The Sunflower Children's Centre

Elaine embarked on a career in Childcare in 2008 and founded The Sunflower Group in 2014.

She is passionate about Early Years Education. She is a fervent supporter of all aspects of early learning, representing the Early Years in her role as OBC Co-Chairperson, Schools Forum (EY Representative) and Chair of Tameside Nursery Network. Elaine is also a regular contributor to BBC Breakfast TV when representing the Early Years sector in the North West.

Elaine takes a "hands-on" approach to supporting her ever-expanding team of practitioners.

Elaine is committed to every child receiving the best start in their early education.

Dawn Gibbons joined the company at its inception in 2014 as a Level 6 Lead Practitioner.

She has progressed through to now leading practice across the company alongside managing her Hyde setting with her senior management team.

Dawn has been recognised nationally for her dedication to practice when she received the National Award for Operations Director from Nursery World in 2019.

She is committed to ensuring that children and families are at the heart of everything we do at Sunflower.

Although Natalie took up her position as one of the Managerial Team in 2014 and has worked for the company CEO for the past 21 years. Natalie has a wealth of managerial experience that she has brought to the team. Along with her experience in childcare, Natalie is able to lead and support both her team and families within the centre.

Natalie has recently become our Partnership with Parents Manager. This role was created to ensure our families always receive the best support across all our centres.

Meet our Training Director Bob Wynn. Bob joined the company as a Headmaster bringing many years of leadership in education to the company. When the school closed Bob developed his skills in other areas and retrained to lead our team in quality professional development.

Bob leads our team in Safeguarding, First Aid and Self-regulation. He also leads Physical Education and Forest School along with the team and children.

Andrina joined Sunflower Hyde as a Senior Practitioner in 2014, bringing a wealth of knowledge in all areas of practice and her specialism and passion for Speech and Language. Andrina progressed to our Senior Management Team and now holds the position of Duty Manager at our Hyde Setting.

Andrina is our Speech and Language Champion and not only does she teach practitioners and support children within our nurseries, but she also supports other nurseries by sharing her skills.

Wendy joined our Sunflower team back in 2018, bringing a wealth of experience in all areas of practice to our team. Wendy progressed to Buds Room Leader and her caring nature is what makes Wendy perfect to Lead this room and team.

Sam joined Sunflower in 2020 as our setting chef, however, Sam has previously been with the company for many years. Sam has completed a BA Hons in Childcare as well as holding many qualifications in catering.

She caters for all of our children and provides nutritious homemade meals.

Sam does cooking groups with the pre-school children which help develop their skills in using tools, maths and language development.

Leanne joined Sunflower in 2018. Leanne is one of our Pre-school seniors at Hyde. Leanne has worked her up the way from college placement to Senior Childcare Practitioner.

She is a dedicated staff member who demonstrates passion, confidence and ability.

Meet our senior SENCO/PODS lead coordinator Jayde Conway. Jayde is passionate about ensuring every child receives the required support for their unique needs and champions this at our Hyde setting.

Lettie is one of our hidden superstars working as part of our domestic team based at Hyde. Lettie keeps our areas "sparkling" and is always willing to help our team with any duty as required.

Becky is a senior practitioner in Bud's room. Rebecca has taken every training opportunity possible. She lights up a room with her permanent smile and positive personality.

Kirsty joined our team 8 years ago learning some fantastic skills along the way. She is now in our Hyde setting and is the two-year-old Room Leader.

Meet our Senior Practitioner Katelyn.
Katelyn has worked for the company for many years and is based in our Baby Suite.

Emma is a qualified Level 2 Childcare Practitioner. Emma is based in our Baby Suite at Hyde.

Katie joined our team pre-covid to complete her apprenticeship in Childcare. We are delighted she has joined our team. Katie is one of our senior management team Curren try training as deputy manager. Katie is also Forest School leader.

Meet Ellie, Ellie joined the team in 2019 and has worked in the 2-year-old room (Petals). Ellie is a qualified Level 2 Childcare practitioner and is currently working towards her Level 3.

Danielle has been with the team for 4 years and has experience working across all of our rooms. She is a Level 2 Childcare Practitioner and is currently in Pre School room.

Meet Clare, Clare is one of our long-standing Level 3 qualified Bank Staff.