Our Team

Kirsty Tonks

Pre-School Manager

Hello, I am Kirsty, I have only been at the Pre-School since November 2021, but despite the short time I have been the manager, I can honestly say I am loving leading such an incredible team of Practitioners.
I have had over 20 years experience in Early Years, in a variety of settings. I have a Foundation Degree in Early Years and have attended many courses to extend my knowledge of Early Years development.
I enjoy supporting children from their first few sessions and onwards, and seeing the change in them as they grow and develop their skills, confidence and their personalities. I love messy play and being outdoors with the children, allowing them the freedom to explore and have fun!
I also am passionate about supporting not just the children but their families too, and believe that Pre-school is a place for the whole family to belong.
I also love to work with the team, supporting them to provide the best environment for the children to feel safe and happy.

12919856_462483327285431_6615464333369135990_n_edited.jpg

Cassie Else

Deputy (Tin Hut site)

Hi, I am Cassie, I started at Matlock Preschool in January 2013.
I have level 3 qualifications in Early Years and Playwork, I also have gained many certificates in Early Years development and have attended many training courses to extend my knowledge.
I love every aspect of my job, I especially enjoy watching the children progress, develop confidence, form friendships with each other and seeing their personalities come to life.
I enjoy spending time with the children, talking and listening to them, sharing stories (I have a talent for voices of characters in storytelling), I love singing and dancing with the children, and having lots of fun!

Tracey Morton

Deputy (Woolley Rd Site)

Hello I am Tracey. I started working at Matlock Pre-school as relief staff in April 2013, and I soon became a full time member of staff in September 2013. I have worked over both sites of the Pre-school, but I am now based as Deputy at Woolley Road.

I have been in Early Years since I was 18 years young, so many years! I also work as manager of Twilight after-school care at All Saints School.

I love both of my roles. I especially love sharing books and singing with the children, but generally enjoy seeing the children grow from their first sessions to becoming ready for their journey beyond to school. I feel proud to be part of their journey!

Julie Cox

Pre-School Practitioner / SENCO

Hi My name is Julie, I work mainly at the Woolley Road site, although you may see me from time to time at the Tin Hut. I started working at Matlock Pre-School after completing my Level 3 EYE diploma and two year placement at Ashover School Nursery. I am the SENCO, so advise staff on supporting children with additional needs, as well as working with parents and children to enable children with additional needs to reach their full potential.
I have previously worked as a midday supervisor and in school breakfast, aftercare and holiday clubs.
I really love to work with the children to develop their ideas in the area of expressive arts and design. I get so much joy from enabling the children to bring their creative ideas to life using a mixture of media and materials.
I consider the best days are the ones where I go home with paint on my clothes and glitter in my hair.

Alison Shah

Pre-School Practitioner

Hello, I am Alison.
I have been here at the Pre-school since November 2022.
I have a level 3 in Playwork, and have previously worked with Kirsty at South Darley and Winster Pre-school, as well as South Darley Primary school and after school clubs.
I enjoy baking and cooking with the children, allowing the children to experiment with the ingredients and create delicious new foods to try. I also love spending time with the children playing, talking, listening and reading stories with them.

Jess Stimson

Pre-School Practitioner

Hi I am Jessica. I started at the Pre-School in January 2022, I am Level 3 Qualified with a Diploma in Childcare and Education.
I worked in the kitchen at All Saints Infants school before starting at the Pre-school, and also worked in a nursery before that.
I love being part of the Pre-school and working with the children, and especially enjoy supporting children settle in to Pre-school, helping them to become more confident and adjust to Pre-school life. I feel privileged to help them make memories, form friendships and to be part of their journey to their next chapter.

Frances Crowfoot

Pre-School Practitioner

Frances joined us after Easter 2022.
Frances has a Level 3 Early Years qualification and has experience in Nursery and as a Nanny(AuPair). Frances also works part time at Gulliver's Kingdom.
Frances is a welcome addition to our team, she is full of energy and enthusiasm.

Paula Boam

Cleaner

Hi, I am Paula Boam.
I have been cleaning at the Pre-school since March 2022. I have lived in Matlock all my life and have two daughters. We have two Guinea Pigs, a couple of fish and a dog called Trixie. I like to make sure the Pre-school is all clean and fresh for the children to enjoy playing in.

Sarah Saddington

Volunteer Practitioner

Hello, I am Sarah.
I have many years experience with children, originally as a teacher and most recently working alongside Alison and Kirsty. I am retired but have missed working with children so much that I have chosen to volunteer at the Pre-school.
I enjoy exploring outside with the children and have a vast range of games and activities to share with the children.

Lisa Smedley

Pre-School Practitioner

Some of you may know me as a mum of a Pre-School child, I started off as relief to cover when needed and now I work 5 mornings at Tin Hut.
I have experience in Nurseries and have a level 3 in Early Years.

Iona Beswick

Early Years Practitioner

I have been at the Pre-School supporting as relief staff since 2022. I also work at Twilight After Hours at All Saints Infants, so get to work with some of the children once they have left the Pre-School.
I am completing my level 3 in Early Years, and love being part of the Pre-School.

Our Team: Our Team