Little Lodge (Yateley Manor Nursery)

Kirsty Cordery is the dedicated and experienced Nursery Manager at Little Lodge Nursery, part of Yateley Manor School. With a career in childcare that began in 1996, Kirsty holds an NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing and has spent over 30 years working with children aged 0–5 years. She has been managing nurseries since 2007 and is proud to have achieved three Ofsted Outstanding ratings during her career.

Known for her caring nature, positivity, and unwavering support for her team, Kirsty brings warmth and joy to the nursery every day, always with a smile on her face. She is passionate about creating a fun, interactive, and nurturing learning environment where children can thrive and build strong foundations for future success.

As a mum of two daughters, Kirsty understands the importance of early childhood development both professionally and personally. She is inspired by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children’s lives and is committed to giving every child the best possible start.

Outside of work, Kirsty enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and gardening.

Meet Jess – Deputy Manager

Jess is currently our Deputy Manager here at Little Lodge. Jess has lots of care, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to early years development. With over 15 years of experience working with children aged 0–5, Jess brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for nurturing little minds.

She qualified as a Level 3 practitioner at just 18 and has steadily progressed through her career, spending 7 years as a baby room leader and nearly 8 years in leadership roles. Creating a safe, loving, and stimulating environment for our youngest children is at the heart of everything Jess does.

Outside of nursery life, Jess enjoys staying active at the gym, spending quality time with friends and family, and relaxing with a good Netflix series.

Beth joined the Little Lodge Nursery team in June 2025 and currently works in our Nest Room, supporting children under the age of 2. Her gentle, nurturing approach helps our youngest children feel safe, secure, and ready to explore the world around them.

Beth is passionate about creating a calm and engaging environment where babies can develop at their own pace, building strong foundations for future learning.

We’re thrilled to welcome Katharine to our nursery team as the Preschool Room Leader! Katharine brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and passion for early childhood education. She’s dedicated to creating a nurturing, stimulating environment where every child feels valued and inspired to learn through play.

With her warm personality and commitment to supporting each child’s unique development, Katharine is already making a wonderful impact in our preschool room.

Known to the children as Mrs G, Mangalagowri works in our Nest Room, supporting our youngest learners under the age of 2. She has recently finished studying her Level 3 qualification in Childcare. After more than a decade in knowledge processing outsourcing, I discovered my true passion for teaching when I became a mother. For the past ten years, I have specialised in Early Years Education within the IB curriculum, supported by a diploma in Child Psychology and a Master’s in Psychology. Originally from India, I deeply value culture and heritage, which shape my inclusive and holistic approach to nurturing young minds. I am committed to supporting neurodivergent learners, closing growth gaps, and fostering curiosity through play-based methods enriched with music, movement, and storytelling. For me, teaching is more than a profession—it is a purpose and a privilege to help children grow into confident, compassionate learners. Beyond the classroom, good humour, travelling, art, coffee, and good food are my go-to activities over the weekends.  I am also an all-time fan of Disney and Marvel movies.

Ansu is a dedicated member of our 2–3s Room team and has recently completed her Level 3 qualification in Childcare. She brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a hands-on approach to her role, helping children grow in confidence and reach important developmental milestones.

Ansu enjoys the busy, energetic nature of working with toddlers and is passionate about creating a fun, nurturing environment where every child feels supported and encouraged.

Ruhie is a valued member of our Preschool Room team and has recently passed her Level 3 qualification in Childcare. She brings a calm, caring presence to the room and is passionate about supporting children as they prepare for their next steps in learning.

Ruhie enjoys helping children build confidence, independence, and curiosity through play-based learning and positive relationships.

Heidi is a Level 3 qualified practitioner who supports the nursery as a flexible and reliable member of our bank staff team. She plays a vital role in covering holidays and sickness across all rooms, ensuring consistency and care for the children throughout the nursery.

With her adaptable nature and warm approach, Heidi is able to build strong relationships with children of all age groups, providing support wherever it’s needed most.

Hello, my name is Poppy, and I joined the Nest Team in December. This is my first position in a nursery, and I’m excited to begin this new journey.

I have experience as a childminder assistant, working alongside my mum.

Through this role, I learned how to support children’s daily routines, encourage play, and nurture their development.

I’m eager to build strong relationships with the children, families, and team, and to contribute to a caring, supportive environment where every child can thrive.

Hello, my name is Carin. Carin joined the 2-3's team in January 2026. She is originally from South Africa and is excited to begin her new chapter.

Carin is passionate about supporting young children as they explore, learn, and grow.

She believes in creating a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels safe and valued.

