Top Banana Teachers

Alison

Hi I'm Alison. I have always worked in various childcare settings gaining experience and knowledge and in 2004 I had the opportunity to open a pre-school. We had various names in the beginning for my pre-school before we decided on my husband’s choice of Top Banana Pre-school. In June 2005 we held our very first open day and on 5th September 2005 we opened our doors for the first time with nine children (one of them being mine). I held a diploma qualification in childcare called NAMCW which I had taken at college but was told that I needed a more updated qualification to be the manager so I employed someone to be my manager while I studied and gained a Diploma in Pre-school Practice level 3. I was then able to become the manager with this qualification when my manager decided to retire. After that I went to study a Foundation Degree, then a BA Hons degree and also gained the Early Years Professional Status degree at Greenwich University. During this time I was bringing up two children and running Top Banana Pre-school. It was an incredible moment graduating in front of my husband, children and parents in the Greenwich Chapel in 2010. As an owner and manager it is a fantastic feeling watching how children develop, learn and become more confident during the time they are with us.

Qualifications

NAMCW Diploma
Diploma in Pre-school Practice level 3
BA Hons Degree
Early Years Professional Status Degree
Paediatric First Aid

Becky

Hi my name is Becky and I started working at Top Banana Pre-school in May 2018. I have only ever worked in childcare. My qualification is NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing and I am also Paediatric First Aid trained. I have two sons. In my free time I enjoy walking our dog Izzy, reading, taking my sons to watch their football matches and going out for meals with my family and friends.

Qualifications

NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing
Paediatric First Aid
SENDCO
Talk Boost Intervention Co-ordinator
Worked at Top Banana Since 2018

Karen

Hi I am Karen. In June 2005 I went to Top Banana’s first open day and enrolled my son to start in the September of 2005 when Top Banana first opened. I offered to be a volunteer helping to take the children to Seal library for story time and with craft activities in the nursery. I then became a permanent Top Banana member of staff in September 2006. I have a daughter as well who also went to Top Banana Pre-school. I am Paediatric First Aid trained. I very much enjoy craft activities with the children in pre-school and creating things with them.

Qualifications

Paediatric First Aid
Worked at Top Banana Since 2006

Katie

Hi my name is Katie and I joined the Top Banana Team in September 2012. When I joined I was unqualified but started a course to become qualified and in 2014 I gained a CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young Peoples Workforce. I am also Paediatric First Aid trained. In September 2019 Alison asked me to be her Deputy and it was a great honour. Outside of work I enjoy doing my garden and house up with my husband. We do not have any children but have two nephew’s and a niece that are a big part of our lives.

Qualifications

CACHE Level 3 Diploma
Paediatric First Aid
SENDCO
Talk Boost Intervention Co-ordinator
Worked at Top Banana Since 2012

Lauren - presently on Maternity Leave

Hi I am Lauren and have worked at Top Banana Pre-school since 2015. I have a CACHE Level 3 NVQ in Children’s Care, Learning and Development. I am Top Banana’s SENCO and I am also Paediatric First Aid trained. I have a son and in our spare time enjoy kayaking together.

Qualifications

SENDCO
Paediatric First Aid
Worked at Top Banana Since 2015

Fiona

Hi I am Fiona and I have been at Top Banana since 2024. I have over 30 years experience in various Early Years Settings from Purpose Built Full Daycares to Pack Away Preschools and managing a Total Outdoor Nursery based around a Forest School Ethos. Outside work I enjoy gardening and cooking and visit my family and friends

Qualifications

CACHE Level 3
Paediatric First Aid
Early Years Safeguarding
Talk Boost Intervention
Level 3 Management Certificate

Jessica

Hi my name is Jessica and I joined the Top Banana team in April 2025. I gained a level 2 qualification in Health and Social Care at North Kent College in Tonbridge and I am now training for my CACHE Level 3 Diploma for The Children and Young Peoples Workforce. I am also Paediatric First Aid trained. I've worked in a special needs school and a day nursery. After my day at Top Banana I work for a family as their nanny, picking up their son from Primary school, taking him to various clubs, cooking dinner for him and making sure his older siblings are okay when they get home from school. Outside of work I enjoy going to the gym, running and playing with my cat called Biscoff.