We have a team of highly experienced and dedicated staff members, all trained to Level 3 or above. You can find out more about each of them here.

Sam Dexter – Manager

My name is Sam Dexter and I have been the Leader and now Manager of Belton Playgroup since 2007.

I have seen many changes over the 16 years and am proud of how we have grown from a couple of mornings per week for 2 ½ to 4 year-olds to 42 hours of childcare for ages 18 months to 11 years.

I have worked in Childcare for 36 years and have a Foundation Degree in Children and Young People’s Services, Level 2 in Understanding Autism and in Children and Young People’s Mental Health. I am also a Mental Health First Aider.

I have been a Special Educational Needs Coordinator for over 20 years.

I live with my husband Ted, and we have 4 children who all have their own homes and are busy making their way in the world. I am a Grandma to baby, Teddy too.

I love Pilates, Open Water Swimming and walking. I also love to read and listen to podcasts.

Becky Swann – Deputy Manager

Hi my name is Becky and I’ve worked at Belton Playgroup since 2014.
 
I live in Belton with Nigel and our two grown up children.
 
I love to go on holiday and can’t wait until our next one. I also like to go walking in Derbyshire and the Lake District with our dog, Lola. I enjoy open water swimming with Sam.
 
I love working with children and watching them play and learn and have fun is one of the best reasons to go to work.

Vanessa Cook – Second Deputy and Designated Safeguarding Lead

Hi, my name is Vanessa and I have worked at Playgroup for 15 years. I am BTEC Level 3 trained. I have my first aid certificate, safeguarding and food and hygiene.

I have worked in childcare for over 30 years, working in nurseries, afterschool clubs and for a charity.

I live in Shepshed with Mark and our 3 children Kieran, Riley and Rhianna. I enjoy going for walks and bike rides with my family. I love going on holiday, especially going to the seaside.

Jo-Anne Webber – Communication & Language Support

Hello, my name is Jo-Anne but everybody calls me Jo. I have lived in Belton since 1992. I am married to Steve and we have 2 grown up girls, Abigale and Nicole. My dad lives in Skegness so we have lots of visits to the seaside; I also enjoy going abroad.

I have worked at Belton Playgroup since 2001 and I am the communication support lead. I am level 3 trained in childcare and also first aid and safeguarding trained.

Leah Butlin

My name is Leah Butlin. I am a qualified Level 3 Early Years Educator. I have completed courses/training for ADHD Awareness, First Aid, Safeguarding, Food and Hygiene.

I have worked in childcare for 5 years. I helped my mum in 2020 with her child-minding business. In March 2021, I started working at Belton Playgroup! I enjoy working with children, watching them grow, listening to their ideas, and helping them to achieve their goals!

I live in Atherstone with Jonathan. I enjoy going for walks, spending time with my family, and being creative! I like to make personalised gifts and cuddlies in my spare time!

Katie Rowsell

Hello, my name is Katie Rowsell. I am a qualified Primary Teacher and I have ten years’ experience working in both the Early Years Foundation Stage and Year 1. After having my two children, watching them grow up and seeing how important these formative years are, I decided to go in a different direction career wise.

I live with my husband Ed and my two children, Freddie who is 6 and Blake who is 2. We love to spend time outdoors going for walks and doing fun activities together. Personally, I love to read and keep fit (when I can find the time!!)

Freddie attended Playgroup before going to school and Blake is enjoying his time here making lots of friends

 

Gemma Siddons

Hello, my name is Gemma Siddons. I joined Belton Playgroup in March 2024. I’m married to John and a mum of two boys, aged seven and four. Both of my boys attended Belton Playgroup over a five-year period and have now moved onto School. We live in Loughborough with our three lively cats: Lizzy, Tommy, and Poppy!

My journey into early years education began with my own children. Watching my boys explore, learn, and grow at Belton Playgroup ignited a passion in me for children’s learning and development.

I’m an empathetic and versatile professional with over 22 years’ experience spanning customer service, sales administration, and early years education. I’m skilled at building trust-based relationships, resolving complex queries, and fostering inclusive learning environments. I have a calm manner, I’m responsive and deeply people-oriented—with a natural ability to connect, reassure, and help others thrive.

I’m currently pursuing an NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Education, soon to qualify.

I have completed paediatric first aid and safeguarding training.