My name is Joana, and I joined Building Blocks in September 2020. I'm a naturally caring and bubbly person, and working with children and playing alongside them brings out the best in me. This allows me to create a fun environment full of mess, laughter, experiences, and memories. The children’s pure hearts and cheekiness make working with them worthwhile, and it’s an overall rewarding job. Whilst at Building Blocks, I have not only improved my practice over the years but also achieved my Level 3 in Childcare! I was recently promoted to Room Lead for September 2024, which I’m super excited about. I am ready to take on new challenges and continue to grow. 2024 has been an incredibly exciting year for me. Not only have I made progress in my career, but I have also welcomed a beautiful baby girl! Spare time no longer exists in my world, as I’m busy being a full-time mummy. However, I enjoy every moment, going on trips, spending time with friends and family, and creating beautiful memories.

My name is Ava Mehta, and I am an experienced and inspirational teacher. I qualified as a primary school teacher at Loreto House, Calcutta, India, earning a distinction in primary and early years teaching. I went on to mentor teachers at the Teachers Centre in India and worked during my holidays with Mother Teresa’s children’s schools and barefoot children, leading best practices in education. When I arrived in the UK in 1983, I worked in a variety of prestigious prep schools in central London as a full-time Reception and Year 1 form teacher. While raising my two daughters as a single parent, I completed a CACHE Diploma in Teaching, earning an award for excellence from the Mayor of Merton. I later achieved Early Years Professional Status (EYP), qualified Early Years Teacher Status, and an Honours Degree (2:1) in Early Years Teaching from Kingston University. Although a personal battle with breast cancer made it difficult to pursue QTS through the assessment-only route, it opened doors to new achievements. I have since written and illustrated four children’s books, including "Feathers, Scales and Mighty Persian Tales!"

While I have accomplished much, I am most proud of my daughters, who attended Oxford, Cambridge, and Warwick universities. In my spare time, I enjoy long walks with my dog Rosa.

My name is Vanja, and I come from Croatia. I have been with Building Blocks since 2004 as part of my work placement while completing my NVQ Level 3. In 2005, after completing my studies, I was offered a full-time job. I started at the Kingston Road setting and have loved working here ever since. I have worked with Premier Preschool, Nursery School, and Kids Club, and I’ve enjoyed every moment. I love working with children, expanding their knowledge and imagination, and learning as much from them as they do from me. At Building Blocks, I have completed many courses and seminars that have enhanced my understanding of children’s development. I completed a course in Management and Leadership in August 2016. My family and friends are very important to me, and I love spending time with them. I am a fairly optimistic person. I love nature, people, animals, food and the colourful world we are blessed to live in! In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my friends, sightseeing in London and beyond, learning something new about different cultures, and watching foreign films (especially a vast range of Indian films and many languages/cultures that they are blessed to have). I love cooking and learning new words from a range of languages that I may come into contact with and I am an avid reader.

My name is Megan, and I joined Building Blocks in May 2022. During my two years here, I have gained my NVQ Level 3 in Childcare, which has provided me with valuable knowledge and skills that I use daily. I enjoy being creative with the children and coming up with new ideas. I also have a BA Honours in Textiles and Mixed Media, which has introduced me to various techniques, such as printmaking and dyeing fabrics, that I share with the children. I love nature and encourage the children to explore the garden or go on nature walks. I also enjoy involving the children in gardening, teaching them how fruits and vegetables grow, and showing them how to care for their plants.

My name is Shazia, and I joined Building Blocks in April 2023. I am a passionate Early Years Educator with 8 years of experience as a childminder and agency staff member in various nursery settings. I have cared for children aged 4 months to 10 years. I am proactive in managing various tasks within a busy nursery. I am an enthusiastic, self-motivated, flexible, reliable, excellent timekeeper, who works hard. I have achieved these skills through my previous experience and I hope to enhance them even further, as I begin my career with Building Blocks. I am continuously looking at ways to improve my performance and thus move forward in my career, ensuring this is in line with the growth of the company I work for. I enjoy working with companies that encourage innovation and new ways to expand. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, creativity, sports, baking, shopping, and spending time with friends.

My name is Tina, and I joined Building Blocks in December 2023. I have worked in childcare since 2017 and hold a certificate in Preparation for Childcare, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health and Health Promotion. I previously worked as an agency member of staff at Building Blocks, caring for children aged 3 months to rising 5 years of age. I am passionate about showing love and affection to children, engaging them in activities, especially arts and crafts, and singing songs with them. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, dancing, and spending quality time with my family.