Phone

01603 865477

Email

hello@childerwood.co.uk

Opening Hours

Mon - Fri: 7:30AM - 5:30PM

Meet our Experienced Team Members

Our team at Childerwood Nursery have a wealth of experience and are well-qualified in childcare and education. They are fully committed to helping your child enjoy their time at nursery and will work hard to ensure they are well-prepared for school and beyond!

All team members have achieved Pediatric first aid level 2, attended appropriate safeguarding courses and obtained basic food hygiene qualifications upon induction.

Leadership Team

Michelle Whitehouse
Michelle WhitehouseNursery Manager

I am a passionate Early Years professional with over two years of experience working with children aged 0–5. I am committed to creating a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported and encouraged to thrive.

Alongside my Level 3 Educator Qualification in Early Years, I am a Designated Safeguarding Lead and take great pride in ensuring children's safety and wellbeing are always at the heart of my practice. I have also become a Step On Trainer, allowing me to support and encourage others in their professional development.

I hold qualifications in Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene and Health & Safety, and have completed additional training in areas including behaviour and bereavement support. I believe strongly in looking at the whole child and working closely with families to understand and support their individual needs.

As a parent of two children, I also understand the importance of building trusting and supportive relationships with families. I bring both professional knowledge and personal experience to my role, helping me approach each child and family with empathy, understanding and respect.

I am passionate about continually developing my knowledge and practice. I am currently progressing towards SENCO training, further strengthening my ability to support children with additional needs and help ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Michelle Whitehouse
Michelle WhitehouseNursery Manager

I am a passionate Early Years professional with over two years of experience working with children aged 0–5. I am committed to creating a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported and encouraged to thrive.

Alongside my Level 3 Educator Qualification in Early Years, I am a Designated Safeguarding Lead and take great pride in ensuring children's safety and wellbeing are always at the heart of my practice. I have also become a Step On Trainer, allowing me to support and encourage others in their professional development.

I hold qualifications in Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene and Health & Safety, and have completed additional training in areas including behaviour and bereavement support. I believe strongly in looking at the whole child and working closely with families to understand and support their individual needs.

As a parent of two children, I also understand the importance of building trusting and supportive relationships with families. I bring both professional knowledge and personal experience to my role, helping me approach each child and family with empathy, understanding and respect.

I am passionate about continually developing my knowledge and practice. I am currently progressing towards SENCO training, further strengthening my ability to support children with additional needs and help ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Carmel Seaton
Carmel SeatonDeputy Manager

I am a passionate Early Years professional and Level 7 Early Years Teacher, with a strong commitment to providing children with a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment in which they can learn, grow and thrive.

As Deputy Manager at Childerwood, I am passionate about supporting both children and practitioners to achieve their best. I believe that strong relationships are at the heart of effective Early Years practice, and I enjoy working closely with children, families and the wider team to create a positive and inclusive nursery environment.

I have undertaken Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training and also hold training in Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene and Health & Safety. I am committed to continually developing my knowledge and using my experience to support high-quality practice across the setting.

As a parent to a three-year-old, I also understand the importance of creating strong, trusting relationships with families. I appreciate how important it is for parents to feel confident that their child is known, valued and cared for as an individual.

I am excited to continue contributing to Childerwood as Deputy Manager and to support our team in providing the highest standards of care, learning and development for every child.

Carmel Seaton
Carmel SeatonDeputy Manager

I am a passionate Early Years professional and Level 7 Early Years Teacher, with a strong commitment to providing children with a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment in which they can learn, grow and thrive.

As Deputy Manager at Childerwood, I am passionate about supporting both children and practitioners to achieve their best. I believe that strong relationships are at the heart of effective Early Years practice, and I enjoy working closely with children, families and the wider team to create a positive and inclusive nursery environment.

I have undertaken Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training and also hold training in Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene and Health & Safety. I am committed to continually developing my knowledge and using my experience to support high-quality practice across the setting.

