Our Nursery Team

Liz has been working in the early years sector for 33 years, mainly in leadership and senior leadership roles, and she has a level-7 qualification (degree education) in Integrated Centre Leadership as well as an NNEB qualification in childcare.

Liz has worked in a number of childcare settings, including working in day nurseries, private nurseries and a group of four Children’s centres for Action For Children. She lives in Bampton with Tia, her Beagle, and at the weekend, they enjoy long walks in the village, often combined with a pub lunch. Liz has a passion for growing vegetables at home, and this is something she would like to establish at the nursery with the team and our chef. 

Liz says that she’s so happy to have joined the team and families at Little Birches. She feels she can bring her passion for quality childcare and my skills and experience to nurture the team and develop our amazing environment. 

Ashlee has been working with children for 11 years and has 5 years’ experience in senior roles. She has a level-3 qualification in Nursery Nursing and level-5 qualification in Leadership & Management. Ashlee has worked in a children’s home that achieved an Outstanding certification with Ofsted. She has been trained in many different areas such as safeguarding, SEN and therapeutic care.

Alex has been working in Early Education for 8 years, starting as an apprentice and working her way into leadership roles. Alex has completed her Level-3 in Early Years Education and has various other training courses that have aided her in all aspects of her role. Most of her experience is working with, and leading the team, in preschool.

Alex enjoys being able to make meaningful connections with the children and families, and believes that the partnerships between the two are paramount in creating a safe and nurturing environment. Not only this, but Alex is a strong follower of the children’s imaginations; you’ll often find her immersed within their imaginative worlds, being a fire-fighting dragon, but also guiding and teaching them new things in a way that brings out the best in them.

Alex supports not only their creative sides, but their inquisitiveness, emotional well-being, and encourages them the best she can to eat healthfully. She believes that every question is a good question and will always try her hardest to answer it, even if that means scouring through books until she can find the answer.

Before joining Little Birches, Ashleigh worked in a children’s care home. Although the children were older, she enjoyed planning activities especially those that used arts and crafts.

Ashleigh is so happy that she is able to utilise her creativity with the children in the nursery making different art using a variety of media. Ashleigh loves messy play! She believes that messy play activities allow children to engage using all of their senses.

She loves that Little Birches has such a vast outside space for the children to explore and play. Ashleigh thinks it is so beneficial being outdoors helping children with their communication and she enjoys being a part of the children’s journey in their learning and development.

Bryony has worked in childcare for over 7 years. She was previously a Room Leader in a nursery before she decided to go travelling. During her time travelling, Bryony decided to take a position in a children’s club in Greece where she worked for the summer with toddlers.

When Bryony visited Little Birches, she fell in love with the way the rooms were made to be so homely. She found the resources exciting and engaging for the children to explore their curiosities and extend their learning. She also appreciates how valuable the expansive outside space is.

Bryony loves being at Little Birches, citing how great the team is and how this transcends into providing the highest level of care for the children.

Kelly has been working in childcare for 16 years in a range of settings and across various roles, from nannying to managing a nursery. 

Kelly likes to create a fun educational environment for all children to play and explore.

In Kelly’s own time, she works closely with small animal rescues to help animals in need.

Paige started her journey in childcare in 2017, after leaving college where she studied for her equine care diploma. Paige started doing her level-2 in Childcare apprenticeship shortly after college and then Paige started her level-3 childcare qualification.

Paige has progressed quickly in her career due to her passion and empathetic approach and has taken on the role of Baby Room Mentor. Paige loves the sensory messy activities that we provide, and enjoys watching the babies in her care learning through play.

Hello, I’m Emily! I started my journey in childcare in 2018, after leaving college when completing my A-Levels. I shortly began my Level-3 childcare apprenticeship, whilst working full time in a nursery setting. 

I have always loved caring for children and enjoy resonating with my inner child! I particularly love art, messy play and music/dance; I really believe expressive arts are so beneficial to children’s development. I spend a lot of my free time reading, painting and exercising outdoors. 

