Welcome to Support Staff

Below please find an overview of the team that will be caring for and developing your child


Rashmi Nanwani

Early Years Educator / Primary Key Carer

Paediatric First Aid Trained

My name is Rashmi Nanwani, and I joined Building Blocks in June 2021. I am patient, attentive, and people regularly associate me with being nurturing. I have a flexible approach and adapt easily to new environments, will ask questions to further gain knowledge and experience in childcare. In my spare time, I enjoy going to museums, exhibitions, spending quality time with my family, and I recently learnt a new skill, knitting. I have completed my Level 3 in Childcare and Education, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and I am looking forward to putting it to use and developing my journey further.


Malani Tillekeratne

Early Years Educator (Bank Staff)

My name is Malani and I first started working at Building Blocks in 2013 through a local childcare agency as support cover. I have worked within all classrooms and have enjoyed supporting the different teams, getting to know all the children and supporting their individual needs. I have built some fantastic relationships with the children and their families and love to watch the children grow and develop throughout their time at Building Blocks.


Laura Alfarano

Early Years Educator (Bank Staff)

My name is Laura, and I re-joined Building Blocks in July 2023. I am an enthusiastic, professional, and hardworking person. I gained my BIIAB level 3 diploma in children's learning and development in June 2022, and I have over 6 years of experience working with children aged from 6 months to 11 years old. Currently, I am studying for my BA degree in Physical Education, Sport and Youth Development at St Mary's University. What is important to me is to help the children reach their fullest potential by developing their strengths in all aspects, social, physical, and psychological. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, love going on holiday to explore different places and cultures. I am a sporty person and I like to stay active and healthy.


Eleanor (Ellie) McKee

Early Years Educator (Bank Staff)

My name is Eleanor and I joined Building Blocks in November 2022, I have previously been a nanny and I have my own son who attends Building Blocks also. I love to watch and support children within their development and find it fascinating watching them problem solve and make relationships.


Eleanor (Ellie) Copping

Early Years Educator (Bank Staff)

My name is Eleanor Copping and I joined Building Blocks in July 2023. I’m a third year student at Northern Ballet School in Manchester where I am studying for a level 6 diploma. I went to school locally in Teddington and then Esher where I completed my A-levels in Dance, Physics, Math’s and Further Math’s. I have worked in a few jobs in hospitality, but I am excited to get the opportunity to work in childcare and join the Building Blocks team! I am a big advocate for fairness and respect to everyone so I will ensure that this carries through in my role as an Early Years Educator. I think that having a fun work environment is very important to ensure that everyone feels safe and included. In my spare time I love dancing, specifically ballet, I also enjoy being outside in nature as well as doing anything arty or creative.


Chloe Norris

Early Years Educator (Bank Staff)

My name is Eleanor Copping, and I joined Building Blocks in July 2023. I’m a third-year student at Northern Ballet School in Manchester, where I am studying for a level 6 diploma. I went to school locally in Teddington and then Esher, where I completed my A-levels in Dance, Physics, Maths and Further Maths. I have worked in a few jobs in hospitality, but I am excited to get the opportunity to work in childcare alongside the Building Blocks team! I am a big advocate for fairness and respect to everyone, so I will ensure that this carries through in my role as an Early Years Educator. I think that having a fun work environment is very important to ensure that everyone feels safe and included. In my spare time, I love dancing, specifically ballet. I also enjoy being outside in nature as well as doing anything arty or creative.


Joanne Barclay 

Early Years Educator (Bank Staff)

My name is Jo I have been part of the Building Blocks family since I started my career back in October 2009. I worked full time as a Senior Early Years Educator for ten years until I left to further my education and work in a local school with reception aged children. I hold a BA degree in Teaching and learning level 6. I have enjoyed coming back to Building Blocks to work with old friends and families, who I have watched grow over the past years. 

