Our Team

NICKY LOVEGROVE

Hi, I’m Nicky and I am the Manager at The Village Pre-school.

I was inspired to work with children by my second son’s nursery teacher and I volunteered at the Village Pre-school in 2004 so that I could gain a relevant qualification; the rest, as they say, is history!  I very quickly got taken on as a Key Person and became interested in children with Special Educational Needs, which is still a passion of mine.  I share the role of SENCo with Amy (who is currently undertaking the Level 3 SENCo Qualification), ensuring that the children and their parents are given the best possible support. I became Manager of the Pre-school in April 2008 and I still love every minute of my work! I completed my BA(Hons) Early Years and Practice Management in 2011 and regularly continue my professional development. I am currently doing a Counselling course. I am a qualified Forest School leader, First Aider and Designated Lead for Safeguarding and have taken a Level 2 Counselling course.

Prior to my work at the Pre-School I had various administrative and sales roles and I find that this experience has proved to be a great help when it comes to keeping up with all of the paperwork involved in managing a Pre-school!

I have two adult sons and 2 gorgeous granddaughters. I enjoy cooking, gardening, walking and reading (when I can find some spare time!)

BARBARA MILLER

Hello, I’m Barbara, and I joined The Village Preschool as Deputy Manager in March 2026. I have over 13 years of experience working in childcare across a variety of roles, including as a nanny and within day nurseries. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about supporting children’s learning and development, helping them to grow in confidence and reach their full potential.

I hold a BA (Hons) in Early Years and have achieved Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). As a parent myself, I understand the importance of providing a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment where every child can thrive. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is being part of each child’s individual journey. Every child is unique, and I love watching their personalities develop, celebrating their achievements, and supporting them as they learn and grow.

SARAH (Currently on Maternity Leave)

I started at The Village Pre-school in 2007.  As a key worker, I observe and plan for my key children in their learning and development, to ensure that they are happy, engaged and progressing well in all areas of their development.

The Village Pre-school has been a big part of my life for many years now and I love my job. I enjoy playing and reading with the children, watching them learn new skills and most of all just seeing them happy and having fun. I enjoy working in all areas of learning, from physical outdoor play to more structured activities and I don’t mind getting messy!

I love cooking, baking, animals and watching TV and movies with my husband. I also enjoy days out and spending my free time with my family and friends. I am a Christian and I run the youth groups for my church and a Holiday club there in the summer holidays, where I work with children from age 5-18 years.

DIONNE WHITE

Hi, I’m Dionne and I’m a qualified Level 3 Early Years Diploma. I have 3 boys and am undertaking the Level 4 PANCo (Physical Activities and Nutrition Coordinator) which I am very excited about.

I have developed Cooking Sessions for the children and am excited to expand on this over the next year. I am a Designated Safeguarding Lead.

I love working at The Village Pre School and the best part of my job is watching the children’s personalities grow and helping them hit their milestones.

AMANDA BONE

Hello, my name is Amanda, I am an NNEB qualified nursery nurse for 20 years. I love the outdoors and looking for new and exciting things to do to encourage the growth and development of pre-schoolers. After a break from working in childcare to have my own children I joined the Village Pre-School team in November 2020. As well as being key worker to the youngest children (our Bumblebees), I run the intervention sessions at pre-school such as Bucket `Time, Curiosity Approach and Speech Sessions.

AMY BENNING

Hey! I’m Amy and I am a NVQ level 3 qualified Early Years Practitioner with SEN training. I first joined The Village Pre-school 2019 as a Practitioner; I left during my maternity leave to be at home with my second child in 2020. Fast forward to 2025 and I’ve returned in a SEN support role which is my passion. I have first-hand experience of additional needs within my own home.

Both my children have attended the Pre-school who loved and cared for them both as a home from home.

I am always undertaking more and updating my training and am about to begin the SENCo Level 3 Qualification.

When I’m not working I just love being at home and out and about with my babies making gorgeous memories with them.

DEANNA BAXTER

Hi, I am Deanna and I am currently studying for my Level 3 Early Years Educator. I have been working with children since I was 16 years old and over the years it has felt very rewarding. I enjoy laughing with the children and will always try to go above and beyond for them. I love watching the children hit their milestones and overcome their fears in our setting. Watching the children grow is truly a blessing and I am very thankful to be a part of their journey.

I have 3 younger siblings that I enjoy spending time with and helping them with their further learning.

When I am not at work, I enjoy going to the gym and staying active. I love to go on walks and get an iced coffee!

LIBBY THOMPSON

Hi I’m Libby, I joined the team officially in September 2024 and am currently doing an apprenticeship studying towards my Early Years Educator Level 3 qualification. Before this, I studied Health and social care and completed my Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma at college.

PAUL WILLIAMS

Hi, I’m Paul. I started volunteering at the Pre-school in 2013, when my daughter attended, after relocating to the area. I became a regular helper and eventually a Pre-school employee.

Being a lover of the natural world and the great outdoors (I’m also a Scout leader), I took the opportunity to train as a Level 3 Forest School Leader.

I run the Pre-school’s Forest School Programme, teach woodwork and am happy to join in and be a ‘Big Kid’ in the name of children’s development and learning!

JO ROBERTS

Hello, I am Jo, also sometimes referred to as “snacklady Jo!” I have worked at the Village Pre-school since 2017 and really love getting to know all the children.

I started helping out on a voluntary basis with Forest School when my son attended the Pre-school and then after he left to go to school, started working as Bank Staff. I mainly prepare and run snack for the children but also assist with anything else when an extra pair of hands is needed. This may be assisting with afternoon groups or helping out other staff members with their activities.

Before having my son, I worked for a pharmaceutical company in the HR Dept.  When I am not working, I love socialising with family and friends.