Banana Moon Day Nursery Catterick Garrison

I have over 30 years of experience working in childcare, beginning my career as a childminder before becoming a nanny and then moving into nursery settings. Throughout my journey, I have had the pleasure of supporting many children and their families, helping them to grow, develop, and reach their full potential. Seeing children flourish and knowing I have played a part in their early years is what makes my role so rewarding.

I am passionate about creating warm, homely, and welcoming environments where children feel safe, happy, and loved. I believe that strong relationships with children, families, and staff are at the heart of providing outstanding care and learning experiences.

In my current role, I work across both nurseries, supporting our managers and teams while working closely with the Director. As we continue to grow and develop, I am excited to help nurture positive, supportive teams and ensure that every child receives the very best start in life.

Emma has recently joined us and is already enjoying getting to know our children, families, and staff team. She brings with her a wealth of experience gained from her previous nursery setting, where she developed a strong passion for providing high-quality early years education and care.

As she settles into her new role, Emma is looking forward to building positive relationships with our families and supporting our dedicated team to create a nurturing, stimulating, and welcoming environment for all children.

We are excited to have Emma as part of our nursery family and look forward to the valuable knowledge, leadership, and enthusiasm she brings to the role.

I have worked in childcare for over 24 years and have been part of the Banana Moon Catterick family for the past 9 years. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about supporting children in their early years, helping them to learn, grow, and develop through fun, engaging, and meaningful experiences.

As Deputy Manager, I work alongside Ireland to support the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring that we provide the highest standards of care, learning, and wellbeing for every child. My role is varied and rewarding, from supporting our staff team and mentoring colleagues to working closely with families and helping to create a positive and nurturing nursery environment.

I am a creative person and love finding new ways to inspire children's curiosity, imagination, and love of learning. Building strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues is an important part of my role, and I take great pride in helping to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels valued and supported.

Being part of the Banana Moon Catterick team for so many years has allowed me to watch many children grow and flourish, and it is a privilege to play a role in their early years journey. I look forward to continuing to support our wonderful children, families, and team as we grow together.

Ireland is a mum and has many years of experience working in childcare. She is passionate about supporting children's learning and development and enjoys building strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues.

Alongside her Deputy Manager responsibilities, Ireland continues to lead our Baby Moons room, where she provides a nurturing, caring, and stimulating environment for our youngest children. Her experience, dedication, and warm approach make her a valued member of the team and a wonderful support to both staff and families.

In her new role, Ireland is looking forward to supporting the nursery team, helping to maintain high standards of care and education, and ensuring that every child receives the best possible start to their early years journey. We are excited to see her continue to grow and thrive in this leadership position.

Karen has been a valued member of our Banana Moon Catterick family for over six years and plays an incredibly important role in the day-to-day life of our nursery.

Before joining us, Karen worked in a school setting, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a passion for providing nutritious, home-cooked meals. All of the food served at the nursery is freshly prepared by Karen, who carefully creates our seasonal menus to ensure children enjoy a varied, balanced, and delicious diet.

Karen's talents don't stop at lunchtime! She also supports many of our special events, including Stay and Play sessions and our annual Christmas Fayre, where her baking is always a huge hit with children, families, and staff alike. In fact, her famous scones have become something of a local legend in Catterick!

In recognition of her dedication, creativity, and culinary skills, Karen was proudly awarded Culinary Star of the Year 2024, becoming the very first recipient of this award at our Midnight Moon Awards. This was a fantastic achievement, and one that was thoroughly deserved.

When she's not busy creating delicious meals for the nursery, Karen enjoys taking part in local agricultural and farmers' shows, where she continues to showcase her baking talents and often comes home with awards and accolades.

Above all, Karen is a devoted Gran who loves spending time with her family. We are incredibly lucky to have her as part of our team and appreciate everything she does to help make our nursery feel like home.

