The nursery team
Hilary
Nursery Manager, dsl & Forest School Practitioner, Temporary SENCO (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 Sammy, 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 (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.
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.
Nursery Committee members
Miranda
Chair and Ofsted Nominated Person
I am Chair of the Committee and took over the position at the end of 2021. I am Mummy to George and Ozzy.
My background is as an Assistant Headteacher in an Infant School and I recently started a new part time role! Being part of the Committee has been a great way to keep up to date with Early Years Education whilst I have been having some time away from the profession having my kids! It has given me a newfound sense of purpose and used my skills in a different way.
Verity
Vice Chair and Events
I am a mum of two wonderful boys, my youngest is currently at St. Michael’s.
I work in large public and corporate events as a Production Manager, I have really enjoyed transferring my skill set to help support the Nursery and its community.
Sophie
Treasurer
Hi, I’m Sophie and have recently taken on the role of Treasurer. My two daughters have been through the nursery and are now at St Michael’s School, and my son, Harry, joined the nursery in September 2022. As a family we have been grateful for the great foundation the nursery has given our children, so it’s nice to now be able to contribute to it’s ongoing success.
Sarah
Payroll Manager and secretary
I am Sarah and I manage Payroll and am the Nursery Committee Secretary. I help with events and fundraising, and I love the outdoors and baking.
Francesca
Communications
I am Mummy to Margot who started at St Michael’s school in September, and Fabian who joined the Nursery in 2023.
I have background in healthcare, but I have recently diverted into freelance media marketing and joined the Committee at the last AGM.
Zu
Playground Checker and Happy Helper
I’m Zu and I’ve joined the Committee as a Happy Helper, I also take part in a safety check rota for the Mickleham playground. I love St Michael’s Nursery for all the natural stimuli and friendly challenges provided for little ones, therefore I am happy to support it when and where I can.