Meet the TEAM
We have a strong, professional, committed team to care for your child. Dandelions is led by our Pre-School Manager who holds a BA (hons) degree in Childhood Studies.
The Pre-School Manager works closely alongside our Management Committee.
Our Senior Early Years Practitioner holds an Early Years Professional status and all other Practitioners hold and NVQ Level 3.
Our team also consists of an apprentice who is working towards an NVQ Level 2 and two Trainee Practitioners working towards Level 3.
At Dandelions, your child’s safety is paramount. All of our team are pediatric first aid training which is refreshed every 3 years.
All staff and Committee have an enhanced DBS and all staff plus the chair of the Committee have level 3 Safeguarding Training.
The Designated Safeguarding Officer and the Designated Safeguarding lead hold level 4.
All staff undertake FGM, Prevent Duty and food allergy training.
When your child starts at Dandelions, you will be offered a home visit. This is an ideal opportunity to meet your child’s key worker in the comfort of your own home. On your child’s first day, you will spend time again with your child’s key worker. This provides an opportunity to start to build that important relationship with child, parent and key worker.
We also support students from local colleges and year 10 students through work experience.
Parent/carers are encouraged to sign up to our stay/play sessions.
Dandelions Team 2024
Kelli-Ann Rushton - Preschool Manager and Designated Safeguarding Officer
Kelli has been the Manager at Dandelions since February 2022. Kelli has a long history with Dandelions going back to 2009 when she joined the committee, it was through this that she realised she had found the career path she wished to take and embarked on her Level 3. Since then, Kelli has completed many courses and in 2020 Kelli finished her BA Hons Degree in Childhood Studies.
Kelli has a proven track record in successfully running Dandelions, establishing a strong team and creating a curriculum designed to meet the needs of all children.
Kelli values the importance of her own continuous professional development and that of her team, allowing for both personal progression and continuously reflecting on how to keep Dandelions the best it can be.
Nicola Ledington - Senior Practitioner and Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Nicola has been working at Dandelions since October 2018. Back in 2011, Nicola began training as an Early Years Professional and holds Early Years Professional Status (equivalent Level 6). Nicola has worked at local Nurseries and preschools gaining valuable knowledge and experience. Nicola has trained in Safeguarding Level 4 with her knowledge being continuously updated through various courses.
Amelia Barker - Trainee Early Years Practitioner
Amelia has been a Preschool Assistant since October 2022. After raising her own 3 children, who all attended Dandelions and are now of school age, she felt the time was right to explore the career she has always wanted to do in early years. Amelia has undertaken several courses including Makaton training which she has now completed. Amelia embarked on her level 3 in September 2023 and we are proud to be supporting her on this journey.
Holly Masters - Trainee Early Years Practitioner
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Claire Emery -
Early Years Practitioner/SENCo
Claire has worked at Dandelions since September 2018. Claire started her journey as an Early Years Practitioner and in January 2022 added Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator (SENCO) to her role. Claire has always had an interest in child development and when her own two children attended Dandelions she saw how much they benefitted from a solid early years education. Whilst Claire already holds a Level 3 in Early Years Education she has recently completed a Level 3 SENCO qualification and Portage approach workshop.
De'Anne Bydile - Administration Assistant
De’Anne joined Dandelions as an Administrator in May 2018. She holds a strong background in both customer service and administration.
De’Anne is responsible for providing high quality administrative support . She maintains all of the records and data held by the PreSchool on children & families following retention guidelines and GDPR.
De’Anne manages headcounts and updates on our waiting lists .
Claire Brayshaw - Early Years Practitioner
Claire Brashaw - Early Years Practitioner
Claire been working at Dandelions since September 2022. Claire has around 8 years experience working in the childcare sector and is passionate about delivering fun and educational activities and creating diverse, purposeful play opportunities that help support each individual child’s needs and interests
Claire is level 3 qualified in childcare and has completed various courses throughout the years including SENCo training, safeguarding , food hygiene, first aid and many more.
Sadie Hunt -
Early Years Practitioner/
Apprentice
Sadie joined us in October 2022 as an Early Years Level 2 Practitioner.
Sadie is passionate about supporting children’s learning and development and her ambition is to become a primary school teacher.
Sadie has already established great relationships with the children and displays a caring nature towards teach child’s individual needs.