Kayleigh has a caring and enthusiastic approach. She works closely alongside Karen, supporting with the daily routines and helping to ensure mealtimes run smoothly and efficiently for all of our children.

She plays an important part in helping to prepare and serve freshly cooked, home-made meals.

Kayleigh is also a mum to one son and brings a warm, family-focused approach to her work.

Sarah is a highly versatile member of the team and supports across all areas of the nursery. Her flexibility, experience, and calm approach mean she is always ready to step in wherever she is needed, helping to ensure the smooth running of the nursery each day.

As a mum to twin girls, Sarah brings warmth and plenty of real-life experience to her role. She builds strong, positive relationships with the children and has the ability to make everyone feel welcome.

Sarah is also a very sociable and supportive colleague, always willing to help others and contribute to the positive atmosphere within the team. Her long-standing commitment to the nursery is something we are incredibly proud of, and we are so grateful for everything she continues to bring to our setting.

We are looking forward to celebrating her 10 years with us soon and look forward to many more years working together.

We are proud to have Diane as part of our nursery team.

Diane is our cleaner, and not just any cleaner—she is fantastic at what she does. She always goes above and beyond in her role and takes great pride in maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all of our children, families, and staff.

Her hard work and attention to detail play an important part in the smooth running of the nursery each day, helping us to ensure that our setting remains a warm and hygienic place for everyone.

We are also delighted that Diane’s granddaughter is part of our team, working as a Room Leader in our Baby Moons room. It is really special to have two generations of the same family contributing to nursery life, and it reflects the strong sense of community we are so proud of.

Diane is a valued member of our nursery family, and we truly appreciate everything she does for us every day.

Kerry has progressed and is now the Room Leader. She is highly organised, and her passion is clearly evident in all she does.

The children and families have built up some wonderful working relationships, and everything she does is for them. She is constantly reflecting and growing in her role.

Kerry is soon to become a mum and is very excited to welcome her new baby, and what a fantastic mum she is going to be.

Sara joined the Banana Moon Catterick team in 2019 and brings a wealth of childcare experience to her role within our Baby Moons room.

Over the years, Sara has become an incredibly important member of the team, providing nurturing care and support to our youngest children during their crucial early years. Her calm, caring nature helps children feel safe, secure, and confident as they begin their nursery journey, while her experience and knowledge make her a valued colleague and role model within the room.

Outside of nursery, Sara enjoys Scottish country dancing and is always happy to share her enthusiasm with the children and team. Whether it's teaching a few dance steps or bringing music and movement into the day, her fun-loving personality helps create lots of smiles and laughter around the nursery.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Sara as part of our Banana Moon family and appreciate the warmth, experience, and dedication she brings to the Baby Moons room every day.

She is based in our Baby Moons room, and Natasha provides nurturing care and support to our youngest children, helping them to feel safe, settled, and happy during their early years journey. She is also always willing to support across the nursery wherever needed, demonstrating her flexibility and commitment to the wider team.

As a mum to four children, Natasha brings a wealth of personal experience and understanding to her role. She is known for always having a smile on her face and her wonderful sense of humour, which brightens the day for everyone around her. Her warm and friendly nature helps her build strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues alike.

Lowena joined us in 2025 and is a mum of two children. She brings a bubbly personality to the nursery and is always on hand to help and support both children and colleagues. Her caring nature and positive attitude make her a valued member of our team, helping to create a warm and welcoming environment for everyone.

Sophie is a valued member of our Baby Moons team, where she works closely alongside the Room Leaders to provide a nurturing, caring, and stimulating environment for our youngest children.

Over the years, Sophie has built strong and trusting relationships with both children and families across the nursery.

Sophie has a varied role within the nursery and is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed. Whether supporting colleagues, helping children settle into nursery life, or contributing to the smooth running of the day, she is a dependable and valued member of the team. Her positive attitude and willingness to support others make her a fantastic colleague and a wonderful role model for the children.

