Happy Bunnies Nursery School

Some people choose a profession. Others are quietly called to it.

I was fifteen years old, standing in a village classroom, when I first heard that call – not in words, but in the soft rustle of storybooks, in the muddy playdough under children’s nails, in the fierce joy of a small child who knows they are safe, seen, and loved.

That moment changed everything.

Now, at 33, after nearly two decades of working with children, families, and educators, I hold an unwavering belief: childhood is not a rehearsal for adulthood. It is its own sacred time, and it deserves to be lived slowly, richly, and with deep respect.

My path has taken me through vocational training, university study, regulatory roles, and international exploration – all guided by the question: What kind of world are we inviting children into?

The answer, for me, has always been rooted in relationships, joy, and the courage to listen deeply.

When I became the owner of Happy Bunnies Nursery School, I didn’t just inherit a setting. I inherited a responsibility – to create a place where children are not shaped to fit the world, but where the world pauses to honour who they already are. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, Froebelian wisdom, and a neurodivergent lens shaped by my own lived experience, I lead with heart, theory, and a profound respect for each child’s way of being.

Happy Bunnies is not just a nursery. It is a sanctuary for story, wonder, and possibility. Where questions are welcomed more than answers, and where every child’s voice matters.

This is not work for me. This is love made visible.

And I am deeply honoured to walk alongside your family on this part of your journey.

Rebecca Angel (Becs)

Every nursery needs a heart — someone who brings warmth, wisdom, and a quiet steadiness to each day. At Happy Bunnies, that someone is Rebecca Angel – or as the children know her, Becs.

Becs joined us in February 2024, bringing with her not just experience, but a depth of care and a joy for childhood that radiates in every room she enters. Having begun her early years journey as an apprentice in 2004, Becs has spent over two decades nurturing children across a wide range of settings — from leading nursery rooms to working as a nanny for a family with twins, to supporting children with serious illnesses and learning disabilities as a Team Leader in a residential children’s home.

This breadth of experience hasn’t just built her skillset – it’s shaped her soul. Becs knows that every child is different, every story matters, and every moment counts.

As Deputy Manager and leader of the Buttercups Room, Becs brings a rare blend of calm leadership, playful presence, and deep-rooted professionalism. Her Level 3 qualification reflects her commitment to learning, but it’s her spirit — warm, intuitive, and fiercely dedicated — that makes her shine. Whether mentoring colleagues or comforting a nervous child, Becs leads with love.

She’s the kind of person who remembers the small things. The way a toddler likes their banana sliced. The song that soothes a wobbly morning. The quiet glance between a child and their parent at the door. Her attention is her superpower — and it’s this presence that leaves a lasting imprint on the children, families, and team around her.

At Happy Bunnies, Becs is more than our Deputy Manager. She’s a guardian of our ethos, a nurturer of joy, and a constant reminder that early years education is as much about the heart as it is about the head.

We’re so excited to shine the spotlight on Charlotte, a truly dedicated and caring member of our Happy Bunnies team! With two years of experience in early years, Charlotte brings warmth, energy, and a genuine love for childcare to everything she does.

Charlotte recently achieved her Level 2 qualification in Childcare, a fantastic milestone that reflects her commitment to giving children the best possible start in life. Her hard work and determination to grow as a practitioner truly shine through in her day-to-day care and support.

As a Toddler Practitioner in the Buttercups Room, Charlotte uses her skills and knowledge to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for our curious toddlers. She plays a vital role in helping them develop confidence, independence, and a love for learning through play.

Always a team player, Charlotte is happy to lend a hand in other rooms when needed, including with our pre-schoolers—showing just how adaptable and supportive she is.

Outside the nursery, Charlotte is a proud mum to her amazing 8-year-old son. Together, they enjoy exploring the park, movie days at the cinema, and quality time with friends and family.

We’re incredibly proud of Charlotte and all she’s achieved. Her childcare qualification and natural passion for early years make her a truly valued member of our Happy Bunnies family. ??

#HappyBunniesFamily #SpotlightSeries #QualifiedPractitioner #ButtercupsRoom #Level2Childcare #PassionForChildcare #MakingMemories #LoveAndLaughter

Meet Tina – Our New Nursery Practitioner!

We’re so excited to welcome Tina, who will be joining the Happy Bunnies team from Monday 7th July!

With over 12 years of experience in Early Years education, Tina brings a wealth of knowledge and a beautifully calm, nurturing approach. She holds a Level 2 qualification and has worked across all age groups—from our tiniest babies to confident preschoolers heading off to school.

