Jesters Nursery School Danbury

Background
Hello, I am Phoebe, Danbury Deputy Nursery School Operations Manager and our co-located site Bicknacre Nursery Manager – shared role with Becky. I have been working in the childcare sector since 2016, gaining my Level 3 qualification in 2018. I have also completed my Level 4 in Nursery Management in 2020. I started my journey with Jesters as a Nursery Practitioner in 2018, helping to open our sister site in Beaulieu.

The Jesters Family
Working in managerial roles across both sites is such an incredible experience. I love that the children’s personalities are really starting to show, especially the cheeky side! Most of my professional career has been at Jesters, and I love their values and ethos throughout the settings.

Outside Work
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my partner and my little boy, Dougie. We love to go for walks to the park and explore the wonderful places around us.

Favourite children’s book
Growing up, my favourite book was The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. It reminds me of the time I would read it at my Grandma’s house and we talk about which ‘lands’ we wanted to go to. Mine would always be ‘The Land of Dreams!’

Background
Hello, my name is Kylie, and I am the Deputy Nursery School & Curriculum Manager at Danbury. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and have worked in education for over 10 years. I have always known that I wanted to go into teaching, as I am passionate about learning and ensuring that education is accessible to all children.

I was born and raised in South Africa and immigrated with my family in 2021. I worked in a Primary School in South Africa and assisted many nurseries there to enable children to be school-ready. Upon immigrating, I worked in an Infant School as an assistant so as to expand my SEND and curriculum knowledge.

The Jesters Family
I joined Jesters in December 2024 and have been warmly welcomed by all the various team members and children! My role is to work within the School Readiness Programme to enable the children in my care to be as socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually ready for formal schooling.

Outside work
In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors with my husband and little boy! We love to explore the forests around us and splash in every muddy puddle in sight!

Favourite children’s book
My favourite book is The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. It is a story of a little girl whose art teacher helps her to develop a ‘can-do’ attitude. Vashti is sure that she can’t draw, but when her teacher puts Vashti’s simple dot picture on display, Vashti begins to think of what else she might be able to draw, too, if she is only willing to give it a try.

I love this book as it embodies a growth mindset and shows that a simple belief from a teacher can spark a child’s potential! I enjoy participating in Dot Day to showcase this book and its underlying message.

Background
Hello, I am the Head of Curriculum & Inclusion, developing and nurturing our Jesters pre-schoolers. I have always had an immense passion for helping others and making a difference, and because of this, I always knew I wanted to work with children, positively impacting their lives and helping them thrive and learn.

The Jesters Family
Growing up, I always admired my teachers and couldn’t wait until I could inspire other young children, too. I completed my University Degree in Early Years and Primary Education and QTS Qualifications, and have been working in childcare and education since 2014. I have loved every minute and continue to do so here at Jesters.

Outside work
In my spare time, I enjoy walking and cuddling my two dogs, Ralph and Willow; they are adorable and playful. I also enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies and cooking each other’s dinners.

Favourite children’s book
My favourite children’s book is Superworm by Julia Donaldson. This book has been extremely lucky for me, as I based an activity and lesson around it, and thankfully, I was successful. It is also an excellent read for children and my go-to in the classroom. I know firsthand that the children enjoy it as much as I enjoy reading it to them.

Background
Hello, I’m Rachel, Head of Education & Wellbeing at Jesters. I have over 12 years of experience in childcare and education, and have taught in both nursery and school settings. I am passionate about child development and will always go above and beyond to ensure that all children are provided with exceptional learning and care opportunities.

The Jesters Family
I am part of the leadership teams at all Jesters settings. My role is to shape education and the curriculum across the service. I have Early Years Professional status.

Outside work
In my spare time, I enjoy watching a good documentary or my favourite football team. I love reading, gardening and being outdoors.

Favourite children’s book
My favourite book is The Owl Who was Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson, as it reminds me of my childhood. My Grandparents used to read it to me to help me get over my fear. Happily, ‘Plop’ got over his fear, however I did not!