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Our team of staff is our most valuable resource. Each one of them is enthusiastic and committed to supporting and nurturing every child in the Nursery. This amazing team includes qualified teachers, people who have worked in Early Years childcare their whole lives, and others who are actively working their way through their childcare qualifications. Here you can find out a little bit more about them, including their favourite book to read!
Hello, I’m Lorna, Nursery Manager. I have worked in childcare for 13 years, in different positions and roles, and have been a Nursery Manager for 9 years. In 2021, I had the most invaluable education and experience, having my own little bundle of joy – Michael. As well as being actively involved in childcare, I also mentor and support the team, which has vital impact the children’s learning. I have a passion for outdoor learning and creating an environment that incorporates a variety of approaches such as Curiosity approach, Reggio Emilia, Froebel, Forest School & Steiner.
It’s hard to choose a favourite book, but I love The Gruffalo, especially listening to the children recite the book and seeing how excited they get before the Gruffalo appears. Reading is pivotal to children’s it allows them to be calm and relaxed, creating new knowledge to enlighten their minds and provides children with important skills for later life.
I started as a childminder in 2006 working in my home, during that time caring for about 120 children and was rated Outstanding by Ofsted. I love that no two days are the same here, the whole team at Cricklade is like a family and the children are all so energetic, enthusiastic and keen to learn. I have an extensive breadth of experience across all aspects of Early Years and Special Educational Needs, plus I consider myself to have a very creative approach to getting the children to be engaged in their learning.
My absolute favourite book is We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. It’s such an engaging story that brings the children’s imagination alive, especially when combined with a trip to forest school.
I discovered my true calling through volunteering with a charity focused on childcare. This experience sparked a profound enthusiasm in me, and I haven’t looked back since. I pursued an apprenticeship and earned my Level 3 NVQ in Early Years Education in 2022. Since then, I’ve continued to deepen my knowledge and skills in a role I truly love.
Working at Cricklade Manor Nursery has been incredibly rewarding, thanks to the strong sense of community among staff, children, and families. The collaborative environment fosters a genuine feeling of belonging and teamwork. Observing and engaging with happy children, connecting with them, and supporting their learning has been a highlight of my work. My experience with children from diverse backgrounds has highlighted the importance of creating enriching and supportive nursery environments through quality interactions and stimulating resources. Additionally, working with children with special educational needs has expanded my understanding of the various ways children learn and experience the world. I relish setting up engaging activities that spark curiosity in young minds using loose parts, open-ended materials, and messy play.
One of my favourite activities is reading and acting out “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” with the children, as it invites adventure and imagination through playful exploration of the garden and beyond.
After working as a Childminding Assistant for 5 years, and then as a Senior Residential Support Worker for just over 2 years, I joined Cricklade Manor Nursery in 2023. It is wonderful to see the children grow and develop their skills and relationships with their peers. I would say I am a creative person and I enjoy watching the children learning new life skills and being curious and creative whether that’s baking or exploring different materials.
I have a few favourite books that I like to read with the children especially anything by Julia Donaldson or Nick Sharatt, like ‘There’s a shark in the park’
I have cared for children aged from 3 months to 4 years, and have recently achieved my Level 3 childcare qualification.
No two days are ever the same here. We have a wide range of great resources like our beautiful walled garden and forest school. We love going on adventures round the school to explore these. I love getting super creative with messy play tuff trays, creating fun, and stimulating activities based on the children’s interests. I love encouraging and supporting children to get involved and explore their senses through play.
My favourite book to read to the children is We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, as the children enjoy getting involved and will join in with you. The children like to take this into the garden and role-play the story.
From a young age, I have always been passionate about working with children. After having my two children and earning my early years qualification, I began my career in a day nursery. I then transitioned to becoming a childminder, running my own home-based setting for 15 years.
Although I haven’t been with Cricklade Manor Nursery for long, I’ve been warmly welcomed and feel valued as part of the team. I take great pleasure in meeting the families and supporting the children every day.
Whether rain or shine, I relish the opportunity to be outside, fostering curiosity, exploration, and learning. Additionally, I love engaging in creative activities, setting up open-ended play with loose parts and natural resources.
One of my favourite books to read with children is “Rainbow Fish,” a story that beautifully promotes the values of friendship, sharing, and kindness. Its engaging narrative and vibrant illustrations make it timeless for teaching these important themes.
Hello! I have over six years of experience in childcare, working in various nurseries and preschools across Swindon and the surrounding areas. From a young age, I knew I wanted to work with children, and during school, I eagerly took on work experience opportunities to begin my journey. After finishing school, I immediately pursued an apprenticeship to earn my Level 2 Childcare qualification.
