- 01132 873753
- info@brightsparks-preschool.co.uk
- Mon - Thur: 7:30 - 18:00 / Fri: 7:30 - 4:30
We are
Bright Sparks
Pre School!
Our fantastic team
We have a variety of professional and trained staff at Bright Sparks Pre School and we pride ourselves on having a very friendly, warm and approachable team. If you want to find out more about each of our members of staff, please feel free to view their profiles.
Tracey Allen
Manageress, Sendco, and Designated Children Protection Officer
- Foundation Degree in Young Children’s Learning and Development
- Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs in The Early Years
- Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs in The Early Years
- Level 2- Food Safety and hygiene for Catering
- Paediatric First Aid
- Making Sense of Autism Tier 1, Tier 2 and Leading Good Autism Practice
- TQUK Level 2 in understanding Autism
- Physical Restraint Trained
I have worked for Bright sparks pre-achool for 19 years. I have a wealth of experience in child care, I first gained my level 3 in childhood studies qualification in 1998, I then studied with Leeds Metropolitan University whilst working full time to gain my foundation degree in young children’s learning and development in 2011.
I enjoy all aspects of my role, I am very passionate about my role as pre-school manageress, especially watching how confident the children become whilst attending pre-school, developing their skills in all areas.
I am an enthusiastic, caring and patient person who is able to make learning fun and encourage exploration through play. I find working with young children very rewarding. I have three children of my own aged 21, 17 and 13.
I enjoy socialising with my friends, going out for meals with my family and all my voluntary roles I do in my spare time.
I enjoy all aspects of my role, I am very passionate about my role as pre-school manageress, especially watching how confident the children become whilst attending pre-school, developing their skills in all areas.
I am an enthusiastic, caring and patient person who is able to make learning fun and encourage exploration through play. I find working with young children very rewarding. I have three children of my own aged 21, 17 and 13.
I enjoy socialising with my friends, going out for meals with my family and all my voluntary roles I do in my spare time.
Tracey Waite
Level 3 Deputy Manager & Designated Child Protection Officer
- NVQ Level 2 & 3 In Children’s Care, Learning and Development
- Paediatric First Aid
- Advanced Safeguarding and Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Level 2-Food Safety and hygiene for Catering
- Making Sense of autism tier 1
- Physical Restraint Training
- Level 2 Certificate In Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health
I have worked at Bright Sparks for 22 years. For the past 13 years I have been Deputy Manager, working alongside Tracey Allen, the Manager. I hold a NVQ level 3 in Children’s education and Care and Development.
I currently work 2 mornings providing breakfast club for Bright Sparks children and Great Preston Primary School. This involves, caring and interacting with the children, also preparing the breakfast, taking the children round to school.
My main job is deputy in the pre-school. I work 4 days. I am involved with setting up any activities for the children, interacting, observing the children. Interacting with the staff, offering support for children and staff if needed. I really enjoy getting to know the children, seeing them develop and flourish. I enjoy crafty activities. I also really enjoy reading to the children, seeing their little faces as I read. I enjoy playing alongside the children in the home corner, being able to show interest in the children and getting to know them.
Out of pre-school, I am married, with a daughter and granddaughter. My interests include, reading, walking, little sewing projects and recently I have started a Pilates class.
I currently work 2 mornings providing breakfast club for Bright Sparks children and Great Preston Primary School. This involves, caring and interacting with the children, also preparing the breakfast, taking the children round to school.
My main job is deputy in the pre-school. I work 4 days. I am involved with setting up any activities for the children, interacting, observing the children. Interacting with the staff, offering support for children and staff if needed. I really enjoy getting to know the children, seeing them develop and flourish. I enjoy crafty activities. I also really enjoy reading to the children, seeing their little faces as I read. I enjoy playing alongside the children in the home corner, being able to show interest in the children and getting to know them.
Out of pre-school, I am married, with a daughter and granddaughter. My interests include, reading, walking, little sewing projects and recently I have started a Pilates class.
Nichola Wiltshire
Level 3 Nursery Nurse and Administrator
- NVQ Level 3 In Children’s Care, Learning and Development
- Paediatric First Aid and Emergency First Aid at Work
- Level 2-Food Safety and hygiene for Catering
- Making Sense of autism tier 1
- Physical Restraint Training
My name is Nichola and have been working at Bright Sparks for 17 years, I originally started as a part time Administrator just doing a few hours a week.
In 2012 I furthered my career by completing Level 2 in Children’s and Young Peoples workforce, then completing level 3 in 2013.
