Playcare Team Profiles

Shahla Farahani aged 23 years, will have been at Playcare for 8 years this year! Shahla is our Lead Practitioner for our 2 – 3 year olds, our vibrant Bluebell/Sunflower group.

Shahla started her career with us as a trainee all those years ago, and is a Playcare success story with her flourishing career.

Shahla’s professional development has taken her into the field of ‘Special Educational Needs’. Shahla is the nursery SENCO and is fully trained in the use of Makaton (sign language), which all the nursery children love to use. Shahla is looking to start a part-time degree in Early Years Education.

Lara Simmons aged 25 years, joined Playcare in 2010. Lara is a qualified and very experienced nursery nurse who has worked in local Brighton nurseries. Lara is the Lead Practitioner for Poppy group, our 1 – 2 year old group. Lara leads the team in this 15 place group where our babies have fun exploring their environment and getting very messy with sensory experiences!

Lara is qualified as an NVQ assessor and is looking to also study for a degree in Early Years whilst working at Playcare.

Gemma Meachim 26 years, is Playcare’s fantastic Early Years Teacher and has been working at Playcare since 2007 heading up the Heather/Meadow group, Playcare’s Preschool! Gemma studied for her degree in Early Years Education at the Roehampton Institute, London and graduated with honours in 2006.

Since working at Playcare Gemma has gained Early Years Professional Status from Brighton University.

Gemma plans inspirational activities with this group, preparing the children for school. The team are under Gemma’s guidance regarding the Early Years Foundation Stage. Gemma is also responsible for ‘Behaviour Management’ at Playcare.