Meet the Team
We have a fantastic group of people who work for us with a wide range of experience in childcare.
Please take a few moments to read about our staff and their qualifications.

Sue Townsend
Group Co-ordinator & Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO)
I have been working in childcare since 2012.
I have worked at Stepping Stones since 2012.
My qualifications and experience are listed below:
-
Nursery Practitioner NVQ Level 3
-
Nominated Individual (Ofsted)
-
Safeguarding Level 2
-
Paediatric First Aid Level 3
- Autism Awareness Training
- Core Board Training
- PECs Training

Donna McWilliams MBE
Deputy Group Co-ordinator
I have been working in childcare since 1976.
I have worked at Stepping Stones since 1991.
I have been awarded an MBE in 2024 for services to Early Years and Special Educational Needs.
My qualifications and experience are listed below:
-
Advanced Diploma in Childcare and Education Level 4
- National Nursery Examination Board Qualified
- Designated Safeguarding Lead
-
Safeguarding Level 3
-
Paediatric First Aid Level 3
- Autism Awareness Training
- Core Board Training
- PECs Training

Jade
Nursery Manager
I have been working in childcare since 2009.
I have worked at Stepping Stones since 2009.
My qualifications and experience are listed below:
-
Nursery Practitioner Level 3
-
Safeguarding Level 2
-
Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator
-
Paediatric First Aid Level 3
-
British Sign Language Level 1
- Autism Awareness Training
- Core Board Training
- PECs Training

Becky
Early Years Lead Practitioner
I have been working in childcare since 2007.
I have worked at Stepping Stones since September 2021.
My qualifications and experience are listed below:
-
Early Years Professional Status (Level 6)
-
Safeguarding Level 2
-
Paediatric First Aid Level 3
-
British Sign Language Level 1
- Autism Awareness Training
- Core Board Training
- PECs Training

Jo
Early Years Teacher
I have worked in childcare since 2003.
I previously worked at Stepping Stones from 2004-2014 and then again from 2024.
My qualifications and experience are listed below:
- Early Years Teacher (EYTS)
- Safeguarding Level 3
- Paediatric First Aid Level 3
- Autism Awareness Training
- Core Board Training
- PECs Training

Sharon
Nursery Practitioner Level 3
I have been working in childcare since 2016.
I have worked at Stepping Stones since 2016.
My qualifications and experience are listed below:
-
Nursery Assistant NVQ Level 2
- Business Administration Level 2
-
Safeguarding Level 2
-
Paediatric First Aid Level 3
- Autism Awareness Training
- Core Board Training
- PECs Training

Wendy
Designated Safeguarding Lead
I am one of two Designated Safeguarding Officers.
I have been working in childcare since 2016.
I have worked at Stepping Stones since 2016.
My qualifications and experience are listed below:
- Nursery Practitioner Level 2
-
Nursery Assistant NVQ Level 2
-
Designated Safeguarding Lead
-
Safeguarding Level 3
-
Paediatric First Aid Level 3
- Attention Autism
- Autism Awareness Training
- Core Board Training
- PECs Training

Charlie
Mental Health First Aider
I have been working in childcare since 2012.
I have worked at Stepping Stones since 2012.
My qualifications and experience are listed below:
-
Nursery Practitioner NVQ Level 3
-
Safeguarding Level 3
-
Paediatric First Aid Level 3
-
Mental Health First Aider
- Autism Awareness Training
- Core Board Training
- PECs Training

Becca
ENCO Lead & Nursery Practitioner Level 3
I have been working in childcare since 2011.
I have worked at Stepping Stones since 2024.
My qualifications and experience are listed below:
-
NVQ Level 3
-
Safeguarding level 2
-
Paediatric First Aid Level 3
- Autism Awareness Training
- Core Board Training
- PECs Training

Maddi
Nursery Helper
I have been working in childcare since 2017.
I have worked at Stepping Stones since 2015.
My qualifications and experience are listed below:
-
Safeguarding Level 2
- Paediatric First Aid Level 3
- Autism Awareness Training
- Core Board Training
- PECs Training

Libby
Nursery Helper
I have been working in childcare since 2024.
I have worked at Stepping Stones since 2024.
My qualifications and experience are listed below:
-
Safeguarding Level 2
- Paediatric First Aid Level 3
- Autism Awareness Training
- Core Board Training
- PECs Training

Liz
Senior Administrator
I have been working in childcare since 1992.
I have worked at Stepping Stones since 2002.
My qualifications and experience are listed below:
-
Business Administration Advanced Level 4
-
British Sign Language Level 1
-
HR Management Level 2
- Nursery Practitioner Level 2
-
Safeguarding Level 2
-
GDPR Officer
- Autism Awareness Training
- Core Board Training
- PECs Training