My role now is Administrator, Level 3 Nursery Nurse and Afterschool Club assistant once a week. I enjoy spending time with the children and interacting with them. I have two children of my own aged 20 and 16 who both attended Bright Sparks, I also have a 3 year old Granddaughter who currently attends Bright Sparks.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and helping look after my Granddaughter who definitely keeps me busy. I also enjoy travelling both abroad and weekends away exploring new places.
In 2012 I furthered my career by completing Level 2 in Children’s and Young Peoples workforce, then completing level 3 in 2013.
My role now is Administrator, Level 3 Nursery Nurse and Afterschool Club assistant once a week. I enjoy spending time with the children and interacting with them. I have two children of my own aged 20 and 16 who both attended Bright Sparks, I also have a 3 year old Granddaughter who currently attends Bright Sparks.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and helping look after my Granddaughter who definitely keeps me busy. I also enjoy travelling both abroad and weekends away exploring new places.
Alaska Dunn
Level 3 Nursery Nurse and 1-1 assistant
- CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education
- Various Short Courses
I joined Bright Sparks in November 2022. Since qualifying in childcare with a level 3, I have worked in different nurseries until having my little boy who is now 4.
My role is mainly one to one supporting children with additional needs, however when I am not supporting them, I’m here to care and nurture all the children.
My interests are socialising and taking my son out and spending time together.
My role is mainly one to one supporting children with additional needs, however when I am not supporting them, I’m here to care and nurture all the children.
My interests are socialising and taking my son out and spending time together.
Lisa Carter
Level 3 Nursery Nurse and Supervisor
- NVQ Level 3 In Children’s Care, Learning and Development
- Paediatric First Aid and Emergency First Aid at Work
- Safeguarding
- Level 2-Food Safety and hygiene for Catering
- Making Sense of autism tier 1
- Physical Restraint Training
- Level 2 Certificate In Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health
I have been employed by Bright Sparks Pre-School since 2008 as a Nursery Nurse. I gained my Level 2 qualification in Children’s Care, Learning and Development in 2007 through volunteering for one year.
In 2010, I furthered this by gaining my Level 3 qualification. My interest in children and how they develop and learn, led to me completing a Level 2 qualification in 2021 in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health. In the absence of the Manageress and Deputy Manageress, I also take on supervisory responsibilities.
I thoroughly enjoy interacting with the children, particularly spending time with those who may have Special Educational Needs. I find seeing their development rewarding. I also like getting involved in the children’s activities.
I currently work 4 and a half days in nursery, and work the breakfast club 3 mornings a week. My role at breakfast club is to engage with children and create a fun and stimulating environment, for them to enjoy and play freely.
I am married and have two daughters. In my free time, I like to spend time with my family, particularly my grandson. You will often find us walking, looking at wildlife and having fun. During the weekends and school holidays, I also enjoy walking at local nature reserves, the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. I love all things nature and wildlife, and I am very environmentally conscious.
In 2010, I furthered this by gaining my Level 3 qualification. My interest in children and how they develop and learn, led to me completing a Level 2 qualification in 2021 in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health. In the absence of the Manageress and Deputy Manageress, I also take on supervisory responsibilities.
I thoroughly enjoy interacting with the children, particularly spending time with those who may have Special Educational Needs. I find seeing their development rewarding. I also like getting involved in the children’s activities.
I currently work 4 and a half days in nursery, and work the breakfast club 3 mornings a week. My role at breakfast club is to engage with children and create a fun and stimulating environment, for them to enjoy and play freely.
I am married and have two daughters. In my free time, I like to spend time with my family, particularly my grandson. You will often find us walking, looking at wildlife and having fun. During the weekends and school holidays, I also enjoy walking at local nature reserves, the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. I love all things nature and wildlife, and I am very environmentally conscious.
Julie Munro
Level 3 Teaching assistant & Wrap Around Play Worker
- Level 2 & 3 Teaching Assistant
- Safeguarding Children
- Food Hygiene
- Paediatric and Emergency First Aid at Work
- Level 2 food Hygiene
- Physical Restraint Trained
I’m married and have two children now in their 20’s. I work at Bright Sparks Pre-School doing Breakfast and After School Club Monday to Friday, and also help out in the Pre-School on a Morning. I help collect information on the children to help towards their learning Journals.
In afterschool club I enjoy doing lots of different craft activities with the children, I’m always looking for my next project on Pinterest.
