Their space, their time, their preschool.
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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Abigail Welsh
Manager
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!
Vikki Pocock
Deputy Manager
With over twelve years of experience in Child Care Vicky is an invaluable member of the team here at Ribbons. As a resident of Dinas and mum of two, Vicky truly appreciates and understands what Ribbons is all about and what our families require and need. She is an extremely talented baker and loves getting in the kitchen with all the children. Vikki has a Level 3 in Childcare Learning and Development and has worked in two other childcare settings prior to Ribbons. Vikki also has experience working alongside expectant and new mothers in the perinatal sector, within the community, helping women in need of support. As a keen camper Vikki loves the great outdoors and is literally ready for anything.
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.
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Karen Bassett
Preschool Assistant and Teacher
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.
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.
Cath Edwards
Preschool Assistant
Cath Edwards has a Level Two in Childcare and Early Years. She has worked in Childcare for over ten years and joins us from a background in Montessori practices. As a mum of two and local to Ribbons, Cath is a caring, enthusiastic and passionate team member whom Ribbons counts itself lucky to have. Cath works tirelessly to care for all the children in our setting and is a joy to be around. Cath has recently began her Level 3 in childcare.
Kasia Koprowska
Preschool Assistant
Coming to us all the way from Poland, Kasia is an enthusiastic, passionate Early Years specialist who always puts the children and their needs before everyone and everything. Kasia has a deep interest in Additional Learning Needs and is excited to further her professional development in this sector. As an ambassador of cultural diversity, Kasia puts emphasis and celebrates the importance of difference in her daily planning and practice. Whilst she communicates in both English and Polish Kasia is currently learning sign language and Korean! She is full time here at Ribbons, working tirelessly to keep all our children happy and inspired.
Vicky Jones
Preschool Assistant and Teacher
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. When Vicky is not here at Ribbons filling the room and smiles she is busy running Art work shops from her local primary school and home in the Vale.
Shannon Richards
Preschool Assistant and Kitchen Supervisor
Coming from a large family Shannon joins us with a wealth of experience when it comes to spending time with children, caring for them and generally having a lot of fun. Shannon is an enthusiastic team member who is currently embarking on her Level 2 in Childcare. Shannon also has her level 2 in Food hygiene and plays a key role in our kitchen, delivering nutritious meals and snacks to the children every day. Furthermore Shannon helped Ribbons obtain a Gold Snack Award for Early Years in Daycare settings. Shannon is an organised and natural team player who makes Ribbons a smooth and calm place to be in.
Chloe-Lou Thomas
Preschool Assistant
Chloe is ambitious and naturally hard working. Whilst Chloe loves working at Ribbons she is currently training to be a nurse and later a mid-wife. Chloe is bilingual and attended Welsh school herself. She spends a lot of quality time with our children, doing songs and nursery rhymes in Welsh as well as playing with them inside and outdoors. Chloe always puts the children's choices first and she provides them with nothing but the highest quality of care.
Taya Totterdell
Preschool Assistant
Ready for anything, Taya is a bright and fun member of our team who the kids absolutely adore. Taya is a passionate practitioner who puts the children's interests before anything else. She works hard to make sure their time here at Ribbons is jam packed with play and enjoyment. Taya is currently embarking on an NVQ in childcare and aims to build on both her professional experience and knowledge whilst at Ribbons. She has childcare qualifications at GCSE level and brings nothing but enthusiasm to her role.