Our Staff
Clare Parry
Manager, Safeguarding Lead
I started working at St Peter’s Pre-school in September 2024.
I have over 19 years experience of working with children from the ages of 0-5 years and 10 years experience in management. I have managed similar settings to St Peter’s Pre-school. I ensure to provide safe, high quality education and care for the children as well as providing lots of fun and laughter. My favourite thing about working in an early years setting is no two days are the same.
I hold a CACHE level 3 in Childcare and Education and I like to regularly update my training to extend my knowledge.
I have two young daughters aged 7 and 12 who keep me on my toes running them around to gymnastic lessons, dance lessons, football and horse riding!
Gabriella Thompson
Deputy Manager, SENDCO
As Deputy Manager at St Peter’s, I feel so lucky to spend my days doing what I love – caring for children, supporting their learning, and sharing in the joy of play and discovery. I’ve been working in early years since qualifying as a Level 3 practitioner in 2018, working across a variety of nursery settings, as well as working as a nanny and after-school carer. I am now qualified as a Level 4 practitioner.
I enjoy reading with children, making arts and crafts, playing outside in nature… the list goes on! Seeing children grow in confidence as they discover the world around them is important and something I aim to support and nurture.
I’ve loved being part of the St Peter’s team over the past few years and feel so lucky to work with such wonderful children and families. Every day brings something new, and I’m always excited to keep learning, playing, and growing alongside the children!
Clare Stevens
Preschool Practitioner
Hello my name is Clare! I am very excited to be part of the St Peter’s team. I have worked in childcare for 23 years in Hurstpierpoint as a deputy manager in a pre school and as a child minder providing wrap around care to school children. I am Level 3 qualified.
I feel privileged to be part of children’s lives and nothing gives me more pleasure than bumping into children and seeing how they have blossomed to reach their goals. I instantly felt at home when I entered St Peter’s recognising that the children are at the heart of the setting and learning is centred around them and their interests. I am a firm believer that the foundations of a child’s life are the most important and I look forward to creating memories with them all and building confidence and friendships.
I live in Slaugham with my partner Paul and two dogs. We enjoy being in the countryside but also enjoy a good walk along the seafront.
Sarah Moore
Preschool Practitioner
I am Level 3 qualified. I became involved with St Peter’s Preschool when my eldest child began attending the setting in 2015. My other two children also attended the preschool, during which time I was a member of the Management Committee. In February 2023, I started working as a preschool assistant. I am passionate about developing an early love for literacy, and so I enjoy sharing stories with the preschool children and watching their confidence grow.
Prior to working at St Peter’s Preschool, I worked as a family lawyer in London.
Currently, I am the lead librarian at the village primary school, and I am also studying a Writing for Children course, with a view to one day becoming an established children’s author!
Emma Newton
Preschool Practitioner
Hi I’m Emma, I love coming into work and seeing all the children happy and smiling, helping to develop their skills and seeing their personalities shine. I grew up in Ardingly and went to St Peter’s Primary School which used to be i the building that Pre-school calls home. I currently live in Horsted Keyes with my daughter Faye and our 2 dogs. I love the countryside and enjoy taking Faye and the dogs on little adventures and horse riding when i can. I am Level 3 qualified.