The children love doing what I plan for them to do which includes sewing, paper crafts, the list is never ending, sometimes I just need lots of hands to help them all.
I enjoy working in the pre-school making it look nice, changing display boards, adding the children’s art work.
In afterschool club I enjoy doing lots of different craft activities with the children, I’m always looking for my next project on Pinterest.
The children love doing what I plan for them to do which includes sewing, paper crafts, the list is never ending, sometimes I just need lots of hands to help them all.
I enjoy working in the pre-school making it look nice, changing display boards, adding the children’s art work.
Joanne Stockwell
Cleaning operative & After school Club Playworker
- Level 2 understanding autism
- paediatric first aid & Emergency First Aid at Work
- Safeguarding Children
- Level 2 food hygiene
- Physical restraint trained
I joined bright sparks in January 2015.
My role is to ensure preschool is clean and safe in all areas. I also help to care for the after school children to encourage them to play freely and help them develop while having fun.
I have 3 children and 2 grandchildren . I enjoy travel and love to spend time with my family and walking our family dog named Robson.
I work a few hours a week helping and supporting people with mental health.
My role is to ensure preschool is clean and safe in all areas. I also help to care for the after school children to encourage them to play freely and help them develop while having fun.
I have 3 children and 2 grandchildren . I enjoy travel and love to spend time with my family and walking our family dog named Robson.
I work a few hours a week helping and supporting people with mental health.
Ellie Munro
Level 3 Nursery Nurse
- Level 3 Diploma in Learning And Development
- Paediatric First Aid and Emergency First Aid at Work
- Level 2-Food Safety and hygiene for Catering
- Physical Restraint Training
I joined Bright Sparks in February 2017. I qualified in January 2019 and have been working as a level 3 within Bright Sparks Pre-School ever since.
I have gone on to do other courses such as Level 2 Mental Health in Children and Young people and I have done lots of professional development.
I enjoy learning and gaining more experience so I am able to support the children the best that I can.
I enjoy going to watch rugby league with my family – I support Castleford Tigers.
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going out shopping, for food and a few drinks.
I have gone on to do other courses such as Level 2 Mental Health in Children and Young people and I have done lots of professional development.
I enjoy learning and gaining more experience so I am able to support the children the best that I can.
I enjoy going to watch rugby league with my family – I support Castleford Tigers.
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going out shopping, for food and a few drinks.
Catherine Dockray
1-1 Pre-school Assistant & 1-1 SEN Assistant
- HLTA
- City & Guilds in Learning Support
- Level 2-Food Safety and hygiene for Catering
- Physical Restraint Training
- Team Teach
I joined Bright Sparks in September 2022 as a 1-1 Pre-school Assistant.
Immediately prior to this I was a 1-1 SNA for 2 years in nursery and spent 1 year in reception as a TA. My role in learning support spans over 25 years and I have experience in all key stages from EYFS to KS3.
Though I am a 1-1 assistant I still have the pleasure of engaging with all the children in our care, helping to provide a safe, caring, fun and stimulating environment for the children to play and learn.
I myself have 3 children 33, 31 and 17 and I also have 2 dogs and a cat. My Hobbies include reading, swimming and walking but my favourite hobby has to be crafting I just love making things.
Immediately prior to this I was a 1-1 SNA for 2 years in nursery and spent 1 year in reception as a TA. My role in learning support spans over 25 years and I have experience in all key stages from EYFS to KS3.
Though I am a 1-1 assistant I still have the pleasure of engaging with all the children in our care, helping to provide a safe, caring, fun and stimulating environment for the children to play and learn.
I myself have 3 children 33, 31 and 17 and I also have 2 dogs and a cat. My Hobbies include reading, swimming and walking but my favourite hobby has to be crafting I just love making things.
Our Committee
If you’re interested in joining our team, feel free to get in touch and we’ll get back to you if we have any positions available.
Julie Hobson
Chair & Trustee / Committee Member
I became part of the committee in February 2011, at the time my granddaughter was attending at the setting and I was “enrolled” from there. My granddaughter is now in year three of Great Preston Junior School. I have been impressed by the commitment of Tracey Allen the Manager and her Staff in making this setting about the children and any person with children at the setting can apply to become part of this committee and can contact any person on the committee or Tracey to obtain information.
Emma Rogers
Secretary & Trustee / Committee Member
I joined Bright Sparks Committee as my daughter attends there. I have the commitment and motivation to hopefully help Bright Sparks continue its success in our community.