Kayleigh Cook

Team Leader 2 - 3 year olds - Senior Team

I have a BTEC National Diploma in Early Years Level 3, have recently completed my Montessori Diploma Level 2 and will be starting my teaching practice taking me to Level 4. I started at Pippins in May 2009 having had 3 yrs prior experience in a Nursery working with children from 3 mths - 5 yrs. I am Team Leader for the 2-3 yr olds and a SENCO. I enjoy socialising with my friends, and visiting the gym where I love keeping fit.

Jo Copeman

Nursery Practioner

I joined Pippins in 2009 as a trainee and am now qualified as a Level 3 nursery practioner in Childcare, Learning & Development. I have worked with many lovely children and have made good friends with my colleagues. My husband and I enjoy visiting friends and family in the Midlands. We enjoy restoring military vehicles and participating in WW II re-enactments, regularly visiting Belgium for events. I love guinea pigs and currently have 17 some of whom have visited Pippins!

Lynne Dear

Manager

Originally from Essex where my 3 children were born, we moved to Somerset. Having raised my family I qualified in Childcare in 2002 and have worked in both the private and public sector. We moved back to Essex in 2006 where I worked locally as a Deputy Manager. I joined Pippins in January 2009 and started my Montessori training. I have successfully completed Stage II and am working towards my Montessori International Diploma. I enjoy gardening, cooking, spending time with my family and holidays!

Samantha Cooke

Trainee Nursery Assistant

I recently joined Pippins under their trainee scheme and I am currently enjoying working with the 3 - 5 year olds.

I enjoy dog walking, reading, cooking and socialising with friends.

Sharon Pearson

Team Leader 3-5 year olds - Senior Team

I have had 15 years experience working with pre-school children and have qualifications including an NVQ3 in Childcare & Education, a Montessori Diploma Level 2 and have completed courses for SENCO and First Aid and continue to train. I have three grown-up children and love spending time with my family, friends and two spaniels. I enjoy walking daily, pilates and swimming.

Sarah Ayrton

Secretary/Administration

I worked in the city as a PA for 11 years before leaving to start a family.  My daughters both enjoyed coming to Pippins before going to school.  I have had several local part-time admin jobs before joining Pippins where I have now worked for almost 10 years.  I enjoy cooking, walking, charity runs and holidays in Italy.

Alison Connelly

Team Leader Baby Room - Senior Team

I have been working with children for 6 years and gained my CACHE Diploma in 2006. I live in Colchester with Mark and his son, Thomas. During the summer they both play cricket which I enjoy watching although am still getting to grips with the rules! I enjoy seeing family & friends and walking my cocker spaniel, Alfie. I sing in the "Funky Voices" choir which I love.

Ann Martin

Nursery Practitioner Baby Room

I grew up locally gaining my NNEB in the 1970s. I have two adult daughters of whom I am very proud.  I have experience in special needs, speech therapy, nannying, special care baby unit and day nurseries.  I love the countryside and sea for walks, keeping fit and healthy.  I enjoy spending evenings with friends and regularly take part in quiz nights at my local pub.

Glenda Bradley

Cook

I have always lived locally and worked in the primary school for 20 years.  I have four children and six  grandchildren all under the age of 4!  I enjoy spending time with my family and looking after the grandchildren.  In the summer, my husband and I like to holiday abroad and enjoy family BBQs in the garden.  In the winter I like to curl up with a good book!

Daykota Rinkel

Nursery Practitioner

I have recently joined Pippins and work alongside Sharon with the 3-5 year olds. I am currently studying towards my BA Hons in Early Learning. I have spent the last 3 years working and studying the Montessori approach and it is very much a part of my daily life. Outside of my work and studies I enjoy spending time with my family and my partner.

Stephanie Tidey

Trainee Nursery Assistant

I started my Level 2 training at Pippins in March 2011. I am half way through my course and really enjoy working alongside Alison and the Baby Pippins team. I live at home with my parents and enjoy spending time with my friends.

Jasmin Green

Nursery Practitioner

I joined Pippins at the end of August 2010 as a trainee. I have since gained my Level 2 NVQ in Children's Care, Learning and Development and am now part way through my Level 3. I have experience of working with the older children but am now working with the Baby Pippins team which I enjoy very much. I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend and visiting friends.

Lisa Kemp

Nursery Practitioner

I recently joined Pippins and work alongside Alison and the growing Baby Pippins team. I have an NVQ3 in Childcare with 3 years experience working with children aged from birth to two and a half. I enjoy walking my dog, shopping, socialising with my friends and going out with my partner.