The Nursery Team
Meet Our Management
Thank you for visiting the Sandcastle Nursery website. We hope you've been finding it helpful and informative.
I opened the Sandcastle Nursery in 1991 in previously unused classrooms in Millbrook School where we stayed until 2006. Then we moved to our present building - the old First Sands School, which had been left disused for many years until our refurbishment. In 1991 there were no day nurseries in High Wycombe so when the opportunity arose I left my job as a Health Visitor and headed into the uncharted territory of childcare provision. I am truly proud of what we have all achieved since then, successfully dealing with ever increasing demands of statutory bodies, while still maintaining the ethos of a caring and loving environment for young children.
As well as the day job at the Nursery I have for many years represented Childcare Providers in the High Wycombe area in consultations, meetings and various forums with Bucks County Council Childcare Service, putting the views , challenges and interests of childcare businesses to CC officials.
In 2011 I decided the time had come to pass the day to day management of the Nursery to others but I remain in the background offering a critical eye and a listening ear.
We enjoy spending time with our 3 grown up children and young grand daughters all of whom we are privileged to see very regularly. I have enjoyed holidays in interesting places. We also support Wycombe Wanderers which is sometimes not quite so interesting. For relaxation I love spending time in my garden and growing produce on our allotment.
I first joined the Sandcastle Nursery in 1997. Since that time I feel I have been very fortunate and I consider it a real privilege to have cared for generations of families and forging long lasting relationships. In recent years we have had a couple of former nursery children return to us on work experience! As with all the children we have cared for at the nursery over the past two decades it is always lovely to see them once again, and to reminisce on how their learning journey began with us, thus sharing in their personal achievements and success.
Since I was appointed Managing Director in 2011 I have been responsible for ensuring that the entire operation of the organisation meets the expectations of all our families. This includes promoting a healthy, safe, secure, stimulating and enriching environment for the children; the planning arrangements, the implementation of the EYFS, keeping up with on-going changes in education and to the early years curriculum, and maintaining our central ethos of providing excellent quality childcare.
My passion for delivering outstanding quality childcare is matched by that of our team of highly skilled and experienced professionals, dedicated to each child's individual care and educational learning progress. At the same time we also welcome newly qualified staff, who can be nurtured by our senior staff or our well experienced, mature carers. Our kitchen staff are similarly dedicated and passionate about providing a fantastic, nutritional, well balanced seasonal menu, meeting all children's individual dietary needs. We source wherever possible from local providers, giving children fresh and plentiful foods that we incorporate in our seasonal menus.
My fiancé and I have a young family; two beautiful girls who fill my life with laughter and joy. As a family we most enjoy spending quality time together with family and friends. We particularly enjoy woodland walks, cycling, lots of home-baking, and for me, I love nothing more than a workout at the gym.
Finally, I would like to thank you for taking the time to view our website, and I do look forward to having the opportunity in meeting you and your family when you visit the nursery.
Francesca
I am Hannah and I have worked at the Sandcastle Nursery since 2000. For 9 years I worked in the Green Room with the pre-school children and loved providing them with creative learning opportunities based around their individual interests. Some of my most memorable experiences have included a "Day in the Life of a cave girl/boy", a "Crazy Invention" day and "Taking the Children to the Moon" which involved wearing moon boots made from giant sponges, making 'no-freezer' moon ice cream and the children having their photos taken with aliens to show their families when they returned to Earth!
In 2009 I gained my Early Years Professional Status which has enabled me to lead practice, support staff with the EYFS, provide staff with training and implement exciting new projects within our setting.
In April 2011 I was appointed Manager of the Nursery and I'm thoroughly enjoying working with Francesca in the day to day running of the Nursery and also building and maintaining long-standing relationships with our children's families.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my husband and our 14 year old son. I enjoy art and since completing my degree in Textile Design and Surface Decoration also enjoy painting, craft work and designing/making wedding stationary for family and friends.
Hi. I'm David and I have been working at the Sandcastle Nursery since 2003, enjoying every minute of it. It is very rewarding to work with such great children.
I have a degree in fine art and I love to allow the children to be creative and imaginative. I have gained my Early Years Professional Status and I am very proud to be the first male to gain this qualification in Buckinghamshire. I have worked in every room across all the age ranges. I am now a Deputy Manager and I currently work closely with all of the rooms piloting new strategies and ideas within Early Years developing quality improvement throughout the nursery. I also support Green Room children two days a week, helping in the children's preparation for school.
I enjoy outdoor activities such as camping and walking, and I am working towards becoming a Forest School Leader. I like to cycle and have completed the London to Brighton (BHF) sponsored ride three times. I am also keen cook and have an experimental approach to this; I only tend to follow a recipe once! I also play the guitar and have an eclectic love of music. This is reflected in the many varied gigs I have been to.
I joined the fantastic team here at Sandcastle nursery during November 1999. After completing a BA (hons) degree in Early Years I became Facilities Manager of the nursery. I get the best of both worlds - working closely with children in all rooms, and making sure that all resources are well stocked. I continue to further my knowledge in early years practice by attending training sessions.
Hi, I'm Jenny. I'm NNEB & ADCE trained with over 30 years of childcare experience.
I originally worked at Sandcastle when it first opened in 1991 & was here for 10 years before leaving to have my family. I have 3 growing boys (16, 21 & 23!) which makes for a busy family life.
I re-joined Sandcastle in 2015 as Staff & Student Mentor & Deputy for the Under 2 side of the Nursery. I'm thoroughly enjoying being back amongst friends, old & new.
My other interests include an active church life & involvement in my local Scout Group. I enjoy films, reading & coffee with the girls!
Hello, my name is Alison and I'm the Nursery Administrator. I joined Sandcastle in April 2011.
I have two children of my own so am kept very busy having lots of fun with them. In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym, playing netball and socialising with friends.
Meet Our Senior Staff
Meet Charlotte Kent
 
