Our Team

 

Joanna Joannou

Managing Director & Preschool Manager

  • Primary School Teacher (QTS)
  • Early Years Specialist
  • Key Person
  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
  • Special Education Needs Coordinator
  • First Aider

Jo holds the PGCE in General Primary Education qualification with QTS to compliment her First Class BA (Hons) degree in Early Years: Teaching and Learning.  She has worked with children from Early Years to KS4 for many years. Before taking on Bunnies Preschool she worked for the previous owner, during which time she completed her BA (Hons) Degree in Early Years: Teaching and Learning. Jo has a wealth of experience, ranging from primary teaching, outreach work and as an Assistant SENCo: Exam Access Arrangements Assessor.

Jo is known for her calm disposition, paying close attention to individual needs and supporting them creatively to reach their full potential.  She has a passion for working with children, helping them learn and develop whilst having fun and enjoying themselves at the same time.

Vicky Martin

Early Years Practitioner & Preschool Deputy Manager

  • EYP Level 3
  • Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
  • Outdoor Learning Lead
  • Key Person
  • First Aider

Vicky holds a Level 3 CACHE Diploma in Childcare and Education qualification. She has previously worked at a day nursery in Banstead, and joined us in September 2015 to specialise more in preschool aged children. Vicky has a caring and positive demeanour, approaching teaching and learning with much enthusiasm. She is skilful in encouraging creativity, as well as observing the development of personalities and humour of the children. She is always seen with a smile on her face, making her a delightful presence within our team. Vicky enjoys exploring a variety of learning strategies with the children, helping them develop the confidence to have a go in their own unique way.

Joanna Sullivan

Early Years Practitioner

  • Primary School Teacher (QTS)

Joanna holds Bachelor of Arts Degree in Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status. Joanna has over 10 years of experience in education, including her role as a primary school teacher. Her strong background in teaching, combined with her deep understanding of child development, makes her a wonderful addition to our setting. Joanna is passionate about supporting children to be the very best they can be. She does this through positive reinforcement, encouragement, and by modelling kindness, respect, and confidence in all that she does. Her nurturing nature and wealth of knowledge is a great asset to our team and, most importantly, to the children.

Maria Pailthorpe

Early Years Practitioner

  • EYP Level 5
  • Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
  • Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
  • Key Person
  • First Aider

Maria holds a Level 5 Foundation Degree in Arts in Childcare and Early Years Education. She has 30 years experience working within early years, progressing to a Montessori Directress role in her previous employment. Maria’s calm disposition brings warmth to our learning environment as she tunes into children’s needs so attentively. She has a passion for the Montessori approach to learning, encouraging curiosity in the children’s play.

Sarah Read

Early Years Assistant

  • First Aider

Sarah is a mum of four boys, two of whom were once part of our Bunnies community themselves.  Sarah’s calm and patient nature, provides children with a sense of warmth and comfort when they need it.  She observes children carefully to ensure she adapts her approach appropriately to facilitate their learning. Sarah is a valued member of our Bunnies team and the local area, and is a true example of the saying, ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ Sarah covers staff in instances of absence and supports when we need enhanced ratio’s to support children with additional needs.

Sharon Fishlock

Early Years Practitioner

  • EYP Level 3

Sharon is employed as Bank Staff and will cover for members of our team when needed or in some cases, is welcomed as an additional helping hand. She has an excellent sense of humour and the children welcome her playful approach. Sharon holds an NNEB in childcare, qualifying her as a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner. She enjoys supporting preschools, looking after her grandchildren and travelling. Sharon has a wealth of experience in childcare, her previous full time role being a Deputy Manager in a local preschool.