Our Team

We pride ourselves in recruiting the very best staff to support your children. Find below details of our current team and don’t forget to meet the Committee too!

Marianna Pinnock

Pre-School Manager

With over 20 years of childcare experience Marianna has worked with children of all ages and brought up four of her own.
She enjoys early years and has been a part of Little Spinnakers since 2001. Marianna is always looking for ways to enhance and improve the setting and hopes to inspire staff and students in the profession.

Claire Cranston

Deputy Pre-School Manager, 3/4 Year Old Lead (EYPP)

Claire has been working in early years for 15 years, in various settings and has a wealth of experience. She has two sons, one of whom attended Little Spinnakers and she has worked here since September 2014. Claire enjoys continued learning and is passionate about bringing new and exciting ideas into the Pre-School.

Alison Carpenter

Deputy Pre-School Manager, 2 Yr Old Lead and SENCO

Alison is the joint Deputy Manager of Little Spinnakers and the 2 Year Old Lead in Coral room. She is also our special educational needs coordinator (SENCO).
Alison is qualified to NVQ Level III & has been working at the Pre-School since February 2008 and within childcare for 22 years; she has three children of her own, one of whom attends Little Spinnakers.

Natasha Geehan

Pre-School Practitioner

Hi, I'm Tasha. When my son attended Little Spinnakers l I took on a role as bank staff, later gaining my keyworker role. I am qualified to NVQ Level 5 and have worked with children for 10 years, taking time off when I had my sons. I'm always willing to learn new and exciting things to enhance the preschool and the children's learning.

Lorna Robinson

Pre-School Practitioner

Hello, I am Lorna and have been working at Little Spinnakers for 6 years. I started when I was studying English Language at college in which I learnt about children's language acquisition. I then took on a full time role and absolutely love coming into work to help the children learn in a fun loving environment.
I am qualified to NVQ Level III and am the Keyworker for the Turtles group in Ocean Room.

Alison Robinson

Pre-School Practitioner

Hello, I'm Ali and I work in Coral Room. I have been with Little Spinnakers for 21 years! I started as a parents volunteer, then joined the Committee. After a few years I joined the staff team and gained my childcare qualifications. I absolutely love my job and I feel privileged to be a part of the children's first steps onto the education ladder.

Rubee Read

Pre-School Practitioner

Rubee joined the pre school as an apprentice in 2016. She is based in the Coral room and is now studying for her NVQ Level III.

Sarah Oxley Cope

Pre-School Practitioner

Hi, I'm Sarah, I'm married with two lovely children of my own, one of which attended Little Spinnakers herself, 7 years ago now!
I have worked at Little Spinnakers for the last 3 years and I have really enjoyed it. I started as bank staff, but am now working towards gaining my level 3 childcare qualification. I really enjoy working here within a great team.

Megan Stewart

Pre-School Practitioner

Hi, I'm Megan, I joined the Little Spinnakers team in October 2016 and I'm currently working towards my Level 3 in Childcare, which I'm really enjoying.

In my spare time, I like going to watch Portsmouth FC with my younger brother and attending music events.

Keri Baker

Pre-School Practitioner

Hi, I’m Keri. I’ve worked in child care in various roles for 12 years.
I joined the Little Spinnakers team in summer 2017, and have just achieved my Level 3 diploma in early years.
I love working with children, and helping them achieve all their milestones! I’m married and kept very busy at home with our 5 children !!!!!

Need to talk to someone?

If you ever have any concerns or questions about your child, please do speak to your child’s Keyworker or to our SEND Co-ordinator or Pre-School Manager.