Bright Horizons West Hampstead Day Nursery and Preschool

Hi, I'm Shireen, and I am the Nursery Manager for Bright Horizons West Hampstead.

I have a CACHE Level 2 and a CACHE Level 3 Early Years Educator. I've worked in childcare for over 10 years. I have worked as a special educational needs coordinator, practitioner, room leader, deputy manager and manager.

As a mum of three, I enjoy teaching all ages and ensuring children get that awe and wonder from the moment they step into my setting to the moment they leave us to go to school. I truly believe in making my setting a home from home and ensuring that every child feels secure and comfortable.

My name is Kelly Thomas, and I am the Deputy Manager for West Hampstead Day Nursery.

I have worked in Early Years for over 20 years, working my way up from a Summer helper in a preschool to Deputy Manager, and have had various roles, including SENCO, room leader and Early Years Coordinator. I am always developing and enhancing my knowledge and have gained a BA Honours Degree in Early Years: Teaching and Learning.

I joined Bright Horizons in 2022, but have worked for small independent nurseries as well as large chain nurseries.

I grew up in a family where children are at the heart of everything, where my mum is a foster carer, and I am a respite foster carer. I therefore have a passion for and am committed to providing a caring, nurturing, stimulating and safe environment for children. Working in childcare is a fulfilling career, and I enjoy giving children the opportunity to discover and develop themselves and the world around them to reach their full potential and flourish in their development. I appreciate that parents are entrusting us with their most important person, so I believe strong partnerships with families are a key to children being safe, happy, and successful in their learning journey.