Joshua and Kirsty purchased The Manor Farm Nursery in early 2016 and their three children still attend the setting. Joshua built the Manor Farm Nursery building himself in 2014 and can often be spotted around the farm with his tool kit in hand tweaking and updating the buildings and grounds. He is also a qualified Ski instructor and used to be a barber!

Since having her daughter Emma discovered her passion for caring for young children and obtained her Level 3 childcare qualification in 2010, working at The Manor Farm Nursery ever since! Emma adopted the role of the full-time nursery manager in 2013 and ensures everything runs like clockwork on a day-to-day basis. Throughout her career, Emma has experience working across all ages and is particularly passionate about nurturing the younger children and supporting them reach their important milestones. Emma has a caring nature and prides herself in creating a work environment where all employees feel able to grow and develop with support. You will see Emma at the beginning and end of the day in the office, however, will often be found in the rooms supporting the team and spending time with the children. Emma is a family person who enjoys spending quality time with her daughter and her family back home in Suffolk when she’s not jetting off to different countries and enjoying life to the full. Emma is also our Designated Safeguarding Lead and has lots of experience supporting families through challenging times and difficult conversations.

Having joined us in 2021 with her level 2 qualification, Ann showed the desire and determination to quickly progress and achieve her Level 3 qualification in Early Years. As an ambitious person she instantly took upon a room leader position after qualifying and has led our Toddler Room since. Ann has a passion for developing her knowledge and understanding and works closely with more senior staff to ensure the room is continually developing and adapting to the needs of the children. Ann works full time in our Toddler Room and in her spare time loves to travel and explore our world.

Shanay started at The Manor Farm Nursery as an apprentice and quickly developed her passion for working with children to achieve her Level 2 qualification. Shanay has focused her experience on working with children under 2 at the nursery, and enjoys being an auntie to her nephew, giving her lots of experience with children in the Early Years. Shanay is a creative person, often painting and drawing in her spare time and she uses this creative spark to plan lots of lovely activities for our Toddlers to enjoy. She works full time in our Toddler Room and is particularly good at giving warm hugs to help your little ones settle.

Shannon joined The Manor Farm Nursery in 2022 and is a self-confessed crazy flamingo lady! Shannon is an enthusiastic member of the team who has a strong passion for the outdoor environment and prides herself of delivering a calm and nurturing environment, and also likes to work with our Holiday Club aged children during the quieter non term time weeks. Shannon is currently waiting to complete her Level 3 qualification in Early Years and has done lots of continuous professional development work in communication and managing emotions.

Tayla joined The Manor Farm Nursery in 2017 and quickly achieved her Level 3 Early Years qualification and has a great passion for supporting children in the younger years. Her bubbly personality and creative flair ensure children achieve to their highest potential in a fun, safe environment. Tayla has been a room leader since qualifying and worked in the baby room originally before transitioning to our Rising Two’s room in 2022. You will always find Tayla singing and dancing & encouraging all of her team to join in with the party. Tayla works full time and in her spare time she enjoys dancing, listening to country music and spending time with her friends.

Having qualified as a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner in 2013, Alice worked at a nursery before childminding for 3 years. After returning from maternity, she decided nursery was the right choice for her and joined The Manor Farm Nursery team in 2021. Alice has a very good imagination and loves helping children reach their developmental milestones through messy and craft activities. She feels strongly about children getting involved and stuck in with all opportunities, exploring the outside world and enjoying making memories. Alice works Monday, Tuesday, and Thursdays, spending her spare time with her family, chasing the sunset. Alice also thoroughly enjoys photography, in particular wedding photography.

Recently qualified, Jess completed her work experience, alongside her studies, at The Manor Farm Nursery before taking on a full-time position in August 2023. Jess comes from a large family and spends her time supporting her younger siblings and enjoying the outdoors. Jess is enthusiastic to learn and uses her confidence to support the room leader in her absence, she takes everything in her stride and has a passion for nurturing children to enable them to thrive in the environment.

