Little Bears Day-Care - Walton-on-Thames

My name is Nina Farzaneh, and I am the nursery manager for Little Bears Nursery at Whitely Village. I have built up considerable experience in the day-to-day operations and management of both new and established nurseries, having worked with children for 15 years, and my role over the last ten years has been as a key decision maker and member of the senior management. I am also a parent and so fully understand the importance of choosing the right nursery with the right staff team. We also recognise the importance of our partnership with the parents and children in achieving the best results.

My qualifications include the Level 5 Diploma in Early Years and Childcare as well as a degree in English studies. I have been fortunate to have spent the last 15 years working in a variety of settings with different Early Years philosophies and teaching approaches, different people, cultures and management styles.

This invaluable knowledge and experience have helped to shape the Little Bear’s methodology:
•   At Little Bear’s, my team and I will create a loving, nurturing and safe environment;
•   At Little Bear’s, we create experiences and memories for your children.
•   At Little Bear’s, children will be encouraged to develop so that they flourish and achieve their potential.

We are extremely passionate about Little Bears and, therefore, have invested in a staff team that is fully qualified. This ensures that our setting meets all the Early Years requirements at all times and provides high-quality care to children and their families.

We hope that we can demonstrate our vision and approach to childcare by welcoming you to our nursery.

Anita is a dedicated and experienced early years professional who has spent the past 15 years supporting young children to grow, learn and flourish. Beginning her journey as an apprentice, she has worked with passion and determination to develop her skills and knowledge, progressing to her current role as Nursery Manager.

She truly believes that every child deserves a caring, nurturing and engaging environment where they feel safe, valued and inspired to explore the world around them. Anita is passionate about giving children the very best start in life and takes great pride in creating meaningful experiences that support their development.

As a leader, Anita is committed to supporting and encouraging her team to grow in confidence and ability. She strives to build a positive, supportive culture where everyone feels valued and motivated, helping to create a warm and welcoming environment in which children — and staff — can thrive.

Lenka is a qualified level 3 practitioner and trained SENCO with 30 years of experience in childcare. Her experience ranges from working as an au pair to supporting children in nurseries with Special Educational Needs. Lenka is a mother to twin girls who are in their 20s. She is calm and patient with the children and likes seeing them learn and develop. Lenka's interests are rowing on the Thames, running and cooking.

Iman is a skilled practitioner and after raising 3 Little Bears of her own has a wealth of experience working with young children. She is so kind, always smiling and brings happiness in all that she does in the classroom! Iman loves supporting children to flourish and grow and reach their full potential!

Federica is known for her ever-present smile and her eagerness to take on new challenges and has recently completed her Level 3 childcare qualification. She has a warm and nurturing personality that instantly makes children feel safe, supported, and inspired to explore their creativity. Being bilingual, Federica opens doors for children to experience language learning and cultural enrichment, bringing a unique and valuable perspective to every activity she leads.

Federica is exceptionally creative and enjoys designing engaging craft projects that encourage children to express themselves and develop fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and imagination. She approaches every task with enthusiasm and patience, adapting activities to suit the interests and needs of each child. Beyond crafts, Federica fosters a positive and inclusive environment, helping children build confidence, social skills, and a love for learning.

Her energy, dedication, and genuine care make her an invaluable member of our team, and children and families alike benefit greatly from her creativity, warmth, and passion. Federica doesn’t just teach; she inspires, encourages, and makes every day an exciting adventure for the children in her care.

We are proud to have Sherry as a valued member of our team. She is a qualified Level 3 practitioner with over 20 years of experience in childcare, having worked in both nursery settings and as a private nanny. Her extensive experience allows her to provide a nurturing, safe, and engaging environment where children can learn, explore, and thrive.

As a mother to a primary school-age child, Sherry brings a genuine understanding of children’s needs and a passion for supporting their growth. She enjoys planning a wide range of activities that promote creativity, curiosity, and learning, ensuring each child has opportunities to develop essential skills while having fun.

Her dedication, patience, and creativity make her an invaluable member of our team. She consistently fosters a positive and inclusive environment, inspiring children to explore the world around them and reach their full potential.

Jo has ten years of experience teaching children all kinds of dance, from Classical Ballet to Street Dance, and she loves connecting with them through music and movement in a fun, happy environment. Jo is currently working towards her Level 3 Early Years Foundation course with Little Bears, and is passionate about helping children build confidence and supporting their unique interests. She believes every child is one-of-a-kind, and loves to support and guide the children in her care so they feel free to be themselves.