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Team

Meet Our Staff

The most important people as far as your children are concerned are our staff, who are all dedicated and caring, with a wealth of experience. The Manager holds a level 3 qualification and during each session, all our staff hold a level 2 (or higher) qualification, appropriate for the care and development of children, as required by Ofsted.

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Beverley Middleton

Pre-School Manager

I have been involved with Alec Hunter Preschool for 34 years.

My daughter attended preschool when she was 3 years old, unfortunately, she became upset when I left her her so I decided to stay with her and support her settling into preschool. I enjoyed being with her and playing with the other children that I decided to become a parent helper, and now I'm the Manager of Alec Hunter Preschool.

On a Personal note I have been married for 39 years and have two daughters aged between 36 and 40 years of age.

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Eliza Thorogood

Deputy / Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator

I have been a part of the wonderful team at Alex Hunter Preschool since completing my Level 3 qualification in 2017. I absolutely adore working here - the team is so warm and supportive, and it truly feels like home.

Outside of my lovely and fulfilling job I have a passion for travelling. I love exploring new cities and countries with my friends and experiencing different cultures. When I'm not off on an adventure, you'll usually fine me spending time with my big, loving family - and I wouldn't have it any other way!

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Emily Marshall

Pre-School Practitioner

I am married to my husband Darryl, have a wonderful daughter called Daisy and a chocolate labrador called Duggee - named after hey Duggee by our daughter. I have worked in childcare since I was 15 years old and knew from then there would never be another career for me. I have worked in a variety of settings from day nurseries to preschools with a range of roles such as a room leader and deputy manager. I found Alec Hunter Preschool whilst looking for childcare for my daughter. I volunteered as a parent and never left. 

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family, reading, gaming and listening to music. 

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Sarah Barth

Designated Safeguarding Lead

I live in Braintree with my partner Joseph.
I have lived in Braintree all my life and was born in the local Courtalds hospital.
I have three children and I'm blessed with two grandchildren. My family also includes my pug dog, named Buddy and my tropical fish.
I have been part of the team at Alec Hunter Preschool since 2004, I took a short break to care for my parents in 2001 and returned part time in 2023.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, gardening, car and truck racing,
classic car shows and festivals, garden shows and festivals love holidays and trips to the theatre.

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Diane Baxter

Pre-School Practitioner

For over 40 years I have thrived as a Nursery Practitioner, finding immense satisfaction in helping children learn and grow.

I'm a firm believer in a work life balance, juggling my career with family commitments and personal interests. Whether it's a brisk walk, a scenic drive in my classic car, or an international adventure, I approach life with enthusiasm and a sense of wonder. 

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Nicola Potter

I have worked at Alec Hunter Preschool since 2008.

I am married and have a son called Alfie. 

I enjoy meeting up with friends, going out for meals and walking my dog Sparkle.

I also enjoy doing wordsearches and sudoku.

I like swimming, singing karoke and spending time with my family. 

Team

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Joanne Webb

Pre-School Practitioner

I have worked in the childcare sector since 1997 after my youngest child started school.

I have been married to my husband Wayne for over 36 years and we have two very grown up sons, and two adorable grandchildren, who I love to spoil!

My biggest passion is to travel, in particular cruising and my favourite destination is the USA, especially Orlando - I adore theme parks!

Another passion of mine is listening to modern day country and seeing as many bands as I can! 

For me working with children is special, I love that no single day is ever the same and each child is unique. It's more than just a job, it's a chance to make a real difference. 

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Gemma Reeve

Pre-School Assistant

I have always been inspired by my mother's work in childcare. Growing up I saw how much of a difference she made to the lives of children and their families. Watching her passion and dedication has motivated me to follow in her footsteps and begin my own journey towards becoming a childcare practitioner. Being a mother myself, family life has shown me the importance of providing children with a safe, nurturing environment where they feel supported to be confident and thrive.

Outside of family life, I enjoy astronomy and using our telescope which has taught me that curiosity and patience - qualities I believe are important in childcare. 

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Darryl Marshall

Volunteer

I have been volunteering at Alec Hunter Preschool since July 2023 when my daughter attended there. My favourite thing about volunteering is getting to know the little ones and their big personalities. 

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, listening to music, gaming and my favourite past time is playing darts. 

Training

Staff Training

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Beverley Middleton

Pre-School Manager

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead

  • Safeguarding Level 2

  • Effective Safeguarding Practice (Revised 2019)

  • Health & Safety Officer

  • Fire Management

  • First Aid Level 3

  • Food Hygiene

  • Being Safe: Effective First aid Management

  • Early Talk Boost Training 

  • Basic Makaton

  • Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Training 

  • Autism Awareness in Early Years

  • The Importance of Self-Evaluation Level 2

  • General Data Protection 

  • Implementing the GDPR Level 2

  • Getting to grips with the EYFS level 2

  • Effective Use of the Early Years Pupil Premium A Guide to Employing and Early Years Apprentice

  • Equality and Inclusion in Early Years setting

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Sarah Barth

Designated Safeguarding Lead

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Eliza Thorogood

Deputy & Special Educational Needs Lead

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Emily Marshall

Pre-School Practitioner

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Nicola Potter

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  • Cache level 2

  • First aid Trained, Diabetes, Epipen, Administer Insulin, Managing severe allergic reactions

  • Safeguarding level 2

  • Autism awareness in Early Years

  • Basic Makaton

  • Fire Management

  • Early Talk Boost

Pre-School Practitioner

Training

Staff Training

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Diane Baxter

Pre-School Practitioner

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Joanne Webb

Pre-School Practitioner

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Gemma Reeve

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  • Paediatrics First Aid

  • Level 2 Food Hygiene

Pre-School Assistant

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Darryl Marshall

Volunteer

  • Enhanced DBS check

© 2025 Alec Hunter Pre-School

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Registered as a company limited by guarantee in England & Wales :: Registered Company No. 7261959 :: Registered Charity No. 1137555
Members of the Pre-School Learning Alliance

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