About Us

Meet the Team


At Upminster Little Learners, we believe that every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and inspired as they grow and learn. Our dedicated team of early years professionals play a vital role in delivering the high standards of care and education that Upminster Little Learners is known for. Each member brings a unique blend of experience, creativity, and care, working together to create a nurturing environment where children can thrive.

From our qualified teachers, to our friendly practitioners, we’re all passionate about helping little ones discover the joy of learning through play, exploration, and kindness. 


Owners:

Our Qualifications & Commitment to Professional Development

Claire and Siobhan are both qualified teachers, bringing a wealth of experience and passion for early years education to the nursery. Claire holds a BEd (Honours) Degree, while Siobhan holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a BA (Honours) in History. She is also currently completing an NPQ in Early Years Leadership to further enhance her expertise.
Joanna has a BA (Honours) in Business and Management and is also working towards an NPQ in Early Years Leadership, strengthening her knowledge and leadership within the early years sector.
As a team, we are dedicated to ongoing professional development. We regularly attend meetings, courses, and training sessions both within and outside the borough to ensure we remain up to date with the latest developments, research, and best practices in Early Years education.
Claire:

From an early age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher and follow in my Mum's footsteps. Before setting up our nursery I was a Primary School Teacher for 25 years. Much of this time was spent teaching in an Early Years classroom. I led and managed a KS1 and Early Years team. In my last year of teaching I was an Assistant Head in a local primary school overseeing the EYFS.
Siobhan:

I’ve always loved being part of Little Learners — even while at university and working in other professions, I would come in to help out whenever I could. In 2019, I started my career path into education; I became a Teaching Assistant in a London school, and in September 2020, I began my teaching qualification. I initially taught in KS2, but I soon discovered my true passion for the early years, where I love supporting young children to learn, grow, and thrive every day.


Joanna: 

I was delighted to join the nursery in September 2024, just as our exciting expansion began. Prior to joining the nursery I spent five years working as a Deputy Manager within the supported accommodation sector, in a business-focused role. I’ve always been passionate about the world of Early Years — having grown up with a mum who was an Early Years teacher, so I was thrilled when the opportunity arose to become part of this wonderful team.

 Our Management Team:

We recognise the importance of good quality interactions between adults and children and therefore we aim to ensure our staff members are highly trained. All our staff members are fully qualified with relevant child care qualifications. Each staff member has a DBS (criminal record check), a paediatric first aid certificate and safe guarding training. We also welcome apprentices and students and we enjoy supporting them in their training.

 




Sarah - Education and Inclusion Manager (Joining in January 2026)

I am absolutely thrilled to join the Little Learners family and am looking forward to getting to know all of your children, in their unique journeys through the early years! Before beginning at the nursery, I was a primary school teacher for 25 years. The majority of my teaching practice was in early years classrooms and for the past decade I have been a primary school SENCO; supporting the complex needs of children with autism, ADHD and specific learning difficulties. I am also a qualified specialist teacher and assessor for Dyslexia and specific literacy difficulties. My passion lies in nurturing young children’s early literacy skills and I believe that supporting the development of speech, language and communication skills through enabling relationships and quality play in the early years is the key to future success for all of our children.


 

Monica - Nursery Manager


I’m originally from Colombia, where I worked as a teacher — an experience that inspired my lifelong passion for early education. In 2007, I moved to Spain and spent eight years working with children of all ages before moving to the UK in 2015. Here, I began working as a nanny, and during the pandemic I decided to study childcare — a decision that led me to this wonderful nursery. I started as a student, then became Deputy Manager and Room Leader for the two-year-olds, and now I’m proud to serve as Nursery Manager.


Working with children is more than just a job to me — it’s something I genuinely love. Watching them grow, helping them discover new things, and seeing their little personalities shine is what makes every day special. From the baby room to preschool, I give my all to make sure every child feels cared for, safe, and happy here.






Rhiannon - Deputy Nursery Manger


I am a qualified Level 3 practitioner with over 10 years of experience working with children aged 3 months to 11 years. Being part of Upminster Little Learners Day Nursery truly feels like being part of a second family. I originally set up the Baby Room, creating a warm and cosy environment for children to begin their journey with us. I now oversee the Under 2’s and also work within the Pre-School room.



During my time here, I have expanded my professional development by completing a Level 3 SENCo course, and I am excited to put my new knowledge into practice. I am passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for children to grow, learn, and develop the skills they need as they take their next steps into big school.