Meet the Team
Our team of qualified professionals have a shared passion and dedication to working with children and families. At Oaks Day Nursery we follow safer recruitment procedures and as part of The Education People Nurseries family, the team benefits from continuous professional development advice and support.
All of our professionals have received Safeguarding and Food Hygiene training and they hold a Paediatric First Aid qualification.
Emma Ashdown
Nursery Manager, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Staff Well-Being Lead
“I have worked in early years for 15 years and I have worked at oaks for 5 years, I hold a Level 5 foundation degree in early years.
My passion has always been early years, I love watching the children grow, learn and develop their existing skills.
I particularly enjoy creating a stimulating environment for the children to thrive in, both inside and outside.
In my spare time I have a 2 year old son, we enjoy going to the park, shopping and visiting new and exciting places.”
Kirsty Ewing
Deputy Manager/Early Years Educator, Designated Safeguarding Lead, SENCO
“I have been working at Oaks Day Nursery for over 4 years. I’m SENCO and hold an NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development qualification.
I have always had a passion for working with children and I love watching them grow and develop. I have two children of my own and I am always eager to learn as well as helping the children to learn too. There is no better feeling than finishing your day knowing you have made a positive impact on a child’s day and their learning.”
Amy Tagg
Lead Practitioner, Designated Safeguarding Lead, 2 year olds Advocate, EFICL (Enhancing Family Involvement in Children’s Learning) Lead, E-Safety Lead, SENCO
“I have been working in childcare since 2007, in a variety of childcare settings and agencies. I have a Cache Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce and a Level 3 in Health and Social Care.
Early years is where my heart has always been, and my dedication helped me progress from unqualified bank staff assistant to acting deputy manager. I am extremely passionate about making a difference to our nursery’s families and children and becoming a proud mum of one has motivated me even further to provide the highest level of quality and care. When not at work, I can be spotted in Devon or Wales exploring the outdoors with my little boy.”
Hayley Killick
Early Years Educator, Qualified Teacher Status
“Working with children is fun and rewarding as every day is different. As well as being an Early Years Educator, I have worked with different aged children in various roles: supply teaching, tutoring in maths and English, and even as a play supervisor in a soft play area.
I studied English Literature at the University of Reading and then went on to complete a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education at the University of Greenwich to achieve my Qualified Teacher Status.
My depth of experience has helped me learn techniques to adapt to the varied needs and personalities of different children and I am driven to help them learn in the best style for them, focusing on their interests. I have a calm and approachable demeanour and believe that positive praise and behaviour management gives children the confidence to achieve to their greatest potential.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, cooking, quizzing and camping. My family and I are English Heritage members and enjoy visiting castles and other historical buildings!”
Jemimah Waddington
Early Years Educator, Cache Level 3
“I have a level 3 CACHE Diploma in Childcare and Education and have just returned to work in early years after being a stay-at-home mum.
It is lovely getting to know all the children and learning what each of their interests are. I am enjoying watching them explore and learn through their play.
In my spare time I enjoy going for adventures outside with my children, baking and being creative.”
Louisa Hoyle
Early Years Practitioner Level 2
“I have recently passed my Level 2 apprenticeship in Early Years. I really enjoy watching the children learn and develop their skills and am looking forward to learning more about child development.”
Chloe Ewing
Apprentice Early Years Practitioner
“I started working at Oaks in May. I work across both of the nursery rooms helping to set up activities and the garden. I have enjoyed getting to know the children and watching them learn through play.”
Ruby Shilling
Apprentice Early Years Practitioner
Melanie White
Business Support Officer
“I have been working at the Oaks day nursery for nearly two years now.
I really enjoy working with the small team dealing with all the day to day administration duties supporting both the families and the staff here at the nursery.
When I am not at work I love spending time with my family cooking and dancing with my two daughters.”
““We have been delighted with the care our son has received at Oaks Day Nursery. He settled in very quickly, which I think is due to the excellent staff who have all been extremely professional, caring and provided a stimulating and supportive atmosphere”.”