Hello, I’m Cheryl Leeks
I have been the Manager at Woodland Corner since September 2015, although I have worked for Woodland Corner (Previously Nayland Playgroup) for over ten years. I have a Level 3 Diploma in Pre-school Practice. I am also the Safeguarding Officer.
I strive for a highly qualified workforce and believe in giving people interested in Childcare a chance to come and volunteer, do their work experience, placement or to undertake an apprenticeship with us.
I have three boys and keep myself fit by doing Ballet and Tap dancing.
I would be excited and extremely proud to show you and your family around our fantastic Pre-School and extended schools setting here on site of Nayland Primary School.
Hello, I’m Maureen Crisell
Every morning I serve breakfast and welcome you to Woodland Corner. I also volunteer for Pre-School on a weekly basis.
I have been here for over seven years but previously I worked at Delphi running the filters section.
I enjoy swimming, knitting, walking and looking after my grandchildren. My cakes are famous at Woodland Corner and I love to help with the garden and feed the birds with the breakfast club.
Hello, I’m Tahnee Goodchild
My name is Tahnee and I have been working at Woodland Corner now for over 2 years and I’m undertaking my EYE in Childcare.
I previously worked in Holmwood House Nursery where I achieved my NVQ 2, I am qualified in Level 4 Makaton and have the added experience of having my own child.
Hello, I’m Jessica Barrell
I started at Woodland Corner as a student in 2015 for two weeks work experience when doing my Level 1, I then returned in 2016 to complete my Level 2. I am now a full-time apprentice completing my Level 3. I previously worked in a Hair and Beauty Salon for two years while at school and now currently work at Tesco Highwoods as a Counter’s Assistant in the evenings and weekends. I enjoy socializing with my friends over the weekends, going on hot holiday’s and eating out at fancy places for dinner.
Hello, I’m Emma Guy
I’ve been at Woodland Corner since March 2016, prior to that I was the deputy manager at Polstead playgroup for 5 years. I have a degree in Early Childhood studies and have a PGCE. Before having my daughter, I taught year one in Primary school.
I am married and have 2 children. When I’m not working and busy with my family I enjoy walking my dog, cooking and reading.
Hello, I’m Alison Pfander
I have been working at Pre-school for over sixteen years. Both my children attended Nayland Preschool and they are now in their twenties. I am a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner, Health and Safety Officer and Out of School Club Leader.
I enjoy walking, spending time with my family and I like listening to Music. I have two cats called Millie and Fergie. I love spending time with my granddaughter.
Hello, I’m Nicola Peachey
I joined Woodland Corner in May 2016 as the Administrator supporting Cheryl and our Committee. I have a background in Sales, Customer Service, and Accounts. I am the first point of contact for admissions, funding and fee inquiries. I have two girls at Nayland Primary School who enjoy the after schools facilities at Woodland Corner. I enjoy cycling, running and walking, especially around my local nature reserve – Arger Fen.
Hello, I’m Ruth Rulten
I have been working at Woodland Corner since 2015. Before joining the staff team I was involved with Woodland Corner for many years in a voluntary capacity as a committee member, including a time spent as Secretary.
I am currently undertaking the Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and have completed training in Safeguarding and Paediatric First Aid.
Hello, I’m Daniela Szabo
My name is Daniela, but my friends call me Dana. I am from Romania. I came to the UK to work as a nanny in 2003 and to learn English at Colchester Institute. In 2009 I did a year’s work experience at Littlegarth Nursery, as part of my Cache Level 2 in Pre-School. I joined the Woodland Corner team, in September 2015 as a part-time Early Years Practitioner. Back in Romania, I worked as a teacher and school counselor for four years after graduating University where I studied Psychology-Pedagogy. I have two boys who are current pupils at Nayland School. I am a friendly, responsible, sociable, organised, creative and flexible person.
I love taking part in all areas of activities but my favorite area is craft. My hobbies are travel, outdoor activities, movies, reading, mounting walking.
Hello, I’m Sara Green
I started working as a Breakfast Assistant for Woodland corner in September 2015.
I also work as a Lunchtime assistant at Nayland Primary school and am a trained actress and storyteller
I like to pop in to tell stories at Woodland Corner corner on occasion.
My other great love is the outdoors and hill walking, a hobby also loved by my daughter.
Hello, I’m Jamie Woodward
I started my Level 2 apprenticeship with Woodland Corner in September 2015. I also work as a Match Day Assistant at Colchester United, where I organise the ball boys, set up match day activities, conduct tours, and birthday parties.
My hobbies are working on my car and socialising.
Hello, I’m Abbie Rush
I joined Woodland Corner in the Spring of 2016. I hold a BTEC Level 3 qualification. In the past I have worked in Nurseries, a Montessori Kindergarten, a center for children with SEN and have nannied in Crete. I have 2 children at primary school.
I love yoga and regularly hold a yoga session with the children and Woodland Corner. I enjoy reading, cooking and exploring new places with my boys.
Hello, I’m Abbie Hull
I have been working as bank staff for Woodland Corner from September 2016 and I work in After School club. I have a Level 3 qualification in childcare.
I have been a stay at home mum for the past 8 years raising my two sons – in this time I worked at Nayland Primary School as a lunchtime assistant for a year before having my second son. I did my placements at Littlegarth nursery, North School in Colchester reception class, Nayland Primary Nursery class and Year 1 and a home placement with a baby and a toddler. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and socializing in my spare time.