Emma Dornan-McGowan
Nursery Owner & Director, Special Educational
Needs Co-ordinator
I have worked in the Early Years sector for 16 years now and have enjoyed all aspects of it. My experience ranges from Managing nursery schools and children centres to being an Early Years Advisor and Special Educational Needs Development Officer for the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham Council.I currently hold a Foundation Degree in Early Years.
I am very passionate about ensuring that each unique child is given the same opportunities to develop and grow in an inspiring environment. I also enjoy supporting staff and making them feel valued. I opened my first preschool in September 2017 and have thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. My biggest motivator for opening my own setting was that if I can create a space where children feel safe and to make every day count, then I can feel true fulfilment. Children have always brought me instant happiness and I love watching them develop their own character.
Charlene Basterfield
Director & Area Manager
I have worked in the Early Years for over a decade now and hold a wide range of qualifications and experience. I currently hold a level 3 qualification as well as a multitude of other child-related courses. I am extremely passionate about Early Years and feel a strong sense of responsibility to ensure all children are ‘school ready’. My strongest skill is supporting children with their social development and empowering all children to believe in their capabilities. I have such a strong relationship with both past and present parents as I truly care about our families and the community. To describe me in one word would be ‘infectious’ as I love making people happy. I am often found being silly with the children and allowing them to be little!
Tiffany McShane
Director, Manager and Management Support Officer
I have worked with children since I was 16 years old and began my journey into this sector with Building Blocks Preschool back in 2018! Since then, I have obtained my Level 3 qualification in Early Years as well as my Level 3 qualification in supporting children with special needs and currently undertaking level 5. I am an extremely kind and patient person and love helping children to feel welcomed and safe at preschool. I hold a strong passion for teaching children about being kind as I believe this is one of the most important values that you can teach little minds that can last for a lifetime. I started my journey at Building Blocks Preschool as an apprentice and now I am the director which fills me with such happiness.
Emily Mickelburgh
Acting Deputy Manager
I have been in the Child Care sector for 7 years and hold a level 3 qualification in Early Years. I am passionate about children’s development and enjoy setting up an exciting environment for children, using their interests to learn and thrive in a safe and happy space. I am bubbly, friendly and love having bonds with the children and also having a positive partnership with parents by working together for the best outcome for their little ones.
Roberta Appiah
Deputy Manager
I am currently hold my level 3 in Early Years and have worked at Building Blocks Preschool since 2022. I am a ball of energy and love getting the children motivated by singing and dancing my way through the day. I speak a wide range of different languages and often settle children by speaking to them in their mother tongue. I often use the children’s individual interests to support them with their development and love seeing them being curious about new experiences. Working with children is a truly amazing career.
Claire Dunn
Level 3 practitioner
Claire holds a level 3 in Child Care and has over a decade worth of experience in working in Early Years.
Claire enjoys being creative and encouraging the children to use their imagination during expressive arts and design.
Claire is keen to support children when managing their feelings and has great strategies in helping children achieve how to express themselves in a safe space.
Letitia Moreanu
Level 2 practitioner
Letitia started her journey at Building Blocks Preschool as a Student, working towards her Level 2 qualification. Flash forward to now and she is currently undertaking her Level 3 in Early Years whilst working as a full time practitioner.
Letitia is patient, kind, nurturing and very caring.
Letitia enjoys watching the children with English as an additional language learn new skills and develop their vocabulary.
Lauren Emerton
Nursery Apprentice
I am an outgoing and caring person and have a huge passion for working with children. I find that children naturally gravitate towards me and I love supporting them with their learning and development. I am currently undertaking my level 3 in Early Years.
Chloe Freeman
Nursery Apprentice
I am a very patient and caring person and use my role as a keyperson to build strong, secure relationships with all children. I enjoy using my initiative to think of engaging creative activities for the children to take part in at Preschool. I have always had a passion to work with children and am excited to begin my Level 2 training in Childcare.