The service we deliver to our clients is entirely dependent on us attracting and retaining the very best staff. It’s our team of committed, caring professionals that help us make a real difference to the lives of the children we look after, and the peace of mind and valuable reassurance felt by our clients.
Meet the teamExperience and a drive to help children thrive. (Click on each person below to read more)
Preena Yau
Managing Director
Preena Yau
I taught children of all different ages when living in Hong Kong for 5 years. This international experience has given me a wealth of knowledge in both the educational and emotional side of growing children. One of my roles included curriculum development which was based on exploring a child’s individual interests. I maintained a close relationship with parents to ensure children felt fully supported in both their home and school life.
Moving back to the UK in 2016, and having my own child who attends Ambourne House, I am extremely understanding to the needs of a parent and how important it is to leave your child in an environment where they feel happy and secure.
My interests include staying active, eating healthily and taking my dog Rio for long hikes. I believe that being outdoors is not only crucial for a child’s development but equally important for adults too.
Lorraine Doyle
Nursery Manager
Lorraine Doyle
I have worked in the childcare sector for over 15 years and find it such a rewarding experience. As a child from a very large Irish Family, I have always been passionately interested in working with children and the high levels of care, attention and education given to the children that I am responsible for.
My career in the childcare profession first started with training in Montessori teaching, once qualification, I joined a large Montessori School in Ireland.
In 2008 I moved to Bristol, which has become my home. I am a mother to three children, two girls and a boy. For the past nine years my role has been a Nursery Manager of an Early Years setting in North Bristol. I started this role as the Pre-School lead and Curriculum developer, working with all ages and progressing through to management.
Returning to university four years ago, I gained a BA HONS Degree in Education. I thoroughly enjoy training and professional development not just within a managerial role but also that as a leading practitioner and working directly with the children, creating outstanding learning experiences and enabling environments. I’ve also completed the Forest School Leader course which enlightened a new passion for me, outdoor schooling where children can risk take and flourish developmentally in a natural environment. I enjoy mentoring people, carrying out team building exercises and encouraging the personal development of my team, for I believe that my team are the core to outstanding practice within an Early Years setting and directly impact on the learning experience we offer children.
I look forward to working closely with you all.
Roberta Ferri
Duty Manager
Roberta Ferri
My name is Roberta and I joined the Ambourne House team in September 2019. I have been working in childcare for over 10 years. I decided to move to UK in 2011 to learn English, after I gained a BSc HONS Degree in Education. Initially I worked in London as a nanny for a bilingual family and then I moved to Bristol 6 years ago where I started to work in a nursery’s pre-school.
I really love spend time in every room of the nursery, playing and creating a bond with children of all ages. Knowing that we can make a difference in a child development is the part of my job that I love the most.
Aspirations
I would love going back to university and progress my studies and knowledge especially concerning children with special needs.
Qualifications
BSc HONS Degree in Education
Jackie
Nursery Chef
Jackie
I have been working at Ambourne since June 2018.
I enjoy researching new recipes and trying to produce very healthy meals for the children and staff to enjoy.
I have found out so much about dietary needs, and we pride ourselves at Ambourne House to meet all needs that children require. I am always looking to test and try out new dishes, if you have any favourite dishes that you think children would enjoy. I extend an invitation into my kitchen to show me!
In my spare time I enjoy gardening, looking after my grandchildren one of whom attended Ambourne 12 years ago. I also enjoy travelling the world especially the Mediterranean and reading.
Clare Hazell
Deputy Manager/ SENCO
Clare Hazell
Hello my name is Clare and I am the Room Lead for Pre-School and Deputy Nursery Manager. After my 5th child started pre-school, I began to miss the rewards during the day of seeing my children develop. I started to volunteer at a local pre-school and springboard opportunity group who provide care to children with additional needs and life limiting illness. I went on to do my Level 3 and BA (Hons) degree and have worked in schools, childminding, children’s centres and private nurseries. I have found my work very rewarding and still enjoy a high five when a child reaches a goal.
Aspirations
To support children’s learning/understanding/knowledge with integrating the Montessori approach into the classroom. To encourage the children to be independent in their own learning through using Montessori equipment.
Qualifications
BA Hons. Early Years Childcare.
Level 3 in Early Years Childcare and Education.
Jess Harding
Baby Room Leader
Jess Harding
Hello! My name is Jess and I have been working in Childcare for 4 years. I love working with babies because I find it so rewarding to know that I am playing a part in the earliest stages of their lives.
