OUR TEAM

Our dedicated, experienced and qualified team.

Meet our team
See our video
Meet Our Team
See our Video

Owners, Management Team & Supporting Staff

Kirsty

Kirsty

Director

Read More

Joshua and Kirsty purchased The Manor Farm Nursery in early 2016 and their three children still attend the setting. Kirsty oversees compliance with Ofsted and the EYFS, with a drive and desire for making sure the children who attend the nursery have the best opportunities to learn and develop through a really supportive team. Growing up on a Dairy farm she has always been a very outdoorsy person and is a passionate horsewoman.

Joshua

Joshua

Director

Read More
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!
Emma C

Emma C

Early Years Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead

Read More
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.
Carla

Carla

Early Years Manager

Read More
Carla has worked at The Manor Farm Nursery since qualifying from college in 2007 and adopted the role of joint Nursery Manager in 2013. Carla has three children and works Monday- Friday between the hours of 9am-3pm to support her family. Carla has a passion for making sure things are organised and ensures all of the paperwork is completed when needed. You will often find Carla in the office during her working hours, and she is your go-to person for funding, queries, show rounds and settling in our new starters. Carla has a wealth of knowledge about the Early Years curriculum, having worked across all age groups and will often be seen visiting different rooms to support the children and staff. In her spare time, Carla enjoys supporting her children, whilst they play Ice Hockey and Football, cheering them on from the sidelines.
Jamie

Jamie

Food and Hygiene Manager

Read More

Jamie is our Food and Hygiene Manager who joined The Manor Farm Team in October 2019 and in September 2021 was awarded a 5 star rating for compliance with Food safety and hygiene. Jamie was also a semifinalist for the county in Young Chef of the Year.

Emma P

Emma P

Deputy Manager

Read More
Emma gained her Level 3 qualification in 2012 before joining The Manor Farm Nursery team in 2014 and becoming Deputy Manager in 2015. She has 5 children of her own, including Molly who is following in her footsteps here at The Manor Farm Nursery and Emma is a real mum through and through. Emma uses this approach in her management role to support all of the team in a kind, caring manner. Emma works across all rooms, however, is mostly found supporting our youngest children settle into nursery in the Baby and Toddler rooms. Her warm mannerism provides parents with the extra reassurance during this milestone and ensures all children receive the love, care, and attention her own would receive. Emma works full time and is one of the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads, therefore she has lots of experience dealing with sensitive issues and provides an excellent support to all parents.
Bex

Bex

SENCo - On Maternity Leave

Read More
Bex joined The Manor Farm Nursery in 2016 where she achieved her level 3 qualification before taking a short break to take on a new challenge as a Deputy Manager of another nursery. Bex returned to us in 2022 to adopt a new role as Supernumerary Early Years Practitioner, and we are thrilled she made the decision to return. Bex is extremely passionate about inclusivity and ensuring all children have the opportunity to achieve their highest potential, therefore upon returning she became our Deputy SENCO alongside training for her Level 3 qualification in Special Educational Needs. She proudly achieved this in 2023 and now leads our provision as the nursery SENCO. Bex works full time across all the rooms, observing and monitoring all children with Special Educational Needs or potential concerns, however is mostly found in our Toddler room where she identifies and forms strong relationships with parents from an early age.
Keely

Keely

Early Years Professional and HR Support and SENCo

Read More
Keely is the Early Years Professional and HR Support person for The Manor Farm Nursery. Since starting in 2020, she has worked closely with the Managers and Kirsty to support staff development and ensure we continue to deliver high standards across the nursery. Having graduated from University in 2011 with Qualified Teacher Status she proceeded to gain her Early Years Professional status shortly after. Keely has a strong passion for making sure all children receive the best education possible and feels strongly about supporting staff to deliver this. Throughout her career she has been fortunate to work across a variety of nurseries and schools adopting different roles, such as a SENCO, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, and Deputy Manager. Since returning from Maternity Keely has completed her CIPD certificate in HR Management and is passionate about continuing to support the team at The Manor Farm Nursery. Keely works Monday- Wednesdays and in her spare time enjoys making memories with her little boy, playing netball and reading.

