We hold 2 in house staff training days a year, where management train the rest of the team in areas of interest to team, or areas that need further development
All our staff are First Aid trained and attend regular relevant training to keep all staff up-to-date with new policies and procedures.
As a single parent to 6 year old Kezia in 2007, I decided something in my life needed to change! So I sold my house in Corfe Mullen and bought, what was then known as “Cradlecare Nursery”. I immediately renamed it to “Cranleigh Lodge Day Nursery” and took over the business with 12 children on the books and 6 staff! (Not ideal ratios for a business!!) With over 14 years of experience working with children and the last 10 years of those in managing a nursery, it was time to go it alone! And what a journey the last 16 years have taken me on!
With hundreds of children, families and some amazing staff through the doors, I have been very privileged to have been part of their lives. Nurturing children to be confident, happy and inquisitive. Training and supporting staff to be the best practitioners they can be. In 2011 I married again and a year later, my son Charlie came along. It was quite quickly that we realised he had additional needs and has since been diagnosed with Global Development Delay, Sensory Processing Disorder with Autistic traits. It was time to think about changing the dynamics of mine and my family’s life again. With Hannah a supportive, fantastic team member already, it was a no brainer to move her into the role of manager so that I could step back and concentrate on my family.
We have now moved and live 40 miles from nursery, in the beautiful North Dorset countryside so that our little boy can attend the special school we felt was right for him. Whilst I still have huge input and love being in nursery, having fun with the team and the children, I know my team do an outstanding job every day and I am immensely proud of them all. Cranleigh Lodge is and always will be, my third child!
I started working at Cranleigh Lodge in 2010. I have a Level 3 qualification in childcare, I worked my way up from Nursery Practitioner to manager. I love watching the children grow and learn before school and building good relationships with families. I have an 10 year old daughter who attended here from 6 months old and its still her favourite place to come in the school holidays. In our spare time we like to take our dog to the new forest and the beach. I have a daughter on the way who is due in May 2024!’
I have Early Years Teacher Status and started working at Cranleigh Lodge in April 2012. I started at Cranleigh as an unqualified nursery practitioner and in 2016 became deputy manager! I am also the nursery SENCO (Special educational needs coordinator). I love to keep up to date with the latest information and implementing new ideas to ensure we provide the best education and care for children. I have 2 young children myself who are my world. At weekends it is likely you will find my husband and myself enjoying walks at places like Moors Valley with our children (likely with a Mr Whippy in hand as they are my sons favourite thing in the world!), spending time with family and friends, or ‘relaxing’ on the sofa whilst our children dance along to the Wiggles!
I have a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education and started working at Cranleigh Lodge in September 2013. Prior to this I worked at Cranleigh as a student as part of my qualification so got to know the team before starting full time. Over the years here I have worked with all age groups, and love to see the children learn new skills and develop as little individuals. Days can be busy and we go home covered in paint, glitter and other unidentified messes, but its such a rewarding job and I love it! In my free time I enjoy going on days out with my Husband and our two young children, and also love quiet nights in with a film. I am currently on maternity leave and am due for a phased return in May 2024, and fully back from August 2024
I have a Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People and I started working at Cranleigh Lodge in August 2019. I started working here in the baby room and it has been so nice watching those children grow up through the nursery and head off to big school! Its lovely to see how they change and develop over their time at nursery. At weekends I enjoy walks with my dog on the beach and exploring the New Forest. We also have family come and visit a lot to come and enjoy the seaside with us!
I have a Level 3 qualification in Childcare. I started working at Cranleigh Lodge in August 2015. I enjoy working with babies and toddlers and have done for 12 years. I love creating activities and exploring new ideas with the children. In my own time I enjoy spending time with my own two children.
I have a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education and started working at Cranleigh Lodge in January 2018. Since working here I have predominantly been based with the babies and toddlers and like this age as they develop so much and you would quite often hear me singing with the children at nursery or reading the children a story. I have also done training to support children’s speech and language in which I have a keen interest. In my spare time I take part in rock choir, spend lots of time with my cat Bella and visit my friends and family back in Surrey.
I have an NVQ Level 3 in Childcare & Early years and started working at Cranleigh Lodge in September 2020. I am mainly based in the toddler room. Working with children in early years is so rewarding, each day is unpredictable, every day is different but knowing you are making a difference in a child’s life, watching them learn, develop and grow, seeing their smiles, going home with food in your hair and dribble down your top, hearing those giggles, sharing their experiences and providing those much-needed hugs makes me love this job. In my free time I enjoy running, walking the dog, and making memories with my husband and 3 children.
I have a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education with 18 years’ experience. I started working at Cranleigh Lodge in February 2018. I am based in Preschool (Owls). Being able to help the children become independent and teaching them new skills is one of my favourite things to do. I love telling stories and singing with them watching their faces light up! My free time is always busy with my own 2 children and partner, we are always out doing something from walking, parks, swimming, paddle boarding, playing football, visiting the beach and seeing friends. Never a dull moment in my house!
I started working at Cranleigh Lodge in November 2019, I have a CACHE Level 2 in childcare and am currently doing my level 3. Since starting here I have mainly been based in the Robin Room with the toddlers, I enjoy watching the children progress and turn into their own independent person. Toddlers are always fun as we like to get messy and create the most wonderful masterpieces and also get to enjoy some cuddles. In my own time I’m always busy with my 3 children and partner, there is never a dull moment with them around!
I have been part of the Cranleigh Lodge team since November 2020. I have completed my Level 2 qualification in Children & young people’s workforce and am based in the pre-school room. Showing and teaching the children about the natural world with all is wonders is one of my favourite parts of the job. I love setting out activities that involve gardening, finding bugs ad worms and using natural resources to make and create. I have two children 14 and 8 years old who keep me very busy when I’m not at work. At the weekend I enjoy paddleboarding, baking and exploring the forest.
I have a CACHE level 3 diploma in childcare, I returned to work at Cranleigh Lodge in September 2020 after leaving to have my first son in 2017. I am really passionate about working with children in an early years environment as its lovely to watch the children grow, learn new things within your care and build relationships with the children and parents/carers. It’s also so lovely as no two days are the same, every single day has a new challenge and experience for the children and us as practitioners. There is no better feeling than going home knowing you’ve put a smile on so many little faces and heard lots of giggles and also supported children with hugs when they’re needed. In my spare time I love to spend time with my two sons Cody and Carter and my partner Luis.
I started working here September 2021. I have a level 3 in Early Years Education. I work in the baby room but do help out often in the other rooms too. When I have annual leave I love to travel, most recently having explored Prague. I hope to explore Croatia soon! I love being outside with the children, building obstacle courses and making dens.
I started working here Februarys 2022. I moved to the UK from Romania in 2015. I have 23 years’ experience with nursery aged children I have a degree in Education Sciences (Pedagogy of Primary and Preschool Education). In my spare time I enjoy reading and baking. I love nothing more than being surrounded by children so we can explore the world together and I love watching them progress. There’s never a dull moment working with young children!
I started working here January 2024. I have a level 3 in Childcare and Education.
