The staff members who make up Hamble Village Playschool are a strong and dedicated team. They are all part of the local community and between them have many years of experience. Their own children also went to Hamble Village Playschool, so they have first-hand experience of being a Playschool parent as well as being staff.

The team is committed to ongoing training. Between them, they all hold the key qualifications, all have first aid certificates and attend further training sessions regularly in order to maintain and grow their skills.

At Hamble Village Playschool, each child is allocated a Key Person. The Key Person has special responsibility to settle the children in to pre-school, liaise with parents and keep records of the child's progress without overshadowing them.

More About The Team:

Julie Ash – Pre-school Manager (Level 5). Julie began working for Playschool in 2001. Julie is committed to her role as Manager of the Playschool and to building partnerships with the children, their families and being part of the community. She enjoys working with a dedicated and enthusiastic team and on a lighter note, she also likes the funny comments and statements that the children – and staff – make. Julie’s hobbies include Rugby Union (watching, not playing!) motorsports and walking her two dogs Gracie the Doberman and Willow the chocolate Lab.

Louisa Britten – Pre-school Supervisor (Level 6). 
Lou began working for HVP in 2018, although she has been connected to pre-school since 2001 when the first of her 5 children came through the doors.  Lou says “graduating from university has enabled me to take an organised approach to succeed within my job role.  I like to go that extra mile knowing the reward is being part of a great team and interacting with children, whose funny comments make me laugh daily”.  Outside of work, Lou enjoys walking her bulldog ‘Rocky’ and family weekends away in their campervan.


Sharon Stott – Pre-school Assistant (Level 3). Sharon has worked at the Playschool since 2007.  The best bit about working at the Playschool for Sharon is interacting with the children and helping them learn. “It is lovely and rewarding to see them achieve their goals”. When she’s not running around after her own two children, Sharon enjoys walking and dancing.

Lyn Wright – Pre-school Assistant (Level 3). Lyn has worked at the Playschool since 2008 and in her own words “I enjoy working with the children seeing them smile and having fun. I particularly like to see their faces when they show you what they’ve done”. Lyn’s hobbies include reading and swimming. 

Kerry Thoms – Pre-school Assistant (Level 6). Kerry joined HVP in 2017 after having her second child.  She is a fully qualified Early Years and KS1 teacher who brings a wealth of experience to the team.

Kerry says “I am thoroughly enjoying my time at pre-school, where I feel truly valued and where I can use my experience and expertise to enhance and broaden the horizons of the little people during their early development”.

Kerry’s spare time is mostly filled with her busy life as a mummy but she enjoys taking time out to follow her passion of drama and theatre arts.

Sharon Gillham -  Pre-school Assistant (Level 3). Her time with us started in 2014 as a volunteer whilst studying for her Early Years qualification, demonstrating her dedication and enthusiasm for the job.  She quickly became part of the team. "I have 2 young children myself" says Sharon, "I love working with children and being part of the playschool team". Sharon also loves being a mum, cycling, swimming, going on adventure walks with her children.

Caroline Sainsbury – Pre-school Assistant (Level 3). Caroline has been involved with the playschool since her children attended in 2006 and joined the Parent Committee, eventually becoming secretary. She returned in 2017 and loves her new role, “I really enjoy working with such a lovely team, who have inspired me to follow a career in childcare.” 

In her spare time, Caroline can usually be found hanging out with her family, cooking up a storm or keeping fit.

Eloise Moppett – Pre-school Assistant (Level 3). 
Eloise joined HVP in 2018.  “I enjoy sharing the children’s achievements with them, watching them take pride in meeting their goals”.  At home, Eloise is a busy mum with 2 young children, a dog and a guinea pig.  “In my spare time I enjoy watching The Great British Bake Off and attempting to recreate some of the bakes”.