Following an extensive career in quality control, Iva had her daughter 3 years ago and whilst on maternity leave she decided on a career change to Early Years Education. Iva is passionate and enthusiastic about supporting children in all aspects of life and enjoys making lots of messy activities. She is currently studying for her Level 3 qualification in childcare, working full time alongside this. In her spare time, Iva enjoys spending quality time with her daughter and photography.

Melissa started in 2022 and has worked in childcare for 10 years and worked in a variety of nurseries, giving her a wide breadth of experience across different ages, but has a strong passion for supporting 2-year-olds. Melissa is a bubbly and enthusiastic member of the team who encourages all children to get up and active, exploring the world around them through outdoor play in all weather and planned activities. Melissa uses her experience to support all members of her team, guiding and encouraging them to provide the best care possible for all children! Melissa works full time at The Manor Farm Nursery and in her spare time she enjoys reading books, walking her dog and spending lots of time with her family.

Sophie has been with The Manor Farm Nursery team since leaving school in 2018. Upon joining us, Sophie soon completed her Level 3 apprenticeship whilst working across all ages of the nursery, however has found her passion for working with 2 year olds, supporting their language development and engaging in those first conversations. Sophie works full time and in her spare time is often looking after her nephew exploring the great outdoors. Sophie has a strong passion for messy play and the advantages this brings to all children whilst they learn and explore. Sophie has a kind and calming demeanour, priding herself of the calm and creative environment she creates for children to thrive in.

Sophie returned to The Manor Farm Nursery in 2023 (previously employed 2017–2020 and during which time she had completed her Level 3 Early Years apprenticeship with us), after a period of working in a Primary School. This experience has proved invaluable to see the end of the Early Years curriculum. Sophie is a very active person and spends her spare time playing netball and so she is very passionate about children getting outside to explore the world around them and being active in their day to day lives. Currently, Sophie is expecting her first child in December and will be going onto maternity leave before the Christmas holidays.

Having joined the nursery in 2023, Rachel has become an invaluable member of the team. Her creative ways and calming mannerism provide a warm welcome in the mornings. Rachel has worked in childcare for 8 years and has a passion for helping children achieve. She loves working in a busy environment and thrives off supporting children playing and exploring in the world around them. Rachel works full time and in her spare time enjoys quality family time with her nieces and nephews. Rachel particularly loves horses and enjoys sharing this passion with the children here, introducing them regularly to our ponies on the farm.

Alex joined The Manor Farm nursery in 2020 where she worked with our Rising Two’s team before taking maternity leave with her second son. Since returning, Alex works Wednesdays and Thursdays in our Two’s room, allowing her to achieve a friendly work-life balance to enjoy her spare time with her two boys. Alex is a bubbly and enthusiastic member of the team who prides herself in helping everyone and doing everything she can to support others. Alex is an excellent role model for our little ones, encouraging their manners and exploration skills with a big smile.

Shannon joined The Manor Farm Nursery team in 2020 initially working with our Rising two’s team. Shannon moved upstairs to work with our oldest children where she instantly found this was her passion and has thrived in the Pre-School rooms over the last couple of years, whilst gaining her Level 3 qualification. Shannon is a passionate member of the team and dedicated to progressing, going above and beyond for all and this September, Shannon made the transition to Pre-School Younger to lead the room. Shannon is a kind and nurturing member of staff, following in her mothers’ footsteps here at The Manor Farm Nursery and ensures all children have a rich variety of opportunities. In her spare time Shannon enjoys dancing and is a self-confessed crazy cat lady, getting her third kitten very soon.

