Evergreen Early Years - Ladyewell

Hi, my name is Joanne, and I am the Nursery Manager at Evergreen, Ladyewell.

I have worked with young children for over 20 years, both in the private sector and as a registered childminder.

I have always had a passion for working with children and, after completing my NWOS in 1994, this is the career path I chose and have followed ever since. I became a manager in 2014 and have managed two nurseries, gaining valuable experience in supporting children, families, and staff.

Outside of work, I enjoy swimming, reading, and spending quality time with my family. I especially love spending time with my two beautiful granddaughters.

What I love most about my role is seeing children learn, grow, and achieve new milestones every day. Read less

Hi, my name is Amy Bate, and I am one of the Deputy Managers at Evergreen Ladyewell.

I studied at Cumbria University for three years, where I achieved a degree in Working with Children and Families. I have always been passionate about working with children and supporting them to have the best possible start in life.

In my role, I strive to give my best in every aspect of my work and am fully committed to supporting children’s learning and development. My aim as a Deputy Manager is to provide all children with a happy, nurturing, and fulfilling learning experience, while also supporting colleagues to do the same.

I put 100% and more into ensuring that every child at Evergreen is supported to achieve their full potential. Read less

Hi, my name is Alison Astley, and I am Head of Early Years and SENDCo at Evergreen.

I have been a teacher for over 20 years and hold a BA (Hons) degree in English. My belief that a child’s love for learning begins in the early years has led me to work at Evergreen, supporting our youngest children at the very start of their learning journey.

I am passionate about helping children to become confident, happy learners who develop strong language skills and a natural curiosity through everything they do.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, including long walks on the beach and in the woods with my husband, our two daughters, and our dog, Obi. Read less

Hi, my name is Laura Davy, and I am one of the Managers at Evergreen.

I have worked in Early Years since 1997 and bring many years of experience to my role. I hold a Level 5 qualification in Childcare Education, Leadership, and Management.

My role at Evergreen is to oversee the quality and consistency of the care and learning provided across our three settings. This includes supporting the team to access learning and professional development opportunities to enhance their practice. I also lead on internal operations and support the nursery owner with wider nursery developments.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, cycling, spending time outdoors, and crocheting. Read less

Hi, my name is Rachel Howlett, and I am the Team Leader for the 0–2 age group at Evergreen Ladyewell.

I have a calm and caring nature and truly enjoy working with young children, supporting them as they learn and develop as individuals. I particularly love reading to the children and bringing stories to life by creating imaginative storytelling experiences. I often use a range of props and, most importantly, encourage the children to join in and become part of our story-time adventures.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and have a strong love for horses, having had riding lessons from an early age. Read less

Hi, my name is Emma, and I am an Early Years Practitioner at Ladyewell.

I have a background in early years education, with experience working in nurseries since I qualified in 2009.

I moved into Early Years because I have a strong passion for supporting children as they grow, learn, and develop during these important early stages.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors exploring nature, looking for insects and animals, reading stories in silly voices, and singing with the children.

My favourite part of my role is getting to know each child as an individual and supporting them to grow in confidence as they develop new skills. Read less

Hi, my name is Kirsty, and I am a Level 3 qualified Nursery Practitioner and Senior Practitioner at Evergreen, working within the 0–2 age group.

I have always enjoyed working with children and take great pleasure in supporting them as they learn and develop as individuals.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and taking my daughter on outings. We love going swimming at the weekends, playing in the garden, and exploring new places together. I also enjoy going on holidays with my family.

I have always had a love for animals and have had pets from a young age. I currently have a dog called Poppy and two rabbits named Pumpkin and Storm. Read less

Hi, my name is Danielle Musa, and I am a qualified Senior Early Years Practitioner at Ladyewell.

I have worked in childcare for over 13 years, completing my apprenticeship in 2013 and progressing to Team Lead in my previous role.

I moved into Early Years because I have a passion for supporting children as they grow, learn, and develop during these important early stages.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, baking, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

My favourite part of my role is seeing each child reach their milestones and supporting them to grow in confidence and independence. Read less

Hi, my name is Holly, and I am an Early Years Practitioner at Evergreen.

