Anamaria Blanaru
Teacher (Butter Hill)
I have recently joined Play B C. I personally believe that one of the strengths of Play B C settings is the team’s flexibility around children’s individual and complex needs.
Play B C provides a safe, caring environment to all children and enables the personal, social and educational development, through individual attention and group activities. Each employee contributes substantially to our children’s positive experience at Play B C. An organised environment, the ability to adapt to unpredictable situations and our team’s commitment to their work, are the key factors that help our children make consistent progress whilst developing / improving new skills.
Play B C is an experience that your child will find natural, pleasant and stimulating!
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.
Emma Christian
Enrichment Co-ordinator (Butter Hill)
I can’t remember a time I didn’t want to look after children. My very experience in a childcare setting was my school work experience, from then on I was more than ever determined to follow my heart and make it happen. I went on to complete my NNEB and have been working in childcare ever since, over 20 years!
I love working at Play B C, every day is different, bringing fun and laughter. Watching the children grow and develop is amazing and I feel lucky to be a small part of this. We have a fantastic caring team at Play B C, that I feel very lucky and proud to be a part of.
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. Eight 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 over 100 years experience.
Victoria Davis
Administrative Assistant (Butter Hill and Mill Lane)
I joined the Play B C Preschool team two years ago and work part-time in the preschool office. I’m based at Butter Hill but cover a wide range of administrative work across both settings. Every day is different in the preschool office, I enjoy working closely with both our existing parents and any prospective parents looking to join Play B C.
In my spare time I am a keen Potter – I took up pottery 18 months ago and am now a member at a Pottery Studio which I love.
Alison Edwards
Additional Needs Co-ordinator (Butter Hill)
I have been working with children for over 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
Preschool Assistant (Butter Hill)
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 years 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 third time working with Marsha at Play B C, before from 2014-2017 and then from 2020-2021.
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.
Alicia Hardie
Preschool Assistant (Butter Hill)
I have recently joined the wonderful team at Play B C where I am settling in nicely. I have joined after a very long stint at the nursery attached to St Helier, where I worked for the past 20 years, with all ages from babies to preschoolers and older in the holiday club too.
I have four brilliant children of my own from ages four to 16, so clearly absolutely love my job and being around children, watching them learn, develop and flourish. There is nothing better in life than hearing a child laughing.
I love camping and being outdoors in general, especially by the sea where I spend most weekends.
Beatriz Lozano
Preschool Assistant (Mill Lane)
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!
Teresa McAllister
Inclusion Assistant (Butter Hill)
Hi, my name is Teresa, I have recently finished my level 3 qualification in childcare and education. Through college I have gained experience through a range of different day nurseries and preschools, Play B C being one of these.
I joined Play B C in 2022 as a student in my last year of my level 3, once finishing my qualification I gained a job within Play B C, where all the staff are inviting and kind. I have always found working with children rewarding and watching them develop and grow into their own personalities.
I enjoying being active, going to new experiences and going travelling.
Fiona O’Brien
Preschool Assistant (Butter Hill)
Hiya! I’m Fiona, I’ve been working with the wonderful team at Play BC for just over a year now. I have recently just completed my Early Years Level 2 and have now just started studying Early Years Educator Level 3.
I’m am very lucky to have two beautiful boys aged seven and five, they are one of the main reasons why I have changed career and gone back to studying. It’s such a rewarding and a massive incentive to watch children grow and develop knowing that I played a small part in their learning. Also having that relatability to other parents when they are dropping their child off for the first time and knowing that they are in safe hands is very important to me, I have felt all the emotions and understand exactly how you feel.
When I’m not at work I like to go to the gym and go on long adventurous walks with my boys.
Aisha Omidi
Preschool Assistant (Mill Lane)
I have recently joined the play B C Preschool team. I love it here and have settled in well. I love working with children, I even have four of my own. I love to see them grow and flourish as individuals.
I like to read and go for walk. I’m working towards a level 3 qualification.
Rojda Ozel
Preschool Assistant (Mill Lane)
I am qualified level 3 in childcare with over five years of experience. I enjoy my job immensely and no two days are the same; I look forward to seeing the children engaged and motivated in their daily activities. I feel proud to be part of their learning journey and rewarded by seeing them achieve their full potential watching the children learn and grow in confidence, knowing that you played a part in this is so rewarding as I believe in the sentence – ‘children are the future’ and what better place to achieve this then Play B C preschool. The best thing about working at Play B C preschool is ‘we always work together as a team’ we all have the children’s best interests at heart, nurturing them to develop their full potential, I love being part of the Play B C family!
Jacky Pallavan
Preschool Assistant (Butter Hill)
I play the piano in my spare time and I enjoy going out on long walks.
Denise Rajah
Preschool Assistant (Mill Lane)
I have recently joined Play B C, since my first day they have welcomed me and I feel really lucky to be a part of a highly motivated team.
I’ve always enjoyed working with children, having two children of my own has made me even interested in a child’s development and reaching those important milestones. I truly believe that the early years is a key stage in a child’s development.
It’s wonderful to see the children grow and flourish into little individuals from their first day of starting preschool to leaving all ready for their new adventures in school.
Being just a small part in their journey is very rewarding, it’s great to think that I was a positive role model for them in creating and providing a respectful, kind and fun learning environment.
I am currently Level 3 qualified and in my spare time I love spending time with my family and going on holidays. I love to exercise as in my past I trained as a dancer so keeping fit is important to me, I regularly run and enjoy trips to the theatre.
Elisha Redfern
Additional Needs Co-ordinator (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 over 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!
Seher Tezgel
Teacher (Butter Hill)


