Meet the team
Kelly Townsend
Playcentre Manager
I had always wanted to work with children from way back in secondary school, undertaking Child Development as an option at GCSE level. I gained my NNEB in Nursery nursing and have working in schools and nursery for the past 21 years. I went on to achieve my BA in Early Childhood Education and my Early Years Teacher Status whilst raising my own children. The fulfilment I get from watching children learn, develop and grow to become confident, independent individuals is beyond words. Every day is different and I definitely learn new things from the children all the time. I am enjoying managing the Playcentre and working with different staff members to enhance their skills and knowledge to ensure that this setting is the place everyone wants to come to! Away from work, I enjoy visiting new places and going away with my husband and two children. Family is very important to me and if I am not at work I will be spending time making sure I visit them all.
Roxy Newman
Deputy Manager
I started working at the playcentre in October 2018, before this I gained a wealth of experience as a nanny, practitioner and then manager of a setting and more recently a community nursery nurse working alongside Health visitors. Aside from my experience I hold a BA hons in early years and childcare and an Early Years Teachers Status. I have a passion to learn and know more so am currently undertaking an assessors course in childcare!
I enjoy working with children and others seeing them grow and develop, sharing my knowledge and learning from those around me. Children always have a way to make you smile and brighten the days.
Outside of work I keep myself super busy with an active, funny, wonderful three year old having the best adventures and supporting my husband with his passion of rugby, both playing and watching so you will often find me at the side of a rugby pitch, delivering first aid or cheering our local team on! If not I’m at the odd game or two at Twickenham.
Bianca Slade
Deputy Manager
I’ve been lucky enough to be at the Playcentre from the very first opened and it has been so lovely to see the Playcentre grow into what it is today. My job is so rewarding and it’s so lovely building relationships with the children and families and watching them grow. When I’m not working, I love to spend time with my family, I’m a very homely person and love spending cosy evenings at home. I’m currently training towards my Level 3 in Management.
Becky Clark
Childcare Practitioner
I have been working in childcare for the past 10 years and still enjoy every moment today as when I first started. Outside of work I am a Brownie and Guide leader which adds to my experience. When I am not doing the above I enjoy reading, cooking and spending time with my friends and family.
Emma Puttock
Childcare Practitioner
I’ve been in childcare for over 13 years and I have just finished my degree in Early Childhood Education. I’ve gained lots of different experience during my career working in schools, nursery settings and on a 1:1 basis with children presenting additional needs. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I’m devoted to the early years and aim to provide the best practice and provision I can. As an avid Harry Potter fan, books are very important to me. I also like to puddle jump with my two boys and occasionally channel Mary Berry and bake the odd cake or two…or three!
Heidi Porter-Kirby
Childcare Practitioner SENCO
I have been working in childcare since 2006. I have worked with all ages from 12 weeks to 5 years old and I love every minute of it! My job has not come without challenges but they make my job more worthwhile when you see a child develop into an independent individual, ready for school. In my spare time, I love going for walks with my husband and my 5 year old son. The best walks are the wet and muddy ones!! I am also studying for my Foundation degree in Early Years.
Hayley Simms
Childcare Practitioner
I have been working in the childcare industry for 4 years. I love every minute of it, especially watching the children grow in their learning and the relationships that are formed. Outside of work, I enjoy socialising with my friends and spending time with my daughters.
Liana Godson
Childcare Practitioner
I have worked in childcare for 4 years, having previously worked in another day care setting before coming to the Playcentre. I absolutely love it! Every day you get such pride and enjoyment from looking after the children and that’s what makes my job so worth it. I enjoy spending quality time with my friends and family. I am also studying for Level 4 CACHE Advanced Practioner.
Laura Baker
Childcare Practitioner
My name is Laura. I am the mum of two very active children who have both attended the Playcentre I have worked at the Playcentre since May 2018 after finally following my heart to pursue working with children. I enjoy nothing more than going into the great outdoors with my family, and going on walks – come rain or shine! I also enjoy baking with my children.
Zoe Buckthorpe
Childcare Practitioner
I have recently finished my childcare and early years level 3 diploma. I have loved gaining experience in many settings whilst on my course. I joined the Playcentre in September 2018. Outside of work I love spending time with my family and of course my pets. I’m an arty and bubbly person.
Toni Lean
Childcare Practitioner
I have worked in childcare for about 10 years. I enjoy watching the children develop in to their own characters and seeing them explore nursery activities. Out of the Playcentre I enjoy doing lots of arts and crafts, baking and spending time with family
Claire Shephard
Childcare Practitioner
I started with the playcentre in November 2017 having worked in a Montersori Nursery previously. In the future I hope to gain more qualifications such as my level 4 and 5 including Montersori. Outside of work I also work for a firework company and help at a yacht club on power/safety boats where I also hold a Level 2 in Power boats.
Lulu Baldwin
Childcare Apprentice
I have been with the Playcentre since it opened, originally as bank staff whilst undertaking Health and Social care at college for two years. Since September 2018 I have been undertaking my Level 3 in Childcare. In my spare time I enjoy walking and looking after my dogs, plus I assist on a local cheese making course on my weekends.
Rebecca Atwood
Cook
Jeanneine Cook
Cook
Originally from London, I moved to this beautiful part of Sussex 25 years ago. I started working at the Playcentre in August 2018 as Assistant Cook and I love it. The children and staff are great and there is a lovely happy atmosphere. I also can be found volunteering on the monthly stall we run at the Farmers market in Arundel which I thoroughly enjoy.
Abbi Stevens
Kitchen Helper
I love my job as kitchen support at the Playcentre, I serve food at dinner time to the children and wash up. It is a fun, enjoyable, nurturing environment. My job is so rewarding and I love arriving to see all the lovely smiles on the children and their positive attitudes. I am hoping to be an early years practitioner one day and am currently studying at Chichester College for my Level 3 in Childcare. I hope in the future to be as wonderful as the other Practitioners are at the Playcentre.
Sarah Pugh
Business Administrator/Bursar
I started at the Playcentre in September 2018 and this is my first job within childcare, having previously worked in an Estate Agents for 14 years in Aldershot. I moved to Sussex in 2014 and was commuting back to Aldershot for about 4 years before I decided to take the plunge and try something different. Outside of the Playcentre I enjoy reading, interior design, shopping and spending time with my husband, two daughters and my cat Jessie.