THE LITTLE PICKLES TEAM

We love to play an active role in children’s development to encourage, engage and inspire them with learning. Meet our wonderful team below…

PRE-SCHOOL MANAGER

JODIE COOK

Hello, I'm Jodie, the Lead at Little Pickles Pre-school with a strong background in early years management. With a deep passion for nurturing young minds, I've dedicated many years to creating a warm, stimulating environment where children flourish as independent learners. My creative flair shapes Little Pickles into a welcoming 'home from home', inspiring curiosity and exploration among our little learners. 

I thrive on continuous learning and stay updated through courses and training, ensuring I deliver the best care and education for children and their families. Holding a level 5 qualification in early years and a thorough understanding of safeguarding, I prioritise the holistic development and safety of every child. 

Beyond work, I cherish family time with my three children and our little dog, Nala. I also enjoy dining out, movie nights, and connecting with friends. 

CO-DEPUTY PRE-SCHOOL MANAGER

LOUISE EXTON-BROWN

  • Health and Safety Lead, Health and Safety Level 2

  • NVQ level 3 In childcare learning and development

  • Working within the LSCP Safeguarding 6 year pathway

  • Food Hygiene & 12 hr Paediatric first aid

  • Deputy SENCo

My name is Mrs Louise, and I am Deputy Manager at Little Pickles Preschool. I have worked at Little Pickles Preschool since 2012 and I have a NVQ Level 5: Childcare Learning and Development. I enjoy working with the children having different conversations, playing with them, creating different crafts, watching them develop and generally having a lot of fun.  

I have 2 grown up children, Luke and Jordan. I have learned so much about myself. My interests are pottering in my garden (and Pickles’ Garden) and I do love to bake at home as well as with the children at Pickles. My happy place is a warm sunny summers day on the beach and having my family around me.

CO-DEPUTY PRE-SCHOOL MANAGER

ELIZABETH ZILLER

  • Safeguarding Lead

  • BA Hons Education Studies

  • Working within the LSCP safeguarding 6 year pathway

  • Food Hygiene

  • 12hr Paediatric first aid

I’ve worked at Pickles since 2013. I have a BA (Hons) in Education studies as well as a number of other qualifications to support my role. I am always on the look out for extra training to keep up to date with my practice.

I live with my husband, my daughter, and my dog, Lola, who keeps me busy taking her on walks around the village. I love reading in my spare time and have a soft spot for crime books.

EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER

YVETTE GLADDING

  • Cache Level 2 in Pre-School practice

  • Working within the LSCP safeguarding 6 year pathway

  • Food Hygiene

  • 12hr Paediatric first aid

I have worked at Little Pickles since 2000. I enjoy watching the children grow in confidence as they travel through their years with us; the new experiences they encounter and the laughter they share, making friends and exploring the environments around them. I have lived in Branston for 27 years and have three grandchildren of my own. Spending time with them is magical as they grow. I have a little dog who I enjoy taking for walks and playing with.

I am a big lover of a good comedy film with a feel good factory, Pitch Perfect being my favourite but I also love a good thriller.

EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER

NATASHA SKUSE

  • Working towards Level 3 diploma in Early Year’s care and education

  • Working within the LSCP safeguarding 6 year pathway

  • Food Hygiene

  • 12hr Paediatric first aid

I have been at Pickles for 3 years now and I’m currently working towards my Level 3. I live with my husband and our 3 children, 2 of which came to Pickles when they were young. I love being at Pickles, it really is the most magical place and I love seeing the children act out their dreams as they learn and explore their experiences.

In my spare time I love to spend time with my family and friends, going on walks and spending time with my children.

EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER

KERRY MURPHY

Hi, my name is Kerry, I’ve been working here as an early year’s practitioner since 2019. I did my training in Southeast Asia, supporting children with English as an additional language and working one to one supporting children with additional needs. I am passionate about early years and believe children should be surrounded by an environment that promotes laughter and learning. I feel an immense sense of pride knowing I have an meaningful impact on a child’s life. 

I spend my free time at the small holding with the chicken and sheep. I like to read and collect fossils. I volunteer as a cub leader and enjoy getting children out in nature. 

EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER

CARLY WILSON  

I joined Little Pickles in September 2022 as a Pre-School assistant. 

I am a jolly individual who has studied level 1 and 2 in childcare at Lincoln College, I love working at Little Pickles, it is very warm and welcoming place to be. I find working in a child environment very rewarding and I love to build relationships with children and watch them grow and develop. 

I am currently learning to drive and a ride a motorbike! in my spare time I enjoy going on motorbike rides with other drivers, when the weather is good. 

EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER

EMMA CAMPLIN

Hello my name is Emma, I have worked in childcare for 3 years now, I love watching the children grow and flourish into confident little people.  

I have 3 children of my own, and they keep me very busy. In my spare time, I love taking my children for days out and I like a good film! I also like going out for meals with friends and family. 

EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER

LAUREN

  • Level 3 Teaching Assistant

Hello, my name is Lauren. I have been working in early years for three years, during which I completed my Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification.

I am passionate about working in childcare, as it allows me to shape a child’s future and support them in flourishing into confident individuals. This makes my role both rewarding and deeply meaningful.

In my spare time, I enjoy having movie nights with friends and family, baking with my grandma, and going on long walks.

The Big Pickles team occasionally work at Little Pickles as well so if you see a new face be sure to take a look at the Big Pickles Team page.