Cricklade Manor Nursery

Hello, I'm Lorna, Nursery Manager. I have worked in childcare for over thirteen years, experiencing different positions and roles, which now leads me to the Manager role for over 9 years. In 2021 I had the most invaluable education and experience by having my own little bundle of joy – Michael.

I have always wanted to work with children, I see it as my vocation not just a job. I feel it’s important to nurture children’s well-being and development to enable them to thrive and most importantly be happy.

During my career, I have gained a variety of experience and training. Now as a Manager, I see my role as being able to mentor and support the team to help them to reflect and professionally develop which has a vital impact on their and the children’s learning. I also have a passion for outdoor learning and creating an environment that incorporates a variety of approaches such as; the curiosity approach, Reggio Emilia, Froebel, Forest School & Steiner.

Which Woodland Explorer would you be?
Curious Cat

What is your favourite storybook that you like to read with the children?
There are so many books it’s hard to choose! But one of my favourites is ‘The Gruffalo’ especially listening to the children recite and recall the book and seeing how excited they get towards the end before the Gruffalo appears. I feel reading is pivotal to children’s it allows them to be calm and relaxed, creating new knowledge to enlighten their minds and provides children with important skills for later life.

I have always wanted to work with children. After having my own 2 children and completing my Early Year's qualification I began working in a day nursery. I then became a childminder and ran my home-from-home setting for 15 years.
I haven’t been at Cricklade Manor Nursery for long, but everyone has made me feel extremely welcome and a valued part of the team. I enjoy meeting the families and supporting the children each day.
I love being outside come rain or shine, providing opportunities for curiosity, exploring and learning. I also like being creative and getting involved in setting up open-ended activities using loose parts and natural resources.

Which Woodland Explorer would you be?
Talkative toad- because I am a very chatty person!

What is your favourite storybook to read with the children?
Rainbow fish has always been a favourite of mine because I love how it supports friendships, sharing and kindness.

I gained experience in many areas before deciding to start my career in childcare. I started as a Childminding Assistant in 2016 working with children from 4 months to 11 years.

I then worked with looked after children as a Senior Residential Support Worker for just over 2 years before starting at Cricklade Manor Nursery in 2023.

I enjoy seeing the children grow and develop their skills and relationships with their peers. And knowing the team I work with are supportive of each other.

Over the years that I have worked with children, I have gained experience whether it’s hands-on learning or online training. I would say I am a creative person & I enjoy watching the children learning new life skills and being curious and creative whether that’s baking or exploring different materials.

Which Woodland Explorer would you be?
Wordy Weasel as I love that the children get lots of pleasure from the books we read them.

What storybook do you enjoy reading with the children?
I have a few favourite books that I like to read with the children especially anything by Julia Donaldson!

I also enjoy anything by Nick Sharatt, like ‘There’s a shark in the park’ or ‘Ketchup on your cornflakes’ as these books get the children involved and help feed their imagination.

After working in jobs I didn’t enjoy or have a passion for, I finally found my calling when volunteering for a charity that involved childcare. This ignited something inside of me and I haven’t looked back since! I began my apprenticeship and gained my level 3 NVQ in Early Years Education in 2022. Now I have continued to enhance my knowledge and understanding of the role while working in a job I love!

I really enjoy the community Cricklade Manor Prep has built with their staff, children and families. The constant feeling of belonging and teamwork make this a fantastic environment to be in. I also love how happy the children are within their environments as I have the opportunity to observe, connect and scaffold their learning!

Which Woodland Explorer would you be?
Creative Caterpillar

What is your favourite storybook you enjoy reading with the children?
My Favourite book to read and act out with the children is ‘We’re Going On A Bear Hunt’. I love that the story encourages adventure as we run around the garden pretending to squelch through mud, splash through rivers and tiptoe into scary caves!

I started as a childminder in 2006 working in my home and during that time I looked after about 120 children and was OFSTED Outstanding for the last 12 years.

I love that no two days are the same, the whole team at Cricklade is like a ‘family’ and the children are all so energetic, enthusiastic and keen to learn.

Having previously worked on my own as a childminder for 17 years I have an extensive breadth of experience across all aspects of EYFS and SEN, plus I consider myself to have a very creative approach to getting the children to be engaged in their learning.

Which Woodland Explorer would you be?
Creative Caterpillar

What is your favourite storybook you enjoy reading with children?
My absolute favourite book is ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ as this is such an engaging story that brings the children's imagination alive, especially when combined with a trip to Forest School.

After having my 4 boys I decided I wanted to look after children more, so I did a childcare course and started working in a nursery as a key worker. I then completed my NVQ level 3 in childcare. After leaving this nursery I started my own childminding business which I ran for 17 years gaining good/outstanding on inspections. After closing my childminding business I started working at a school as a special educational needs assistant caring for a child who was terminally ill.

I have not been here long but the team of staff are wonderful people always willing to help The gardens are a wonderful place to have fun and explore. I love seeing the chickens every day as well.

I am very creative; I love to bake as well. I really enjoy being a part of the children’s day and helping them to explore and have fun.

I do have an interest in sensory play which can be very stimulating for any child.

I would love to learn more about SEN

Which Woodland Explorer would you be?
Creative Caterpillar

What is your favourite storybook you enjoy reading with children?

