Staff
All our staff are DBS checked and undergo thorough recruitment procedures to ensure the safety of our children. Employment is based on qualification, experience, trial days, tests and references to ensure the right individual is chosen for our setting. Staff continue to attend workshops and courses so that the quality of practice consistently remains at a high standard.
Key teachers are assigned to each child to look after their educational and personal needs, according to their age, and stage of development. Most of our staff have been with us for many years and we have a very low staff turnover.
When it comes to recruitment procedures, we are very clear that our future team members need to love what they do, have a strong vocation for teaching, be motivated, and have lots of wonderful strategies to contribute to our little ones success at the start of their education journey.
Trezza Drury
Owner - Founder
Level 3 in childcare
“Children are the ultimate gift and giving them the absolute best start in life brings me an immense amount of joy.”
Ms Trezza has over 20 years of experience in the child care industry. She started her journey in a small nursery in Kensington, where she soon became known as the child whisperer. No child was too challenging for her. When the nursery had an OFSTED inspection the inspector was so impressed with her work that she suggested that Trezza should open her own setting. With hard work and determination Lexham Garden Playhouse was opened and Trezza has spent every day making sure it’s the most wonderful place for every child to make their first learning journey.
Her creation of an in-depth curriculum, which takes each child’s individuality into consideration is why the school has never had to advertise. That, and her incredible cooking; which makes lunch times at the nursery something all the children look forward to. Ms. Trezza has made Lexham Gardens Playhouse every child’s home away from home. She cares for every child like she would her own and it’s her love of children has taken this nursery to where it is today.
Karina de Souza
Manager
Children’s Care, Learning and Development
Child Psychology
Leadership and Management
“I am passionate about my job because I feel that when I spend time with a child, I am able to help release their potential and watch them grow. I thoroughly love my job as there is something new each day!” – Ms. Karina
Ms. Karina has been working at Lexham Gardens Playhouse since 2006 and has helped enrich the nursery through all her years of experience and knowledge. She previously taught Phonics, English and other subjects in a school abroad. She joined as a teacher and then registered as a childminder. Expansion of the childminding setting to the nursery meant that her role evolved into managing the nursery where she was able to create processes and put systems in place for the efficient functioning of a setting.
“It is wonderful to come to work and know that whatever happens, you will have someone to rely on. That is exactly what Ms. Karina is; our solution to any problem, an infinite source of patience and kind advice. The lynchpin that keeps our team together, and has promoted strong bonds in the team; almost like our very own family. All the children love her caring and calm approach and really enjoy it when she plays the piano for them! We can proudly say we have the best manager (and singer)”. – Staff of Lexham Gardens Playhouse.
Swati Chandarana
Deputy Manager - Nursery Teacher
Early Years Professional Status (EYP)
“I firmly believe that if children can’t learn the way we teach, then we have to teach them the way they learn because teaching is the purest form of love.”
Ms Swati is extremely passionate about adapting to children’s needs, based on their individual interests and abilities. She feels inspired when she sees the children reach their potential, by challenging them to progress in all the areas of development. Her enthusiasm and energy is evident from the moment she opens the door every morning.
Luci Salom
Nursery Teacher - EYFS Coordinator - SEND Teacher
University Degree in Psychology
Postgraduate studies of Early Childhood Intervention
Level 3 in Childcare
“I feel honoured to have the opportunity to make an impact and difference in all these little lives, as they are the future!”
Luci has worked at Lexham Gardens Playhouse since 2014. She is always looking to find the best in every child and her approach towards is to be like one of them herself! They see her as a problem solver, and often also as a clown, as she loves to entertain them!
She comes up with original and wonderful ideas, in order to plan for the children’s development in line with the EYFS curriculum.
Celisa Alvares
Nursery Teacher
University Degree in Commerce
Level 3 in Childcare
“I love working with the children, and watching them progress. Knowing I have been a part of it, makes me really happy”
Ms. Celisa has been working at LG Playhouse since 2014 and never seems to lack energy and passion for her job. She has an infinite imagination and creativity, always ready to create wonderful opportunities for the children. Celisa loves doing art with the children and allowing them to explore and be creative. She is also in charge of the older group and encourages them to achieve and get prepared for school. By the time they leave the nursery they are independent and most are even able to write letters and numbers and have learned a lot through play. Her maternal instincts help her to care for the children in a very personal way and they feel secure around her.
Gema Mingo
Nursery Teacher
Level 3 Early Years Educator
“I love being part of children’s learning and helping them to get involved in the daily activities. Each child is unique and needs different attention, so every day I learn something new from them.”
Gema has been working with us since 2018 and has learned a lot along the way. Her interest in childcare has encouraged her to pursue studies in this field and she has a knack for dealing with children. They feel comfortable and cared for around Gema, because she is very gentle and caring towards their smallest needs.
Selda Sevlancar
Nursery Teacher
” I feel privileged to watch the children develop and grow, and to see each and every one of their unique personalities. Having fostered a deep passion for teaching, I am delighted to be able to positively impact every child’s learning journey.”
Selda has been working with us since 2021. Although she is the newest member of our team, she has had experience working with children in other settings. She was a team leader in her previous nursery and has a great skillset. Selda is patient and her keen attention to detail helps her to engage with and challenge the youngest of our children. The little ones are always running to Selda for help with their activities or to engage in play.
Frederico Reis Carreira
P.E. Teacher
FA Level 2 football coaching
First aid
Safeguarding
“Getting to develop/teach vital life steps to each child through sport brings happiness to my life. Seeing the children meet, and often surpass, their goals is a privilege to witness as is the joy on their faces as they conquer each challenge.”
Coach Fred has been coming to LG Playhouse each week for over a year and our children love him. He has a great way of engaging with the little children and they look forward to sports sessions each week where they learn coordination, balance and other activities that encourage gross motor skills in line with the EYFS curriculum.