Rising Stars Romford

My name is Steph and I am the Nursery manager. I have 14 years’ experience in childcare and hold a level 3 qualification in the children and young people’s workforce. I’m currently completing a level 5 apprenticeship in operational management. I’m very passionate about my career and strive to make a difference to children’s lives by ensuring they have the best possible start in life.

I really enjoy cooking and love to experiment with new foods, especially learning family recipes from my Cypriot and Sri Lankan heritage.

I am recently engaged, so most of my spare time is spent planning my dream wedding! I have a big interest in interior design and have been personally renovating my own home over the last few months, which has helped me to gain lots of new skills. I have a long bucket list of things I’d love to achieve in my life, so far I’ve been fortunate enough to have been sky diving, worked abroad for a Summer, swam with dolphins, climbed the O2, snorkelled in the middle of the ocean, been parasailing and travelled to lots of beautiful countries across the world and UK!

My name is Arzina, and I am the nursery chef. I have a level 3 in food hygiene as well as training on food tolerance and allergies. I have always had a passion and talent for cooking. Ever since I was 13 in secondary school, I chose to do Food Tech, and I decided to pursue a career in this field. I am a native Mauritian. Since I come from such a diverse nation, I can speak English, Mauritian Creole, French, Urdu and Hindi. I come from a multicultural background, which produces a diverse cuisine.

As I adore cooking, I look for new recipes to try out from time to time from cookbooks, TV shows and videos online, and due to this, I love to travel around the world and try different cuisines with my family.

My favourite countries to visit were Malaysia due to the diversity of flavours in their cuisine.

I have just recently grown an appreciation for gardening and like to plant my own flowers, fruits and vegetables in my very own garden.

Hi, I’m Lorraine, and I’m the Deputy Manager at Rising Stars. I’m a mum to a 17-year-old daughter, and I have worked in childcare for around 14 years. I began my career as an unqualified assistant, gained my qualifications/experience and progressed to Deputy Manager. I love working with children because no two days are ever the same- I love to watch them grow and learn; being a part of their early years journey and sending them off to school with those first fundamental skills is so rewarding. I enjoy music & West End Theatre.

In my spare time, I love to spend time with my family, explore new countries and make memories along the way.

My name is Sumeet Brar. I have over fifteen years of experience in the early years and a bachelor's degree in fashion design. I hold a level 3 in early years education and a level 5 in management in early years. I started my career as a nursery practitioner and worked my way up to become a nursery manager. I managed a nursery setting for ten years and then opened two more settings under the name of Rising Stars PreSchool.

I am now the Director of Rising Stars, which is also my family business. I am proud of setting up Rising Stars, as this was my vision and my passion. I always believe in creating a healthy working atmosphere for my dedicated team. My team is welcomed like a family where we all work in partnership with parents to give the best to their child.

I have first-hand experience of working in a demanding nursery environment and know how responsible it is to take care of and educate preschool children and try to achieve their goals. I understand the importance of learning through play in a secure, safe, age-appropriate, stimulating, and fun environment.

I am happy to see children grow, develop, learn and thrive in the setting. I am committed to providing quality, innovative childcare to those families who choose Rising Stars.

I live in Essex. I enjoy walking and taking holidays that involve exploring the countryside on foot. I love going to the theatre, visiting art exhibitions, and spending time with my friends and family.

I have been a director for over 20 years and have worked in the childcare industry since 2006. I am passionate about childcare and co-own a childcare business with my wife, who was the previous manager. I have also enjoyed working in childcare, especially as my wife and I ran the business together, and our own twins attended the nursery. They have now moved on to high school. In addition to childcare, I own a property business in Waltham Forest. Outside of work, I love going to the gym, trekking, following the Wim Hof Method, and watching and supporting my football team.

My name is Shanice, and I have recently joined the Pear Room at Rising Stars. Having 6 lovely children of my own, I am excited to be embarking on a new career in childcare and gaining a qualification.

My free time is spent on days out and enjoying activities with my family. I’m a massive dog lover and have 3 American XL bullies at home.

Summer is my favourite time of the year; I love to attend BBQs where there is lots of food, sunshine, and laughter with my friends and family!

I hope this year to travel more and add to my family destinations bucket list, with Turkey being at the top.

I enjoy reading old English literature. Charlotte Brontë and Hardy are my favourites. This is owed to my schooling at a Grammar school in Kent. I’m also a bit of a foodie; my ultimate favourite pastime is trying new cuisines with friends and family.