Meet Our Ribbons

Kate Watkins-Freeman

Director, Teacher and Early Years Specialist

As co-owner and creator of Ribbons Preschool, Kate Watkins-Freeman is set to provide an invaluable service to her students at Ribbons. Kate has a masters in Early Childhood Studies and is a true ambassador of learning through play. With over ten years of experience teaching in Foundation Phase across South Wales, Kate is a passionate and enthusiastic practitioner ready to embark on this new and exciting venture.  

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Jo Watkins-Freeman

Director, Teacher and Music Specialist

As co-owner and teacher Jo Watkins-Freeman is a creative practitioner who has been accused of having boundless energy! Jo has experience of teaching children of all ages and cultural backgrounds. She studied primary teaching and music in Britain's leading university in 2013 and has since taught across the globe, molding and developing her different teaching techniques. As a musician and lover of creativity Jo will ensure children have opportunity to explore and learn through different creative mediums.

Kate Thomas

Business Manager and Preschool Assistant

Kate is a Level Five teaching assistant with over nine years experience working within Preschool settings. She is an enthusiastic, gentle practitioner who will ensure all children at Ribbons are immersed in the highest of learning environments. Kate has trained and worked in the Vale of Glamorgan for the last decade. Her hard work and focused attitude makes Ribbons Preschool a calm and happy place for learners and team members alike.

Vicky Jones

Preschool Assistant

Joining us with a burst of brightness and boundless energy, Vicky Jones is our Welsh speaking team member.

Vicky actually trained as an art specialist and teacher in Kingston University, London.  She is fluent  in the Welsh language and leads our Welsh days every Wednesday. Vicky also leads a community football team for under sevens in her village. 

Abby Welsh

Preschool Supervisor

Abby Welsh has a degree in Education from Cardiff University. Furthermore she has a Level 3 in childcare and over fifteen years experience of working in daycare. She is also a passionate artist and is incredibly talented at drawing. Abby's attention to detail in our surroundings and attention to organisation makes Ribbons a beautiful, inspiring and colourful setting for all our children.  With care and play at the forefront of her practice Abby makes every Ribbon's session a happy and joyful one!

Karen Bassett

Preschool Assistant

Karen, who also comes from a background in teaching, is a language specialist. She speaks both Russian and French. Whilst at Ribbons Karen brings a world of imagination to our children telling them stories of little Tip Tap the gnome who goes on daily adventures in the world around his home. Jumping on stepping stones, crunching up the leaves and of course all with his furry pal Mostyn dog. Karen literally brings Tip Tap to life and teaches children all about the world around us and how much fun and discovery there is just around the corner.

Lauren Taylor

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Preschool Deputy Supervisor

Ready for anything, Lauren has a degree in Primary education, holds a level three NVQ in childcare and early years and is also a qualified gymnastics coach. Lauren will endeavor to deliver a sweet balance of care and education to all at Ribbons with key focus on the children's development and physical literacy. Taking full advantage of our outdoor space children will have daily opportunity to run, skip, climb, crawl and MOVE with Lauren, insuring steady improvement in their coordination and physical abilities.

Sarah Sheppard

Preschool Assistant

Sarah joins us with over 25 years of daycare and management experience. As a mother of two and incredibly knowledgeable practitioner Sarah is a invaluable asset to our preschool who we all admire and respect.

Sarah currently holds an NVQ level 3 for childcare and management. Alongside qualifications she enjoys baking, spending time in the outdoors and of course quality time with family.

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