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 Master of Arts in Early Years Education awarded with Merit, a Bachelor of Arts 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 7
Qualifications
MA Early Years Education Level 7 (Apr 2024)
Early Years Teacher Level 6 (Nov 2015)
CACHE Level 3 Early Years Child Development and Care (Apr 2005)
CACHE Level 2 Childminder Certificate (Nov 2003)
BA Business Administration Level 5 (Apr 1994)
Other roles
CLL Co-ordinator,
Data Protection Officer,
EAL Officer,
Equality and Diversity Officer,
First Aider (Paediatric),
Safer Recruitment Lead,
Safeguarding Lead
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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
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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)
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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)
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Jemma Bond
Early Years Apprentice
I first became familiar with Polstead Preschool when my son attended from the ages of 2-4, and I could not think of anywhere else better to complete my work placement. I am fortunate to have joined Polstead in my first year and am excited to continue in my second year.
After having my son, I decided to pursue a career change and found that working with children was the perfect fit. I completed a Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning, which deepened my interest in early childhood education. I began to explore how children develop and adapt to their environment, which sparked my passion for the field.
Currently, I am studying for an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Studies at Oxford Brookes University, with plans to graduate in 2027 and complete a master's in early childhood. My current studies explore important topics such as inclusivity, creative and therapeutic approaches to support children and families, and the factors influencing children's development in the UK and worldwide.
I am particularly interested in children's emotional health, outdoor learning, sustainable practices, social justice, and equality. Each year of my degree includes a placement to enhance my skills in early childhood education.
Qualification level
Entry Level
Qualifications
Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning (Apr 2023)
BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies (Current)
Other roles
First Aider (Paediatric)
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