Meet the Team

Sophia

Nursery Manager

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Sophia is responsible for the management of Meadow Lane Children’s Nursery and oversees all aspects of the day to day and ongoing operations of the Nursery. She is passionate about children’s play and how this enhances the development of their education, she has a great understanding of the EYFS curriculum and has over 17 years of experience working within an Early Years environment. Sophia was first inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach whilst teaching in a school in Dubai and believes in the importance of self-directed play and how this helps children to learn and to develop socially.

Stevie

Deputy Nursery Manager

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Stevie is our Deputy managers who is responsible for the management and administration at Meadow Lane Children’s Nursery. As well a dedicated staff member Stevie is a mum of two wonderful young boys. Stevie believes in valuing each child as an individual and has a passion for creating an environment that will support and guide children to build on their confidence and independence. Stevie has gained her extended knowledge on the EYFS throughout her 11 years of working with children gaining her foundation degree in childhood, education and play qualification. She has a Level 6 BA Honors degree in Early childhood. Stevie is passionate about play and it being a significant part of a child’s development and that the outdoors has a great role within this, Stevie believes that “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing” even for the youngest of our children.

Jenny

Deputy Manager

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Jenny is the Deputy Manager at Meadow Lane supporting all of our Educators, Children and Families throughout the setting. She is a positive, enthusiastic role model for the children and Educators, always smiling and coming up with new creative ideas to support classrooms within the setting. She is passionate about child-led play and the importance for children to have the freedom to play and explore. She has worked in childcare since 2015 and has gained a level 4 advanced practitioner qualification. Jenny enjoys working in a team creating stimulating environments and since joining Meadow Lane in 2018 has thrived on her career development from Educational Coordinator to deputy manager.

Anne

Educational Co-ordinator / Atelierista

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Anne is our Nursery Horticultural Manager, she oversees the horticultural planning, preparation, maintenance, planting and harvesting at the nursery and works with the children allowing them to join in the daily care of our growing areas, including digging, planting, watering and harvesting. Anne also runs the atelier where children take part in exploring different forms of art. Anne is a professional Horticulturist and a mum of two, with over 7 years working with children and families. She believes that all children need to have access to quality outdoor spaces and an environment that encourages exploration of the natural world and that fosters curiosity, confidence and an appetite for learning.

Sadie

EYF Admin

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Sadie works in the Office 3 days a week as an EYF admin. Sadie is Lead Admin in the setting organising the bookings, enquires, finance and admin within the setting. She is a first time Mum and mainly has experience of working in an office environment, however has previously done some volunteering at Castle School in Cambridge working with SEN children. She has a passion for supporting children with special needs and equality and is excited to learn to be part of the Meadow Lane Team!

Nicole

Educational Co-ordinator / SENCo / Forest School Leader

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Nicole has a level 3 childcare national diploma and has worked with children of all ages. She has also worked with young children with special educational needs. Nicole enjoys learning more about the Reggio Emilia approach and enjoys researching activity and provocations to help the children’s development. Nicole enjoys the outside environment and is also currently studying towards her Level 3 forest school award.

Helen

Educational Co-ordinator / ENCo

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Helen is level 3 qualified since 1998 with experience of working with children in various nursery and Preschool environments. The Reggio Emilia approach used at Meadow Lane sits with Helen’s belief that children develops at their own pace, and given the tools and freedom to explore they become their own best teacher. Helen also has 2 teenage daughters and they enjoy long country walks, visiting castles and traveling.

Charlotte

Educational Co-ordinator & Induction Lead / Language & Physical Development Coordinator (Under 2s)

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Charlotte has recently started working in our Daisy Classroom as a Key-worker at Meadow Lane. Charlotte has a Level 3 qualification in childcare and has worked in other local nursery’s previously. Charlotte has her own child in the setting and enjoys creating memories with him outside of nursery as well as horse riding and spending time on her family farm. Charlotte enjoys being outdoors, being creative and has a love for animal which she is excited to bring to Meadow Lane.

Dani

Educational Co-ordinator

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Dani is one of our Educational Co-ordinators in the Daisy room. Dani has been qualified with her level 3 in childcare for 7 years and has 4 years experience. Dani believes that all children learn through play in their own ways and at their own pace. Dani also believes that outdoor play allows children to express themselves and learn in different ways. Dani enjoys socialising outside of work and enjoys photography.