Carin looks forward to bringing experiences and enthusiasm to the team.

Carin is really looking forward to meeting the children in this room and getting to know their unique personalities. Together, they will share lots of fun, learning, and laughter.

Cristina joined us in March 2026 and is a valued member of our Under-2s team. As a dedicated nursery assistant, she absolutely loves working with this age group and brings so much warmth and enthusiasm to the room.

She takes great joy in supporting our youngest children, giving them all the care, love, and attention they need during these important early stages. Cristina is known for her constant singing throughout the day, something the children adore, and she always manages to put a smile on their little faces.

We’re so happy to have her as part of our team.

My name is Tilly, and I have over two years of experience working in childcare across two different settings, supporting children from as young as 6 months old through to 4 years old in the preschool room. I have also worked one-to-one with a child with additional needs for over a year, where I supported their individual development and wellbeing. Alongside my nursery experience, I have also worked as a private nanny, which helped me further develop my understanding of providing personalised care and building strong relationships with children and families. I am passionate about creating a safe, nurturing environment where children feel confident to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

My hobbies are doing reformer Pilates classes, going for long walks, spending time with my loved ones and making special memories.

Hi, I’m Kelsie, and I absolutely love being part of the children’s learning and growing journey. I’m passionate, caring, bubbly and loving, and I always try to create a happy, safe space where every child feels special. I especially enjoy working with the 3-5 in the preschool room, helping little ones build confidence and get ready for their next big steps. I also adore spending time with our younger children and celebrating all of their milestones. I’ve played netball since I was 11 and used to teach it in primary schools, and I love bringing that same fun, positive energy into nursery every day.

My name is Tracy Young, I have my NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in childcare, and I am paediatric first aid trained.

I have worked in childcare most of my life, with almost 26 years of experience!

I have worked in day nurseries, pre-schools, breakfast and after-school clubs and been a private nanny, so I have worked with all different age groups.

At present, I have just started doing some bank work and enjoy the flexibility and that it's closer to home!

Freya completed her Level 3 qualification at college and started working in childcare back in 2014. Since then, she has gained experience with a range of age groups through my work in nurseries as well as my role as a neonatal nursery nurse.

She really enjoy watching the babies grow and develop, and love being part of their journey as they explore and learn about the world around them.

Outside of work, Freya enjoys spending time with family and friends, going on long walks, and having days out together.

I’m Bella, a bank staff member at Little Lodge. My interest in childcare began during my GCSEs, where studying the subject sparked a real passion for supporting children’s early development. Growing up surrounded by younger family members also gave me plenty of hands-on experience and helped me feel confident and comfortable in childcare settings.

I love being part of children’s growth, watching them learn new skills, gain confidence, and reach exciting milestones is incredibly rewarding. Alongside my role at Little Lodge, I’m currently studying Law with Criminology at university. Working with children while completing my degree allows me to balance my academic interests with something I genuinely enjoy.

Hi, my name is Lisa, and I'm thrilled to have joined the team here at Little Lodge. I have been a qualified nursery practitioner since 2012 and really enjoy working with children and helping them with their development and learning journey. I have been happily married for 30 years and have two grown-up children of my own. During my spare time, I love gardening, walking, photography and music.

I'm Micah, and I have just recently completed a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Early Years. I've worked alongside children for 3 years, but started working in nurseries last year, where I found the passion for helping little ones learn, grow and develop their amazing personalities.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, making endless memories.

My name is Julie, and I will be joining the nursery team as a bank staff member. I have worked in the education sector throughout my adult life, supporting the personal, social and academic development of the children in my care across a variety of schools and settings.

During my 20 years at Yateley Manor, I taught Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, and for a time also led a team of colleagues. This experience has given me a strong first-hand understanding of how young children learn and develop best in a safe, stimulating and supportive environment.

I am delighted to be returning to Yateley Manor as a qualified bank staff member on a flexible basis, and I look forward to working alongside the team to provide the high-quality care and encouragement every child deserves as they begin their learning journey. I am passionate about helping children to grow in confidence, curiosity, independence and consideration for others.

Cassie has been working in childcare for nearly 10 years and holds a Level 3 qualification in Childcare. She has a wide range of experience caring for children aged 6 months to 4 years, with a particular passion for supporting the development of 2–3-year-olds.

As Room Leader for the 2–3s at Little Lodge, Cassie loves watching children’s personalities begin to shine and takes pride in helping them grow in confidence and independence. Her nurturing approach and energetic nature make her a favourite among both children and parents.

Outside of work, Cassie enjoys keeping fit—whether that’s at the gym or running around with the children during playtime!