Vicky

Area / Nursery Manager - Office Based

A little about me - I've worked in childcare since the age of 16, starting as an apprentice and working my way up to Area / Nursery Manager. With over 30 years of experience, I've gained a deep understanding of childcare and child development. Along the way, I've completed extensive training, including Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Early Help, and Prevent Duty. I'm a firm believer in continuous learning and reflection, which helps me grow both personally and professionally.

I've been with Willows Private Day Nursery for over 4 years, and I genuinely love every aspect of my role. From ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the nursery to supporting and mentoring staff as they progress in their own careers, I take great pride in the work we do together as a team.

Outside of work, family is everything to me. On my days off, you'll usually find me helping my parents with shopping etc.

Zoe

Deputy Manager

Hi I'm Zoe deputy manager at Willows. I have a level 3 qualification in Early years care and education; I have worked for the company since 2012 when I first started working for the company, I worked at our sister nursery Ark then after covid I moved to work at Willows with the out of school and holiday club. I then worked my way up to be deputy manager. I have a level 2 qualification as a senco. I am also the deputy senco at Willows supporting the senco lead to support the children and their parents.

I enjoy watching the children grow, learn and develop. I work in all rooms within the setting as well as doing school runs. I was aspired to work in early years from a young age as my mum was a child minder and I grew up around younger children. I enjoy spending time with my family.

A fun fact about me is I used to be a Luvabull for the Bradford Bulls dancing on the pitch at Odsal stadium.

Aimee

Deputy Manager

Hi my name is Aimee, I hold a Level 3 qualification in Childcare and have worked at Willows since it first opened.

I have recently become Deputy Manager, and I am enjoying settling into my new role. I also work closely within the baby room (Fluffy Bunnies), I am passionate about supporting children's development and love watching them grow in confidence as they reach new milestones.

It is incredibly rewarding to be part of their early learning journey.

Sarah

Level 3 Practitioner

Hi I'm Sarah. I work in the cuddy bears rooms at Willows. I'm a friendly and reliable person who enjoys balancing work with family life. As a mum, I've become really organised, adaptable, and good at juggling different things at once. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and going on holidays whenever we can. I like to bring a positive attitude to everything I do and enjoy being part of a team.

I hold a Level 3 qualification in Childcare, which has given me a strong understanding of child development, safeguarding, and creating a safe, supportive environment for children. I am also first aid trained, allowing me to respond calmly and effectively in emergency situations. Through my training, I've developed practical skills in supporting children's learning, development, and wellbeing.

I'm keen to continue developing my career in childcare while balancing family life and being a mum.

A fun fact about me is that I still have some of my baby teeth!

I was inspired to work in early years because I enjoy helping children learn, grow, and develop, and I find it really rewarding being part of their early experiences.

Kaitlyn

Special Education Officer

I have been working in childcare for 6 years and I have taken a special interest in working alongside children and families with special educational needs and disabilities.

I chose to work in the childcare sector due to my large family and always been around young children. I enjoy supporting children to meet their milestones and working alongside families to support them to be the best they can be.

I am currently level 3 qualified in childcare, but I am working towards level 5 childcare. I am always looking at extending my knowledge to better my role and support my team and families at nursery.

I am first aid trained, all my safeguarding training is up to date and have previously been a Designated safeguarding lead.

Kirstie

Wellbeing Officer

My name is Kirstie, and I hold a Level 3 qualification in Childcare.

I chose to pursue a career in childcare because I genuinely enjoy working with children. From an early age, I spent time babysitting younger family members, which sparked my interest in supporting their growth and development. I've always been fascinated by how quickly children learn new skills and how their personalities begin to shine as they grow. I love getting creative with activities for children, especially messy play. In the future, I hope to continue developing my skills and knowledge in childcare. I am passionate about creating a positive and supportive environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential.

Natalia

Level 3 Practitioner

I have a Level 1 childcare and Level 3 early years practitioner

I want to be able to help children reach their development milestones, build stronger knowledge on SEND and to gain more early years qualifications. Possibly a level 5.

I was inspired to work in early years to support young children as they grow and develop, I also find it rewarding to be a part of that and create a positive, safe environment where children can grow.

Taylor

Practitioner

My name is Taylor. I am a dedicated and energetic professional currently building my career in Early Years education. I am known for my outgoing personality and my "smile-first" approach, which helps me build immediate rapport with children, parents, and colleagues alike.

Qualifications
I am currently in the process of completing my Level 3 Diploma in Childcare/Early Years Educator. This training is providing me with a deep understanding of the EYFS framework, safeguarding, and the essential developmental milestones of early childhood.

Future Goals

I am committed to lifelong learning within this sector. Once I have secured my Level 3, I intend to gain significant hands-on experience and eventually progress to a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or Early Years). My goal is to move into a leadership role where I can help shape high-quality learning environments.

Fun Fact
I am naturally bubbly and have a very high-energy personality! You will rarely find me without a smile on my face, and I love bringing that positive vibration into the classroom to keep the children engaged and happy.