Outside of work, Sophie enjoys keeping fit and spending time with friends and family. She is very sociable and brings a fun, positive energy to the nursery every day. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, listening to music and podcasts, and following football, interests that often spark great conversations with both colleagues and families.

Jessica joined our team in 2025 and is a valued member of the Baby Moon room. As a mum herself, she brings warmth and a nurturing approach to her role every day. Jessica is known for her friendly personality and always arrives with a smile, helping to create a happy and welcoming environment for the children in her care. She is passionate about supporting each child's development and enjoys building strong relationships with both children and families.

Lana works alongside our Baby Moons team and has recently achieved her Level 3 qualification while training here at Banana Moon Catterick. This is a fantastic accomplishment, and we are incredibly proud of all she has achieved during her learning journey.

Lana plays an important role in supporting our youngest children, helping to create a nurturing, stimulating, and caring environment where they can feel safe, secure, and happy as they learn and develop.

Known for her friendly nature, Lana brings warmth and positivity to the nursery every day.

Outside of work, Lana enjoys spending time creating beautiful diamond art projects, a hobby that reflects her creative and patient personality.

Georgia joined our team in 2025 and brings with her many years of childcare experience. As a mum, she has a natural understanding of children's needs and is passionate about providing a nurturing and supportive environment for every child. Georgia is known for her calm, patient nature and her ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and her colleagues. Her experience and caring approach make her a valued member of our team.

Anne Marie joined the Banana Moon Catterick team in 2024 and can normally be found in our Teenie Moons room, where she supports children through an exciting stage of their development.

Since joining the nursery, Anne Marie has become a valued member of the team, bringing warmth, enthusiasm, and a caring nature to her role.

Anne Marie is a busy mum and has recently welcomed a beautiful baby girl to her family, making life even more exciting! Her experience as a parent brings additional understanding and empathy to her role, helping her to support children and families throughout their nursery journey.

When she manages to find some free time, Anne Marie enjoys being creative and loves cross-stitching, a hobby that reflects her patience and attention to detail. She also enjoys spending time outdoors, keeping active and making the most of fresh air and exercise.

Charlotte recently joined us here at Banana Moon Catterick and brings a wealth of experience to the team, and is a mum to 5 children. Charlotte is passionate about helping children learn and grow, and her warm, approachable nature makes her a wonderful addition to our nursery family.

In her free time (When she gets any), Charlotte enjoys spending quality time with her family, going for walks in the countryside, and cooking. She also has a wide variety of pets at home, which certainly keep her busy and add to her love of caring for others. We are delighted to have Charlotte as part of our team and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make on the children and families at Banana Moon Catterick.

Ella recently joined our team and predominantly works in the Teenie Room. With six years of experience in childcare, she brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm, whilst supporting young children's learning and development. As a mum herself, Ella understands the importance of creating a caring environment where children can thrive.

Outside of work, she enjoys hill walking and camping, making the most of the outdoors whenever she can.

Marie joined the Banana Moon Catterick team in 2024 as an Apprentice Nursery Practitioner and is based in Teenie Moon's room.

She is a vibrant, enthusiastic, and happy member of the team who brings positivity and energy to the nursery each day. Her caring nature and eagerness to learn have helped her build lovely relationships with both the children and her colleagues.

Outside of work, Marie has a real love of animals and enjoys spending time with her pets.

Lois is a valued member of our Teenie Moon team and brings a calm, caring presence to the nursery every day. She is a busy mum to one and has a new addition to her family arriving very soon.

Lois is known for her gentle nature and patient approach, helping children to settle, explore, and develop at their own pace. She enjoys building positive relationships with both children and families and is a much-loved member of the team.

Lisa is one of our longest-serving and most treasured team members, having joined Banana Moon Catterick in 2016. This year marks an incredible milestone as she celebrates 10 years with the nursery – a wonderful achievement that reflects her dedication, commitment, and passion for early years education.