Lucy Greenslade
Baby room Practitioner
Lucy Greenslade
Hi, I’m Lucy a Baby Room Practitioner. I started my Early Years Education in 2012 where I received my level 3. After qualifying I started working full time in a nursery. My job entailed managing a small team of staff and gained experience as a 1:1 with a little boy. I left Childcare to have my own child Elsie, who also attends Ambourne House. I have love every minute of being a mum and she makes me so proud!
I would love to work with children with SEN or to do play therapy in the future.
Sarah Bennett
Toddler Room Leader
Sarah Bennett
My name is Sarah and I joined Ambourne House at the beginning of January 2020. I have been working in childcare for over 15 years and I love my job. During all these years I have been room leader and also Deputy Manager. I have a 15 year old daughter who I love spend time with.
Aspirations
I would love to have my own nursery one day.
Qualifications
Lev 3 Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare (Early Years Educator).
Sophie Stone
Toddlers Room Practitioner
Sophie Stone
My name is Sophie and I joined Ambourne House in November 2019. I have been working with children now for over 4 years gaining my Lev2 and Lev3 qualification in childcare. I enjoy spending time with my friends on the weekend and I love to have quality time with my 3 nephews and other family members.
Aspirations
I would love to gain more experience and knowledge on SEN children.
Qualifications
Lev 3 Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare (Early Years Educator)
Cristina Jimenez-
Preschool Teacher
Cristina Jimenez-
My name is Cristina Jimenez, I am 29 years old and I come from a small Spanish city,
Granada.
Here I studied early childhood education, I deeply believe in a childhood surrounded by love
and confidence to become a happy adult.
That is why I chose this career and profession, to contribute everything I have to the
development of the child.
One of my passions is traveling, getting to know the world and new cultures, one of the
reasons that has brought me here.
Kayleigh Jones
Nursery Apprentice
Kayleigh Jones
My name is Kayleigh and I joined Ambourne House in October 2019. I love playing with children, reading stories and singing with them. See them growing and develop is the part of my job that I love the most. In my spare time I love to read, relax and meet up with friends. I love also taking my dog out for long walks.
Aspirations
My aim is to gain my Lev 3 qualification in childcare.
Qualifications
NVQ Lev 3 ongoing
Hannah Lloyd
Pre-School Leader
Hannah Lloyd
Hi, I’m Hannah and I’m the Pre-School Lead. I began working within early years settings in 2012, where I was a Diddy Dance Teacher. I specialised in dance and drama.
I then moved to Fuerteventura where I lived for 4 years as part of an entertainment team, as a fitness instructor and dancer. I also worked in the mini club and choreographed shows for the children to perform in the evening. I have always had a passion for musical theatre and think it is important for a child to be exposed to music and movement in order to express themselves.
I moved back to Englad in 2018 where I began my Level 3 childcare apprenticeship. I have workdd with children of all age groups and love to watch a child develop. There is nothing more rewarding than helping a child to reach their goals.
I love to travel and embrace different cultures. I also tend to spend the majority of my time in charity shops, where I am forever finding hidden gems for both the setting and my home.
Aspirations
I would love to further my knowledge and experience within Special Educational Needs
Qualifications
Level 3 Qualified practitioner
Emily Hines
Toddler Room Practitioner
Emily Hines
Hello!
I’m Emily and very excited to have joined the team at Ambourne House!
Despite the crazy year I think we’ve all had I have still managed to graduate from Bath Spa University with an Primary and Early Years Education Degree; so I suppose every cloud has a silver lining and being in lockdown helped me to graduate!
Working in this Nursery so far has been full of fun, laughter and a lot of hard work; but I would not want any other job and I am excited to get to know everyone and be a familiar face for you and your children!
Qualifications
BSc (Hons) Primary and Early Years Education
Aron Thomas
Toddler Room Apprentice
Aron Thomas
Hi I’m Aron, and I am an apprentice in the Toddler Room.
I have been working with children for the past 5 years (since I was 12 years old). This has ranged from volunteering at summer clubs, reception classes, toddler and baby rooms. I have worked with children aged 1 all the way to 11.
I have always had a passion for working with children to help them learn, develop, progress and to make a positive impact on their life.
I love to explore new places and meet new people. I have set myself the challenge of being fully qualified as a practitioner by the end of 2021.
Aspiration
I would love to learn more about special education needs and get more experience with it as I grow as a practitioner.
Qualification
I have qualifications such as safeguarding, but I am excited to complete my apprenticeship.