Meet The Staff
Michelle Mills
Hi, my name is Michelle, I am the Manager here at Abbeymead Under 5's. I joined the team in May 2019 and I am thoroughly enjoying it! I have worked in childcare for over 20 years and manager for over 8 of those years.
Qualifications - Level 5 in Leadership for Children and Young Peoples Workforce, Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education, Safeguarding, First Aid (plus other relevant qualifications)
Designated person for Safeguarding.
Deputy person for SENDCo
Playgroup Manager
Nicola Cooper
Hi, I am Nicola. As soon as my daughter started Abbeymead under 5's in 2015, I loved everything about it . I volunteered as Treasurer for a year and then gained my Level 3 qualification and joined the fantastic staff team. I am passionate about supporting all children to reach their full potential and feel we do this very well at Abbeymead Under 5s.
In my spare time I enjoy spending precious time with my family, reading, spending time outdoors and doing all things crafy.
Qualifications - CACHE level 3 Diploma for Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator )
Designated person for SENDCO
Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Deputy Manager - Pre School Lead
SENDCo
Clare Godding
Hello, I'm the Senior Early Years Practitioner at Playgroup here at Abbeymead under 5's. I have always worked with children and gained my qualification in 2003. Since then I have had 3 children of my own. I joined the team in 2011 and have never looked back.... we have so much fun, all I can say is messier the better!!
Outside of playgroup I enjoy family time and days out. I am also a Black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Qualifications - NVQ3, Safeguarding, First Aid (plus other relevant qualifications)
Senior Early Years Practitioner / Rising 3's Lead
Katy Avent
Hello, I'm Katy and I started doing my placement here in 2011 as part of my course and in July 2012 I gained my childcare qualification and volunteered in schools to gain more experience and put my learning into practice. I enjoyed doing my placement here at Abbeymead Under 5’s so much I decided to come back and undertake voluntary work. By January 2013 I was taken on as part of the staff team to cover Maternity. I love working here and I am so pleased that
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends
Qualifications - Diploma Level 3, Safeguarding (Plus other relevant Qualifications
Early Years Practitioner
Heather Plant
Hello, I’m a Early Years Practitioner here at Abbeymead Under 5’s. I feel like I’ve been here forever as all my five children have been through the playgroup, beginning in 2001. I couldn’t imagine not being here, so after my youngest child went to school I helped out as a volunteer. Since then I have gained my child care qualification and have been part of the official team since February 2011.
In my life outside Playgroup I enjoy camping, walking and spending time with my family. I also enjoy researching my family history (and anybody else’s who wants me to) – as my husband would tell you, I’m a bit obsessed with it!
Qualifications - NVQ3, Safeguarding (plus other relevant qualifications)
Early Years Practitioner - PreSchool
Kerry Bonser
Hi, I'm Kerry. Both of my children have been through Abbeymead Under 5's and I am delighted to be part of the team after volunteering and being a lunchtime supervisor.
Outside of Abbeymead Under 5's my boys keep me busy with their football & rugby activities! I have played netball for the last 19 years and I still enjoy playing on Saturdays so my weekends are always pretty busy!
Qualifications - Diploma Level 3, Safeguarding (plus other relevant qualifications)
Early Years Practitioner - Rising 3s
Mandy Stokes
Hello, I am Mandy. I first joined AU5's as supply staff in July 2018 but I enjoyed it so much I soon became a permanent member of the staff.
I have over 20 years childcare experience with being a registered childminder and running toddler groups. I am also a children/youth leader at a local church and a unit helper at a local girl guide unit.
Outside of playgroup I like to spend time with my family and having my 5 grandchildren visit. We enjoy walking my dog and camping.
Qualifications - NVQ 3, First Aid, Safeguarding
Early Years Practitioner - PreSchool
Beth Porter
Hello, I'm Beth, I'm a 1:1 Early Years Practitioner here at Abbeymead Under 5s. My son came through both Rising 3s and Preschool here and had a wonderful time. I first joined the team in January 2020, working as an Early Years Practitioner in the Rising 3s room. I have subsequently moved into the Preschool room working as a 1:1.
Before working here I was a qualified Primary teacher, working both in main stream and special needs schools.
Outside of work I enjoy spending most of my time with my son and husband, but I also like visiting friends, family and having fun family days out! I love all things art, drawing, painting murals (mostly in my own house!) and listening to audio books.
Qualifications - Primary PGCE, Safeguarding and other relevant qualifications
