Our Team
Clare (L6 PGC NPQICL) - Nursery Lead and DSL
I joined the nursery in September 2015 to take on this role, which was previously taken on by the primary school Headteacher. I visit the nursery on most days and I oversee what happens there and report back to the Trustees.
I work closely with the Nursery Manager, providing line management support to her, to ensure the smooth running of the nursery and that all of the business aspects of running a nursery, health and safety, policies and procedures etc are as they should be.
I am also trained as a Safeguarding Lead and am one of the nursery's Designated Safeguarding Leads. Before joining the nursery I worked for East Sussex County Council in their Early Years and Children's Services departments and also in our county's Children's Centres. I hold a level 6 qualification for the delivery of integrated services for families. I am also a mother of 3 grown up children!
Amy (NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing, NVQ D32/33 Assessor) - Nursery Manager and DSL
My name is Amy and I am Nursery Manager. I am also one of the nursery's Designated Safeguarding Leads.
I have worked at St Thomas a Becket Nursery since 2009. working in the Early Years sector for 20+ years! I have worked in a number of settings, all with children aged under 5 years old.
I’m also a swimming teacher for under 5’s in my spare time and have my own 3 children.
Julie (L3 qualification) - Nursery Deputy and Room Leader Butterflies
I'm Julie, I have worked at the nursery since 2003. I have 3 adult children of my own and a good number of grandchildren!
I’m the Room Leader for the 3&4 year old Caterpillar children. I am dedicated to improving outcomes for all of the children in our care, and have a special place in my heart for little one's with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) challenges.
I love bringing the arty and creative side of children out so if your child loves paint, glue, glitter and materials then come and join me at St Thomas a Becket for some sticky fun. We also have lots of fun with songs, actions and dance!
Christine (L3 qualification) - Nursery Practitioner
I'm Christine!
I am a mother of two children and I joined St Thomas a Becket Nursery in summer 2023. I love working at the nursery.
I have been a Childcare Practitioner for 18 years and I am a qualified SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) worker.
I enjoy helping children progress and supporting them to explore a variety of different activities and challenges. A few examples of the many things we do in a nursery day are reading stories, have fun with messy play and art and splash in muddy puddles outdoors. Be sure to bring a change of clothes with you!
Claire (L3 qualification) - Nursery Deputy and Room Leader Caterpillars
I have worked in childcare for just under 20 years. I love the Magical Moments we experience with the children on a daily basis, the little things that are big achievements for that individual child - a child with SEND saying his first goodbye to Mum, children calling you by your name for the first time as they learn to trust and recognise you, asking you for help.
I love getting involved with the children, including joining in their very messy and imaginative play, joining in with them in their outdoor play as they develop their gross motor skills.
A day at nursery is exhausting but I leave here on a high with a sparkle in my heart.
Kelly (L3 qualification) - Nursery Practitioner
I am a mother to my two boys and outside of nursery life I'm often seen running between school and extra curricular activities for my children.
I have been working with children since 2011 and I have always knowns that this is what I wanted to do. I'm passionate about my role and enjoy seeing the development of each individual child, learning through play.
I have a strong commitment to children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). I enjoy all things outdoors and also joining in with the little ones imaginative play.
Edwina - Nursery Administrator
I have been the Nursery Administrator for over 20 years. I deal with the funding claims from the Local Authority and will be your contact about your 30 hour codes and your invoices.
Nadine (L3 qualification) - Nursery Practitioner
Nadine joined us in February 2022. Nadine is a mother of 2 young children and has a wealth of SEND experience to bring to the nursery. Nadine is full of fun and enjoys playing with the chidren and also quiet times in the book corner for those who need a little nurturing now and then.
Nadine is a keyworker in the Caterpillar room end, working with the 2-3 year olds.
Jodi (L3 qualification) - Nursery Practitioner
Hi, I'm Jodi. I joined St Thomas a Becket Nursery in Autumn 2021. I have worked at Eastbourne nurseries and Council run playschemes. My surname maybe familiar on this page as I happen to be Claire Hank's daughter!
I have worked in childcare for 9 years, it is my passion! I love helping children grown and seeing them reach individual milestones is what it’s all about! I love getting involved in messy play, you’ll often see me with paint down my jumper! Building trusting relationships with the children is key.
No day is ever the same but every day and nursery reminds me how luck I am to work in my dream job with an amazing group of children and the best work team I could ask for.
Tara - Student and Nursery Assistant
I am Tara. I am a mother of primary aged school children. I started my childcare journey in 2021 as a volunteer at the nursery and have gone on to do my Level 3 Diploma here, qualifying in Summer 2023. The staff here are amazing and have supported me through my qualification from start to end.
I absolutely love my work and thoroughly enjoy every day. It is a joy to see little minds growing and using their imaginations. It really is a special time to be a part of.
The best part of the day, is the whole day! Getting involved with what the children are doing- 'cooking' and 'eating' the yummy playdoh food, mark making, building sandcastles, splashing in the water and so much more. What I learn from the children will never be forgotten.