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 46 hours of childcare for ages 18 months to 11 years.
I have worked in Childcare for 33 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 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 love Pilates, Open Water Swimming and walking. I also love to read and listen to podcasts.
Becky Swann – Deputy Manager
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.
Amanda Overton
I am Amanda Jane Overton. I have been involved with Belton Playgroup for over 10 years; as a committee member, then as Chair, followed by treasurer, until becoming a member of staff.
I have three girls and all attended the playgroup before moving up to primary school.
I have 10 years experience of teaching and supporting children from 9 months to 12 years in my previous career as a home-based child minder. I have gained various certificates and qualifications during my carer including ‘Understanding Autism’ and ‘Autistic Masking’, ‘Understanding and Managing Difficult Emotions’ and ‘The Graduated Approach to Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). I have recently passed my Foundational Degree in Children’s and Young People’s Services, specialising in the SEND pathway.
I am addicted to Pinterest and have more craft projects on the go than I will ever be able to finish! I also LOVE my garden; it’s the place I go to relax and rest my mind.
Leah Butlin
Hello, my name is Leah, and I was born on 19th January 2002.
I enjoy art and photography, which I studied at college in 2018-2020.
I started helping my mum with her child-minding business in 2020, which made me want to further my career in childcare as I enjoy working with children. I studied Early Years Educator Level 3 at college in 2021-2023.
I love spending time with my family and being creative with my crafts.
Katie Rowsell
Hello, my name is Katie Rowsell. I am new to Belton Playgroup. 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 5 and Blake who is 1. 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 he really enjoyed his time here. Blake is soon to start.