As one of our Mini Moons Room Leaders, Lisa plays a key role in supporting both the children and her colleagues. She is passionate about creating engaging learning experiences and ensuring that every child feels happy, secure, and valued during their time at nursery. Her experience and knowledge make her a fantastic role model within the team, and she is always willing to offer support and guidance to others.

Lisa is known throughout the nursery for her positive attitude, caring nature, and infectious smile. She brings warmth and enthusiasm to everything she does and is always happy to lend a helping hand. Her colleagues know they can rely on her, and her kindness and generosity make her a much-loved member of the Banana Moon family.

Outside of work, Lisa enjoys spending time with her husband and beloved dog. She also has a wonderful singing voice, and it is not unusual to hear her singing along with the children throughout the day. Whether it's joining in with nursery rhymes, leading a sing-song, or having a little boogie with the children, Lisa helps create a fun, happy, and joyful atmosphere wherever she goes.

We are incredibly grateful for everything Lisa has contributed over the past 10 years and look forward to celebrating this special milestone with her. Here's to many more years of smiles, songs, dancing, and making wonderful memories with our children and families.

Kelly joined the Banana Moon Catterick team in 2021 and has become a valued member of our Mini Moons room. She is incredibly passionate about her role and is dedicated to creating meaningful learning experiences that support each child's development and curiosity.

Kelly has a real love for storytelling and can often be found sharing books with the children, helping to foster a love of reading from an early age. She enjoys creating engaging invitations to play and thought-provoking provocations that encourage children to explore, investigate, and develop their own ideas through play.

Outside of the nursery, Kelly is devoted to her dogs. When she has some time to relax, she enjoys diamond painting, a hobby that allows her to express her creativity and attention to detail.

Kelly's passion, kindness, and dedication make her a wonderful member of our nursery family, and we are delighted to have her as part of the Banana Moon Catterick team.

Debbie joined the Banana Moon Catterick team in 2021 and is a valued member of our Full Moons room.

Debbie has a real passion for early years education and is always striving to create exciting and engaging experiences for the children in her care. She is constantly reflecting on her practice and takes great pride in developing inspiring environments that spark curiosity, imagination, and a love of learning.

Her enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to providing high-quality experiences make her an important part of the Full Moons team. Debbie builds strong relationships with the children and families she works with and is dedicated to ensuring every child feels valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Outside of nursery, Debbie is a devoted mum and grandma, and family means everything to her. She loves spending quality time with her loved ones and creating special memories together.

Shannon joined us in 2021 and worked in Full Moon's room.

She is a mum to two beautiful children and has worked hard to achieve her Level 3 in childcare.

Shannon, in her spare time, likes to spend it with her family, and she is an asset to our team.

Claudia joined us in late 2024 and brings a wealth of experience in childcare to our nursery team. As a proud mum herself, she understands the importance of providing a nurturing, caring, and supportive environment for every child.

Working alongside the Full Moon team, Claudia is a valued member of our nursery family. She comes to work each day with a smile on her face, a positive attitude, and a wonderfully bubbly personality that both the children and staff love.

We are delighted to have Claudia as part of our team and know that her warmth, experience, and enthusiasm make a real difference every day.

Mikeala joined our team in 2026 and is a valued member of the Full Moon room. As a mum to one child, she helps to create a happy and supportive environment for the children in her care.

Michelle is one of our Room Leaders and has been a valued member of the team since joining us in 2021. Alongside her room leader role, Michelle is also our dedicated SENCO here at Banana Moon Catterick, supporting children to thrive and reach their full potential.

Passionate about continuous professional development, Michelle is always looking for ways to enhance her practice and has recently achieved her Level 5 qualification in Childcare—a fantastic accomplishment that reflects her commitment to providing the highest quality care and education.

Outside of work, Michelle is a proud mum to two teenagers and loves spending time with her beloved dog, Pumba.