Meet The Team
All the staff at Stepping Stones Preschool hold Paediatric First Aid Certificates, current Enhanced DBS certificates and have attended Safe Guarding training.
At the Stepping Stones Preschool we adhere to the following adult to child ratios:
- 2 to 3 year olds – at least one member of staff to every five children at all times
- 3 to 5 year olds – at least one member of staff to every eight children at all times
Claire Smith
Setting Manager, Designated Safeguarding Officer, Level 3 Qualification, Level 7 Apprentice in Leadership and Management.
Claire first became involved with Stepping Stones when she joined the committee as a parent when her son attended in 2010. She went on to become Chairperson in 2011. Having previously worked in childcare, Claire joined the team of staff in 2013 progressing to manager in 2015. She is responsible for the day to day running of the preschool and enjoys watching the children develop independence and grow in confidence.
She enjoys spending time with her 3 children and Cockapoo Stanley. Her hobbies include watching films, sport and going to see West End shows.
Sarah Pollek
2-year-old room leader, Key Person, Level 3 Qualification
Sarah has over 25 years of Childcare experience, and has been at Stepping Stones since 2018. Her favourite part of her role is watching the quiet children flourish into confident characters.
Sarah is married with 2 grown up children, she enjoys socialising with friends and holidays in the sun.
Jodie Silvey
SENCo, Key Person, Level 3 Qualification and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Jodie joined Stepping Stones in 2018, bringing experience from her previous role in a private early years setting. She works with all age groups and is an active member of the SEND team. Jodie is SENCO Level 3 qualified and currently studying towards Level 4, showing her commitment to developing her specialist skills. She is known for her bubbly, loud and enthusiastic approach to childcare, creating a fun, engaging atmosphere for the children.
At home, Jodie lives with her son and embraces her identity as a social butterfly, with hobbies ranging from colouring to attending festivals.
Ashleigh Kimber
3 & 4 year old room lead, Key Person, Level 3 Qualification
Ashleigh joined Stepping Stones in September 2025 and worked with the team until Christmas, when she left to go on maternity leave. She welcomed her second little girl and now balances life as a mum of two. From September 2026 Ashleigh will take on the new role of Room Leader, bringing her warm, confident approach and strong leadership skills to the team.
Her spare time is happily taken up with her two daughters, and she enjoys creating a nurturing, positive environment both at home and in the preschool.
Loraine Lynch
Key Person, Level 3 qualification
Loraine has been part of Stepping Stones since 1995 and has watched it grow from a small playgroup into a thriving preschool. She enjoys working with the children to create engaging topic areas in the classroom, bringing creativity and curiosity into daily learning.
Loraine has three grown‑up children and loves spending time with her grandchildren.
Jemma White
Key Person, Level 3 Qualification
Jemma joined the growing team at Stepping Stones in January 2022 and works with the 2‑year‑olds. She enjoys having a key role in children’s transformation during this age—supporting them as they become independent, chatty, and confident individuals.
At home, Jemma is a busy mum to three children and enjoys life with her two cats and her dog. Her hobbies include socialising with friends and singing, bringing her upbeat, expressive energy into her work.
Hayley Stowel
SEN assistant, Key Person, Level 3 Qualification
Hayley joined Stepping Stones in 2019 and is now a valued member of the SEND team, working predominantly with the 2‑year‑olds. She is known for her calm nature, which helps children feel secure and supported as they learn. Hayley loves seeing the progress children make and is currently working towards her SENCO qualification.
Outside of work, Hayley enjoys days out and trips to the park with her three boys.
Carla Tucker
SEN assistant, Key Person, Level 3 Qualification
Carla joined Stepping Stones in 2020 and is a Level 3 qualified practitioner. She is a key member of the SEND team, working predominantly with children who have additional needs. Carla supports the Speech and Language Therapist and leads communication and social development groups, helping children build confidence, connection, and expressive skills.
Carla is a busy mum to two daughters and brings her warm, family‑centred approach into her work every day.
Nicola Painter
SEN assistant, Key Person, Level 3 apprentice.
Nicola joined Stepping Stones in 2022 after four years at Brookfields, bringing strong experience in supporting children with diverse needs. She currently works with the 2-3 year olds while studying for her Level 3 qualification, showing real commitment to her professional growth.
Outside of work, Nicola enjoys body combat, spending time with her three children, and looking after her much‑loved sausage dogs, Meeko and Zero.
Millie Brazil
SEN assistant, Key Person and Level 3 apprentice.
Millie is a warm and caring practitioner in the Butterfly Room, supporting 3–4‑year‑olds with calm, nurturing interactions. As part of the SEND team, she brings valuable insight from supporting her brother, strengthening her empathy and understanding of diverse needs. Millie is friendly, reliable, and passionate about inclusive practice.
Outside work, she enjoys family time and shopping.
Ronni-Sue Thompson
Key Person, Level 2 apprentice
Ronni started at Stepping Stones in September 25 and is currently studying towards her level 2 qualification. She supports children across the Caterpillar room with kindness and patience, building warm relationships and engaging positively in their play.
Ronni’s favourite thing to do is spending time with her 3 younger brothers and making memories with her friends and family. She enjoys travelling and exploring new places.