Our lovely team

We at St. Aidan’s Day Nursery are proud of our hardworking team, some of whom have been with us since 2011. We have built a team of practitioners that are enthusiastic about what they do by fostering a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere where they are recognized and their goals and ideas are encouraged. The children in our care benefit from continuity and a stable environment as a consequence of the limited staff turnover that creates a close-knit team.

We recognise outstanding education and qualifications, but we also emphasise the importance of experience and ongoing professional growth. We are a highly qualified team of professionals, who support each other on our journey to continuous personal and professional development. Furthermore, all members of staff will hold a valid Paediatric First Aid certificate, complete regular Safe Guarding training and all new members of staff are subject to DBS clearance.

  • Jan Mear

    Nursery Chef

    Qualifications:

    • Safeguarding
    • Level 2 Food Hygiene
    • Food Allergy Awareness
    • Food Premises Cleaning
    • Legionnaires Disease Training
    • Paediatric First Aid

    For a number of years, I worked as a classroom assistant in a primary school, where I worked closely with children of various learning capacities to promote their development, including children with SEND. I started working at St Aidan’s as a nursery cook many years ago, and the children’s originality and variety constantly make me smile.

    There are never any dull moments at mealtimes at St Aidan’s; every day is unique and entertaining! I consider any dietary restrictions or allergies while organising our nursery’s menu. Children develop in amazing ways, and I value the chance to encourage them to eat healthily. Given that I have time to work in every room, I am able to build relationships with each child and enjoy seeing them grow into more self-reliant and self-assured eaters.

    Family time has always played an important role in my life, as I have a large family and I am very family-focused. When we all get to celebrate Diwali together, it’s my favourite time of year. I adore going out to restaurants with my family sampling different foods and exploring new locations. A delicious mug of hot chocolate is something else I like!

  • Jemma Donkin

    Deputy Manager / Preschool Senior

    Qualifications:

    • BA (Hons) Early Childhood studies
    • SENCO
    • Paediatric First Aid
    • Safeguarding
    • Level 2 Food Hygiene

    I have always known that I wanted to work with children. Before joining St Aidan’s, I worked in primary school nurseries including the one I attended myself as a child. After a few years in schools, I came to St Aidan’s working across all the rooms and fell in love with nursery life.

    I completed my SENCO training and now work as the nursery SENDCO, developing my awareness of different approaches and being privileged to work alongside specialists such as Occupational therapists and Speech and Language Therapists, ensuring each child has equal opportunities to learn and thrive.

    For a while, I lead the Toddler room, the uniqueness and variety of the two-year-olds always kept me smiling. I am now the Deputy Manager and run the Preschool room.

    At St. Aidan’s, each day is unique and fascinating. I have a strong desire to design activities that are engaging, intriguing, and welcoming. I create fresh play invites depending on the interests and future stages of all the children.

    Most of my free time is spent with my family, I have a two-year-old Nephew, Theo whom I adore. I enjoy visiting new places such as local farms and the beach, giving him new opportunities to learn. I also love getting stuck into a good book or Netflix series and attend weekly morning swims.

  • India Herring

    Baby Room Senior

    Qualifications:

    • Level 3 in Childcare and Education
    • Paediatric First Aid
    • Safeguarding
    • Level 2 Food Hygiene

    I came to St Aidan’s from my college apprenticeship many years ago. I have always loved and enjoyed working with children. When I first started, I worked across all the rooms and then settled into the Toddler room. The Toddler room is an exciting and ever changing atmosphere. After being the Senior practitioner in that room for a while, I moved to the Baby room. I am now the Senior practitioner in the Baby room and love every minute! I am passionate about creating a safe and homely experience where are babies feel valued, loved and nurtured.

    I am passionate and happy in my role here at St Aidan’s. There is no greater joy that watching a baby develop and grow turning into a happy and inquisitive child. As part of my role, I embed the Curiosity Approach into the baby room, I provide the children with loose parts and malleable objects that give them fascinating and engaging opportunities for sensory based learning.

    I enjoy travelling to new places with my family and my dog Halo. I enjoy eating out and trying new restaurants. I also enjoy a good cup of Yorkshire tea!

  • Resham Salman

    Toddler Room Senior

    Qualifications:

    • Level 5 Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies
    • Safeguarding
    • Paediatric First Aid
    • Level 2 food Hygiene

    I have many years’ experience working in various childcare settings. I joined St Aidan’s over ten years ago and have worked across all the rooms, including working directly with children with SEND. Much of my experience has been in the Toddler room, where I am now the Senior practitioner.
    I have worked closely with children of all learning abilities and provide personalised activities and opportunities to support development. Children go through a lot of big changes and learning curves in the Toddler room and I am privileged to witness and support this.

    Working in the Toddler room is fun and exciting. No two days are the same and there is nothing I love more than seeing their faces when they achieve something they have been working on!

    I am very family oriented and have a large family both in the UK and abroad. I enjoy travelling to new places, seeing the sights and enjoying the sunshine! I also enjoy a good Netflix series with an iced coffee!