Our staff
The team who care for your children on a daily bases.
Estelle Harvey
Manager
Hello, I’m Estelle. I have been working in Early Years education for 18 years, 13 of which I have managed Bream Early Learners. My priority is that every young child has the best start in their educational journey. Learning and exploring through play and having fun is key, together with enthusiastic and caring staff, which we are extremely fortunate to have. I am extremely passionate about Forest School as I have witnessed how some children who struggle to learn inside can grow and blossom when engaged outside.
Kelly Eisel
Assistant Manager
Hello, My name is Kelly. I have worked in early years education for 20 years. I have experienced working in key stage 1 in a primary school, a private day nursery and have been at Bream Early Learners for the last 7 years, approximately 5 of these have been as Deputy Manager. I am qualified to NVQ level 3 in early years and I am currently studying for a BA Hons degree in early childhood.
I believe all children deserve to have a safe educational environment to learn and grow. I also make it my goal to make sure that each child receives the best care and support that they deserve.
Financial Administrator
Hi I’m Derek and I’ve worked in finance for far too long. I’m a retired accountant and ex council treasurer, but now the Administrator at BEL. I send out the bills to parents and keep the registers of current and new children. They also make me do things like bookkeeping and orders, but I much prefer unstructured play with the children when I get a moment!
Katy Nelmes
Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo)
Hello, my name is Katy. I started working in Early Years 11 years ago when my 2 sons attended Bream Early Learners. Initially I became a member of the committee before commencing my role as a practitioner.
I am the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo) and am devoted to ensuring children with additional needs have the same opportunities as their peers and are fully included in all the fun we have here at Bream Early Learners.
I currently work in the 2-3 year old’s room where we provide lots of sensory experiences for the children, to engage their inquisitive minds and help them learn through play.
Vanessa Rouse
Early Years Practitioner
Hello I am Vanessa. I have worked at Bream Early Learners for 9 years. I have a level three diploma in Early Learning and Childcare Pathway, a qualification that my colleagues at Bream Early Learners helped and encouraged me to study for.
I believe that play is the best way for young children to learn and I love seeing how the children explore and develop their learning during their time with us.
Stacey Turley
Early Years Practitioner
I have worked at Bream Early Learners for just under 2 years. I am currently completing my level 3 in childcare. I have finally found a job I adore and enjoy working as part of amazing team. I am so proud to be able to say I work with children and help prepare them for school. It’s such a rewarding job and I feel honoured to be part of Bream Early Learners’ team.
Bonnie Ellis
Early Years Practitioner
Hi, I’m Bonnie. The crazy-cake-eating practitioner who you’re likely to hear before you see!
I’ve worked with young people for 16 years now, ranging from 3 months to 18, after studying at college for 4 years. I’ve achieved 3 A levels in English, Sociology and Psychology and Level 3 in Childcare and Education. I’ve enjoyed various roles within the local community, including positions as a practitioner at a children’s centre, a RESPITE carer and as a learning resources advisor in a college.
My real passion is working with young children who require additional support and providing those children with the provision they need to flourish within our setting.
I’ve worked at Bream Early Learners for nearly 2 years now after my own children attended there and look forward to supporting existing and new families alike.
Layla Jones
Early Years Practitioner
Hello, I’m Layla. When choosing my options at secondary school, I always knew I wanted a future working with children as I find it rewarding, watching them grow and thrive. When I left school, I attended Gloucestershire College where I completed my Level 3 Diploma in Early years. As part of the course I had to attend a placement. I chose Bream Early Learners and have now worked with the best team since 2013. I love watching the children’s imaginations run free and curiosity grow whilst engrossed in messy play. The benefits it has on children is amazing and I believe the messier the play the better.
Sarah
Early Years Practitioner
Hi , I’m Sarah. I have been working with children since I started as a private nanny at age 16. Since then I have had 4 children of my own and worked up to my level 5 in childcare and management. I believe that every child is different and have different needs. Children grow with being nurtured in a home from home environment, having empathy, diversity and curiosity in play.
Francesca
Early Years Practitioner
Hi, I am Francesca and I’ve recently started my career in early years. I have wanted to do so for a long time and so took a change in career and started in education. I am looking forward to what it may bring. My work colleagues are all great and we all work together as part of a team. We ensure the children that attend Bream Early Learners enjoy their time with us, having fun and learning through educational activities. It’s just amazing to watch how children grow and develop through having a good education.
Carey Hook
Early Years Practitioner
Hi, I’m Carey. I have worked at Bream Early Learners for nearly 2 years. I started working initially as supply cover, but now I am leading the after school club and currently studying for my NVQ Level 3.
Bream Early Learners Committee
The voluntary committee form the Trustees of Bream Early Learners.
Bridget Wilks
Chair Person of BEL
I took on the role of chair late 2019, 8 months ago after attending an AGM meeting at West Dean Centre. My younger sister was one of the first children to benefit from having a then ‘mother and playgroup’ in the village of Bream 53 years ago. Our own children attended the ‘playgroup’ in the 1980’s. Parents were expected to do so many session per year on a parent helper rota system. We could see first-hand what a great job the play leaders did with our children. ‘Playgroup’ gave both our children a good start on their journey into life.
Being a ‘Bream’ girl and a previous teacher at the primary school; I experienced first-hand how Bream Early Learners helped and benefitted both children and families. Our 3 grandchildren had attended Bream Early Learners and I was very impressed with the staff care and dedication to the children, they all flourished especially the less confident ones. Their communication skills improved as did their vocabulary, and their love of being outside. Now they are at school they still love to go to breakfast club and after school clubs; they are really looking forward to summer club.
Leanne Ludlow
Committee member
Hi my name is Leanne. I live in bream with my husband and two daughters.
I joined the Bream Early Learners as a Committee member when my girls were going to the mother and baby group run by Bream Early Learners. Both my daughters have attended Bream Early Learners and now go to Bream school.
The support from the staff and SENCO trained members were invaluable to my girl’s development.
As a former nursery nurse myself, the standards of care and support given by Bream Early Learners makes me proud to be involved as a committee member.
Jill Davies
Secretary to Committee
Having been a Bream Early Learners attendee myself I was excited to be able to send my own children here when we became a family.
Estelle and her staff have been, and continue to be a huge support to me and my family. Going the extra mile and unquestionable flexibility has been a saviour to my own family and many others in our community, as we try and juggle our own workload while having peace of mind our children are thriving.
I joined the Committee as Secretary in 2019 as a way of showing my gratitude, and also to support such an outstanding and highly trained team of staff that make Bream Early Learners such a valued part of my family and my community. I enjoy working with the team to achieve our goals and I am proud to be part of it.
Mark Reilly
Health & Safety Committee member
I am responsible for the Health and Safety inspections at Bream Early Learners. In my current employment I have experience of the expectations that are required of the role.
It has been a honour to be part of such a enthusiastic Committee and their hard work is reflected in the lovely new building that is now in use.
Both of my children attended Bream Early Learners. I feel the support and opportunity for my family to feel integrated into the community when we first moved into the village, was mainly in part to Bream Early Learner. The care, support and development given to my children was of the highest standard and we are very fortunate as a community to have this fantastic facility in our village.
Mikaela Heaton
Committee member
I am a busy working Mum to three energetic children, all of whom have attended Bream Early Leaners. The youngest being a current attendee.
I was lucky enough to have attended Bream playgroup myself as a child and is great to see how it has developed.