Shooting Stars Nurseries at Hinckley

Mel has nearly 18 years of experience in childcare, beginning her career as a childminder before moving into nursery settings as her own children reached preschool age. Her passion for early years education flourished as she progressed into management roles, where she discovered a love for supporting teams to create inspiring environments and encouraging collaborative leadership.

Mel completed her Foundation Degree in 2015 and most recently achieved her National Professional Qualification in Early Years Leadership. She is committed to continuous professional development and is 1 year of her Bachelor of Arts in Early Years Childhood at Northampton University.

With a strong interest in supporting children with additional needs, Mel believes that “what is essential for some is good for all.” She is particularly focused on enhancing communication, language, and social-emotional development through targeted interventions and group work.

Mel has deep ties to the local community, having worked with the Westfield Community Development Association for many years. She is excited to build on these connections and actively participate in events such as the Christmas Tree Festival.

Outside of nursery life, Mel is a proud mum of four boys and enjoys a sporty lifestyle. Recently retired from playing football herself, she now enjoys cheering from the sidelines — especially for Manchester United. She also loves travelling and recently ticked New York off her bucket list!

Steph joined Shooting Stars in 2022, bringing with her over a decade of experience in the Early Years sector. Her journey began in 2008 as an apprentice, and she has since progressed through a wide range of roles, including practitioner, room leader, deputy manager, nursery manager, senior manager, and now area manager. Steph has held leadership positions in Early Years management since 2011, consistently demonstrating a strong focus on quality improvement, staff development, and inspirational leadership.

She is particularly passionate about musicality and supporting strong language development in young children, and she enjoys embedding music and rhythm into daily routines to enhance communication and engagement. Steph also has a keen interest in designing stimulating and inspiring learning environments that nurture curiosity and creativity.

In her current role as area manager, Steph is committed to empowering staff to develop their own individual and visionary leadership skills. She believes in fostering a culture of reflective practice, collaboration, and continuous growth across all settings she supports.

Outside of work, Steph enjoys walking, spending time with family and friends, and making the most of holidays—whether relaxing or exploring new destinations.

Kully began her journey with Shooting Stars Nurseries in September 2014 as the Nursery Manager of the newly opened Wolverhampton setting. In 2022, she progressed into a strategic role, joining the Area Management Team as a Strategic Development Manager.

Her career in childcare began as a Level 2 Apprentice, followed by the completion of her Level 3 qualification. Since 2004, Kully has held a variety of leadership roles, including Room Leader in both Pre-School and Under 2’s, Deputy Manager, and Nursery Manager—spending 16 of those years in management. These experiences have shaped her deep understanding of early years education and operational leadership.

Kully is particularly passionate about the development of children under two, with a strong focus on building secure attachments and nurturing environments that support emotional well-being and early development. She also brings extensive expertise in Health & Safety, SEND, and Safeguarding, which are central to her practice and leadership.

A key focus of Kully’s role is supporting the growth of the early years workforce. She is committed to empowering staff through continuous professional development, helping them build confidence and fulfilment in their roles. Well-being is at the heart of her approach—she strives to foster a positive, supportive workplace for teams and a safe, inspiring space for children.

At Shooting Stars Nurseries, Kully plays a vital role in welcoming new team members through New Employee Workshops and mentoring apprentices throughout their training journey, helping shape the next generation of early years professionals.

Outside of work, Kully enjoys spending quality time with her family and attending football matches as a proud supporter of her local club. She also loves exploring new cities, dining out, and meeting new people.