The nursery team:

Hilary

Nursery Manager, dsl, trustee & Forest School Practitioner – (BA (Hons) EYP)

I have been working in Early Years Education since 2000. I used to help out as a mum at my own children’s nursery and really enjoyed it. So when an opening became available, I jumped at the opportunity. Initially qualifying with my Level 3 in 2004, I went on to study for an Early Years Degree, which I achieved in July 2008. I also have Early Years Professional Status (2010) and continue to update my knowledge now having additional qualifications in both Creativity and Speech and Language Support, I am also a level 3 Forest School practitioner. I became the Manager of St Michael’s in September 2008, and still consider myself lucky to be working in such a fantastic environment with a supportive team of colleagues and parents. I’m a farmer’s daughter so have a natural love of the outdoors and I’m delighted we have our own nursery chickens! I have a dog called Pip, who is my baby now that my own children have both left school, and I quite enjoy a bit of boxercise!

Jennie

Deputy Manager, deputy DSL, trustee (Level 3)

I joined St. Michael’s in 2014 as a parent helper having enjoyed the experience of running a parent/toddler group in Mickleham. Soon after joining, I began studying towards my Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification, which I completed in June 2016. After working in admin and marketing for many years I have thoroughly enjoyed my change of direction! I have three children – Maddie, Jasper and Leo – all previously attended St Michael’s but now in secondary school and beyond! I took up archery in 2021 (an unexpected joy!), I also enjoy long walks, pottering in the garden, reading and singing.

Aimee

SENCO (npq (sen), pgce, ba (hons))

I joined St Michael’s in April 2025. I am a teacher and SENCO, and I have worked in early years, primary and specialist secondary settings. I have also worked as a practitioner for children’s early help mental health services. I love working in early years and am grateful to have the chance to take on the role of SENCO here part time. I also offer equine facilitated learning sessions with my ponies just outside Dorking. Spending time with the ponies and in nature is important to me, and I love sharing that with other people too! I have two children, a dog, and a bearded dragon as well!

Faith

Nursery Practitioner

I have been hairdressing since I was 16 and have enjoyed my work so far. I have long felt that there is something else I want to do other than hairdressing, so I feel very lucky that I have been given the opportunity to work with an amazing team and spend time with these wonderful children. I have two grown sons and four grandchildren. I enjoy walking my dog and also sewing is a real passion of mine, if I have any spare time I am in my garden tending my flowers.

kelly

nursery practitioner

I have been working in Primary Education since 2005 in various different settings. My favourite role is working within the Early Years and I feel lucky to have joined the fantastic team here at St Michael’s.
I have 4 sons and a young grandson who keep me busy and I enjoy reading, shopping, socialising with friends & family and walking my dog Summer.

Lizzie

Nursery Practitioner (Level 3) & Forest School Practitioner

I began volunteering as a committee member when my daughter Chloe started at St Michael’s in 2017, and I loved being part of the workings behind the scene. My youngest daughter Eleanor started in 2019 and I began working as a Nursery Practitioner in October 2019. I have worked in childcare since 2008, as a nursery nurse and sole charge nanny, qualifying with my CACHE Level 3 NVQ in Children’s Care Learning and Development in 2010. I achieved my Level 3 Forest School Leaders qualification in 2020. I love gardening and being outdoors.

Louise

Nursery Practitioner (level 3)

I joined St Michael’s in September 2019. My youngest daughter attended the nursery and we both fell in love with it, so when the opportunity arose I was delighted to be able to join the wonderful team. I have two daughters and in our spare time we enjoy walks with our dog Eva, family days out and catching up with friends and family.

SOPHIE

Nursery & forest school practitioner (PGCE QTS)

I joined the nursery in February 2021. I started working with children as a primary teacher, specialising in KS1 and literacy. I am really enjoying the opportunity of broadening my experience of education in Early Years Foundation Stage and SEN. I have known the nursery for some years as both my children attended. My partner and I chose it due to the quality of the staff and it’s outdoor approach to learning, so I’m really proud now to be part of the team. Outside of work I enjoy yoga, walking and foraging in the countryside and reading.

Our student practitioners:

eva, Hannah, justyn & katie

Nursery trustees: