an application form, and we will get in touch when we have a vacancy.
