Meet Our Team
All of our team are Paediatric First Aid trained and we are proud to have gained the endorsement of Millie's Mark
Manager - Clare Gibson
Childcare is my passion and I have worked in nurseries for the past 22 years building a wealth of experience in the sector.
I believe that every child deserves the best start in life and here at Smarties we build the foundations for children to learn and grow. I pride myself on my hands on approach to management and ensure I am fully involved in the full life of the nursery.
Qualifying in 2001, I began my journey within childcare. Continuing with my training, I first completed my Foundation Degree in Early Years then continued on to gain my BA in Early Years Education.
Here at Smarties, we believe children learn best through a balance of well-planned, purposeful play taking every child’s individual needs into consideration. We aim to provide an enabling environment where children are able to form positive relationships and develop lifelong skills.
Deputy Manager - Sophie
I am based in the under two's room. I am currently completing my Early Years Degree to enhance my NVQ Level 3 qualification to further my knowledge and understanding of childcare and development. I have always known I wanted to work in childcare and being a mum has emphasised this. I wake up and look forward to coming to work to see all the rays of sunshine.
Senior Practitioner - Lauren
I always knew I would have a career working with children. After working with children for 8 years coaching sports in 2013 I finally made the decision to move into working within early years and childcare. I worked in a private day nursery for 3 years and gained my level 3 qualification in childcare. I love my career and look forward to gaining more and more experience and knowledge through working at Smarties. I work in the pre-school room with children aged 3 to 5 years old.
Room Leaders
Amy - I am a mum of two and I have been working in childcare since 2012 and I have an NVQ Level 3 qualification in Early Years. I love being around the children and shaping young minds. I am based in the babyroom, looking after the little ones and helping them learn about the world around them.
Samantha - My name is Sam and I'm based in the Toddler Room. I've been working in childcare since 2015 and I have an NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Childcare. I believe every child deserves the best start in life and I enjoy helping the children grow each day to become strong and independent.
Emma - I have always had a passion for working with children as I love that when working in childcare every day is different. I qualified as a teacher in 2010, since then I have worked with children of all ages in a variety of settings. I am currently working in the pre-school room at Smarties, I look forward to expanding and developing the room watching the children grow and supporting them with the transition into school.
Early Years Practitioners
Francesca: I qualified in 2007 with a BTEC National Diploma Level 3 in Early Years. I have experienced working in both private day nurseries and school nurseries. At Smarties I am based in the Toddler room. Each day I look forward to helping the children grow and learn, I really enjoy singing and creative activities.
Bethany C - My name is Beth and I am based in the Baby Room. I have an NVQ Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma and have Graduated from Leeds Trinity University with a degree in Psychology and Child Development. Child care has always been my passion and I love supporting children to learn, grow and develop. I particularly enjoy encouraging young children to be creative and engage in sensory play.
Leanne: I am an apprentice training towards my National diploma level 3 in childcare. I love working at Smarties and have a great passion for working with babies and young children. I have previously gained experience through working in nurseries and schools, being an apprentice at Smarties allows me to the gain practical skills and knowledge I need to become an Early Years Practitioner.
Sherrelle - My name is Sherrelle and I’m based in the Pre-school room. I have an NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and I have worked with children for 16 years. Over the years I have had the opportunity to contribute to many children’s development and be a part of their lives, helping them to grow and learn new things.
Chloe - My name is Chloe, I have an NVQ Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma and have worked in childcare for 4 years. I’m passionate about helping children learn and really enjoy coming to work every day knowing that I will be contributing to a child’s developmental journey.
Aneequa - My name is Aneequa and I’m based in the pre-school room. I graduated from The University of Auckland with a degree in Early Childhood Education and went on to become an Early Childhood Teacher. I then migrated to England with my family, where I achieved Qualified Teacher Status. I have 13 years experience working with children. I am very passionate about working within Early Years and I feel extremely privileged that parents allow me to be a part of their child’s developmental learning journey.
Beth - My name is Beth and I'm based in the Toddler Room. I have an NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Childcare. I have worked with children for 4 years and I love helping children achieve their developmental milestones and reach their full potential.
Joanne - Hi my name is Joanne. I am a qualified teacher and I work in the Toddler Room and Preschool Room. I have worked with children of all ages in a variety of settings and I thoroughly enjoy working with children of this age and being part of their learning journey.
Modern Apprentices
Chantelle - My name is Chantelle and I’m based in the Toddler Room. I’m currently working towards my NVQ Level 3 Early Years Educator diploma and so far, I have 2 years experience of working with children. I love contributing to a child’s development and enjoy seeing them grow. I’m looking forward to gaining more knowledge and experience in childcare.
Beth - My name is Beth and I’m based in the Baby Room. I’m currently working towards my NVQ Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma and I’m enjoying every minute of it. I have a passion for working with children and ensuring that all their needs are met whilst giving them lots of opportunities to learn.