I completed my Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education, having previously studied a Level 2 course in Hairdressing at college.

I enjoy supporting children as they learn and develop, and I am enthusiastic about building positive relationships within the nursery.

Outside of work, I like going to the gym and spending time with my family and friends. I also have a love for food — especially chocolate! Read less

Hi, my name is Issy, and I am a qualified Nursery Practitioner at Evergreen.

I have worked in a nursery for three years and have gained my Level 3 qualification. I have also worked as an au pair in Spain for four months and in London for six months.

I love working in the Early Years sector because I enjoy building strong bonds with children and their families and being part of their lives as they grow and develop.

Outside of work, I have a big extended family with 13 cousins and one sister. I enjoy going for walks with my dogs and playing different sports, including tennis, badminton, rounders, and curling.

My favourite part of my role is the positive atmosphere, smiling faces, and, of course, the happy babies! Read less

Hi, my name is Claudia, and I am a member of the bank staff at Evergreen while completing my teaching degree at Edge Hill University.

I recently completed my T-Level in Education and Early Years and have continued my passion for working with children by joining the Evergreen team.

I love working in Early Years because I want to make a positive impact on young people’s lives, just as many teachers and practitioners have done for me.

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking for my university flatmates and teaching my dog new tricks.

I feel very lucky to work in such an amazing setting in a role that I really enjoy. Read less

Hi, my name is Laura, and I work within the 0-2 age group at Evergreen Ladyewell.

I have previously studied Health and Social Care and went on to achieve my Level 2 Apprenticeship in Early Years. Alongside raising my family, I have also started my own cleaning business.

I am kind and compassionate and have a strong passion for supporting children as they play, create, interact, and explore within a positive and nurturing environment.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, socialising, and spending quality time with my children. Read less

Hi, my name is Emily, and I am an Early Years Practitioner at Evergreen.

I moved into Early Years because I have a passion for supporting children as they grow, learn, and develop during these important early stages.

I am a mum of three, and I enjoy arts and crafts, spending time outdoors, and exploring nature with the children to support their imagination and wellbeing.

My favourite part of my role is creating a positive, nurturing environment where each child feels safe, valued, and encouraged to explore and learn. Read less

Hi, my name is Ivy, and I am a Nursery Practitioner at Evergreen.

I previously worked as a Teaching Assistant in a SEND high school before moving into Early Years. I am currently studying Counselling and hope to work as a counsellor supporting young children under five who have experienced complex trauma.

I was born in South Africa and moved to the UK when I was 11.

Outside of work, I enjoy riding my motorbike, baking, reading, and going to the gym.

My favourite part of my role is the creative side of Early Years and the strong bonds I have built with the children and staff. Read less

Hi, my name is Chloe, and I am an Early Years Apprentice at Evergreen.

I have a varied background, including voluntary work in a school supporting young children, experience working with horses, and my most recent role as a Healthcare Assistant within the NHS on a mental health ward. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career in Early Years, where I can support children during such an important stage of their development.

I enjoy watching children learn and develop new skills, and it is especially rewarding to know that I have played a part in their journey and achievements.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family whenever possible. I have a passion for motorbikes and currently own a Honda CBR650R. I also enjoy reading and writing, and I am currently working on my own book.

My favourite part of my role is seeing the children smile and hearing their laughter. I also enjoy being part of the Evergreen team and watching the setting continue to grow, always keeping the children at the heart of everything they do. Read less

Hi, my name is Isabella, and I am an Early Years Apprentice.

I have a background in care and education, with experience supporting children with SEND needs.

I moved into Early Years because I have a strong interest in the sector and a passion for supporting children as they grow, learn, and develop during these important early stages.

I am also a mum, and outside of work I enjoy spending time with my daughter, doing arts and crafts, and playing games together.

My favourite part of my role is getting to know each child as an individual and watching them grow in confidence as they develop new skills. Read less

Hi, my name is Demi, and I am an Early Years Apprentice at Evergreen.

