Leanne Goldup

Nursery Manager

Designated Safeguarding Lead

“I joined the nursery in 2003, I have a Level 3 CACHE Diploma in Childcare and Education.

I work in the Baby Room alongside a wonderful team and take pride in the work I do every day. Smarties is more than my place of work, it is my home where I spend time with my Smarties family and develop professionally.”

Saskia Furner

Acting Deputy Manager

Designated Safeguarding Lead and SENCO

Working towards Level 5 Diploma in Early Years

“I currently work in the preschool room as the room leader. I enjoy contributing towards children’s development and providing a safe and encouraging environment for the children in my care.

I feel very lucky to work with such an amazing, supportive and positive team of practitioners who are constantly striving for the best for all children”

Katie Allison

Level 3 Early Years Educator

“I joined the nursery in 2002. I have a level 3 Diploma in the Children and Young Peoples workforce.

I currently work in the Baby Room and I love my role as an Early Years Educator. I enjoy helping the babies grow, providing fun experiences and having a secure bond with my key children. I am very lucky to work with a lovely positive team where we have all created our outstanding nursery.”

Kelsey Reed

Early Years Educator

“I have been working at Smarties for 8 years. In this time, I have gained both my Level 2 Certificate in the Children and Young People’s Workforce and my Level 3 Diploma in Childcare. I had 10 months away due to having my own little boy and have recently returned.

I have worked in the Pre-School room, Toddler Room, and Baby Room. Upon returning from my Maternity leave, I work in the 2-5 years room. I enjoy supporting the children with their personal development and find this most rewarding.

I work within a team of dedicated, caring practitioners who understand the importance of the child’s voice and who are always striving to help children reach their full potential.”

Sarah Kersey

Early Years Educator  

Hello, my name is Sarah. I have been working with children for over 15 years. A couple of aspects of working in childcare that I enjoy are playing in the garden and growing vegetables with them. Outside of work my hobbies are paddleboarding, gardening and dressing up for the Dickensian festival.

Callie Cole

Early Years Educator

“I’m Callie, I have been in the childcare industry for nearly 9 years, I am level 3 qualified in early years and management. I have recently joined the Smarties team in September, as a maternity cover. I will be supporting the preschool room during my time here.

I love creating exciting learning opportunities for children to explore and I take pride in story telling, singing and dancing with the children. I believe in the importance of building strong relationships with children and their families, ensuring each child feels valued and confident in their learning journey.”

Diane Ayissi Ayissi

Level 2 Practitioner

“I currently work in the baby room and undertaking a level 3 qualification. I enjoy singing and dancing and love involving the children in different songs and rhymes. I am looking forward to bonding and creating relationships with my key children.

I started at Smarties as a student, and I love the nursery environment. I couldn’t be happier to be a member of the Smarties family.”

Katy-Ann Samuels

Studying Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree

“I am currently studying my Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in early childhood studies at Canterbury Christ church university. 

I currently work in the Tweenie room and joined the nursery in 2022. I enjoy building bonds with my key children and this is something I take pride in when working at smarties. 

I love working alongside my team at smarties as they are supportive and caring.” 

Lianne Davidson

Apprentice Early Years Practitioner

Hello, my name is Lianne. I have been working in childcare for around 9 years. I joined Smarties in September 24. I enjoy helping and watching the children develop their skills. I also really enjoy making bonds with the children and their families.

Lola O’nion

Apprentice Early Years Practitioner

"I'm Lola, I work in the Pre-school room. I'm an apprentice at Smarties working towards my Level 2. I love nature, photography and animals. I also love watching films and playing board games with my family and friends in my spare time."

Auguste

Early Years Practitioner

Deborah Ledniczky

Business Support Officer

“I joined the nursery in 2016. I am responsible for the day to day administrative duties, coordination and communication with the staff and parents/carers.”

Naomi Fisher

“I am now on maternity leave.”

“I’m Naomi, I am the Deputy Manager at Smarties. I’m currently on maternity leave. I enjoy supporting the children and families while watching them grow, I love getting involved in messy play activities and outdoor play.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, gardening or going to the gym.”

Jorgi Hopper

“I am now on maternity leave.”

“I work in the baby room. I enjoy forming bonds with my key children and families and creating enriching activities for the children to engage in.

I am very grateful to be apart of a strong working team, who are positive and supportive.”