Lakiesha Jelenke

I am a creative, welcoming and engaged Early Years teacher with a great passion for

supporting children’s development during their most formative years. My journey in

education began in Paris, where I immersed myself in the Maria Montessori approach.

This experience instilled in me a strong belief in child-led learning, independence and

the importance of nurturing each child’s natural curiosity.

Upon returning to England, I completed my Postgraduate Certificate in Education,

equipping me with a thorough understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

framework. I have since developed a rich and responsive approach to early learning

that actively supports the Characteristics of Effective Learning. I am dedicated about

designing continuous provision environments that encourage exploration and

discovery; enabling children to take ownership of their learning through purposeful play

and hands-on experiences.

Working in Brazil enabled my teaching experience to span from Pre-Nursery, Nursery

and Reception. I prioritise creating inclusive, language-rich settings that promote

resilience, engagement and critical thinking. I believe in observing closely to

understand each child’s learning style and tailoring opportunities to stretch their

thinking and celebrate their uniqueness.

Beyond the classroom, I self-published a children’s book that has been used across

various educational settings to foster conversations about identity, acceptance and

motivation. This creative project reflects my belief in the power of storytelling as a tool

for connection and learning.

I am excited to be joining such an inspiring and collaborative team at Maple Bloom,

where I can contribute my passion, creativity and commitment to excellence.