Tina is especially passionate about supporting children with Special Educational Needs and believes deeply in the power of learning and growing together. She’s also spent time in nursery kitchens, helping to create nutritious menus and meals that fuel busy little minds.

A true outdoor enthusiast, Tina finds joy in pausing with children to notice the world around them—whether it’s the crunch of autumn leaves or the first signs of spring. Her love for nature is matched by her love of food—she’s always up for discovering new places and trying new flavours!

Tina can’t wait to meet all our children and families. Be sure to say hello and have a chat when you see her!

Two years ago, Elaine stepped into the Buttercups Room with a heart full of kindness and arms ready to hold space for play, discovery, and all the little in-between moments that make childhood magic. Today, she remains a joyful constant—singing songs, reading stories, and sprinkling each day with laughter and love.

With a deep belief that play is the child’s first language, Elaine meets every moment with energy, empathy, and a twinkle of imagination. Her presence is the kind that makes children feel safe enough to take risks, explore the world, and know that someone sees their light. Whether it’s during a messy craft session, a quiet cuddle with a book, or a shared smile on the walk to the wildlife park, Elaine brings care that is calm, consistent, and real.

As a mum to two daughters, a stepmum, and a proud grandmother to one wonderful grandson, Elaine brings the wisdom of lived experience into her practice. She understands not just the developmental needs of young children, but the hopes, worries, and dreams of the families that love them.

What makes Elaine’s presence even more special is the deep-rooted connection she shares with our Happy Bunnies family. She cared for me when I was a child—and today, she continues that legacy of love, becoming not only a trusted colleague but a dear family friend. Her story is one of circles closing, roots growing deeper, and care being passed lovingly from one generation to the next.

Beyond the nursery, she finds peace among the pages of a good book, joy in the soil of her garden, and belonging in the laughter of her family. These moments nourish her spirit—just as she nourishes the emotional worlds of the little ones she cares for.

Two years on, Elaine continues to be a cherished thread in the fabric of Happy Bunnies—a steady hand, a warm smile, and a trusted guide on the path of early learning. In the Buttercups Room, where the children bloom in their own time and way, Elaine is there—cheering them on, holding space, and walking gently beside them every step of the way.

With over 20 years of experience in early years education, Annemarie Pratt brings a calm confidence, intuitive care, and heartfelt dedication to her role as Baby Room Leader in the Daisies Room at Happy Bunnies Nursery School. Since joining the team two years ago, she has become a beloved presence — known for her gentle hands, listening heart, and unwavering commitment to the smallest and most sensitive beginnings.

As a mother of two boys, Annemarie understands the depth of trust families place in us when they hand over their baby’s care. She meets that trust with softness, safety, and skill — creating a nurturing, responsive environment where babies are not only cared for, but truly cherished.

Her practice is rooted in attachment, emotional attunement, and the subtle art of slowing down — honouring the rhythms of each child’s day with presence and grace. Whether cradling a baby through their nap, singing through nappy changes, or offering reassuring words to new parents, Annemarie holds space for growth, connection, and quiet wonder.

Outside of nursery life, her love for musical theatre, her talent for crochet, and her passion for all things Harry Potter bring playful magic and storytelling joy to her work. She brings her whole self into the room — and in doing so, invites babies to feel held, seen, and known just as they are.

At Happy Bunnies, Annemarie is more than a room leader — she is a guardian of first moments, a weaver of calm, and a gentle guide through the early chapters of each child’s story.

Of course! Here’s an updated version of Becca Wasyliw’s poetic bio with that detail included:

Tulip Room Lead & Nurturing SENCO – 16 Months to 2 Years

In the quiet wonder of the Tulip Room, where tiny footsteps echo with curiosity, Becca Wasyliw weaves her days with gentleness and grace. A year has passed since she stepped into the garden of Happy Bunnies, and in that time, she has become a steady hand, a joyful guide, and a watchful heart for our littlest learners.

With roots in both professional care and the lived love of motherhood, Becca brings a calm confidence to her role. She leads with presence, not pressure—honouring each child’s pace, noticing their sparks, and planting seeds of independence through play. Her pathway to practice is deeply grounded in her years as a nanny, where she moved gently between the worlds of newborns and school-aged children, gathering wisdom along the way.

As SENCO, Becca brings an attuned sensitivity to every whisper of difference, ensuring no child is overlooked and every family feels heard. In the Tulip Room, her days are spent kneeling beside wonder, attuning to gestures before words, and welcoming the language of movement, emotion, and gaze.

