Staff

Deputy Manager - Hilary Chapman

Hilary is our longest-serving staff member and has worked at Happy Hours since April 2004. She helps with day-to-day organisation and deputises in Kate's absence. Hilary has an NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care and is our Assistant Safeguarding Practitioner.  She is also trained in paediatric first aid and food safety, and is a designated safeguarding practitioner. Hilary's favourite part of the day at Happy Hours is singing and bringing stories to life for the children. She is married, with 3 grown-up daughters. She enjoys coffee and cake with friends and walking her sausage dog, Ralph.

SENCo - Gemma Alford

Gemma joined us in 2009 and  is our SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). This means she coordinates the resources and support for our children with additional educational needs. She supports colleagues with the implementation of speech and language tracking, writes inclusion plans to help any children who need them, and attends many meetings to keep up to date with the current requirements. Gemma has an NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care and is trained in paediatric first aid. Gemma is also in charge of gardening and anything involving nature. She is married, has 2 children, and enjoys gardening and wildlife.

Senior Staff Member – Julie Purton

Julie is our second-longest-serving staff member, having joined in September 2004. She has an NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care, and is trained in paediatric first aid and food safety.  Julie is our craft coordinator and can often be found covered in glitter at the craft table! She is married, with a grown-up son, and enjoys gardening, walking, and eating out with family.

Fiona Kendall

Fiona joined Happy Hours in 2014. She is NNEB qualified, has 28 years of Early Years experience, and is trained in paediatric first aid. Fiona is our outdoor activities coodinator and also helps with craft ideas. She is married, with a grown-up daughter and twin boys. Fiona likes eating out with friends, reading, and walking Willow, the family's black Labrador.

Jean Pettitt

Jean joined Happy Hours in 2007. She has a Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care, and is trained in paediatric first aid and food safety. Jean is our cooking and science coordinator. She has 3 daughters and 3 grandchildren, and loves gardening and eating out. 

Becky Leong-Kee

Becky has been at Happy Hours since 2011. She has an NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care, and is trained in paediatric first aid. Becky loves helping with craft ideas and food activities. She has 3 children and enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with her dog, Kiki.