Following an extensive career in childcare where she has had the opportunity to work in management, support children with SEN and safeguarding, Jo joined The Manor Farm Nursery Team in 2018 bringing a wealth of knowledge with her. Having grown up children of her own in college, Jo continues to support the education of the younger generation through exciting and challenging activities and can always give a warm cuddle to soothe them. Jo is passionate about all children being involved and role-models our British Values excellently to all the children. She has been an excellent support and mentor for some of our apprentices in the past and continues to support all members of the team at the farm with her knowledge and experience. In her spare time, Jo enjoys running and you will often see her before work, out for a morning run.

Charlotte has been part of The Manor Farm Nursery team in various capacities since 2011, working full time as a room leader before maternity leave and remaining as holiday cover alongside other roles before returning part time in 2023. Charlotte works 2 full days in Pre-School younger, however will often pick up over time to support the whole nursery and work in the holiday club. She has provided consistency during changes over the years and is passionate about the nursery and ensuring everyone upholds its values. Charlotte has two small children of her own and is an outstanding baker in her spare time! Her warm and caring nature provides the children with the reassurance and warmth they need to achieve in a safe environment and Charlotte is passionate about all children having consistent boundaries and routines to enable them the consistency they need to thrive whilst in her care.

Sarah started her childcare career in 2001, qualifying as a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner in 2005 and has had an extensive career in childcare, working in a variety of different settings with children from Nursery to Year 6. Throughout her career, Sarah has worked as a childminder, nanny and TA, however has now decided Pre-School is where her heart lies. Sarah has previously been a Deputy Manager and SENCO and harnesses this experience to ensure all children receive the best education. Sarah has a strong passion for working with Pre-School children and children with Special Educational Needs, helping them to prepare for their next step of going to school. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her daughter and pets, she also loves travelling around the UK and abroad.

Jess graduated university with a BA in Education in 2013 and has since worked in state and independent settings with children from Nursery up to Year 6, but has found her happy place in the Early Years. She is passionate about outdoor learning and qualified as a Forest School Leader back in 2015. She loves the fun, enjoyment and opportunities that being around nature brings children and adults alike. Jess has had a busy couple of years relocating from Cambridge and becoming a Mummy! She has a one year old daughter who also attends the setting. In her spare time she loves rainy walks with her family and dog Albie, visiting friends, a cosy fireplace and country music.

Linda qualified as a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner in 2010 and has had an extensive career working with children with additional needs from Nursery up to Year 6. In 2016 Linda completed an Autism Awareness Diploma in addition to her NVQ communication and verbal support certificate. Linda is passionate about supporting all children, ensuring they reach their full potential, and specifically also enjoys providing additional focus support to some individual children. Linda loves spending time with her family and friends outside work and has her own haven in her garden for relaxing, having BBQs and watching their cat try and catch whatever he can! Linda loves being outdoors and enjoys exploring the wonders of England’s countryside and beaches.

Danni has been part of The Manor Farm Nursery team since 2010 where she worked to achieve her Level 3 Early Years Qualification and has been a valued team member through many changes over the years, providing stability for parents and staff alike. Working across all ages in the nursery, Danni has a wealth of knowledge about children’s progress and development and is passionate about delivering the best for all. Before going on maternity, Danni also had lots of experience as a Room Leader and is a mum of two herself, with one child currently attending Manor Farm and the other at school. In her spare time her little ones keep her busy and she enjoys making new and exciting memories with them.

Lizzie achieved her Level 2 in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools in 2007, and was an Ofsted Registered Childminder, before then becoming a SEN one to one teaching assistant at St Lawrence Primary School for 6 years. Lizzie is also a Town Councillor for Lechlade-on-Thames and has 3 adult children and 3 adult stepchildren. After an extensive career running her own animal boarding business and helping others in the community Lizzie has returned to her passion for working with little ones and loves working at Manor Farm, stating that it makes her feel so happy to be surrounded by small children again. She loves all animals, especially dogs, and has her own gorgeous miniature wire haired dachshund called Dottie who she adores. In her spare time, she enjoys socialising, walking her dog, paddle boarding and canoeing.