Linskill Nursery

Hi, I am the Children and Young People’s Manager for the Linskill Trust.

I have worked with children and families for over 20 years and an experienced playworker, childcare practitioner and family support worker.

My role is to lead the nursery as we strive to be one of the best childcare providers in the area, regularly looking for new ways to improve the offer and develop the service. As part of the Senior Management Team for the Trust, I also have responsibility for the wider Family Programme which includes Squiggles N Giggles (an activity programme for families with under 5s), and the development of the Family Support offer.

Protecting and promoting good mental health of both children and parents is one of my main motivators in this work to help ensure children are happy and healthy. I am passionate about supporting the whole family so that all children have access to a fair and equal start in life so by the time they start school, they are ready to learn and achieve. I’m really into play in the outdoors, getting out in the fresh air, particularly in a woodland type environment since being out amongst the trees and nature is proven to have a wealth of health benefits both physically and emotionally.

I have a teenage daughter who keeps me busy at home and I enjoy keeping fit (well, trying!).

Louise

My name is Debra and I am a Nursery Manager with over 20 years experience of working in childcare.

I had a career change after having my own children, as I was amazed watching my children learn and develop and it inspired me to become an early years worker. Once in childcare, I realised that working and supporting children with additional needs was an area I wanted to pursue and after more training, I became a nursery SENCO.

I love books and feel it’s very important to introduce books to children at a very early age, a particular favourite of mine is ‘Giraffes Can’t Dance’. I enjoy reading stories to the children watching their faces light up when their favourite book is chosen and listening as they join in with the story.

I have been married for over 40 years and have 2 grown-up children and when not in nursery I like to spend time with my family which includes a naughty little dog who loves getting very muddy.

I have been in childcare for over 27 years in a variety of roles from Nursery Assistant right through to manager of a day nursery. Here at Linskill, I am in the role of Deputy Manager. My qualifications consist of EYP status level 6 and Speech and Language Therapy Assistant, with a wide range of additional training. I have had approximately 18 years of experience in the role of SENDCo which I thoroughly enjoyed doing. I love to read, and I make lots of story sacks for the children to enjoy as the love of books/stories starts from the Early Years. I am also creative and love making things, which I will be sharing with the preschool children on a weekly basis, passing on my skills.

I have been with my husband for 32 years, married for 24 years with 5 grown-up children.

Hi my name is Lindsay I have a degree in early years and I have been at Linskill nursery for over 14 years, most of this time I have been based in the baby rooms, as this is where my passion lies. I have 2 children who take up most of my spare time taking them to various activities and groups, I am a weekend dance mum!!. When I do get time to myself I enjoy meeting up with friends for a meal out.

Hi, my name is Nikki I have worked in childcare for over 25 years, with various roles from homecare, out-of-school clubs and nurseries. I have L4evel in childhood studies and professional practice.

I have 2 children of my own, and when not in nursery we love to spend time together doing outdoor activities.

Hi, my name is Sam and I have worked in childcare for 9 years and have a level 3 in childcare. From leaving school I knew I wanted to work with children and attended college to gain my childcare qualifications.

Working with children and babies is so rewarding, watching and helping them grow in their development. I am passionate about my work to provide support and encourage children’s learning and development.

Growing up I was around lots of children and when I became an auntie I loved watching my nieces and nephews develop from being babies and helping them along the way to achieve goals. Now I have my own little girl whom I love spending time with outside of work.

I am the Foxes room senior and the SENDCo – the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator. I have specialist training to support me in this role. It is my job to support children and their families to ensure the curriculum can be accessed by all children and that all children make progress.

I have worked in the early years sector for 12 years, previously working in schools, and have been at Linskill Nursery for 8 years

I thoroughly enjoy working in the Foxes room, each day is never the same and the children always keep me on my toes!! It is always a pleasure watching the little ones grow and develop.

In my spare time, I enjoy day trips with my boyfriend– favourite places include York and Durham, doing all the touristy things you can do on UK city breaks. I enjoy going out to eat with friends, with Tapas a firm favourite.

Hi, my name is Ally and I have worked in childcare for over 20 years and have an NVQ level 3. I have 3 grown-up daughters and 2 grandsons.