Outdoors, she is in her element—muddy boots, wind-kissed cheeks, and all. Her love for nature flows into her work, encouraging exploration without bounds and holding space for risk, resilience, and delight. Just like the tulips she tends, Becca knows that growth looks different for each child—and still, each bloom matters deeply.

Outside of nursery life, Becca is a devoted mum to her six-year-old son, whose boundless energy and love of football keep her on her toes and fuel her playful spirit. It is in the rhythm of family life that she gathers strength, laughter, and the everyday magic that she brings into her practice each day.

With Becca at the helm, our Tulip Room is more than a space—it’s a sanctuary of trust, where toddlers are not rushed to grow up but celebrated for exactly who they are becoming.

With four decades of experience working with young children, Lisa brings a rare blend of wisdom, warmth, and a touch of theatrical sparkle to life at Happy Bunnies.

Her journey began on the stage, graduating from ballet school and stepping into the world of children’s entertainment—captivating young audiences with her energy and flair. As her own family blossomed (Lisa is a proud mum of five!), her love for movement and childhood wonder led her to open her own ballet and dance school. For 30 years, she nurtured creativity and confidence in children as young as three, introducing them to the joy of expression through movement.

During those years, Lisa also visited nurseries across Cambridgeshire, sharing her unique gift for Music, Movement, and Mime with little learners. It was through this work that she crossed paths with Happy Bunnies—and in 2007, she officially joined our team.

Since then, Lisa has become a beloved presence in our setting. As a dedicated practitioner and specialist in Music in Movement, she brings rhythm, imagination, and joy into the daily lives of our little bunnies. Her sessions are not just fun—they are rich opportunities for children to explore their bodies, emotions, and stories through sound and movement.

Outside of Happy Bunnies, Lisa finds joy in the quiet beauty of nature and the lively love of her family. Her days are filled with horses, dogs, children, and the sweet laughter of her grandson.

Lisa’s life is a dance between creativity and care, structure and spontaneity—and our children are lucky to be part of her story.

Debbie Wilkinson

Qualified Primary Teacher | Early Years Educator | Oral Storyteller

In Bluebells Room, Debbie Wilkinson is more than a teacher—she is a quiet keeper of stories, a listener of small voices, and a weaver of meaning in the everyday moments of early childhood.

A qualified primary teacher with a background in phonics, history, and corporate communications, Debbie brings both professional depth and human warmth to her role. Her early career saw her crafting strategies in boardrooms and building brands—but it was motherhood that attuned her ear to the quieter rhythms of childhood: the glance that holds a question, the play that tells a tale, the silence that speaks.

Debbie followed those small voices into early years education—into classrooms filled with pinecones, paint, and possibility. Today, she brings more than curriculum; she brings presence.

She listens with her whole self:

To the child who speaks in spirals.

To the one who builds stories in silence.

To the narratives rising gently from play like steam from a teacup.

For Debbie, storytelling is not a task—it’s a relationship. A rhythm. A way of saying: You matter. I hear you. I’m here.

In Bluebells, you’ll find her beside a child, offering not just stories from books but from the heart—inviting children to become tellers of their own.

Debbie Wilkinson is part of a new generation of educators who see teaching as a deeply human act—where learning begins not with instruction, but with connection.

Caroline holds a level 2 childcare qualification and has been an invaluable member of the Happy Bunnies family since 2017. She is truly passionate about her role and finds immense joy in watching our little ones grow from adorable toddlers to confident school leavers. It's a rewarding journey she cherishes every single day!

Beyond her exceptional career, Caroline is also a loving and proud mother to two amazing grown-up children and a doting grandmother to six precious grandchildren. As a parent and grandparent herself, she understands the importance of providing a nurturing and supportive environment for every child's development.

When Caroline isn't busy creating magical moments at Happy Bunnies, she loves taking leisurely long dog walks, embracing the beauty of nature. Caroline thoroughly enjoys cooking with the children, encouraging their curiosity in the kitchen and unlocking the mysteries of food and taste.

Caroline's warm and compassionate presence creates a nurturing environment for our little ones. Her dedication to providing individual care and attention ensures that each child feels seen, heard, and loved during their time at Happy Bunnies.

She's here to make a remarkable difference on your child's journey, creating lasting memories and nurturing their growth every step of the way.

#HappyBunniesFamily #MeetCaroline #PassionateChildcarePro #nurturinggrowth

After 29 years at Tesco, Naomi brought with her a lifetime of dedication, loyalty, and grace—quiet strengths that have blossomed anew within the walls of Happy Bunnies. Though the setting changed from aisles to playrooms, her heart for people remained the same. And here, among the laughter and learning of little ones, she has found a new rhythm—one shaped by joy, play, and connection.

