Sunflower Stalybridge

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.

Gail Smith has joined our Senior management team at Sunflower.

As an established figure in Tameside, Gail has led exceptional childcare for many years, and we are thrilled to have her join us at Stalybridge.

Gail's expertise in childcare and leadership will contribute greatly to the continued success of our nurseries.

She has the knowledge and expertise to play a pivotal role in overseeing operations, staff management and driving improvement.

Amanda Ellis has been employed by the Sunflower Group for over 13 years. Starting off as a Room Leader, Amanda completed her Manager's Training and has worked as a manager ever since.

Over a number of years, Amanda has worked her "magic" on three of our Centres and is now proud to co-manage our Stalybridge Nursery.

Amanda has a wealth of knowledge both on the nursery floor as a practitioner ( "which is where you will often find her") and as a Senior Management Team member leading change to drive continuous improvement for the team, children and families.

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 Forrest school along with the team and children.

Although Natalie took up her position as one of the managerial team in 2014, she 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 education in childcare, this enables Natalie 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.

Jessica joined our team after the sudden closure of a local nursery group where Jessica had led practice for many years. Jessica now works as a Senior Practitioner at Stalybridge in the Pre-School Room.

Naomi is a Senior Practitioner in our Lions Room. Naomi has completed a Degree in her Early Years and has brought a wealth of experience to our Pre-school Room.

Collette leads our Out Of School and Holiday Club. She is also a core member of staff in our 2-year-old room.

Tracy is one of our hidden stars. Tracy is part of the Domestic Team in our Stalybridge Centre. She keeps all of our areas in the setting sparkling.

Mel has been preparing her home-cooked food for over five years. Mel's homemade cheese whirls and savoury scones are a firm favourite among the children and staff.