From leaving school I knew working within a childcare environment was my vocation. I have experience of being a nanny, working in a crèche facilitating a variety of family groups, from bumps to babies to boogie bunnies. I began working in the nursery when my youngest daughter started school.

I currently work in the Owlets room. I find my job so fulfilling as our daily routine is a very busy one. Observing the children as they explore new activities with such enthusiasm is so rewarding - whether it be messy play (we do lots of that) or exploring the wild garden, learning to balance, climb and jump. The children in our care have lots of opportunities during their nursery day.

The relationships built with the children and parents and carers are so rewarding. To see the children coming into the nursery happy and smiling is wonderful, as they wave goodbye to parents and carers and begin their busy day at nursery.

I am passionate about supporting children and families with additional needs as my grandson was diagnosed with ASD in 2018, opening up a new world to me and a pathway I knew little about. I am proud to say I can help and support parents and carers through this journey and welcome any questions or enquiries at any time.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my grandsons aged 10 years and 7 years. I have a mischievous tortoise called Dave who is 7 years old and loves to give me the runaround hiding in the most hilarious places.

spending 20 years in a primary school in Scotland. I also owned my own Highland dancing school before moving to England.

I enjoy baking and creative activities, in fact, anything messy.

In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, and I am the lead person for our nursery growing programme.

I have a grown-up daughter and a 10-year-old granddaughter who I love spending time with as well as their 2 dogs.

I have been in childcare for over 20 years, during this time I have worked in schools and nurseries, my qualifications are Level 3 in early years education as well as a Level 3 City and Guilds, I also have qualifications as a teaching assistant L3.

When not in work I enjoy socialising with friends, long walks and visiting places of interest along the northeast coast

I a qualified as primary school teacher in 2022, and joined Linskill soon after, I have been based in the preschool room, as I have a degree in design creative activities is my go-to. I also enjoy supporting the children's physical skills yoga being one of my favourites.

I have a daughter who attends the nursery, outside of work we spend our time exploring the local woods as well as taking our dogs on long walks.

Hello, my name is Nicola and I have worked in childcare since 1998 and have a son of my own. I have an NVQ level 3 in childcare and education as well as an NVQ level 3 teaching assistant qualification. I have undertaken many extra courses such as Paediatric First Aid, Child Protection, Safeguarding and many more.

I am extremely passionate about my job and enjoy every aspect of it, no two days are ever the same. Seeing the children learn and grow through play is very rewarding and building relationships with the children's families is a pleasure.

I look forward to welcoming you and your little ones into our nursery.

My name is Natalie, I have worked in childcare for over 20 years. I have a Diploma in Childcare and Education and experience working with a wide range of children and their families.

I enjoy observing children in their play and scaffolding their learning.

In my spare time, I enjoy keeping fit, going for walks along the coast and days out with my family.

I have worked in childcare for 12 years, I have a Level 3 qualification in early years. I have worked in breakfast clubs and out-of-school clubs, as well as nurseries.

The best part of my job is coming up with activities to enhance children's learning, my passion is the creative side of learning, and I really enjoy painting with the children.

Outside of work I carry on with my creative side, designing personalised products especially mugs, which I design with my Mum, I also love to spend time with my nephew at the caravan where we go crabbing and rock pooling, as well as walking the dog.

Hi, my name is Hannah, I have a Level 3 qualification in my early years, I have worked at Linskill for over 3 years, during this time I have worked across all age groups, my background is in dance which I have been doing since the age of 4, I teach this when not at Linskill. I bring my passion for dance and yoga into the nursery and deliver a yoga session each week to all of the children. when I get home I have 2 dogs waiting for me ready to go for walks

Hi, my name is Julie, I am qualified for Level 3 in early years, I have worked in nurseries for over 14 years, during this time I have worked with a range of age groups but my preferred age is 2-year-olds, I have completed a 2 years matters training which I found very helpful to my role. when not at work I spend time walking my dogs along the local beaches and I like nothing more than reading a good book. I have a blended family of 4 girls and 1 boy. I am also a long-term foster carer for 2 girls.