o
Hi, my name is Charlotte. I am head of the baby room. I oversee the daily running of the room; I have worked at Sandcastle nursery since August 2002.
I have a level 3 diploma in childcare and education and have done lots of varied training to further develop my knowledge and understanding of current practices within early years. I love seeing the babies grow and develop and I support their development through lots of engaging activities such as singing and creative work. I really enjoy providing the babies with messy play activities such as Ooblick, painting and play-dough I love to observe the different responses and reactions of the babies as they explore the environment and activities provided.
I have two children of my own and a favourite past-time of ours is to go to the park and feed the ducks and to stroll through the woods. We also enjoy baking together and when I find a quiet moment I love to relax with a good book!
Meet Karen Chapman
 
o
Hi, my name is Karen and I am the Head of Blue Room 2. I started working at Sandcastle in November 2006 and I have experience with every age in the Nursery.
In 2012 I completed my BA (hons) Degree in Children's Learning and Development after finishing my initial level 3 qualification. I enjoyed my time whilst studying, extending my knowledge about child development.
In my spare time I look after my young son. I take him to visit family or we enjoy nice days together going for walks or going to the park. I enjoy reading books and baking and I am an avid Wycombe Wanderers supporter.
Meet Christina Ridgley
 
o
Hi, my name is Christina and I have worked at Sandcastle Nursery for almost 20 years. I work as Head of room in Red Room 1 with our 2 year olds.
I enjoy being creative with paints, glue and crayons while encouraging the children to express themselves.
My son is 13 years old and I watch him play football most Sunday’s (even when it rains!)
Nursery days are fun days, each day is different – I love it!
Meet Naheeda Yaqoob
 
o
My name is Naheeda and I have been working at the Sandcastle Nursery since 1999. I am Head of Red Room 2, and I enjoy working with the 2-3 year olds providing a wide range of activities for them.
I have two daughters Maryam and Aaminah whom I enjoy spending time with when not at work. We enjoy going to the park and feeding the ducks. Maryam and I also enjoy looking after our chickens and our cat Milo.
Meet Tareen Akhtar
 
