BELTON PLAYGROUP - Key Persons
I am Amanda Jane Overton. I have recently joined the team of early years teachers at Belton Playgroup but have been involved with the group for over 8 years; as a committee member, then as Chair and most recently, until becoming a member of staff, as treasurer.
I have three girls and all attended the playgroup before moving up to primary school.
I have 10 years experience of teaching and supporting children from 9 months to 12 years in my previous career as a home-based child minder. I have gained various certificates and qualifications during my carer including ‘Understanding Autism' and ‘Autistic Masking', ‘Understanding and Managing Difficult Emotions' and ‘The Graduated Approach to Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). I am also working towards my Foundational Degree in Children's and Young People's Services, specialising in the SEND pathway.
I am addicted to Pinterest and have more craft projects on the go than I will ever be able to finish! I also LOVE my garden; it's the place I go to relax and rest my mind.
Hi my name is Becky and I've worked at Belton Playgroup since 2014.
I live in Belton with Nigel and our two children.
I love to go on holiday and can't wait until our next one. I also like to go walking in Derbyshire and the Lake District.
I love working with children and watching them play and learn and have fun is one of the best reasons to go to work
Job Titles:
- Fundraising Officer
- Member of Committee
Hello! I'm Bethany and I'm the fundraising officer on the committee for Belton Playgroup. I am responsible for organising the activities and events we run to raise much needed funds to support the Playgroup.
I have worked as an events coordinator for 3 years and more recently started a role as a software designer & developer.
In my free time I love to walk and travel but I am equally happy to curl up on the sofa in front of a good film!
Job Titles:
- Trustee
- Member of Committee
Hi, my name is Ellen Cousins and I'm on the Belton Playgroup committee.
I am a Chartered Physiotherapist with 13 years experience specialising in special educational needs and learning disabilities.
In the past I have also ran a disabled swimming hydrotherapy group in nearby Shepshed, as well as a Dyspraxia group for early years and primary-age children, a rebound therapy group, and a movement co-ordination group for children.
I was born and raised in Belton and my eldest son attended the group before starting school; I even attended the group back in its very early years! I also have family that used to run the group either as staff or on the committee.
I have an invested interest in the group doing well and know that the staff do their absolute best for the children they support; it's a wonderful environment for them to grow, learn and thrive.
Job Titles:
- Treasurer
- Member of Committee
I joined the committee in September 2018 when my daughter was attending Playgroup. I became Chair in April 2019 when both my daughter and son were attending Playgroup. Both my children loved their time at Playgroup and were so happy and settled there.
I joined the committee to help ensure that this fantastic setting could continue to run as without a committee there can be no Playgroup. I really enjoy being part of such a dedicated and hardworking team of people, both staff members and committee members. We all share the same aim of wanting Playgroup to be the best that it can be and we all bring different skills and ideas to the team. We are a very friendly and inclusive group and welcome all new members. Pre-Covid times our staff meetings were usually conducted with tea and biscuits and finished with general chatting for those that wanted! We also tried to arrange social occasions as well.
In my role as Committee Chair I am responsible for chairing the meetings and supporting Sam (Playgroup Manager) with decision making as required. Big decisions are put to a committee vote. I am the nominated person to communicate with Ofsted and the Charity Commission as required. I also assist Sam with any business support that I can, for example, website management, accounts and invoicing.
I am a self-employed Physiotherapist and Pilates Instructor and try to apply my business skills to Playgroup. I also understand the benefit of good physical and mental health and these principles align with Playgroup's values, both in caring for the children and supporting staff members.
Job Titles:
- Second Deputy and Communication & Language Support
Hello, my name is Jo-Anne but everybody calls me Jo. I have lived in Belton since 1992. I am married to Steve and we have 2 grown up girls, Abigale and Nicole. We have our own touring caravan and have had lots of lovely holidays in it. My dad lives in Skegness so we have lots of visits to the seaside; I also enjoy going abroad.
I have worked at Belton Playgroup since 2001 and I am the communication support lead. I am level 3 trained in childcare and also first aid and safeguarding trained.
Job Titles:
- Trustee
- Member of Committee
My name is Leah and I was born on the 19 th of January 2002.
I enjoy Art and Photography which I studied at college in 2018-2020 and now I'm studying childcare as an apprentice.
I started helping my mum with her childminding business 3 years ago, which made me want to further my career in childcare as I enjoy working with children.
My name is Megan Langley, I am new to Belton Playgroup. I am the leader of the sea lions group for the after school club.
I have 5 years' experience in childcare. I achieved level 2 and level 3 cache early years educator.
I live with my partner and my 2 year old daughter.
Job Titles:
- Secretary
- Member of Committee
Job Titles:
- Manager
- Playgroup Manager
My name is Sam Dexter and I have been the Leader and now Manager of Belton Playgroup since 2007.
I have seen many changes over the 13 years and am proud of how we have grown from a couple of mornings per week for 2 ½ to 4 year-olds to 46 hours of childcare for ages 18 months to 10 years.
I have worked in Childcare for 30 years and have a Foundation Degree in Children and Young People's Services, Level 2 in Understanding Autism and in Children and Young People's Mental Health.
I have been a Special Educational Needs Coordinator for over 20 years.
I live with my husband, Ted and my youngest daughter. I have 2 other children and a step-daughter all who are grown up and busy making their way in the world.
I love reading and walking with my dog, Colin. I also enjoy Pilates.
Job Titles:
- Third Deputy and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Hi, my name is Vanessa and I have worked at Playgroup for 12 years. I am BTEC Level 3 trained. I have my first aid certificate, safeguarding and food and hygiene.
I have worked in childcare for 25 years, working in nurseries, afterschool clubs and for a charity.
I live in Shepshed with Mark and our 3 children Kieran, Riley and Rhianna. I enjoy going for walks and bike rides with my family. I love going on holiday, especially going to the seaside.