Funshine Team

Meet Our Team

This is what Ofsted said about our team

Leaders share an ethos of curiosity, independence and kindness with a stable and committed staff team.

Staff consistently model positive behaviour and language. This helps children to develop respect, resilience and perseverance.

Staff promote children's personal development exceptionally well.

Parents and carers report very positive views. They describe the nursery as welcoming, supportive and personalised. Strong key-person relationships, low staff turnover and long-serving leadership provide consistency.

Leaders provide clear direction, visible support and a culture of high expectations.

Dedicated to Your Children

Our team of highly qualified and experienced staff are the heart of Funshine. They are passionate about providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where every child can thrive.

Nicola

Nicola

Manager

Nicola is truly dedicated to Funshine, she has been here since day one! Keeps things running smoothly, supportive to her team and all the children and families in Funshine’s care. Her very close relationship with Petra means she has developed extensive skills to provide exceptional standards for the nursery.

Joined Funshine 1998
Qualifications NVQ 4 in Children’s, Care, Learning and Development.
Jennie

Jennie

Deputy Manager

Jennie has been member of our team for 20 years. She is incredibly loving and caring. Her calm nurturing approach helps children feel safe, secure and confident.

Joined Funshine 2006
Qualifications NVQ 4 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development
Sam

Sam

Deputy Manager

Sam provides gentle, loving care for babies, her dedicated nurturing for this age group means every baby has the very best start for their progressive leaning.

Joined Funshine 2015
Qualifications NVQ 4 In Children’s Care, Learning and Development
Briony

Briony

Level 3 Practitioner

Briony is a newly qualified practitioner she is very keen to learn from the experienced staff in the team and is progressing nicely. Briony encourages children to explore, create, and enjoys getting messy through hands-on play.

Joined Funshine 2023
Qualifications NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce.
Brittany

Brittany

Level 3 Practitioner

Brittany is a newly qualified early years practitioner who brings a unique and valuable background to Funshine having previously worked as a registered nurse in the USA. She is compassionate about combining her early years training with her nursing skills to support children’s health and well-being and development.

Joined Funshine 2026
Qualifications NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the early years workforce
Daniel

Daniel

Level 2 Practitioner

Daniel’s playful energy keeps children laughing, moving, and fully engaged in their learning. He supports Sam to bring out the very best in the babies.

Joined Funshine 2015
Qualifications NVQ Level 2 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development
Danielle

Danielle

Office Administrator

All things admin and funding – Danielle’s got it covered.

Joined Funshine 2020
Janet

Janet

Nursery Cook

Janet prepares comforting, home-cooked meals, ensuring every child enjoys nutritious food made with care.

Joined Funshine 2018
Kelly

Kelly

Senior Childcare Practitioner

Kelly has extensive experience with children of all ages; she is currently part of our toddler team. She is caring, creative and passionate about supporting children’s development and progress.

Joined Funshine 2012
Qualifications Level 4 in Children’s Care Learning and development
Lou

Lou

Nursery Assistant

Lou’s caring and bubbly nature helps children feel confident, supported, and happy.

Joined Funshine 2017
Luke

Luke

Forest School Teacher

Luke brings outdoor learning to life, whatever the weather. Helping children explore, thrive in nature and embrace the outdoor world.

Joined Funshine 2009
Qualifications NCFE Cache level 4 for the early years advanced practitioner Certificate in Forest school Programme Leadership Level 3
Sam

Sam

Primary School Teacher

Sam’s exceptional teaching methods means she creates fantastic environments for children to learn, thrive and play. Her exceptional creative skills means she develops the most exciting, interesting and meaningful environments for children to excel in their learning.

Joined Funshine 2012
Qualifications Postgraduate certificate in Education (Primary) Level 7
Scarlett

Scarlett

Trainee Level 3

Scarlett is settling in wonderfully, learning Funshine’s values and building strong bonds with the children.

Joined Funshine 2025
Qualifications Training for NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce.
Petra

Petra

Early Years Professional

Petra has put her heart and soul in to making Funshine what it has always been and what it is today. A wealth of knowledge, children’s care and their learning/ development is her number one priority.

Qualifications BA Hons Level 7
Janine

Janine

Personal Assistant to Petra

Janine supports Petra and the whole Funshine team to provide the highest quality nursery care.

Joined Funshine 2026
Qualifications NVQ 4 in Children’s, Care, Learning and Development.

✓ All staff are first aid trained.