Our staff

We at Polstead Preschool are immensely proud of our staff for their passion, dedication and tireless efforts in providing a quality childcare service second to none. We believe it is vital to provide staff with an environment that encourages self-learning, promotes self-assessment and provides continual challenges to enable the person to grow.

Our current team is listed below:

Adriana Hughes

Adriana Hughes

Supervisor

Having spent many years working for various international corporations in Brazil and the UK, after becoming a mum I decided on a change of career. I had always wanted to work in childcare and the opportunity arrived in 2009 when I joined Polstead Preschool.

I have a degree in Business and a level 6 qualification in Early Years development. I am an Early Years teacher with a special interest in children with English as an additional language.

Being bilingual myself, I fully understand the challenges faced by children learning a foreign language in a new setting. I am passionate about children and am currently writing a book for a charity in Brazil, aiming to provide training to professionals working with children from underprivileged backgrounds.

Qualification level

Level 6

Qualifications

Early Years Teacher (Level 6)
Early Years Professional Status
Studying towards an MA in Early Years Education

Other roles

CLL Co-ordinator,
EAL Officer,
Equality and Diversity Officer,
First Aider (Paediatric)
Klara Fergusson

Klara Fergusson

Deputy Supervisor

I joined Polstead in 2004 when I was looking to gain hands-on experience working with children after completing my MSc in Child Psychology at Oxford Brookes University, called Child Development and Learning.

Working with children and being able to put my knowledge and skills into practice was so enjoyable that in 2005 I accepted a full time position in the setting. I very much enjoyed progressing my career from an Assistant to Deputy Supervisor and to Supervisor in 2010.

At Polstead, we strive to provide a welcoming and caring atmosphere. We work closely with parents in monitoring and progressing their child's development and our main goal is helping children to develop independence and readiness for school in a safe and nurturing environment.

Qualification level

Entry Level

Qualifications

MSC Childcare Development & Learning
Diploma in Pre-School Practice
Currently studying towards a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for the Children and Young People’s Workforce

Other roles

Data Protection Officer,
Fire Safety Officer,
First Aider (Paediatric),
Safeguarding Lead
Aleksandra Lekszycka

Aleksandra Lekszycka

Early Years Educator

I have a Master's Degree in Pedagogy and a special interest in how knowledge and skills are imparted in early years settings. Before joining Polstead I gained experience in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) at the American School of Warsaw which really brought home how important early years education is for children.

I am passionate about working with young children in helping them to develop a strong foundation on which to build in primary education. I love helping children build confidence in their ability to achieve, both academically and socially and I find it extremely rewarding watching them learn new skills.

Qualification level

Level 4

Qualifications

Master's Degree in Pedagogy, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Poland
TQUK Level 3 Diploma for the Children's Workforce (Early Years Educator) (RQF)
NCFE Cache Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner (Jun 2024)

Other roles

First Aider (Paediatric)
Alice Smith

Alice Smith

Early Years Educator

I am delighted to be part of the Polstead team and working directly with children in such a caring and professional environment. Working with children has always been a passion of mine, I have worked with children from 6 weeks to 12 years since 2010 in a crèche setting as well as in the family home.

As a professional member of the Polstead team I am working to create an effective partnership with other members of the team in order to ensure we can give our children the best quality of care possible. I also aim to create good relationships with our children and their families and carers and work closely with them to ensure the individual needs of each child are being met. As well as bringing my knowledge and experience to the team I am very much looking forward to learning from the very experienced Polstead staff.

Qualification level

Level 3

Qualifications

CACHE Foundation Award In Caring For Young Children (Jun 2010)
CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Childcare and Education (July 2011)
CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce (Mar 2015)
CACHE Level 2 Award in Employment Rights and Responsibilities in Health, Social Care or Children and Young People's Settings (Apr 2015)
Paediatric First Aid (Mar 2021)

Other roles

First Aider (Paediatric)

Lilly Bradbury

Preschool Assistant

I have joined the Polstead team on a temporary work placement while I study towards a Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education. Looking forward to working with children in a professional setting putting what I have learnt into practice.

Qualification level

Level 2

Qualifications

Introduction to Safeguarding (L1)
Awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect (L2)
Qualified Level 2 in Childcare and Education (L2)
Studying towards Level 3 in Childcare and Education

Other roles
Hanna Kukhar

Hanna Kukhar

Preschool Assistant

Hanna has a passion for caring for and educating young children and thrives on creating safe environments in which children feel free to explore and express themselves.

Qualification level

Entry Level

Qualifications

Other roles

First Aider (Paediatric)