The rewards and challenges of working with children offer a sense of satisfaction that for me is enhanced by the knowledge that I have had some impact on the academic and personal development of the children I have had the pleasure of working with. I first became interested in teaching through volunteer work when I was in high school; this experience triggered a sense of enjoyment in working with young children, and further school experience confirmed teaching as a career choice. Completing a degree in primary education heightened my passion and has prepared me with all the tools and knowledge needed to work in settings such as Play B C Preschool.Before joining Play B C, I was a teacher in lower key stage 2. After having two children of my own, I’ve become more and more fascinated by the early years and understood better how crucial these stages are in a child’s development. Seeing them blossom in their own way and achieve that ‘eureka’ moment is amazing to witness, especially if I have been lucky enough to play a little part in the process.
Every day is different at Play B C and that’s what makes it such an enjoyable place to work at. The children are a joy to spend time with; their kindness and enthusiasm brightens up my day and makes working at Play B C a true pleasure.
Jemma Thursfield
Trainee Teacher (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.
Maria Trombetta
Preschool Assistant (Mill Lane)
I started working at Play BC in September 2022, I chose this profession because becoming a mother I understood how much I liked being with children, how much satisfaction they can give you simply with their smile, or seeing how much effort they put into learning new skills, constantly supporting them during their growth and learning process without ever letting them miss that cuddle if they need it.
I agree with Paulo Coelho’s phrase: “A child can teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to always be curious, and to fight tirelessly for something.”
Sena Ulas
Preschool 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.
Jessica Vale
Teacher (Mill Lane)

I was 16 and at college the first time I realised that I wanted to work with young children as a career
and since then I’ve continued to work in primary schools and nurseries for the last two decades. I love
getting to know each child’s personality, their interests and helping them to learn through play. I
have worked in special needs schools and been EYFS Lead in Sutton. Over the last 20 years, I have
enjoyed building strong relationships with children and their families. I am very passionate about
facilitating learning through communication and Literacy. I particularly enjoy singing and reading
stories to the children. Every day I am amazed at the wonderful things young children say and do. I
feel very lucky to work with such an amazing team of people at Play B C.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, listening to music and dancing to 80’s classics!
Chloe Weller
Preschool Assistant (Butter Hill and Mill Lane)

Hello my name is Chloe, I went on to study my level 2 in childcare straight after leaving school and enjoyed working with young children of various ages and help them to grow and achieve to the best they can. I then went on to study my level 3 and completed it just before I become a mum to my first son. I have two boys aged nine and three :). I joined the team at Play B C just over a year ago and have really enjoyed working in the setting. The staff are great and caring and every day we have fantastic different adventures to help the children learn and have fun.
Kim Weller
Preschool Assistant (Mill Lane)


I have recently joined the fab team at Play B C Mill Lane, who have made me feel very welcome and helped me to settle in.
I used to work in a primary school for 15 years. I started as a 1:1 with SEN children, then moved to a TA position and worked with all year groups. I have two grown up children and three grandchildren, which I have looked after as they are growing up and have put me in good stead for working with preschool children.
Working in this environment gives me immense pleasure, seeing and helping the children with their learning and play.
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.