Who's Who
Welcome to the Yorkley Playgroup Staff.
Sophie Thorne
Manager
DSL
SENCO
Hi I am Sophie Thorne and I am the manager of Yorkley Playgroup and Parkend Early Learners.
I have worked in childcare since I was 18 and hold the Early Years Teacher Status. I started my journey at Yorkley Playgroup in November 2015 with Amanda Mason, following on from this I was given the opportunity to manage Parkend Early Learners in November 2019.
I enjoy spending time with my dogs, and taking them for walks, exploring different places. I enjoy going on holidays when I can to explore different parts of the world.
Amanda Mason
Deputy Manager
Deputy DSL
Deputy SENCO
Hi my name is Amanda and I am Deputy Manager at Yorkley Playgroup. I started my journey at Yorkley playgroup alongside Sophie in November 2015 after working at a private nursery for 13 years.
I have always wanted to work in childcare so started my dream career at the age of 16.
I am married and have 2 boys, and enjoy autograss motorsport on the weekends with my family.
I enjoy working with children to gain and flourish in their development while they are with us and love to see them grow in self confidence and blossom as they learn through play.
Kelly Powell
Early Years Educator
Hello my name is Kelly and I have worked at Yorkley Playgroup since 2017.
Laura Norton
Early Years Educator
Hi my name is Laura, I am married and have 2 young girls of my own. I have always worked within childcare and have 10 plus years of experience working within a childcare setting and also working on my own as a nanny.I enjoy spending time with my family and taking our dog Rocky out in the woods.I hold a level 3 childcare qualification and have completed many training courses to continue to extend my knowledge.
Lucy Childs
Early Years Educator
Hi I am Lucy and I have worked in childcare for over 20 years. I am married with two daughters. In my free time I like to travel and spend time with my family and friends. I have a bubbly personality and love to join in with dancing and singing, also messy play and crafts with the children,
Kelly Barclay
Early Years Educator
Connie Jelf
Early Years Educator
Megan Bowerman
Early Years Educator
Wrap around Care
Bella Trigg
Apprentice
Hi I am Kelly Barclay and I joined the Yorkley Playgroup team in September 2022 following on from doing some volunteering work. I have 4 children of my own 2 boys and 2 girls and have always lived in Yorkley, also attending Yorkley Playgroup and Yorkley School.
You may have seen me at the local baby group which I run on a Friday morning at the local community centre.
Hi my name is Connie. I am a proud mother of two sons, Eric and Ralph, with my partner Scott, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends including watching football and rugby. Watching our children grow has inspired my passion for supporting the development of all young children. Since joining Yorkley and Parkend in March 2025, I have been dedicated to helping every child build confidence, curiosity and independence, creating a warm and nurturing environment where they feel valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.
