Staff and Qualifications
Our team, their roles and their experience.
Lisa Bigg
Manager, SENDCo and Safeguarding Officer
Lisa is the Manager and is responsible for the day to day running of the Pre-School Unit. She is also the designated Safeguarding Officer and SENDCo.
Mer Thompson
Deputy and Deputy Safeguarding Officer · Starfish
Mer is the Deputy with day to day responsibility in the absence of the Manager. Mer has many years of experience in early years and works in the Starfish room focusing on school readiness.
Laura Richardson
Practitioner and Key Person · Starfish
Laura has several years of experience in working in early years, in both day nursery and school settings. Laura has a Level 3 qualification and is currently working in the Starfish room.
Tanya Thorne
Practitioner and Key Person · Little Turtles
Tanya is a very experienced Level 3 practitioner who has worked at St Joseph's Pre-School Unit for over 15 years. She has lots of knowledge to share. Tanya is currently working in the Turtle room.
Justine Gould
Practitioner and Key Person · Little Turtles
Justine joined us in 2024 after a change in career. She has completed a Level 2 qualification since starting, and is now a key person to a group of children. Justine works in the Turtle room.
Kathryn Clavin
Support Worker and Key Person
Kathryn returned from maternity leave in 2025 working as a support worker and key person. Kat was a parent of a child in Pre-School and a committee member before deciding to join the staff team. She completed her NVQ Level 2 in July 2026.
Emma Johnson
Room Lead and Key Person · Little Turtles
Emma, who has a wealth of experience and knowledge to share with the team, joined us at the start of the Autumn term 2025. She has worked with children in various settings, most recently in a day nursery. Emma is qualified to Level 3 and currently studying at Level 5. Emma is currently the room leader working with the children in the Turtle room.