Nicole

Nursery Educator

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Nicole has recently joined Meadow Lane in our Daisy room, Nicole has 8 and half years child care experience. During her time in childcare she has loved experiencing different art means and can’t wait to bring her ideas and passion to Meadow Lane, playing around with paint is always a favourite, alongside other crafts and reading.

Chantelle

Educational Coordinator

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Chantelle has recently joined us in our Daisy Room. Chantelle has experience with young children looking after family members children, experiences in college as well as having her own little one. This has given her lots of ideas on how to teach and inspire young children. Chantelle loves the Reggio Emilia approach and is very excited to continue this, she also has a love for reading and exploring new places with a wish to travel the world.

Chloe

Educational Co-ordinator / Pedagogical Co-ordinator

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Chloe is a new nursery educator in our Daisy Room. Chloe has been at college for the past 2 years completing her level 3 in childcare. Chloe has always been around children as she is the oldest of 10. Chloe has always wanted to work with children and enjoys any type of art and creative play, getting messy and being outdoors. In her spare time Chloe enjoys socialising with her friends and spending time with her family.

Georgia

Nursery Educator

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Georgia has always had a passion for working with children. During her school years, she volunteered as a buddy, supporting younger children with sports, homework, and social skills. She also loved teaching dance classes to younger children outside of school, sharing her energy and creativity. Recently, Georgia has welcomed her first baby and now enjoys spending her time off with her family, creating special memories together. She is excited to continue her journey with us and to learn more about the Reggio Emilia approach, bringing her warmth and enthusiasm to the nursery every day.

Caitlin

Nursery Educator

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Caitlin has recently joined the Daisy Room, bringing with her over three years of experience working with young children. She has a real passion for both childcare and animal care a combination that fits perfectly with the values here at Meadow Lane Nursery!

Outside of work, Caitlin loves taking care of her two hamsters and takes great pride in making sure they’re happy and well looked after. She’s also a huge music lover and has been to more than 15 concerts! When she’s not enjoying live music, you’ll often find her cheering on her favourite football team, West Ham.

Originally from Essex, Caitlin moved to St Ives six years ago. She’s excited to continue growing in the career she’s so passionate about and can’t wait to share her warm, nurturing nature with all the children and families in the Daisy Room.

Ledja

Educational / Pedagogical / Woodwork Co-ordinator

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Ledja is level 3 qualified and has over 10 years experience of working in early years. Ledja is originally from Albania and was bought up in a Reggio Emilia environment. Ledja enjoys creating new experiences and privations for the children by creating her own resources with a variety of materials. Ledja shares this passion across the nursery, helping other staff and the children create their own resources based on their individual interests. Ledja has her own little boy and together they like to go for walks exploring the local area and wildlife.

Beth

Educational Coordinator / Supporting Autism and Children’s Wellbeing

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Beth has been in the nursery for a year and a half. She loves sharing her experiences outdoors as well as sharing her knowledge of animals. Beth grew up on a farm, she enjoys talking about and sharing the different experiences that the children can have outdoors. She also likes listening to music and enjoys dancing. Beth loves group time were she can share the love for music with the children. Beth likes going for long walks with her dog at the weekend and spending time with her family.

Giulia

Educational Co-ordination

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Giulia holds a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education. She joined the setting as a student volunteer in November 2017 and proved to be a valuable member of the team. In recognition of her commitment and skills, she quickly progressed into employment and now holds the role of Nursery Educational Coordinator. Giulia is particularly passionate about the child-led Reggio Emilia approach and puts this into practice each day. Since becoming a mother in 2023, she brings an even deeper understanding of child development and family-centred practice to her role.

Ashleigh

Educational Coordinator

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Ashleigh has joined our Daffodil Team at Meadow Lane. Ashleigh has previous experience of working in a nursery and has a passion for performing arts, Ashleigh has done this personally since she was a little girl and has trained professionally for several years. Ashleigh is very interested in the Reggio Emilia approach and she is excited to contribute to building the children’s confidence, self esteem and character building. Ashleigh is a big reader and enjoys doing this in the sunshine and going on holidays. Ashleigh is excited to get started at Meadow Lane and be apart of the children learning alongside the animals in a natural environment.

