Our Team

Who works at The Culham Village Nursery & Preschool?

Our children spend their time with caring and gentle adults who are fun to be around and who genuinely love being with them. Our nursery staff know all the children really well. All our staff are well qualified for their role. Everyone is trained in first aid and safeguarding. All our staff are encouraged and supported in further training in general childcare and in more specialised areas such as Special Educational Needs and also in practical skills like food hygiene.

Karlea

Nursery Manager

I have been working in childcare for over 15 years now, starting at our Culham Science Centre Nursery in 2019 and most recently stepping into the role of Nursery Manager at The Culham Village Nursery.

I have completed my level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner qualification and have a passion for supporting children who have additional needs. I have a bubbly and caring character and love spending time with the children for a cuddle, sharing stories, or even getting stuck into messy play with them!

Outside of nursery life I am kept busy by spending time with my family watching my little girl grow and develop, and not forgetting walks with our dogs Fluke and Buster.

Kate

Assistant Deputy Manager & Upper Preschool Room Leader

I've worked in childcare since January 2010 supporting my daughters' Pre School as a parent helper. I enjoyed the part I played in the children’s learning so much that my interest and Early Years Career grew from there. I'm leader of the Preschool room and Pre School is where my heart is! I'm thrilled to be part of the Culham Village team, offering outstanding childcare within the beautiful environment inside and out.

I have a BA (Hons) degree in Early Childhood Studies (level 6) which I am very proud of and I love to share my thoughts and knowledge with the team. I've three grown up children of my own which is why I love working within the Early Years sector so much, the contrast balances perfectly with family life. I have previously ran 10 half marathons, three marathons and an ultra marathon since completing Couch to 5K in 2015. I'm also a certified Bounce instructor so you will find me busy teaching classes of an evening or at the weekend!

Emma

Nursery Teacher

I have worked with children in early years for over 20 years and have been a qualified teacher for the last 6 years. Until recently I have been working in schools but wanted a chance to have a greater impact by working somewhere that solely focuses on those foundation years, and I have found a home at the Culham Village Nursery.

I am passionate about supporting children's learning and development and enjoy being part of their journey from the beginning. My role involves teaching children early numeracy and literacy skills, with a focus on phonics and early reading. I work with the team in Upper Preschol to develop the children in all 7 areas of learning through small group work and one to one activities.

I am currently working through my forest school leader qualification which I love as I appreciate the value and benefits of outdoor learning! In my free time, I love to walk, swim and spend time with my family.

Denise

Room Leader

Having been in childcare now for 20 years, I finally found the place where I feel most at home, which is caring for our lovely children at the Culham Village Nursery. I started at Culham Science Centre Nursery in 2017 and found I couldn't leave! I love watching the smallest babies develop and grow into wonderful little people and the Preschools grow into confident individuals ready for school!

My absolute favourite thing at nursery is to read the children stories and I do all the different silly voices and sounds! Their excited little faces staring back at me makes my day. Outside of nursery I enjoy walking my dog in the fresh air with my husband, embroidery and knitting, and spending time with my children and extended family.

Paige

Lower Preschool Room Leader

I joined the company in 2017, starting at our Culham Science Centre Nursery and was delighted to be a part of our lovely Culham Village Nursery when we opened. I have completed my Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and progressed from Trainee to Nursery Practitioner, and now Room Leader.

I am an enthusiastic,motivated Room Leader who is committed to the development of the children and the creation of a supportive,happy environment where they can grow. I am able to provide comfort and reassurance and I’m always available for a cuddle when needed. One of my favourite parts of my day is giving feedback to parents about what their children have achieved. In my free time I enjoy cooking,going to the cinema and socialising with friends.

Emily

Toddlers Room Leader

I joined the nursery in 2015 as a Trainee Nursery Assistant to learn all about childcare and education and since then have progressed through to Room Leader. I used to be a quiet and shy member of the team but over the years have gained in confidence and am now known for my sarcasm and humour amongst the staff! I love my job in the setting and have studied really hard to learn all about the development needs of the age of children that I work with.

I have fantastic relationships with my lovely group of children and i'm especially good with understanding the children who need that little bit of encouragement to shine, just like I did.

Shauna

Babies Room Leader

I joined the company in 2019 as a Trainee Nursery Assistant and have since completed my level 3 qualification. I have worked in all age groups, most recently progressing to my role now in the Baby room and I love working with our little ones!

I love seeing the children grow and develop as each day passes and love to give lots of cuddles of reassurance throughout the day.

In my free time I enjoy being creative, especially drawing, and spending time with my little family exploring new places and setting up fun activities at home.

Jeannette

Nursery Cook

I've been in catering since I was 16 and have 37 years’ experience behind me. I've done many types of cooking: general plate service: silver service and buffet work: catered for many weddings, and even made my own wedding cake. I worked at Milton Hill for 23 years and within that time I had 3 children then on to Tesco distribution's head chef in the staff kitchen for 11 years.
Back in 2018 I decided I wanted to stay in catering but change my direction and decided to work in a nursery. I enjoy cooking for children, introducing them to new foods and helping their growth with our nutritional, well balance meals.
I now have 2 grandchildren which I help look after and try out the meals I cook at work on them to, which go down well. I am looking forward to when they are a bit older and I can do some cooking with them and get them to enjoy cooking like I do. I love spending time with the family, going on holiday together, eating out and taking our pet dog for long walks.