Throughout my career, I’ve gained valuable knowledge and training and continue to expand my understanding of child development. I’ve also had the exciting opportunity to work abroad with TUI, where I served as a Baby Club Host in Greece and as a Kids Club Host at a ski resort in France.
I joined Cricklade Manor in 2025 and am deeply passionate about outdoor learning and creating natural, engaging environments that inspire children to explore, play, and develop essential life skills. One of the things I love most about my role is the variety—no two days are ever the same! The team here is incredibly supportive, and the children’s warmth and energy make every day a joy as we bring amazing ideas and activities to life.
I consider myself highly creative and enjoy hands-on, messy play activities like experimenting with tuff trays, exploring playdough, and tailoring activities to the children’s interests. Storytime is another favourite part of my day—I particularly love reading anything by Julia Donaldson or classics like The Tiger Who Came to Tea.
My passion for working with children began after having my own two. I used to take my daughter, then son, to a wonderful city farm toddler group, which we all loved. I went on to do a sessional creche worker course at the same place. This led me to want to further my education, so I went on to study a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare & Education for over 2 years. I have since worked in Early Years child care & education for over 20 years, in five different settings. For the last eight years, I worked as a Reception class Teaching assistant in Bristol.
I was drawn to Cricklade Manor Nursery because of the welcoming staff and the wonderful grounds. I love being outdoors and the Nursery with its fantastic walled garden at the front and smaller garden at the back, has lots of amazing space to explore. I was especially excited by the Forest School area and the wonderful learning experiences this will provide the children.
I absolutely adore nature in all forms, so I’m hoping to instil my knowledge and passion for nature in the children.
I also love singing and playing the piano, so you’ll probably catch me singing to/along with the children at some point! I love it when the children become familiar with songs and become confident enough to happily join in.
I really do love all of Julia Donaldson’s wonderful books, especially if they’re illustrated by Axel Scheffler, as i think his illustrations are utterly fantastic. I love reading her books as I enjoy the super rhymes. She also creates such vivid, original characters; I enjoy trying to give them different voices when reading to the children!
I qualified as a teacher 35 years ago, in Primary Education with PE as specialism and have worked in Primary education up until the last 5 years. Then I stepped back and started working in the nursery with 2–4-year-olds and have loved it!
I love watching the children grow and develop through the different milestones; every day seeing the smile on their faces as they achieve something new. I have experience with Special Educational Needs as I have two children with Autism. I understand from a parent’s perspective how challenge yet rewarding looking SEN children can be.
I love the older books such as Owl Babies and The Tiger Who Came to Tea, as I used to read these with my children.
After having my four boys, I realized I wanted to work more closely with children. To pursue this passion, I completed a childcare course and began working as a key worker in a nursery. There, I furthered my qualifications by obtaining an NVQ Level 3 in childcare. Following my time at the nursery, I launched my own childminding business, which I ran successfully for 17 years, consistently receiving good to outstanding ratings in inspections. After closing my business, I transitioned to a role as a Special Educational Needs Assistant at a school, where I have been caring for a terminally ill child.
Although I have not been in this position long, I find the staff team incredibly supportive and enjoy the school’s beautiful gardens, which provide a great space for exploration and fun. I also love seeing the chickens daily and engaging in creative activities like baking. Being part of the children’s day and helping them explore and have fun is deeply fulfilling for me. I have a strong interest in sensory play, which can be highly stimulating for children, and I am eager to learn more about Special Educational Needs.
One of my favourite books to read with the children is “Rainbow Fish,” as it beautifully conveys lessons about sharing and kindness.
I have been working in Early Years and child development since 2018, here at Cricklade Manor Nursery for the past five years, while working towards my BA in Early Childhood Studies. I love the outdoor Early Years garden areas, which offer plenty of experiences and opportunities for engagement for the children, especially in the Forest School and in PE.
My favourite story is ‘The Disgusting Sandwich’ by Gareth Edwards. It is very popular with the children, triggering lots of discussion topics to boost their communication and language skills and leading to activities that support their personal, social and emotional development.
A few years ago, I began working at a breakfast and after-school club with children aged 4-11, where I discovered my true passion and felt I was in the right place. At Cricklade Manor Nursery, I enjoy being a part of a supportive team, the beautiful garden that offers children a space to explore, and the affectionate cuddles from the little ones.
As a mother of two boys, I have a personal appreciation for creative activities, especially cooking and baking, which we love to incorporate into our role-playing games.
One of my many favourite books that I enjoy reading with the children is “The Tiger Who Came to Tea” as it holds a special place in my heart.