My favourite book is Rainbow Fish as it talks about sharing and being kind to each other.

Hello! I have over six years of experience in childcare, working in various nurseries and preschools across Swindon and the surrounding areas. From a young age, I knew I wanted to work with children, and during school, I eagerly took on work experience opportunities to begin my journey. After finishing school, I immediately pursued an apprenticeship to earn my Level 2 Childcare qualification.

Throughout my career, I’ve gained valuable knowledge and training and continue to expand my understanding of child development. I’ve also had the exciting opportunity to work abroad with TUI, where I served as a Baby Club Host in Greece and as a Kids Club Host at a ski resort in France.

I joined Cricklade Manor in 2025 and am deeply passionate about outdoor learning and creating natural, engaging environments that inspire children to explore, play, and develop essential life skills. One of the things I love most about my role is the variety—no two days are ever the same! The team here is incredibly supportive, and the children’s warmth and energy make every day a joy as we bring amazing ideas and activities to life.

I consider myself highly creative and enjoy hands-on, messy play activities like experimenting with tuff trays, exploring playdough, and tailoring activities to the children’s interests. Storytime is another favourite part of my day—I particularly love reading anything by Julia Donaldson or classics like The Tiger Who Came to Tea.

I started working in childcare after having my daughter. I really enjoyed working at her Preschool. Cricklade Manor Nursery has a big outdoor garden, which all the children enjoy playing together in. The children are very lucky to have all the resources they have available to them at Cricklade Manor Nursery. I believe teamwork and playing together provide the best education for the children.

I have started my journey in childcare taking an apprentice where I will gain and develop my skills and knowledge in childcare.

Which Woodland Explorer would you be?
Mathematical mouse, as I love numbers and like to solve problems.

What is your favourite storybook that you enjoy reading with children?
My favourite book to read to the children is "We’re Going on a Bear Hunt." All the children really enjoy this book.

I qualified as a teacher 35 years ago, in Primary Education with PE as a specialist and have worked in Primary education up until the last 5 years.

Then I stepped aside and started working in the nursery with 2–4-year-olds and have loved it ever since.
I love watching the children grow and develop through the different milestones. Every day I love seeing the smile on their face as they achieve something new.

I have experience with SEN as I have two children with Autism. I understand from a parent's perspective how challenging yet rewarding looking SEN children can be.

Which Woodland Explorer would you be?
Sporty Squirrel

What is your favourite storybook to read with children?
I love older fashioned books such as Owl Babies and the Tiger Who Came to Tea as I used to read these with my children.

A few years ago, I began working at a breakfast and after-school club with children aged 4-11, where I discovered my true passion and felt I was in the right place. At Cricklade Manor Nursery, I enjoy being a part of a supportive team, the beautiful garden that offers children a space to explore, and the affectionate cuddles from the little ones.

As a mother of two boys, I have a personal appreciation for creative activities, especially cooking and baking, which we love to incorporate into our role-playing games.

One of my many favourite books that I enjoy reading with the children is "The Tiger Who Came to Tea" as it holds a special place in my heart.

My passion for working with children began after having my own two. I used to take my daughter, then son, to a wonderful city farm toddler group, which we all loved. I went on to do a sessional creche worker course at the same place. This led me to want to further my education, so I went on to study a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare & Education for over 2 years. I have since worked in Early Years child care & education for over 20 years, in five different settings. For the last eight years, I worked as a Reception class Teaching assistant in Bristol.

I was drawn to Cricklade Manor Nursery because of the welcoming staff and the wonderful grounds. I love being outdoors and the Nursery with its fantastic walled garden at the front and smaller garden at the back, has lots of amazing space to explore. I was especially excited by the Forest School area and the wonderful learning experiences this will provide the children.

I absolutely adore nature in all forms, so I’m hoping to instil my knowledge and passion for nature in the children.
I also love singing and playing the piano, so you’ll probably catch me singing to/along with the children at some point! I love it when the children become familiar with songs and become confident enough to happily join in.

Which Woodland Explorer would you be?
Although I can relate to all of the creatures; I think I will choose ‘Talkative Toad’, because I really am extremely chatty!

What is your favourite storybook that you like to read with the children?
I really do love all of Julia Donaldson’s wonderful books, especially if they’re illustrated by Axel Scheffler, as i think his illustrations are utterly fantastic. I love reading her books as I enjoy the super rhymes. She also creates such vivid, original characters; I enjoy trying to give them different voices when reading to the children!

Over the last three years, I've been exploring a career in childcare, largely inspired by the joy I find in playing with and watching my younger family members grow. I've noticed that children are naturally drawn to me and enjoy our interactions.

I believe in using arts and crafts, playdough, painting, and hands-on activities to help kids develop their motor skills, and I also emphasise number work and colour patterns. I particularly enjoy using the sandpit for construction and building activities.

As a creative individual, I bring new ideas to the Nursery, designing engaging activities that involve the children in the process.

Which Woodland Explorer would you be?
Creative Caterpillar

What is your favourite storybook to read with the children?
One of our favourite activities is reading about ‘Patsy the cow’ in ‘My Animal Farm Book: Cows,’ especially the part about Patsy making a chocolate milkshake, which the children love.