Kelly

Educational Co-ordinator / Pedagogical Co-ordinator

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Kelly has joined Meadow lane with over 13 years of experience in preschool and nursery environments. Kelly researched The Reggio Emilia approach during her Foundation Degree in Early Years and Education and is now excited to put her knowledge into practice.

Kelly believes being a part of a child’s earliest life and educational experiences a gift and to be able to support children to reach their fullest potential, using a high quality environment like at Meadow Lane, being outdoors in nature with children is what she loves.

Kelly loves spending time with her husband and 2 teenage boys, which usually involves live music and football, as well as keeping fit.

Chloe

Nursery Educator

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Chloe has recently completed her A Levels in Psychology, Biology, and Business, and is excited to be starting her Level 3 qualification in Childcare. She has always had a real passion for working with children and supporting their growth, learning, and development. From a young age, Chloe has loved helping others, which inspired her to complete work experience at her local primary school and volunteer with her local Brownies group. There, she enjoyed supporting activities that combined her love of working with children and her creativity through arts and crafts.

Chloe finds it incredibly rewarding to see children explore the world around them and gain confidence through play-based learning. She enjoys encouraging their curiosity, imagination, and independence, and believes that every child should feel supported, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Outside of work, Chloe loves spending time with her family especially her niece and nephew, who always keep her busy and make her laugh! She’s also passionate about baking, travelling, and animals; she has a little dog called Milo who loves adventures as much as she does. Chloe was born in Cyprus, which sparked her interest in different cultures and experiences, and she hopes to continue exploring new places in the future.

Chloe is really looking forward to developing her skills further and gaining more hands-on experience in early years education. She feels very lucky to be part of a team that helps children learn, grow, and thrive every day.

Grace

Nursery Educator

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Grace has always been passionate about working with children and supporting their development. She began her journey in early years education while completing her childcare qualifications and has since gained valuable experience working with children of all ages.

Grace has a particular interest in the Reggio Emilia approach, which inspires her practice and shapes the way she supports children’s learning and creativity. At Meadow Lane, she enjoys providing engaging experiences, especially messy and creative play, that encourage children to explore, learn, and grow.

Lily

Nursery Assistant

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Lily is currently studying towards her Level 2 Early Years in childcare.

Lily describes herself as caring, hardworking and passionate. She is friendly and enthusiastic, loves keeping busy and is always keen to learn new things and help others wherever she can.

Lily has a real passion for working with young children and supporting their development. She particularly enjoys helping children build their confidence, develop their communication and speech, and strengthen their fine motor skills. She is looking forward to building positive relationships with the children and supporting them to feel happy, comfortable and confident at nursery.

Outside of nursery, Lily enjoys helping out on her family-run farm, spending quality time with her family and training at dance, which is a big passion of hers.

Claire

Educational Coordinator / Forest School Co-ordinator

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Claire is level 3 qualified and has worked with children throughout the Early Years. Claire enjoys spending time outside in the natural environment and watching children show their wonder around about the world in their learning. Claire enjoys spending time with her family exploring nature.

Molly

Educational Coordinator

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Molly is level 3 qualified in Health and Social Care, Molly has always had a big passion for working with children. She has three younger siblings that she adores and loves spending time with. Molly is very outgoing and loves the Reggio Approach, Following the childrens interest is something she has always loved as she believes it helps the children grow into beautiful individuals.

Pas

Nursery Educator

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Pas has recently joined Meadow Lane working in our Dahlia Room. Pas has a background in illustration and a passion for drawing with children. He believes in the Reggio approach and that given the right environment and guidance that every child has the potential to use their imagination, and become natural problem solvers.

Katie

Educational Co-ordinator / Lead Pedagogical Co-ordinator

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Katie has joined our Dahlia Team. Katie has a love for being in the outdoors with the children, exploring nature at their level and getting muddy. She loves to see the children explore risks and gain self confidence through creative play. Katie is looking forward to playing the guitar, doing yoga with the children and embracing the Reggio Emilia approach through the flexibility of child led learning and play.

Jess

Nursery Educator

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Has always had a passion for working with children, she has spent a lot of her time volunteering in local primary schools, alongside her primary education degree which she is currently studying at Anglia Ruskin University. She has been dancing since the age of 3 and has spent a lot of time helping young children pursue their own passion for dance and helping them build their skills and confidence. Jess is excited to join the Meadow Lane team and learn more about the Reggio Emilia approach and engage in the children’s learning and development.

