Sam Tubbs –

Manager/DSL

I have been working with children since 1996. I have two grown children. I started off as a parent volunteer. I then took the City and Guilds in Childcare, before becoming a permanent member of staff at the Rocking Horse Creche in Catterick and undertaking the Diploma in Preschool Practice. I have managed a few settings around the world, including Germany and Brunei as well as qualifying as an NVQ assessor and gaining my NVQ 4.

I have been with Naval Under Fives, working at Penguin as the manager since 2006. I am also the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the setting.

I have also been lucky to be supported by Naval Under Fives to undertake and pass my Foundation Degree. I have a developed a deeper understanding of how children develop and learn and how we can best support them and how, us as adults, have an impact on children’s learning and development.

Being married to someone who served with the armed forces for over 25 years has given me a great insight into what families go through during separation. I hope I can support other families through these times.

I enjoy looking at the environment of our preschool and how we can best improve it to make sure that we develop the children’s learning and interests and they get the most out of their time with us.

I thoroughly enjoy working and playing with the children and watching them develop their interests and see them learn from the world around us, from us and from each other. We have the best job in the world, watching the children grow.

When I am not working, I love to keep fit, visit zoos and wildlife parks with the family and photography. We also like to squeeze in the occasional trip to Disney!

Teri English-

Deputy Manager/ SENCo

I have been employed by Naval under Fives since 2004.

I first started in childcare as a helper in 1997 when my eldest went to preschool in Newcastle.  I carried on helping at the schools and nurseries my children attended in Scotland and Gibraltar and Farham.  I started working for Penguin, Naval under Fives initially as a preschool practitioner. Then following my interests, I became the SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) developing strategies to help children with additional needs progress and achieve their full potential. I enjoy receiving the advice from outside agencies and specialists and tailoring it to best fit our children then watching them master a skill they have been struggling with.  I have also become the Health and Safety Officer for Penguin.

Outside of preschool I enjoy walking my Spaniel in the woods and on farmland, here I get to see lots of birds, foxes, deer and if I am really lucky an occasional badger. In the spring and summer, I like going camping with my husband.  We also go to venues to listen to local musicians and bands play, one of my favourite venues is The Minac Theatre carved into the cliffs in Penzance.

Steph Hicks –

Early Years Practitioner

I have been working in childcare since 2021.

As a mum of four, I know first-hand how magical every stage of childhood can be. I’m passionate about providing a caring environment where little ones can grow in confidence, curiosity, and creativity. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching children grow, discover, and achieve new milestones in their own unique way. My passion is creating a safe, nurturing space where every child feels supported and celebrated.

I am also married. My husband is in the Royal Navy so can relate with military lifestyles and support children with parents being deployed. 

In my spare time I love going for walks down the beach with my family, walking my dogs and discovering new coffee shops!

Sunny Zheng – Early Years Practitioner

I have been working in childcare since 2016. I have one daughter.

I started off as a parent volunteer working at one of our sister settings.

Then I undertook my NVQ 2 and NVQ 3, finishing just after lockdown.

I started coming to Penguin to help on their busier days. But I soon found that, at heart, I was a Penguin! And I moved here to be part of the Penguin team in 2023.

I have learned so much working with the children and the staff, and I look forward to playing and learning with them in the future.

I look after the children as if they were mine. I want parent to think the children are well cared for and they are happy. That is what is most important to me.

Phoebe Fox

Ever since I can remember I have always wanted to work with children. Watching the little ones grow, discover new things and develop into their own personalities. Being a part of their early years is such a rewarding feeling by watching their confidence build and them exploring their own curiosities.

When I left school, I decided to take the route of gaining my NVQ 2 through college. With my course I got offered a placement at Penguins, from walking in there and having a talk about my course and the hours I needed to complete I just knew I wanted to stay. So now I am doing an apprenticeship to gain further experience and qualifications.

At Penguins we create a warm space for children and their families so that they feel safe, loved and encouraged. While every day is different here it is always filled with laughter, learning and little moments which make our job and their childhood so special.

Outside of preschool, I love spending time outdoors. Going for walks and watching the sunset are some of my favourite ways to end the day.