Our dedicated team of nursery practitioners are all well-qualified, trained and DBS checked. They have had many years of experience in nurturing young minds and delivering creative and stimulating learning experiences.
Abi Hartnett
Nursery Manager
Abi is the manager having spent many years as the preschool leader and deputy-manager. She joined us in September 2005 and is a level 3 childcare practitioner with 15 years’ experience in childcare. Abi is also our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator.
Abi says:
"I enjoy working closely with my team to provide the highest quality of care to our children and families. I have a passion for early years and have thoroughly enjoyed developing the preschool environment to make it a fun, exciting and stimulating for the children to explore. I am very excited to be leading the nursery as manager in the months ahead."
Victoria
Griffins Room Leader
Victoria says:
"I really enjoy my job as I give children that valuable start in life, helping children to develop their social skills in a safe and caring environment that promotes learning through play. I thoroughly enjoy watching the children achieve each milestone, knowing that I have made a difference by supporting them."
Emily
Maternity cover room leader for Dragonflies
Emily says:
" I have a massive passion for Childcare. I enjoy seeing the children strive and develop on a daily basis. Seeing that ever developing confidence and independence grow as they prepare for the next adventure of school is the best reward."
Keira Barnes
Nursery Practitioner
Keira says:
"I joined the nursery in April 2025, I have really enjoyed getting to know all of the children and creating lovely bonds with them. I am excited to see where this journey takes me"
Sam
Our lovely Nursery Cook!
Sam says:
"I have enjoyed creating delicious menus that appeal to the little ones at Duchess Nursery and it is such a happy place to work!"
Kat
Nursery Practitioner
Kat says:
"It brings me great happiness to watch the children grow and develop in every way possible."
Kealiegh Gleed
Third in charge and Preschool room leader
Kealiegh says:
"I am a level 5 qualified with 18 years experience. Childcare was always something I wanted to do from a young age. I love helping to shape children's knowledge, development and life skills and knowing that I have helped them transition through their younger stages."
Courtney
Nursery Assistant
Courtney says:
" I recently joined the team in October 2023. I have loved forming bonds with the children and staff. I love seeing the children, learning new things everyday."
Amy
Dragonflies trainee room leader, trainee level 3. (Maternity leave until August 2026)
Amy says:
"Since becoming a Mother myself, I have witnessed first hand the impact that nursery workers have on my daughter. This influenced me to change career in Childcare. I love helping the children to learn new things and watching their own little (or big) personalities develop."
Gemma
Dragons room
Gemma says:
"I am currently working with the Dragonflies. I really enjoy seeing what happens in their day to day activities, knowing that I have had a hand in developing their skills and achieving their milestones"
Maddie
Nursery Assistant
Maddie says:
"I joined the nursery in April 24, I have really enjoyed getting to know all of the children and have formed some lovely bonds with them and their families. I enjoy being able to fulfil the children's needs and love watching them accomplish new achievements".
Edd
Deputy Manager
Edd says:
"I joined Duchess Nursery as deputy manager in May 2024, I have been working with children since 2007 and have worked with all different ages. It is always a pleasure to watch the children grow and develop and I enjoy being a part of their early years."
Kate Rouse
Nursery assistant
Kate Rouse says:
"I have recently joined the Duchess team and I am really enjoying getting to know all of the children. I enjoy watching them learn and grow and building strong bonds with all of them."