Inspiration for Early Years
I have always been drawn to the Early Years sector because of the unique opportunity to shape a child's foundation for life. I am inspired by the rapid development that occurs in the first five years and find it incredibly rewarding to facilitate the "lightbulb moments" where a child master's a new skill or discovers a new interest. To me, there is no more vital work than ensuring a child's first experience with education is joyful, safe, and nurturing.

Gabbi

Apprentice

Hello my name is Gabbi and I am training towards my level 3 in childcare.

I am looking forward to watch the children grow and develop and I am sure I will met some of my parents soon.

Louise

Level 3 Practitioner

Hiya I'm Louise,

I'm a dedicated level 3 childcare professional with over a decade of experience supporting and nurturing young minds. My interest in childcare began back in high school when I took part in a work placement at a local primary school working in reception which then inspired me to start working with young children.

Outside of my career I enjoy exploring new places with my son and creating memories. I also love to travel and indulge in chocolate (who doesn't).

Looking ahead, I hope to continue growing within the childcare field, and fulfilling my dreams of travelling more and ticking things off my bucket list.

Marcia

Level 3 Practitioner

Hi, I'm Marcia, a Level 3 Nursery Practitioner with a passion for supporting young children during their early years of development.

I have worked in childcare since the age of 16, and from the very beginning I knew this was the career for me. I was inspired to work in early years because I wanted to make a positive difference in children's lives and help create a safe, nurturing environment where they feel valued, confident, and excited to learn.

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is watching children grow, progress, and achieve new milestones - whether that's learning a new skill, building friendships, or gaining confidence in themselves.

My future goal is to continue developing my career within education, with the hope of one day working in a primary school and supporting children as they move into the next stage of their learning journey.

Fun fact: I love being creative and can make up songs and stories on the spot - often with a little remix added in! I enjoy using music, storytelling, and imagination to make learning fun and engaging for every child.

Courtney

Level 2 Practitioner

Hi, my name is Courtney and I have worked for willows for 2 years.

My future goals are to be level 3 qualified, have my own home, and to travel to as many places as possible.

What inspired me to work in childcare?

It inspired me when I was in college and we were learning about the different development within children from birth to 5. I always loved the concept of working with children and helping them meet new milestones. Each day is always so different and it's amazing. I love being in childcare and it is such a rewarding job.

A fun fact about me is I'm a twin and we both work in childcare.

Billie

Level 3 Practitioner

My name is Billie; I am a mum of two girls. I have worked at Willows since it opened and love working in pre-school room (Wise Owls).

In my spare time I enjoy going for walks with my family, spending time at our caravan and reading. I have recently set up a Facebook page called Wibsey rocks to get involved in the community.

I have a level 2 in children's care learning and development, a level 3 in children and young person workforce and I am currently undertaking a level 5 in Early years lead practitioners which I hope to complete next year.

Richard

Level 3 Practitioner

Hello, my name is Richard. I work with pre-school children in the Wise Owls room, as well as with school-aged children in both breakfast and after-school groups.

My experience in childcare spans various roles since 2011. I hold a Level 3 qualification in Childcare and possess a degree in Primary Teaching. I chose to pursue early years education because I believe it offers the opportunity to make a sustained, positive impact on children's lives and to equip them with the skills necessary to reach their full potential as they develop.

An interesting fact about me: I am enthusiastic about adventurous activities, having participated in a sky over the east coast, bungee jumping from 100 feet, and zip lined from Blackpool piers. I am always open to new experiences and challenges.

Jolene

Level 3 Practitioner

Nakita

Level 3 Practitioner

Hi my name is Nakita and I am a level 3 practitioner at willows private day nursery.

My Qualifications

• Level 3 Practitioner
• First Aid paediatric
• GCSE English C
• Level 2 in ICT

Future goals: I would love to eventually work in a school or work in an outdoor workplace with children.

Fun facts: Making puppet fingers with any materials I can find to make the children laugh

I was inspired to work at Willows Private Day Nursery as I've always loved working with children and love working in the out of school as I love to be outdoors and bring lots of ideas and activities to the workplace. I worked at Ark Day Nursery and I knew working at Willows would be as good as working at Ark Day Nursery.

Noor

Apprentice

Hi my name is Noor and I am 19 years old, currently working at Willows Private Day Nursery as a Early Years Educator, where I support young children in their development through engaging, nurturing and educational experiences.

I hold qualifications in English, Health & Social Care and Psychology which have provided me with a strong foundation in understanding children's development, communication and wellbeing. Through my studies, I have developed an awareness of safeguarding and wellbeing, and I understand how children grow emotionally, socially and cognitively. This knowledge allows me to support each child as an individual and adapt my approach to meet their unique needs.

My future goal is to become a successful Early Years Educator and to continue developing my skills and knowledge. I am passionate about creating positive learning environments and supporting each child to reach their full potential.

I was inspired to work in early years because I find it very rewarding to be part of a child's early development and to help build their confidence and love for learning from a young age.

Debbie

Nursery Cook

Hello my name is Debbie and I've been the cook at Willows Nursery for over 10 years.

I enjoy cooking nutritious and hearty meals for the children. I cater for any child's needs be it Halal, Dairy free, Vegan or Vegetarian.

I am very proud of the 5-star food hygiene rating that we kept for numerous years.