Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre

Background
Hello, my name is Becky. I have more than 10 years of experience in the childcare sector. I graduated from Colchester Institute with a BA (Hons) in Music in 2009 and then undertook my childcare qualification whilst working in my first Early Years setting.

The Jesters Family
I joined the Jesters team back in 2016 and have worked my way up through various positions to the Bicknacre Nursery Manager, sharing the role alongside Phoebe and am also the Service-wide Compliance Manager overseeing all Jesters settings.

Outside work
As well as my full-time job at Jesters, I am a qualified personal trainer and fitness instructor and work alongside my brother at The Mobile PT. I completed my qualification in 2018 following my own fitness journey at Bootcamp. In my free time, I enjoy socialising with friends, spending time with my family and watching Musicals.

Favourite children’s book
As a child, I really enjoyed reading the Tracy Beaker collection. Now I have two nieces, I enjoy reading to them, and we enjoy sharing the Julia Donaldson books together, in particular The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child.

Background
Hello, I am Phoebe, Bicknacre Nursery Manager, sharing a role with Becky and our co-located site, Danbury Deputy Operations Manager. 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 across both sites is such an incredible role. 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, 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!

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 the children enjoy it as much as I enjoy reading it to them.

Background
Hello, my name is Rhian, and I am the Deputy Nursery Manager at the Bicknacre site. I embarked on my childcare career in 2017, during which I completed my Level 3 in Childcare and my Level 2 in Montessori.

The Jesters Family
I will be working in the Squirrel Room alongside an incredible team. I am passionate about being a part of the children’s development, supporting and encouraging them as they strive to achieve their individual goals.

Outside work
Outside of my role at Jesters, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, as well as exploring new places.

Favourite children’s book
My favourite children’s story is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. I love how it is one of many children’s favourite stories, and watching them get involved in the story.

Background
My first career was Nursing, specialising in Cardiothoracic Surgical Nursing. After I had my first daughter, I decided to leave Nursing. I ‘fell’ into teaching whilst volunteering at my daughter’s school and absolutely loved it! I gained QTS in 2011 and have worked in London schools up until last year, when I made the life-changing decision to move out of London. I am a passionate Early Years advocate and have predominantly taught Nursery and Reception Classes.

The Jesters Family
My role is Deputy Manager alongside Rhian. The ethos and curriculum at Jesters are inspiring, creative and most importantly caring. I love coming to work and seeing the children thrive. Jesters is a community that has children at its very heart, and I feel it is a privilege to help every child to be happy, healthy and develop a love of learning.

Outside work
I enjoy spending as much time as I can with my two grown-up daughters and my cat. My main passion is cooking. This is my go-to relaxation technique.

Favourite children’s book
My favourite book is That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown by Cressida Cowell. I love that it emphasises the power of imagination alongside the ‘magic’ bond we have with a special toy.