Burstead Bears Day Nursery Billericay

Rachael, who has over 20 years of experience in childcare, joined Burstead Bears in September 2006 and helped establish the Nursery to the enviable reputation it enjoys today. Rachael has qualifications in both childcare and management and is responsible for the day-to-day running of the nursery.

Bethany is a bright, cheerful and outgoing character, who joined our nursery team because after completing a 2-week work experience at a nursery, she realised that it was a long-term career in childcare that she wanted to pursue. Bethany enjoys creative art and, in particular, painting, which is put to good use with the children. Since becoming a member of Burstead Bears, Bethany has demonstrated excellent interaction skills, as well as a willingness to help others and a desire to progress in her role within the nursery to make a rounded member of the team.

Nicola is a bright, enthusiastic and caring individual who has a wealth of experience working with early years’ children of all ages, from newborn babies to our pre-school children. Nicola started life at Burstead Bears in 2010 as one of our nursery practitioners with a true passion for working with young children. As time progressed, she was promoted to a senior nursery practitioner, a role for which she is highly respected. Additionally, Nicola assists with various duties in the management of the nursery. Since joining the nursery, Nicola has started her own family and now has a lovely son.

Keli has been working in the childcare sector since 1998, during which she has worked as a nanny for 10 years with children aged up to 16, and as a nursery practitioner with children from birth to age 5. Within Keli's role, she has cared for many children of varying abilities, including a 5-year period where she had great pleasure in caring for a child with autism, who, thanks to Keli's input, is today learning, socialising, communicating, and developing really well. This makes Keli one of the nursery's most experienced and respected members of staff. After all the years Keli has worked in this sector, she still maintains the same passion in her role caring for children and helping them progress as she did when she first started. Keli's main pursuit outside of work is caring for her 3 horses as well as competing in various equestrian events, in which she has been most successful, winning trophies for show jumping, cross country and dressage.

Jodie was initially inspired to work in childcare by her mother, who had worked in the childcare sector for many years. Since joining Burstead Bears, Jodie has displayed her passion for working with children by showing a great deal of empathy, warmth, understanding and enthusiasm whilst interacting in both play and education. This is evident as the children immediately warm to Jodie’s friendly and gentle persona. Jodie’s interests include: canoeing, sailing, reading and painting.