Our Staff
The most important people as far as your children are concerned are our staff, who are all dedicated and caring, with a wealth of experience.
All members of staff are qualified in Paediatric First Aid and Safeguarding trained.
Willow Bank Pre-School ensure that either the Manager or a Deputy is present during each session, supported by atleast three other members of staff.
We try and keep the adult -child ratio of 1:7. (Ofsted requires a staff : child ratio of 1:8.)
Manager
Ketaki Karmarkar

Deputy Manager
Emma Poole

Hi
My Name is Ketaki
I am the Manager of WillowBank Preschool and
I am also the SENCO (Special Educational needs Co-ordinator), LLP (Lead Language Practitioner) at preschool
I started working at Willowbank Preschool in September 2011
I have a Degree and Post-Graduation Diploma in Dietetics and also have an EYPS (Early Years Professional Status, Level 6 in Early Years and Childcare)
I have 2 girls . I enjoy working with children and can’t wait to welcome you and your child to preschool.
Few of my Favourite thing are:-
Colour- Blue
Books- Jonathan Livingston Seagull- by Richard Bach
Food- Indian, Italian, French, Chinese, Sushi…………….I love food I guess
Hobbies- Running, Reading, Baking and spending time with my family
Hi
My Name is Emma Poole
I am the Deputy Manager and Lead Safeguarding Practitioner.
I have been working in Willow Bank Preschool since September 2013 and have a HNC (higher national certificate-level 4) in Early years Childcare.
I have 2 active boys. I enjoy working with children and can’t wait to welcome you and your child to preschool.
Few of my Favourite thing are:-
Colour- Purple
Books- I like reading books to my two sons – David Walliams is a favourite
Food- All Cuisines
Hobbies- Running, Gym, spending time outdoors with two active boys,
Practitioner
Vanessa Gatherer

Practitioner
Kuldeep Brar

My Name is Vanessa Gatherer
I have been working in childcare for 7 years. I started my career in childcare working as a childminder. I have been working at Willowbank Preschool since April 2016.
I have an NVQ Level 3 in Childcare.
I have 3 children of my own, 2 girls and 1 boy. I really enjoy working with children and can’t wait to welcome you and your child to preschool.
Few of my Favourite thing are:-
Colour- Blue.
Books- Harry Potter!
Food- I am a vegetarian. I love tapas.
Hobbies- Running, web design, watching movies, going on days out, spending time with my children.
My Name is Kuldeep Brar
I am the Lead First Aider at Preschool.
I have been working in Willowbank Preschool since 2011 and have an NVQ3 qualification in Early Year Childcare.
I have 2 girl.
I enjoy working with children and can’t wait to welcome you and your child to preschool.
Few of my Favourite thing are:-
Colour- Red
Books- Health Magazines and Books.
Food- Indian, Italian and Chinese I am a vegetarian though
Hobbies- Cooking, Gardening, badminton, spending time with my family
Practitioner
Eliza Angel
Practitioner
Kaye Lyver


I am going to be your child’s keyperson.
I am the Lead Equal Opportunities.
I have been working in this preschool for 3 years and have an NVQ3 qualification in Early Years Childcare.
I have one boy who is 5 years old. I enjoy working with children and can’t wait to welcome you and your child to preschool.
Few of my Favourite thing are:-
Colour- Blue
Books- I enjoy reading nonfiction books.
Food- Italian foods, in fact all food!
Hobbies- singing, dancing, arts and crafts (anything creative)
My Name is Kaye Lyver
I am the Lead Health and Safety Officer at preschool
I have been working in this preschool from September 2005 years and have an NVQ2 qualification in Early Years Childcare.
I have one boy. I enjoy working with children and can’t wait to welcome you and your child to preschool.
Few of my Favourite thing are:-
Colour- Blue
Books- I enjoy reading romantic books
Food- Chinese, Indian and Italian foods, in fact all food!
Hobbies- Reading, cooking, spending time with my family, (being a taxi service for my son takes up most of my spare time)!
Practitioner
Bianca Clements

Practitioner
Diane Prince

My Name is Bianca Clements
I am the Lead Behaviour Management Officer at preschool.
I have been working in this preschool form 2013, I started as an apprentice and am currently working towards my level 3 qualification in childcare.
I have 1 cheeky little boy . I enjoy working with children and can’t wait to welcome you and your child to preschool.
Few of my Favourite thing are:-
Colour- I love most colours (except purple)
Books- I would prefer to watch a film, my all-time favourite is The Lion King.
Food- Spicy food and pizza
Hobbies- Yoga, eating out, cinema, seeing friends and family
My Name is Diane Prince
I am the Food Hygiene and Safety Officer at Preschool.
I have been working in this preschool for 19 years
I have 3 boys 2 live at home one lives with his girlfriend. I enjoy working with children and can’t wait to welcome you and your child to preschool.
Few of my Favourite thing are:-
Colour- green
Books- I enjoy reading women’s magazines
Food- Indian, Chinese, Pasta, to be honest all foods
Hobbies- Gardening, Shopping, Playing Sports and I love cleaning.
LunchController
Helen Linge
LunchController/ Practitioner
Nicky Ledger

Administrator
Jaqui Shepherd
Cleaner
Kimberley O'rielly
I am going to cover Bianca’s Maternity leave.
I have been working as a lunchtime controller at Preschool for the past 10 months.
I have 2 children a boy and a girl, who both attended preschool. I enjoy working with children and can’t wait to join you and your child for their time at preschool.
Few of my Favourite thing are:-
Colour- Pink
Books- I am currently reading through the Harry Potter collection with my 9 year old and anything by Julia Donaldson is good with the 5 year old.
Food- Any!! But I do love a bit of cake.
Hobbies- I love being with my family going on walks, bike rides, going on holidays, any spare time I have I like sewing, knitting, baking and generally anything arty.
The ethos of the school is a small family friendly pre-school, where all children can learn in a safe and stimulating environment to become independent little people.