I have many years of experience in nursery settings caring for children under 5 years. Here I have progressed to leadership roles and caring for children with SEND. 

Stacey has 10 years of experience in childcare and has earned her Level-3 qualification in Early Years Education.

She enjoys singing and dancing, being creative with sensory or messy activities and taking the children outside whatever the weather. Stacey is a strong believer in the advantages of outdoor learning activities and how it benefits young minds. Stacey believes in building strong bonds with children and families, and providing the children the best environment for their continued development.

Since leaving school, Andrewl has always enjoyed spending time with his four younger cousins. That led him to start his level-2 qualification in childcare whilst working as bank staff at a different setting. Once completed, he worked full time for just under 8 years, caring for all age ranges from newborn to 5 years of age, whilst also doing holiday club for 5-8 year olds. Andrew left childcare briefly to go into the transport and distribution industry, but his love for childcare was always there, so he was soon back in it.

Andrew finds the best aspect of working in childcare is providing exciting opportunities and the best level of care possible, watching them grow and develop and forming close relationships with children and parents alike.

Leila has worked in childcare for 7 years and enjoys watching children grow and develop through their nursery journey. She has completed her level-2 and level-3 qualification in childcare and is very excited to begin her foundation degree within Children’s Development. Leila has also achieved a diploma in performing arts and enjoyed a gap year working within hospitality, before deciding to work with children.

Leila was born in the US where she lived in Cincinnati (Ohio) for several years, as well as travelling to different countries such as Brazil, before moving to live in the UK. Travelling to different countries is something Leila has always enjoyed doing. Leila is half British and Vietnamese, and a quarter Chinese, so growing up and learning about different cultures was very important to her.

I am Michelle. I have been in the teaching profession for the past 22 years as an English Language and Christianity teacher in the primary school back in my home country, Sri Lanka.

Since moving to the UK some years ago, I have been based in preschool as a Nursery Practitioner and Preschool teacher.

My passion for teaching began due to the love of being around children and the fact that I am able to mould their minds into having a successful mindset, and I love bringing out the best in them.

I am thrilled to be a part of the Little Birches team and I am totally committed to making a positive impact on the lives of the young through education.

Sophie has 10 years’ experience in childcare, and she is also Level-3 qualified in Early Years.

Sophie’s experience gave her the opportunity to be a Room Leader in her previous setting. With Little Birches, Sophie wants to extend her interest in helping children with additional needs. She hopes to complete a Level-3 in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities soon and wants to support the SEN team with any children within the nursery who require more support.

Sophie enjoys the outdoors and loves to take the children out on adventures, exploring in the woods or discovering activities and interests in Forest School.

Sophie spends her personal time riding and caring for her horses as well as coxing for the local rowing team that represent Great Britain.

Hello, I’m Tayla. My childcare journey started in 2021, immediately after my education, where I began working full time in a nursery and completing the Level-2 diploma for the Early Years Workforce. I’m also looking forward to working towards my level-3 qualification. Most of my experience is working with the 1-2 year olds.

I am a very proud auntie to three cheeky nephews and I love to watch them grow and develop. I am passionate about children’s learning and education whilst building close relationships with children and their families. I particularly love watching the children exploring our messy and sensory activities, as well as leading circle times with rhymes, songs and dancing.

I am glad to have joined the Little Birches team. I can share my skills and experiences and also learn new skills from my colleagues. I always feel welcomed and comfortable within the setting. In my spare time, I spend a lot of time seeing my family and friends. I love getting my nails done and going shopping.

Amy studied at London Studio Centre, and completed a degree in Musical Theatre. Since her degree, Amy continued musical theatre and she taught dance and drama to younger children. 

Amy is a very proud auntie to a beautiful niece and is extremely passionate about children’s learning and education. 