Naomi embraced nursery life with open arms and an open heart. Every training course, every new experience, she has approached with humility and a deep desire to grow. Her gentle confidence now blooms brightly in the Bluebells Room, where three- to five-year-olds thrive under her calm, compassionate care.

She brings with her a deep, lived understanding of childhood—one rooted not only in professional practice but in personal love. As a proud mother of three and a devoted grandmother to two joyful grandsons, Naomi carries the wisdom of years and the warmth of home in all she does. Her presence is soothing, her instincts nurturing, and her dedication unwavering.

And there is a special thread that ties her journey to the heart of our nursery—Naomi is the proud mother of Becca, our Tulip Room Lead. Together, they form a rare and beautiful bond across generations of care, each bringing their own strengths to the Happy Bunnies family. Where Becca leads with playfulness and outdoor wonder, Naomi supports with calm, grounded kindness—a mother-daughter duo whose shared love for children quietly shapes the soul of our setting.

From supermarket shelves to story circles, Naomi’s journey is one of transformation, courage, and new beginnings. And in the eyes of the children she supports each day, her years of service shine—not in products scanned or tills balanced, but in moments held, milestones celebrated, and hearts nurtured, one day at a time.

Meet Lea – Our New Early Years Educator at Happy Bunnies!

We’re so excited to welcome Lea Martin to the Happy Bunnies family!

Lea is a bubbly, caring and creative practitioner who brings three years of experience — and her brand-new Level 3 qualification — into our team. She’s also SENCO-certified and absolutely loves finding gentle, child-centred ways to support emotional regulation, communication and learning.

She’s a huge music lover — from singing soft tunes in the room to learning songs on her guitar, Lea brings rhythm, calm and joy into every day. She’s also a devoted mum to her 6-month-old daughter, whose giggles and cuddles are her greatest inspiration.

• Creative activities that help children learn through fun, curiosity and wonder

We know your little ones will feel her warmth as soon as they meet her. Please join us in welcoming Lea to our beautiful Happy Bunnies community.

#HappyBunniesNurserySchool #EarlyYears #NurseryLife #MeetTheTeam #ChildLedLearning #ReggioInspired #SENCO #OutdoorLearning #MessyPlay #JoyfulLearning #SheprethNursery #EarlyYearsEducators

Meet Kirsty Atsma — Our New Trainee Early Years Practitioner

We are so excited to welcome Kirsty to the Happy Bunnies team!

Kirsty is beginning her Early Years training and brings with her a natural warmth, calmness, and a genuine passion for supporting young children as they learn, explore, and grow. She loves getting to know each child’s unique personality and takes pride in creating nurturing, engaging moments that help children feel confident and secure.

Family partnership is really important to Kirsty — she believes that strong communication and trust between nursery and home is what truly supports each child to thrive.

When she’s not at work, you’ll find her spending time with her little girl, reading, going for peaceful walks, or relaxing with a good film.

We’re thrilled to have her kindness, patience, and enthusiasm join our Happy Bunnies community.

Please join us in giving Kirsty the warmest welcome!

#HappyBunniesNursery #Shepreth #EarlyYears #EYFS #MeetTheTeam #ChildcareCommunity #RelationshipLedPractice #ReggioInspired #NurturingEnvironments #EarlyYearsPractitioner #TrainingJourney

Welcome, Katie Pearce, to Happy Bunnies Nursery School.

We are delighted to welcome Katie Pearce to our Happy Bunnies family. Katie brings with her over 20 years of early years experience, having spent 15 years at Orchard Nursery as Baby Room Lead and the past 5 years at Meldreth School in the preschool.

Katie is passionate about creating welcoming, engaging, and inclusive environments where every child can thrive. She believes strongly in building trusted partnerships with parents from day one, ensuring that your child’s learning and care are consistent between home and nursery. Whether it’s through daily conversations, stay-and-play sessions, or sharing those special moments from your child’s day, Katie values open communication and mutual trust.

Her creative spark shines through in her work — she loves setting up engaging tuff trays, encouraging children to explore, be curious, and (sometimes!) get gloriously messy. Katie’s calm, caring approach, combined with her safeguarding knowledge and deep respect for each child’s individuality, makes her a wonderful addition to our team.

Katie lives locally in Shepreth with her son and is looking forward to getting to know our Happy Bunnies families, building strong relationships, and helping each child feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn.