Meet the Team
Expert People
Meet the Team
Expert People
Meet the Team
Claire Speakman
Nursery Manager
Claire Speakman
Nursery Manager, Designated Safeguarding Lead and SENCO
Level 5 Children, Young People and their Services
Level 3 Leadership and Management
Level 3 Special Educational Needs Coordinator in Early Years Settings
Claire is our highly experienced Nursery Manager. Claire has worked in early years for over 20 years and nursery management for over 12 years. She is responsible for all the nursery team and works incredibly hard to ensure standards are the highest they can be.
“I have been part of St.John’s Pre-School since March 2020 and I absolutely love it. The setting has a fabulous committee who are so supportive in helping our nursery to thrive and grow further. The children are at the heart of everything we do and our non-profitable set up allows us to put all our income back into the setting to support the individual needs of our children, enhance our environment and provide new opportunities.
I am a Mother of two, Jamie and Emily and I love to spend most of my spare time with my family. My hobbies include musical theatre, reading, shopping and watching rugby league. My favourite place to go is St. Ives in Cornwall, we always try to spend some time there in Summer”.
Sandra Grimwood
Deputy Manager
Sandra Grimwood
Deputy Manager, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Mental Health First Aider and WELLCOMM Lead.
Sandra has worked at St John’s for over 21 years. Sandra is a much loved member of the nursery team. Although Sandra is no longer room based, she absolutely loves spending as much time as possible in the rooms with the children. Sandra helps with the day to day running of the setting but will work in both toddlers and preschool.
“I am a mother of one and I love spending time with my family. My hobbies include puzzles and quiz shows. I also enjoy listening to music, such as country and anything from the 50’s and 60’s.
Chloe Jack
Toddler Nursery Leader
Chloe
Toddler Room Leader
Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce
Chloe joined us at St John’s in September 2022 after working down south for a few years as a childminder. Chloe has a very calming nature and has lots of time and patience for the children, especially our children with special educational needs. Chloe has a real passion for children needing extra support and is currently completing her level 3 in special educational needs coordinator in early years settings. It is then the plan that Chloe will take on the role of the setting SENCO.
“I have worked in the childcare sector for over 7 years, in a variety of different roles. I have worked in nurseries as a Room Leader/ Senior Practitioner and I have also worked in childminding settings. I previously lived in Surrey for a while, where I worked as a private nanny/babysitter.
I am known for having the patience of a saint. I enjoy working with and supporting children with additional needs. I have lots of SEN experience but I am currently completing my SENCO training to gain more experience with this.
Outside of work/ childcare and in my free time, I enjoy exploring nature, drinking good coffee and shopping! I also love theme parks, unicorns and Harry Potter.”
Emma
Toddler Nursery Practitioner
Emma
Toddler Nursery Practitioner
I have worked in childcare for over 6 years in various different roles from being an apprentice to a room leader. I enjoy getting involved in lots of messy and sensory play both inside and outdoors. My favourite thing about working in the childcare sector is getting to know every child and helping them achieve their individual goals.
In my spare time I go on walks with my partner, puppy (Penny) and our other dog (Titan). I spend lots of time through the holidays at the caravan where I do lots of water sports such as wakeboarding and waterskiing!
Emily Roberts
Toddler Nursery Practitioner
Emily Roberts
Toddler Nursery Practitioner
Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education
Emily started at St John’s Preschool after newly qualifying as an Early Years Practitioner. Despite Emily’s quiet and shy personality she has grown in confidence since starting with us and can often be seen acting silly with the children, singing songs and reading stories. Emily never forgets a thing and she is the person we tell if we need reminding of something!
“Before St John’s, I worked in a few other nurseries within the local area whilst I completed my childcare qualifications!
I am known as the young mind, the one with energy and a good memory! I love supporting children with their physical development and helping them to master new skills. I am very good at helping children to explore their own interests.
In my free time, I love reading and vibing to music. I like going out with my family and friends and I enjoy some downtime to play on my switch and to do lego. My favourite artist is Taylor Swift 🎶”
Katie Gerrard
Preschool Room Leader
Katie Gerrard
Preschool Room Leader
Level 2 Introduction to Early Years Education and Care
Katie has worked in early years for over 9 years and is well loved by the children in Preschool. She has been part of St Johns since June 2022 and since starting, worked her way up to a senior position.
“I absolutely love my job and believe my strengths are knowing all of my key children really well so that I am able to meet all of their needs. I am a very good team player and I am happy to get stuck into all activities and tasks throughout the day. In my spare time I love spending time with my family and holidaying abroad with my partner. My two favourite hobbies are festivals and going to the gym.”
Debbie Hughes
Preschool Room Leader
Debbie Hughes
Preschool Room Leader
Level 4 NVQ in Children’s Care, Learning and Development
Debbie has worked at St Johns since September 2022 and has worked in childcare for over 20 years. Debbie is super organised and is extremely good at taking the lead to arrange our fabulous nursery trips, including Greenacres Farm and Knowsley Safari Park.
“I really enjoy supporting children’s speech and language skills using a variety of interventions such as bucket therapy. In my spare time I enjoy walking my dog, reading and spending time with my two grandchildren.”
Dawn Keouski
Preschool Nursery Practitioner
Dawn Keouski
Preschool Nursery Practitioner
Level 3 Early Years Care and Education
Dawn is based in our Preschool room and is loved for her chatty and bubbly personality. She has worked at St John’s since January 2022 and has worked in childcare for over 28 years.
“My strengths are being able to work well in a team and independently. I enjoy coming to work everyday and interacting with the children and helping them learn and grow. When I am not working I enjoy spending quality time with my family.”
Nicole
Preschool Nursery Practitioner
Nicole
Nicole is a former parent of St John’s Pre-school and is a qualified teaching assistant who has worked in both mainstream and SEN schools. Nicole is looking forward to furthering her education within the EYFS and completing her level 3.