o
Hi. My name is Tareen. I am currently work as head of the pre-school room, but have worked at the Sandcastle since 1998. I enjoy working with the children and with a great team. We all love helping the children learn with our fun activities and exciting topics.
In my spare time I enjoy working on my laptop, and have recently started enjoying photography. I also spend lots of time with family and friends, especially my daughter, son, my younger brother, niece and nephew.
Meet Our Keyworkers
Meet Zoyah Rehman
 
o
Hi, my name is Zoyah. I started working at Sandcastle 2015 and am level 3 qualified.
I am currently working in Red room 2 previous to this I was working in the Green Room for the past year and I love seeing the children grow in confidence and independence, preparing themselves for school.
Meet Molly Carmichael
 
o
Hello,
My name is Molly and I have worked in Childcare for 8 years. During this time I have gained my Level 2 & 3 Childcare NVQ, and a Level 3 Team Leading NVQ. I have a passion for working with children and helping them get the best start in life, I love getting creative and exploring lots of different ways to play and learn with the children. In my spare time I enjoy socialising, swimming and reading.
Meet Kimberley Anderson
 
o
Hi, I'm Kim and I started working at Sandcastle Nursery in August 2012. Since starting employment with the nursery I have gained my level 3 NVQ in childcare and education. I am now Head of Blue Room 2 and am excited to spend time with the children getting to know their individual personalities and supporting them as they develop.
Outside of nursery I like to spend time with family and friends.
Meet Sharon Adams
 
o
Hello, my name is Sharon and I am currently in Blue Room 2. I have a City & Guilds qualification in childcare. I also previously worked at Sandcastle and after 19 years out to pursue other avenues, have now returned and been back since February 2020.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Meet Susi Tharmabala
 
o
Hi my name is Susi. I started working at Sandcastle Nursery in January 2019. I have over 10 years experience in working as a pre-school assistant.
I like working with the pre-school children because I love to see their individual personalities shine through! I also enjoy helping and watching the children develop their skills ready for when they go off to school.
Meet Abbie Mortimer
 
o
Hi I'm Abbie, I am Level 3 qualified and work in Red Room 1. I have worked at Sandcastle nursery since June 2017 and really enjoy working with the 2-3 year old children. I particularly enjoy planning messy play activities and taking the children to explore outside.
In my own time I enjoy playing the piano and spending time with friends and family.
Meet Lucy Sylvester
 
o
Hello my name is Lucy and I have worked at Sandcastle Nursery since 2008, having gained experience with both babies and toddlers working in Blue Room 1, Red Room 2 and Blue Room 2. I completed my level 3 diploma in childcare and education after two year's study at Wycombe and Amersham College.
Currently I'm working in Red Room 1 which I really enjoy as you can see the children starting to develop their own characters day by day.
I got married in November 2018 and now have a little girl who is nearly 2. I enjoy spending time with her and watching her grow and develop.
I also have two nieces that I love looking after.
In my spare time I like to go shopping and cooking.
I love the fun of working at the nursery and enjoy the adventures that each day brings.
Meet Myles Brewer
 
o
Hi,
I am Myles, I have worked in the childcare industry for 7 years. During this time, I have gained work experience at multiple nurseries and have worked at two nurseries prior to Sandcastle.
My passions are drama and dance, so I am able to keep up with the children’s energy!
During my breaks and free time, I like to go on walks and listen to music.
I find children’s imaginations fascinating and always enjoy getting lost in it through play with children.
Hi I’m Jen and I have my NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Education. I am currently working in Red Room 1 and enjoy providing the children with lovely activites.
I have two young children of my own and I love taking them for walks and spending time with them when I’m not at Sandcastle.
Meet Karen Fountain
 
