Meet the team
Meet the team
It might be reassuring to know that the qualities you value in a person to look after your child, are just the kind of qualities that we value too! Warmth, sensitivity, confidence and understanding are characteristics we look for and value in our team at St John’s Childcare. We believe that when you have this alongside qualifications and experience, children can truly thrive in a childcare setting.
Ensuring good staff stay with us is a priority! Building a relationship with your child’s key person will mean a lot to you whether you want to discuss teething, behaviour, potty training or just find out how they’re getting on. We believe that this relationship is just as important as the one between your child and their key person. This is why we place great emphasis on staff continuity. We have a large staff team, consisting of three members of the management team, four senior supervisors and 40 members of childcare staff ranging from level 3 Early Years educators, food and catering staff to our bank team. No matter our role, we all share the same responsibility in caring for the wellbeing of the children in our care.
Michelle Canham
Manager
My name is Michelle Canham and I am one of the joint Childcare Managers here at St. John’s Childcare. I have 22 years of experience of working in the Early Years sector.
I joined St John’s in 2014 as Deputy Manager and have been leading the team as one of the joint managers since 2017. It is an honour to lead and be part of a fantastic team who are dedicated to providing a safe, stimulating learning environment for children aged between 12months – 11 years. The team strive to ensure all children are treated as individuals, ensuring their developmental needs are met, along with providing the best possible love and care.
I would like to welcome you and your family to come and look round our OFSTED ‘GOOD’ rated childcare setting and meet the warm, friendly team.
Theresa Cobbing
Manager
My name is Theresa Cobbing and I am the joint manager here at St. John’s Childcare. I have a wealth of knowledge from having worked in the Early Years sector for nearly 23 years.
I have progressed through my career from Childcare practitioner, Room Leader, Deputy Manager and now joint Manager. I like supporting the staff and ensuring high standards of care are always met. I enjoy seeing the achievements children make growing from babies to young children.
I am very passionate about St. John’s and proud to be the manager here. The staff are hardworking and always striving to deliver a high quality of childcare to all the children and their families.
I get a real sense of achievement from supporting the team and ensuring we provide the best care for our children. Every day is different which is why I find working at St. John’s so rewarding.
Joe Westgate
Deputy Manager
My name is Joe Westgate and I am the Deputy Manager at St. John’s Childcare. I have 9 years of Early Years education and childcare experience and I have been here at St. John’s Childcare for 4 years.
I studied Early Years Education at South Essex University prior to beginning my career in Education. I have progressed through my career from Early Years Practitioner, Deputy room leader and now the Deputy Manager here at St. John’s.
I thoroughly enjoy being in the classrooms to both support our staff and to see the children grow and progress. We have a brilliant staff team and I am proud of their hard work and dedication to supporting all of the children in our care everyday.
Please book a tour and come and see what amazing services we offer!
Lisa Bater
Senior Supervisor (Badgers)
Katrina Stallard
Senior Supervisor (Squirrels)
Sophie Folwell
Senior Supervisor (Rabbits)
Sara Thurlow
Senior Supervisor (Foxes)
Cheryl Hockley
Senior Finance Administrator
Phillipa Kay
Senior Office Administrator