Jade

Nursery Educator

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Jade is new to the Reggio Emilia approach and is looking forward to learning the more about it as she believes this aligns with her own core values. Jade is a mum of three wonderful children that keep her very busy. In her spare time she enjoys exercising and being outdoors as she has a love for nature and spending time with her Cockerpoo, Rolo. Jade is a keen runner and in 2024 completed her first half marathon. She has a psychology degree and is very interested in the human mind and behaviour. Jade is also studying Counselling part time at college.

Helen

Nursery Educator / 1:1

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We are delighted to introduce Helen, who works as a 1:1 Support educator within our Preschool team.

Before joining us, Helen spent an incredible 23 years working in an all-boys SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) school, where she took on a wide range of roles dedicated to supporting children with complex needs. During her time there, she set up and managed an alternative learning provision for pupils, giving each child the chance to thrive in a more tailored and supportive environment.

Helen’s enjoyed working closely with families and professionals to ensure children received the right interventions and provision and has a passion for sharing her extensive knowledge in de-escalation and positive behaviour support.

Helen brings a calm, nurturing and highly skilled approach to her work with children here at Meadow Lane. She has a wonderful ability to build secure relationships and create a safe, encouraging space for children to learn, communicate, and grow in confidence.

Outside of nursery life, Helen is a devoted mum to her 10-year-old son and enjoys spending quality time with her family.

Holly

Nursery Educator

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Holly supports the teams throughout the nursery. She is passionate towards natural play and child-led learning to build children’s independence, self-esteem and confidence. After learning about the theory and benefits of forest school, she enjoys putting it into practice and watching the children blossom in nature. Holly enjoys learning alongside the children removing the pressure so they can naturally develop and learn at their own pace. Holly has a Level 7 MA degree in Childhood Studies, specialising in forest schools, children’s emotional wellbeing and creativity. And a Level 6 BA degree in Criminology with her research including children’s rights and the Child Protection System. Holly has a passion and enjoys travelling, spirituality, zumba and anything creative!

Caroline

Nursery Assistant

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Caroline supports the team in the day to day running of the Nursery, she spends time with the children during lunch covers and is involved with activities that need additional support. Caroline is dedicated to making children’s learning fun and playful

Poppy

Nursery Educator

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Poppy has a strong passion for working with children and supporting their individual development. Through her training and hands-on experience in a variety of early years settings, she has developed a caring, nurturing approach and enjoys helping children grow in confidence as they explore the world around them. Poppy finds it incredibly rewarding to build positive relationships with children and their families, supporting each child to reach their full potential in a safe and stimulating environment. Outside of nursery, Poppy enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, especially outdoors. She also loves reading and using her imagination, which inspires her creativity and helps her bring engaging experiences into the nursery environment.

Louise

Nursery Cook

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Louise works alongside Angela providing seasonal menus and delicious meals. Louise is keen to get the children involved with the preparation of meals alongside serving and setting up for meal times. Louise enjoys getting her hands dirty alongside the children in preparation for growing and picking our homegrown fruit and vegetables, and believes children take wonder from where food comes from which is shown during cooking activities.

Helen

Nursery Cook

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Helen has looked after people from 6 weeks to 102 years old. She started with childminding for 8 years moving then onto caring for young adults with special needs and then elderly care. Helen has been married for 30 years and has 2 grown up children. Helen enjoys baking, cooking and gardening and has 2 young border collies which keeps her very busy.

Sophie

Nursery Cook

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Sophie supports the teams throughout the nursery. She spends time helping the staff create ideas for provocations and new learning opportunities. Sophie is currently studying uniform services at college and enjoys doing sport activities in her spare time.

Olivia

Farm Assistant

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Louis

Nursery Maintenance

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Louis is our Maintenance and Farm Co-ordinator, he is a qualified carpenter who is looking forward to using his creativity and skills to enhance the children’s ever expanding environment and to support in the wood work that children are involved in, as well as keeping the setting maintained and safe. Louis is Sophia’s partner and has years of understanding the ethos and passion at Meadow Lane and is already loving being part of the Meadow Lane team.