I have an approachable, courteous and determined nature. In my spare time I have a number of hobbies, sewing and crafting or organising homes which I really enjoy. I ride my bike, take my dog out for walks, of relax with a book.

Spending quality time with my friends and family is very important to me. 


Nada Sahara

Early Years Educator (Bank Staff)

My name is Nada I re-joined Building Blocks in October 2023. I am an enthusiastic, caring, creative and dedicated individual who is passionate in creating a nurturing and stimulating environment for young children, my passion is to provide a safe and loving secure space for each child to thrive in, to grow and flourish to their fullest potential. I am currently studying a BA Primary education to become a Primary School Teacher and look forward to putting the theory I have leant into practice. In my spare time I enjoy Spending time with my friends and family, going shopping and travelling.


Kayla Keith-Nathanielsz

Early Years Educator (Bank Staff)

My name is Kayla, I joined Building Blocks in June 2025, I am reliable, trustworthy, energetic, and have an NCFE level 1 certificate in child development. I am looking forward to my first job in childcare. In my spare time, I like to go out, socialise spend time with my nieces and nephews.


Flo Hawkes

Early Years Educator (Bank Staff)

My name is Flo, I joined Building Blocks in June 2025. I previously worked at Teddington Torpedoes Swim club, supporting children and young adults with learning disabilities to swim. This was a very fulfilling experience and helped me develop my skills in childcare. I completed my work experience at St James Primary School, working with children in Reception- Year 2, and have tutored a Year 2 student in English and Maths. I am currently studying my A-Levels at Waldegrave School. What is important to me is being kind, respectful, and making sure people around me are comfortable. I believe in supporting others and being there for someone so they can rely on me. I believe in building relationships with my colleagues, children and parents to work as part of a team to create a positive environment. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being creative and learning new things. I also like the outdoors and exploring new places and doing activities that help me to relax, like watching a movie or listening to music. Helping others and making people smile is something I find very rewarding. 


Steve Bonham

Driver

My name is Steve, I joined Building Blocks in July 2022. I have been a driver since 2001 helping to transport young children and adults from the ages of 5 and onwards to school/centres etc. I have experience with helping SEND children/adults and find this very rewarding making sure they always have a smile on their faces. In my spare time I am a huge Football fan and I enjoy spending time with my friends and family.


Augustin Quinsayas

Nursery Chef

My name is Gus and I am from the Philippines, I have 2 children a boy and a girl. I started working at Building Blocks in June 2013. I started cooking in 1989 working in various hotels in the Philippines and in England. My passion is cooking and trying new recipes. I love going on holiday to beaches, mountains and caves. I love spending time with my family playing games and watching movies.

The below members are predominantly based within our Kids Club and Sessional Pre School but actively supports across out Beautiful Babies & Outstanding Ones, Top Toddlers, Premier Pre School and Nursery School classrooms over lunch times and some of our offsite Extra Curricular activities


Ben Chester

Early Years Educator

Paediatric First Aid Trained

My name is Ben. I started originally as bank staff for Building Blocks in 2020, and covered half terms and breaks. After finishing my A levels in History, IT and English Literature I have joined Kids Club team as a permanent member. In my free time, I like to go to different concerts, play strategy games and spend time with my friends. I have just begun my Level 2 and I am looking forward to gaining new knowledge.


Baylee Francis

Early Years Educator / Secondary Key Carer

Paediatric First Aid Trained

My name is Baylee; I joined Building Blocks iin March 2023. I have recently completed a Health and Social Care level 1 qualification in March 2023. My previous experience was working in a nursery setting with children aged 6 months to 5 years old. I have also cared for children as a babysitter for a variety of families, ages ranging from 1 year old to 10 years old. Looking after my younger sister for the past several years has supported my decision to pursue a career in childcare.

I wish to continue to develop further in childcare, through further training and gaining my Cache level 2 in childcare. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my friends, listening to music, playing games and hanging out with my younger sister.