o
My name is Karen and I have been at Sandcastle Nursery since November 2017, after working for several years in a pre-school environment and helping in school with my own grandchildren. I am level 3 qualified and have attended many different courses to further my knowledge and understanding in various areas.
I enjoy helping the children on their learning adventure and sharing new experiences as they grow.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren and visiting new places. I like to do scrapbooking when my time allows me to along with reading and taking long walks with our dog.
Meet Daniel Caesar
 
o
Hello, my name is Daniel and I have been working at the Sandcastle Nursery since November 2017. I am Level 3 qualified with over 7 years experience working with under 5's. I previously worked at another nursery in High Wycombe.
I find childcare so enjoyable and rewarding, I get so much joy from watching the children grow and develop.
In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym and socialising with friends. I love to travel and visit new places.
Meet Courtney Bodiam
 
o
Hi, I’m Courtney and I’ve been at Sandcastle since 2019 and work in Red Room 2. I love being with the children and providing them with enjoyable, learning activities.
In my spare time I enjoy reading.
Meet Katie bedford
 
o
Hi my name is Katie and I am 20 years old. I started working at Sandcastle Nursery in 2019 and I have a level 2 qualification in childcare. I am currently working towards my level 3 qualification which will help me gain even more knowledge and experience in my role. I am based in Green Room which I love! I love seeing the children grow in confidence, encouraging them with their self-help skills and learning to be more independent.
In my spare time I love walking my dogs and spending time with my family. I also enjoy travelling and creating memories.
Meet Steph Stanyon
 
o
Hi, my name is Steph. I have a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education. I am currently working in the Green Room. I love working in Green Room because I get to help the children grow and develop, all whilst having fun. I enjoy the process of preparing them for school. I enjoy walking my dog with my family and spending time with friends.
Meet Our Kitchen Staff
Meet Juliet Cummings
 
o
Hi. My name is Juliet and I'm the Nursery Cook.
I have two daughters, and have enjoyed working at the Nursery since 2006.
In my spare time I help with the fund-raising at my children's school, music, spending time with my family, cycling and walking.
Meet Sarah Brooks
 
o
Hi my name is Sarah, I'm a fully qualified Chef and have over 20 years experience.
I live locally with my husband and son, we have two dogs, Jasper and Jack.
I enjoy the outdoor life, taking the dogs for long walks especially at Wendover woods.
I enjoy socialising with family and friends usually in lovely restaurants.
Meet Jan Townsend
 
o
My name is Jan Townsend. I have lived in High Wycombe for the last 22 years and have recently joined the Sandcastle Nursery as Housekeeper.
I have two grown-up daughters and a lovely 2yr old grandson. I enjoy watching rugby and taking country walks. I am also learning some basic ballroom dancing and am now able to do the waltz.
Meet Our External Helpers
Welcome to Club Sport
Action Kids are fun activities for preschool children up to the age of 7. Specially designed use in nurseries, reception classes, playgroups, childminders, parents etc. All the Action Kids activities lead to dance, games, gymnastics and athletics enabling children to become stronger, more balanced, better co-ordinated and confident as they develop physically, socially and emotionally.
Whatever the setting, Action Kids activities promote the development of locomotor skills, manipulative skills, physical fitness, coordination and balance in enjoyable and creative ways.
Meet Vicky Wetherell
 
o
Warning: file_get_contents(staff-data/vicky-w.txt) [function.file-get-contents]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in D:\hshome\janie45\sandcastlenursery.co.uk\staff.php on line 303
I have been working in the nursery as a volunteer since 2010. I spend time in the Green Room, helping with a variety of crafts and simple sewing activities.
I also enjoy helping with the pre-school Christmas show and helping to make the children's costumes.
In addition to spending time at the nursery I help run a Brownie unit for girls aged 7 – 10.
[Editor's Note: The children often ask, "When is Kathryn coming in?" They love the fact that she is Hannah and David's mummy.]
|