Our Nursery Team

Nikki has over 16 years of experience working in early years and has held various managerial positions. Nikki sees new challenges within settings and enjoys adapting them to meet each child’s individual needs. She believes children will develop to the best of their ability when being provided with a stimulating environment and a passionate team.

Nikki has previously worked with children aged 0-11 years in nurseries and preschools in Hertfordshire and Suffolk gaining her BTEC Diploma Level-3 in Management, CACHE Level-3 in Early Years, and her title of Special Educational Needs Co-coordinator and Designated Safeguarding Lead.

She has extensive experience supporting children with challenging behaviour and has an excellent track record of creating structured learning environments to support children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Nikki also has outstanding child interaction skills and has Makaton Level-1 and level-2 qualifications.

Nikki has lived in Kent since August 2019, with her partner, dog and little girl Isabella.

Claire has 17 years of experience working in education. She worked initially as a Teaching Assistant in primary education and having gained her degree in Education, moved to support children with autism delivering individualised programmes in a special school setting.

Claire believes in education through meaningful and natural environment teaching methods, learning through play and what motivates the individual learner. She is motivated by supporting the learners at their own pace and creating further learning opportunities for the children she works with. Claire believes that every step of progress should be celebrated, and that self-esteem is paramount to young children`s futures. Claire lives in Kent and has two grown-up children. She enjoys keeping active by walking, running and cycling around the Kent countryside.

Melanie has over 17 years of experience within the childcare sector, working at local nurseries. Melanie is educated to degree level and gained a CACHE level-3 in children’s care, learning and development in 2008.

Melanie has been working at Little Birches since February 2018 whilst progressing through a variety of Management roles. She is deeply passionate about helping children to develop holistically, encouraging them to become happy, confident and well-rounded.

Lisa brings over 9 years of diverse experience in nurseries, management, and nannying to her role as the Nursery School Leader. Currently pursuing her degree in Early Years, Lisa is deeply committed to fostering strong relationships and bonds with children and families. She believes these connections are the cornerstone of optimal learning and development.

Lisa creates a nurturing environment that encourages curiosity and growth, ensuring every child feels cherished and supported. Outside the nursery, she treasures moments of relaxation, enjoying activities like reading, walking or yoga.

Lisa’s holistic approach, blending care, education, and wellbeing, reflects her commitment to your child’s development. Lisa is excited to be part of the Little Birches team, where she looks forward to inspiring and nurturing your child’s journey.

Agata has always had a passion for working in childcare and as soon as the opportunity arose, she changed her career to fulfil her desire of working with children.

While working in early years settings, Agata gained Level-3 Early Years Educator Qualifications as well as knowledge of Montessori methods. Agata also has a degree in Philosophy and studied Psychology at university.

Agata believes that giving children the opportunities to play and explore in a safe and stimulating environment helps them to develop and learn. To foster their curiosity, creativity and imagination, she believes children should be given natural and open-ended resources to explore. Agata moved to Kent from London in the summer of 2022 to enjoy the countryside, and in her free time, she loves to travel, read and cook.

Dora is very excited to have joined Little Birches as working with children has always been a career she wanted to pursue. She has experience working as a Nanny and also has two children of her own. Dora holds a CACHE Level-3 in Early Years achieving a Distinction.

She is passionate about nurturing and supporting each child, creating a secure, warm and consistent environment in which every child feels happy, confident and able to thrive.

Dora believes children should be encouraged to be creative, imaginative and individual, able to express themselves and fulfil their potential through positive and stimulating surroundings.

She loves nature and spending time outside and believes it is important for children’s well-being and understanding of the world. Dora studied languages and loves books, music and dance as well as all animals. Outside of the Nursery setting Dora also has a passion for competitive rowing and spends a lot of her free time practising with her crew.   

Gina had recently transitioned to childcare from a more corporate background in Healthcare and Law. Gina is a very proud Auntie to her niece and nephew and they are very much the inspiration for her wanting to pursue a career in childcare. 

Gina loves animals and the countryside and she enjoys passing on her knowledge and interest to the children so they too can admire all creatures and wonders of the world. 

She loves to create activities for the children that are fun, social skill building and entice the children to ask every question imaginable.

Jen is joining Little Birches after spending many years in the ambulance service. Jen has a background in art, design, film, photography and human health science.

She believes in allowing children to grow, learn and expand their minds by allowing them to discover and interpret a wealth of new experiences.

Jen helps to create sets and props for performances and occasionally acts. She also enjoys walking her two dogs, swimming, Tai Chi, genealogy and her role as a community volunteer for the fire service.

Karen joined Little Birches in January 2020, following a successful aviation career. When the opportunity arose, Karen was thrilled to be able to pursue a new career within Early Years, for which she has always had a passion.

Karen is Level 3 qualified in childcare and is very excited to be part of the team, helping and supporting each child to grow in all areas and aspects of learning and development. Karen believes every child should be put at the centre of every activity and they learn the best through play.

Karen is also our lead Fire Marshal. Karen lives in the local community with her husband and two young children.

Lizzie has a degree in Primary Education and has followed this with a career working in nurseries where she has also gained her Level-3 qualification in Childcare. 

Lizzie loves to go outdoors with the children and explore the natural side of learning. Lizzie also enjoys exploring arts and design, inspiring the children to develop their creative skills and imagination.

Tracey has over 13 years of experience working in the early years of childcare. She has also worked with children up to the age of 11 in after-school and holiday clubs.

Tracey has a Level-2 qualification in Early Years and is working towards her Level-3. She is also a trained Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Tracey believes that children learn best through their interests and she values the importance of child initiated play.

Passionate about supporting children’s emotional wellbeing and developing fantastic partnerships with parents.

Tracey has 2 grown-up children. She enjoys spending time with her husband watching football, especially West Ham, watching live music at her local social club where she is chair of the entertainment committee.

Sue has over 30 years of experience working with children from the age range of 6 months up to 12 years of age. She holds a Diploma in Nursery Nursing and has always been very passionate about working with children.

Her other main passion is cooking, so is delighted to be able to combine the two roles and is very excited about the prospect of involving the children which will further their development and curiosity approach.

Here are just a few of her qualifications: Advanced Food Safety and Hygiene Level-3, Food Allergy Awareness, Fussy Eaters, Vegan Awareness and Health and Nutrition in Early Years. 

Sue has 3 children of her own and a Granddaughter. She is also the proud owner of Ragdoll cats! In her spare time, Sue loves to see her family and friends as much as possible and enjoys walking, music and, of course, baking!