I moved into Early Years because I have a childlike outlook and a passion for helping children learn and have fun during these important early stages.

I am a mum of three, and outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring nature, and being outdoors.

My favourite part of my role is supporting each child to grow, develop, and enjoy learning in a fun and engaging environment. Read less

Hi, my name is Amelia, and I am an Early Years Apprentice at Evergreen.

This is my first time working in a nursery, although I have previously worked in hospitality.

I decided to start working in Early Years because I love seeing children grow in confidence and supporting them as they reach their milestones.

My favourite part of my role is that every day is different, and I enjoy the variety that working in Early Years brings. Read less

Hi, my name is Dignity, and I am an Early Years Apprentice at Evergreen.

I have always had a passion for caring for children, but this became even more meaningful after having my first child last year. Becoming a mum made me realise that I wanted to turn my passion and skills into a career in childcare, and Evergreen has given me the opportunity to do this.

I am a very creative person who enjoys arts and crafts, building LEGO, and creating spaces where children can explore and use their imagination.

My favourite part of my role is seeing the children grow, play, and develop, and watching how happy they are at nursery. Read less

Hi, my name is Milena, and I am an Early Years Apprentice at Evergreen.

I have six younger siblings who I really enjoy spending time with.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my pets. I have three horses and have been riding since I was four years old. I also enjoy going for walks.

My favourite part of my role is seeing how happy the children are at nursery. Read less

Hi, my name is Sharon and I am an Early Years Assistant at Evergreen.

I am conscientious and reliable and have over 25 years of experience working in childcare. Throughout my career, I have worked across a variety of settings, including schools, small and large nurseries, and as a childminder.

My role at Evergreen is to help maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for the children. This includes caring for the settings through cleaning, organising rooms, managing laundry and clothing, and resetting kitchen and bathroom areas.

I also carry out food shopping for both settings, ensuring children enjoy meals prepared using a variety of fresh and healthy produce.

As an experienced practitioner, I also support the team during busier times by supervising, interacting with, and engaging the children.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, going on holidays, and taking my dog on long walks. Read less

Hi, my name is Ruby, and I am an Early Years Assistant at Ladyewell.

I have gained a wide range of experience through various roles, including working as a key holder at a sunbed salon, taking orders at a Chinese takeaway, and working as a chef at Wetherspoons. These roles have helped me develop strong communication skills, responsibility, and the ability to work well under pressure.

I first studied childcare as part of my GCSEs, where I achieved an A*. Although I initially took a different path after this, my passion for working with children led me back to the field when I applied for my role at Evergreen.

I am currently expecting my own little girl, which is a very exciting new chapter in my life. In my spare time, I enjoy painting, colouring, and listening to music. I especially love that every day at work, I am welcomed by happy faces and curious, ambitious young minds. Read less

Hi, my name is Fiza, and I am part of the Business Administration Support team at Evergreen Early Years across all three settings.

I have a background in running my own business as an aesthetic practitioner, which gave me strong experience in administration, organisation, and working closely with people.

I was drawn to the Early Years Sector because I value the importance of supporting families and creating a well-organised, positive environment.

At Evergreen, I support the nurseries with administrative tasks, helping things run smoothly behind the scenes. Outside of work, I’m a mum to two wonderful girls and enjoy spending quality time with my family.

I love knowing that the support I provide helps our nurseries focus on caring for children and families every day. Read less

Hi, my name is Heather, and I’m part of the Central Admin Team supporting all three settings.

I’ve worked in a variety of administrative roles over the years, including running my own business for 10 years, which gave me a strong foundation in organisation, communication and supporting teams.

I have two young daughters who have both attended Ladyewell since they were nine months old, so the nursery is very special to our family. Outside of work, I enjoy going for walks with my two dogs and making memories with my family, especially during holidays in Cornwall and the Lake District.

One of the things I love most about my role is working alongside such a wonderful team. Everyone is so enthusiastic and passionate about helping to shape young minds in the early years, and it’s a privilege to support the important work they do. Read less