Supernumerary Team

Katie

Katie

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Read More
Katie joined us in 2023 & settled in immediately, thriving in her supernumerary role. Katie has a wealth of experience in childcare & also has her own twin boys who keep her very busy. You will find Katie working across all of the rooms to support children and staff members. Katie works Monday- Thursdays 8am-2pm term time only & is passionate about getting ‘stuck in’. Katie is an enthusiastic & bubbly member of our team & takes great pride in her ability to be flexible & loved by all the children in any room she works in.
Wendy

Wendy

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Read More
Having joined us in 2023, Wendy has proven to be a great addition to The Manor Farm Nursery team & brings great knowledge & experience of all ages with her. Wendy thrives in her flexibility & ability to work in all of the rooms, supporting children & staff alike. Wendy is passionate about all children having the opportunity to be involved & enjoys creating different activities for them to explore & develop. She has a strong interest in SEN & ensures this is reflected in her practice. Her can-do attitude means she is always available to lend a hand & support everyone! Wendy works Monday- Friday 8am- 2pm & can always be found with a friendly smile on her face.
Alice H

Alice H

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Read More
Alice is currently on Maternity leave & will be returning to us in November. Alice joined us in 2020 & had an exciting start settling in during COVID. Alice originally worked in our Toddler room & will be returning to work Wednesday-Fridays 8am-2pm. Alice is an enthusiastic member of the team who loves being outdoors & has a strong passion for being on the water. She is a keen adventurer & spends her time exploring new places & encourages all of the children to explore the world around them here at the farm.
Maddy

Maddy

Early Years Trainee

Read More
Joined Manor Farm Nursery in September 2024 as a trainee nursery nurse looking to get experience in all age groups. In the future I would love to work with children in SEND and make their life as fulfilled as possible. In my spare time I enjoy meeting friends and going on dinner dates, as well as shopping. I also enjoy going on holiday with my friends, family to explore new places and going on adventures.
Sara

Sara

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Read More
Sara joined the Manor farm team in 2024 with many years of experience in the early years including managerial roles. Sara works across all ages as part of our supernumerary team, providing excellent cover for staff and supporting all children in their development. Sara has lots of experience working with Preschool children, helping them in their transition to school, however she has worked across all ages in the Early Years. Sara has four boys and three granddaughters which keep her very busy, from being a taxi driver to supporting their sports interests.
Rachael

Rachael

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Read More
Rachael joins in September 2024, with over 18 years’ experience working in Early Years, having done her apprenticeship alongside our longstanding Manager Carla. After being in one setting since this time, including being a Manager, Rachael has decided to work again as a Practitioner, so she can enjoy working with children again. Rachael is passionate about building strong relationships with both parents and children and ensuring the children have lots of fun whilst in our care. Rachael has a particular interest in ensuring children are school ready. In her spare time Rachael loves spending time with her husband and 2 children going on different adventures.
Lisa

Lisa

Gardener and General Groundkeeper

Read More
Lisa joined Manor Farm in 2024 as our Gardener and General Groundskeeper due to her passion for working outdoors and taking pride in a location. Lisa and her husband formally ran a pub for 10 years before having their daughter who attends our Holiday club. Lisa also has a love for animals looking after horses and she has 3 dogs and a cat of her own.

Babies Room

Molly

Molly

Level 3 Trainee Early Years Practitioner

Read More
Molly has been working at The Manor Farm Nursery since 2018, since which she completed her Level 2 apprenticeship whilst working in our Toddler room. Molly is an ambitious member of the team who often goes above and beyond to help others. She works full time and is currently studying towards her Level 3 Qualification in her spare time. Molly also enjoys spending money on the finer things in life, having more shoes than she can count and at work she loves to ensure all children have the opportunity to explore the outdoor environment. Molly is passionate about delivering outstanding care for all children and you often hear her name being called by the children all around the nursery. Molly has worked in all rooms within the nursery, helping wherever needed, however her passion lies with supporting our youngest children settle into nursery.
Tara

Tara

Level 3 Trainee Early Years Practitioner

Read More
Tara started her childcare journey in 2016 and joined us this year in 2024 to complete her level 3 qualification in Early Years. Tara is particularly passionate about working with the younger children and supporting their first transitions into the nursery environment, giving them the care and attention they need to thrive. Tara also has a strong passion for special educational needs and supporting children as early as possible. In her spare time, Tara enjoys movie nights and strolls on the beach with her two girls.
Lara

Lara

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Read More
Lara joined The Manor Farm team in 2024 and works three days a week in our Baby room. Qualified in 2004, Lara enjoyed two wonderful years working in the Early Years before having her own family and becoming a full-time mum for 10 years, returning then to the profession where she was undoubtedly missed. She has 4 children herself, one of whom attends The Manor Farm and benefits from our outdoor areas. Lara describes herself as family focused and dedicates her time to ensuring they get the most out of life including exploring the outdoors! Lara is particularly passionate about working with the younger babies, supporting the new transition into nursery life and helping them get the best first start.

Toddlers Room

Ann

Ann

Room Leader

Read More
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

Shanay

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner

Read More
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.
Lana

Lana

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Read More
Lana qualified as an Early years Practitioner in 2022 and has a strong passion for working with young children, in particular, babies and toddlers. Lana joined the team in 2024, working 4 days a week and is passionate about delivering outstanding love and care for our babies and toddlers. In her spare time Lana enjoys working on cars with her partner and attending car shows. Lana is an ambitious member of the team who thoroughly enjoys the outdoors and is often out and about walking or on bike rides. Lana is also very proud of her achievement of climbing Mount Snowdon for Cancer Research.
Alex

Alex

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner

Read More

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.

Rising 2’s Room

Tayla

Tayla

Room Leader

Read More
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.
Alice A

Alice A

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Read More

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.
Alice is now on Maternity Leave.

Jess C

Jess C

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Read More
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.
Ava

Ava

Level 3 Trainee Early Years Practitioner

Read More

Ava has worked across several Pre-Prep schools helping out with sports and coaching children of all ages before pursuing a career in the Early Years and has joined our team in 2024 to start her Level 3 Childcare Qualification. In her spare time, Ava particularly enjoys playing hockey and running, having run a half marathon last year to raise money for charity. Ava intends to run her next half marathon in October 2024, building her way up to the London Marathon in the future.

Jordan

Jordan

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Read More
Jordan joined the Manor Farm team in 2020 bringing with her a wealth of experience working with children under 2 years. Jordan has recently returned to nursery following maternity leave with her first daughter. As a busy mum of 3 Jordan enjoys family time and exploring the outdoors with little ones. Jordan returns 3 days a week, working Monday, Wednesday and Fridays in our Rising Two’s room. Jordan has a strong passion for working with the younger children and her warming, calming nature lends herself to this age group, using her experience as a mum to help reassure new parents and children in the nursery journey.

2’s Room

Melissa

Melissa

Room Leader

Read More
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 C

Sophie C

Room Leader

Read More
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.
Rachel

Rachel

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner

Read More
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.
Iva

Iva

Level 3 Trainee Early Years Practitioner

Read More

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.

Katie R

Katie R

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Read More
Katie rejoined the Team in 2024, working 3 days a week in our Two’s room. Katie completed her level 3 qualification in Early Years at The Manor Farm in 2021, before spreading her wings to explore different settings, getting married, having a baby and returning to us in 2024. She returned to work at Manor Farm with the intention of also enabling her own little boy to thrive within our vast space of outdoors and exploration.
Billie

Billie

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Read More
Billie joins Manor Farm in September 2024 working Tuesdays and Wednesdays in our 2 year old room. Billie joins us with a wealth of experience, spanning over 10 years in the Early Years and is looking for her new challenge. Billie particularly enjoys creating fun and inviting messy activities for the children to participate in whilst at nursery. In her spare time Billie loves spending time with her friends and family making precious memories and travelling around the world seeing lots of new places.

Pre-School Younger (Caterpillars)

Shannon C

Shannon C

Room Leader

Read More

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.
Shannon is currentky on Maternity Leave

Charlotte

Charlotte

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Read More

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.
Charlotte is currentky on Maternity Leave

Kaleb

Kaleb

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner

Read More
Kaleb returned to work at The Manor Farm Nursery in 2023 following a short career break. Kaleb gained some experience caring for the elderly but quickly realised that his heart lies with supporting the younger generation. He is keen to learn and develop his knowledge and is currently looking to start his next challenge to complete his Level 3 qualification. Kaleb is a child at heart, and you will often find him running around with the older children, getting stuck in, and enjoying all the activities as much as the children! Kaleb is often known as the children’s friend but rest assured, he provides a warm, creative environment for all children to learn, develop and thrive at The Manor Farm Nursery. In his spare time Kaleb enjoys crochet and is an old attendee of the nursery itself, joining The Manor Farm Nursery in his Pre-School year, going full circle to now educate our little ones.
Debbie

Debbie

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Read More
Debbie rejoined Manor Farm in 2024, after initialling being employed in 2021 and having a break to try out working in a Pharmacy. Debbie has over 20 years’ experience in Early Years, and her own grown up children, so coming back to Early Years came naturally. Debbie also has a grandchild who she cares for weekly and her daughter Lana also works at Manor Farm. Whether family or at work Debbie loves seeing children grow to the best of their potential and finds this very rewarding. In Debbie’s spare time she enjoys walking and visiting National Trust locations.
Tyne

Tyne

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Read More
Tyne joined Manor Farm in 2024 and comes with a diverse career in Early Years Education across all ages. Working in childcare for 18 years, Tyne has been fortunate to have the opportunity to work her way up to management level before deciding she wanted to spend more time working with the children and improving their knowledge and understanding personally by stepping out of the office. Tyne joined our Pre-School Younger team before adopting the role of the room leader in September 2024, where she will continue to thrive. Tyne loves Dopey, the character from Snow White and is often travelling to Disney World multiple times a year as part of her love for travelling and exploring.
Linda

Linda

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Read More

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.

Pre-School Older (Butterflies Room)

Sarah

Sarah

Room Leader

Read More
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.
Lizzie

Lizzie

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner

Read More
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.
Taylor

Taylor

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner.

Read More

Taylor has been part of The Manor Farm Nursery team since 2013 where she worked to achieve her Level 3 Early Years Qualification and has been a valued member of the team ever since. Working across all ages, Taylor has extensive experience as a room leader in several rooms and is an excellent role model to other staff. Taylor has a calm mannerism and takes pride in providing a safe place where children feel comfortable to learn and achieve their potential in the warm environment she creates.

Mieka

Mieka

Level 3 Trainee Early Years Practitioner

Read More

Mieka joined The Manor Farm Nursery in 2023 after working in another setting for over a year to obtain most of her qualification. Mieka is currently finishing her qualification and aims to have achieved this by the end of the year! Mieka has a strong passion for supporting children with additional needs and is often helping out neighbours’ children with special educational needs, gaining a wealth of knowledge and understanding of how to support children from a young age. Mieka also works in holiday clubs and finds childcare extremely rewarding, particularly when children reach their next milestones.

Maz

Maz

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Read More
Maz has been with the Manor Farm team since June 2016. Maz has many years of experience within all age groups, but particularly enjoys preparing the children for Reception so working in our Butterflies Class. Maz is mum to 2 teenagers and together with her husband they own a wild and funny dog. Maz loves going to classic car shows and presenting their cars on display, hobbies also include reading, gardening and listening to music.

“Children come home happy, well cared for and progressing in all areas of their emotional and intellectual development”