Meet the team
Sally-Ann
Makin
Sally-Ann Makin. I am the owner and Manager of Potter's House Preschool and Blossom & Bloom Preschool. I live with my husband and our collection of children in Littlehampton. I have had over 20 years experience in caring for children and studying their development. I am fascinated by the way their brains work and the reasons behind the way they develop. I love that I am continually learning through these tiny little people and have the opportunity to assist them with their natural development and teach them lifelong skills. My passion is in transition and ensuring that they are fully equipped and ready for starting school.
I have an NVQ Level 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development, a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, diplomas in Performing Arts, Child and Adolescent Counselling and Advanced Special Educational Needs. I am also trained in Advanced Paediatric First Aid, Child Protection and Behaviour Management. I have recently completed with a distinction a diploma in Play Therapy which is a fairly new form of counselling children with anxieties. I am Level 3 Forest School trained and love developing the preschool to offer Forest School sessions. I regularly write articles for various magazines about child development - the most recent is due to come out in March 2025 with ABC Magazine.
Running nurseries has been my dream for as long time and I am so blessed and grateful to have been able to start it. I am fully invested in the development of our precious little people.
Olivia Devine
Olivia is our Manager overseeing the general day to day running of the preschool and is one of the kindest, most gentle practitioners I have had the pleasure of working with. Olivia works alongside me to ensure the preschool is continuously improving from activities planned to spontaneous in the moment wonderful ideas. She is responsible for ensuring other members of staff are developing their skills and that they are trained to the highest standard.
Vicki Tavenor
Vicki is our Deputy Manager working really closely with parents to ensure the children are receiving the most holistic care possible. She is warm and welcoming and the children adore her.
Levi Donaldson
Levi Donaldson is our room leader, she is full of amazing and creative ideas and has the children’s imaginations reeling with her stories during group times. Levi has worked for the company for 2 years moving over from Blossom and Bloom in Yapton.
Zoe O’Carroll-Dismore
Zoe is our Area Manager for all four nurseries, she has a masters in nursery management and many, many years of nursery management and training experience. Zoe is the most knowledgeable professional I’ve ever worked alongside and she is consistently teaching us all.
Danielle Enticott
Danielle is our SENDCO and is a highly experienced practitioner with a huge passion for supporting children with additional needs.
The rest of the staff team
Area SEND Support -
Sarah Wood - Level 6
Level 3 Practitioners -
Niamh Leahy
Beth Brock
Level 2 Practitioners -
Elaine Butler
Apprentices -
Kayden Barrett - L3
Rowan Latter - L2
Testimonials
Beth - Felpham
Like the sister settings, this pre school has wonderful caring staff who always put the children at the forefront of what and how they do things. From the layout, the activities and the fun messy play - in my opinion it’s the perfect place for children to really thrive and develop those all important early learning skills.
Sally Ann is full of knowledge and kindness that will put you at ease when leaving your little one, even for the most nervous of parents!
Thank you all, for everything you do and for making such a difference ❤️
Chloe - Felpham
Staff are really lovely! There always doing different activities every day of the week and organise lovely things/trips for the children!! x
K - Felpham
Thank you so much for making M’s transition to GoE so positive. She absolutely loves coming to nursery and her confidence and independence has sky rocketed since Saturday. We are lucky to have such a kind, caring and supportive nursery for her and we are so grateful for everything you do.
Becca - Pagham
Thank you for all you do!
Vicki is a credit to Garden of Eden. The patience, time and love really shows and my boys adore her.
Sally-Ann you have created a safe haven full of love. Thank you for always supporting me and the boys.
Amy - Westergate
10 stars! You are all amazing people. The love you show our children is incredible. Especially you Sally-Ann, a very strong lady.