Our Staff
We have highly trained mature staff, who have a vast experience of working with all ages of children. All staff are qualified first aiders and attend training courses to develop their skills and thus improve quality of care.
Each child joins a small group of friends with a member of staff designated with special responsibility for their wellbeing. This provides the children with a sense of security and helps them to settle into the nursery.
It also helps the parent to have a familiar face to identify and relate to. The key worker is responsible for filling in child development forms and feedback to parents.
Sandra Leamey
Partner/Manager
My name is Sandra. I am a partner and manager of the Elm House Day Nurseries. I have 25 years’ experience in childcare and I am dedicated to the children in our care. Over the years I have gained a range of qualifications enabling myself to provide the best possible care for our children and staff.
These include:
- NVQ Level 2 childcare.
- NVQ Level 3 childcare.
- Level 4 Management.
- Level 5 Foundation Degree Early Years.
- Chartered Leader Programme.
In addition, to ensure that our staff and myself can continue to provide the best inclusive practice, I have achieved a qualification in Special Educational Needs and I am a qualified SEND officer. Here at Elm House Day Nurseries we thrive on helping and supporting each and every one of our children and their families. I have completed this qualification to gain more knowledge of how to improve the lives of all our children.
Elm House Childwall
Lynsey Thomas
Angela Smith
Helen Gorry
Rachael Rudd
My name is Rachael. I am married and I have two children. I am a qualified level 3 Nursery Educator. I have worked with children for over 15 years.
Jacqui Gray
Hi my name is Jacqui. I qualified in 1993 as a NNEB. I worked for the public sector of childcare and development for 21 years before returning to my studies in 2015. I recently qualified at level 5 in Early Years Practice.
Jennifer Moore
Amanda Downey
My name is Amanda, I have been working in childcare for over 8 years. I have an Early Years Foundation degree. I work part time as I have a Son at home.
Kirsty Atkinson
Rachel Woodhouse
Charlotte Woodhouse
Lyndsey Ward
Lauren Du-Buisson-Spargo
Kirstie Lang
I work as lunch cover and undertake the domestic tasks at Elm House. I enjoy, spending time with my family.
Elisha Roberts
My name is Elisha, I am from North Wales, but moved here permanently after studying in
university, I studied Early Childhood at Liverpool Hope and graduated with a 2:1, I have worked in Early Years for over 6 years in between college and university, which I have thoroughly enjoyed and plan to continue working in this sector.
Bethany Unsworth
I am a BA (hons) graduate in Children’s, Schools and Families with over 5 years’ experience working within Early Years settings.
Kay Cameron
My name is Kay, I am level 6 qualified after completing a BA with Honours in Education (Early Childhood) at Liverpool Hope University, I have over 7 years’ experience in childcare in various ages.
Hannah Williams
I am a qualified level 3 Nursery Practitioner; I have worked in Early years since 2014.
Sophie Barlow
I am a fully qualified level 3 practitioner; I have worked in childcare since 2013.
Lydia Benfield
My name is Lydia, I am qualified level 2, I enjoy working with children as I love to watch them learn.
Olivia Reed
Hi, my name is Olivia, I am a level 3 qualified practitioner, I enjoy working with children as I love to see their progress and how they develop their learning through play.
Emma Eborn
I am level 3 qualified; I enjoy working with children because I love the way a child’s mind works and love watching them work out how to achieve goals.
Emma Vaughan
I have a Level 3 in Children’s core learning and development, BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies and a master’s in international education. I have been working with children for over 10 years, I have always enjoyed helping children reach their full potential.
Josie Mott
I have a first in Early Childhood studies and completed my PGCE, I love working in pre-school room and helping the children get ready for ‘big school!’
Michelle Vandenbos
I work alongside staff in the pre-school rooms, I am married and have 2 grown up children.
Rebekah Weekes
I am a qualified level 3 practitioner; I have worked in childcare for over 6 years. I enjoy spending my free time with family and friends.
Lauren Whittle
I am a level 2 qualified practitioner; I enjoy working with children and watching them grow and learn.
Karen Taylor
I am the cook at Elm House Day Nursery, I have worked in Nurseries as a cook for many years and gained a lot of experience, I enjoy making nutritional meals for the children.
Elm House West Derby
Patricia Cullen
Hi, my name is Tricia and I am the manager at Elm House West Derby Nursery, I have a passion for working with children and giving all children the best opportunities in life. I am qualified level 5 in Management, I have worked in childcare for over 12 years.
Allison Lyon
My name is Allison. I am Deputy Manager at Elm House Day Nursery West Derby and have over 27 years experience working in day nurseries. I have recently completed my BA Hons in Early Childhood Studies.
Maria Founds
My name is Maria. I am the responsible person in Elm House Day Nursery West Derby. I have worked here for over 7 years. I am a qualified level 3 child practitioner and a level 5 in leadership. I am also the S.E.N.D officer. I find my job very rewarding.
Wendy Evans
My name is Wendy. I have Level 3 Early Years and Education and have worked with children for over 19 years. I am very passionate about my job and enjoy working with all age groups.
Laura Penkman
My name is Laura. I have Level 3 NNEB and have been qualified for over 18 years. I am very passionate about my job and enjoy working with all age groups. I currently work alongside Ciara in Explores Room.
Sarah Mottram
Sarah Jane Groom
My name is Sarah Jane. I currently work with Pre-School children. I really enjoy working with children in Pre-School, getting them prepared for school. I hold a NVQ level 2 qualification and I am working towards my level 3.
Nicola Nuttall
Sarah Chandler
Collette Drew
My name is Collette I hold an NNEB qualification. I have worked with children for over 30 years, I am deeply passionate in seeing children progress and extend their learning through play with support from myself in whatever way that child needs.
Elm House Gateacre
Emma Mullin
Hi, my name is Emma, and I am the Nursery Manager here at Elm House Day Nursery Gateacre. I have over ten years Early Years’ experience, working my way up from a student to the position I am in now. I am first aid trained and also the designated safeguard lead trained and hold a level 6 and Early Years Teacher Status Qualification.
Faye
My name is Faye, I have over two years experience working with children and I am currently working towards my NVQ Level 3. I am first aid and safeguarding trained and I love to see the children grow and develop in Nursery.