As a trained professional singer, Amy enjoys passing on this interest to the children, teaching them new rhymes and songs and ways to express themselves. She loves to observe the children exploring the environment whilst developing their own interests.

Hi, I’m Ceri and I am passionate about inclusive opportunities for all children.

My background is in education; working with young people in schools and special education settings. I’m a true believer that all walks of expressive arts can help to aid communication skills and develop our understanding of ourselves, our peers and the world around us.

I have training and experience in SEMH, autism and using PACE practice. I am also currently learning Makaton.

Elena has had a special place in her heart for children. She finds so much joy in helping them grow, learn, and explore the world around them. She is naturally patient and nurturing, which really helps in creating a warm and safe environment for the children. 

Elena feels that there is nothing more rewarding to her than seeing their faces light up when they discover something new or master a new skill.

Working with children is not just a job for her, it’s her passion. She loves getting to know each child, understanding their unique needs, and helping them feel confident and loved.

She is excited to continue making a difference in these little ones’ lives and supporting them on their journey.

Hannah is looking to gain her level 3-qualification in childcare and is working her way up through the nursery. She has two little boys and lives in Sonning Common. Hannah spends her spare time reading and creating fun stories with her sons at home. 

Hannah loves all things messy play and loves setting up fun and engaging activities for all the children. She enjoys working with all different age groups and abilities, and has a keen interest in learning more about SEN and therapeutic care.

She has a passion for helping and guiding children to learn something new and reach their next steps. Little Birches is the workplace she has felt the most at home and comfortable and can not wait to continue her journey with them.

Kalyn is from South Africa and has been an English Teacher for numerous years, teaching children of various ages.

Childcare in any avenue has always been a part of her foreseeable future. Kalyn is fascinated by how she can intrigue a child by offering them different opportunities and ways to learn. She enjoys the rapport with children and the overall impact she can have on a child’s life by just being herself. 

Kalyn is thoroughly enjoying working within the Early Years sector. She loves the Little Birches ethos of being outdoors and following the child’s interests.

She looks forward to continuing her career in which she feels is a most important sector of childcare and development.

Sapir has 3 years’ experience in early years.
She enjoys helping the children develop their own individual personalities in a fun supporting environment.

In her free time, she likes going to the gym, cooking, and spending time with her friends and family.

Sapir is looking forward to completing her level-2 qualification and progressing with the nursery.

Hello, I’m Sarah. All I have ever wanted to do was to take care of children.

I have been working in childcare for over 35 years, starting as a Mother’s Help after leaving school, and then moving on to being a full-time nanny for many families in the Henley area.

In my free time, I love cooking, travelling, going to the theatre and walking my dogs.

Unza lives in Henley-on-Thames with her husband. She is a qualified maths teacher, and before starting her journey in childcare, Unza worked in a primary school as a Maths teacher for nearly ten years and then as a Primary School Coordinator for three years.

When Unza first visited Little Birches, she said it felt like such a homely environment and the supportive team made her so comfortable. Unza is very passionate and loves working with children. She believes that for a child’s development and growth, a strong relationship with children and their family is very important. In her spare time, Unza enjoys outdoor activities, travelling, music and cooking.

Denise has 20 years’ experience in a multitude of educational and childcare roles. Denise holds a Bachelors’ Degree (Honours) in Early Childhood Education as well as a Foundation Degree in Early Years. Her last role was at a local nursery and infant school (rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted), where Denise worked in various management positions for six years within the Early Years part of the school.

Denise is very creative and has particular experience in sensory, nurture rooms, and forest school. Denise feels that it’s essential to create exciting routines and activities that stimulate a child’s imagination, leading to scaffolding opportunities for little ones to learn further. Denise also has exceptional child interaction skills and has achieved notable success with children with learning and emotional difficulties, immersing them in an engaging and fulfilling learning journey.

She also has extensive experience supporting children with visual and hearing impairment and those with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder and Pathological Demand Avoidance. Denise also has a British Sign Language Level-1 qualification.