As a parent to a three-year-old, I also understand the importance of creating strong, trusting relationships with families. I appreciate how important it is for parents to feel confident that their child is known, valued and cared for as an individual.

I am excited to continue contributing to Childerwood as Deputy Manager and to support our team in providing the highest standards of care, learning and development for every child.

Taylor Farrow
Taylor FarrowThird in Charge

I am a passionate Early Years professional with a Level 3 Educator Qualification, committed to creating a warm, nurturing and engaging environment where children feel safe, confident and encouraged to learn.

I joined Childerwood in 2025 as an Early Years Practitioner and have since progressed to become the Ladybird Room Lead, with a particular focus on supporting children aged 24–36 months. I especially enjoy this stage of development, helping children build their independence, communication, confidence and relationships as they grow and discover the world around them.

As Third in Charge, I enjoy supporting the wider nursery team and contributing to the smooth running of the setting. I believe that consistency, positive relationships and responsive interactions are key to helping children feel secure and thrive.

I am passionate about continuing to develop my knowledge and skills and will be completing Infants in the Early Years training later this year. This will further strengthen my understanding of the unique needs of our youngest children and support my continued professional development.

I am proud of my journey at Childerwood so far and look forward to continuing to grow within the team while helping provide the best possible experiences for our children and families.

Taylor Farrow
Taylor FarrowThird in Charge

I am a passionate Early Years professional with a Level 3 Educator Qualification, committed to creating a warm, nurturing and engaging environment where children feel safe, confident and encouraged to learn.

I joined Childerwood in 2025 as an Early Years Practitioner and have since progressed to become the Ladybird Room Lead, with a particular focus on supporting children aged 24–36 months. I especially enjoy this stage of development, helping children build their independence, communication, confidence and relationships as they grow and discover the world around them.

As Third in Charge, I enjoy supporting the wider nursery team and contributing to the smooth running of the setting. I believe that consistency, positive relationships and responsive interactions are key to helping children feel secure and thrive.

I am passionate about continuing to develop my knowledge and skills and will be completing Infants in the Early Years training later this year. This will further strengthen my understanding of the unique needs of our youngest children and support my continued professional development.

I am proud of my journey at Childerwood so far and look forward to continuing to grow within the team while helping provide the best possible experiences for our children and families.

Butterfly and Ladybird Team

Bea Grabowska
Bea GrabowskaLevel 3 Play Worker

I am a qualified Level 3 Early Years Educator and have been part of the Childerwood team for over three years. During this time, I have developed strong relationships with the children and families and have enjoyed supporting children as they grow, learn and become increasingly independent.

I am passionate about creating a calm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, secure and confident to explore. I have a particular interest in yoga and mindfulness, and I enjoy bringing elements of these into my practice to support children's wellbeing, self-regulation and emotional development.

I believe that every child is unique and that taking the time to understand their individual interests, needs and personalities is key to helping them thrive. I enjoy following children's interests and using everyday experiences and play to create meaningful learning opportunities.

After more than three years at Childerwood, I am proud to be part of a team that puts children's wellbeing, development and happiness at the heart of everything we do. I look forward to continuing to grow alongside the children, families and wider Childerwood team.

Bea Grabowska
Bea GrabowskaLevel 3 Play Worker

I am a qualified Level 3 Early Years Educator and have been part of the Childerwood team for over three years. During this time, I have developed strong relationships with the children and families and have enjoyed supporting children as they grow, learn and become increasingly independent.

I am passionate about creating a calm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, secure and confident to explore. I have a particular interest in yoga and mindfulness, and I enjoy bringing elements of these into my practice to support children's wellbeing, self-regulation and emotional development.

I believe that every child is unique and that taking the time to understand their individual interests, needs and personalities is key to helping them thrive. I enjoy following children's interests and using everyday experiences and play to create meaningful learning opportunities.

After more than three years at Childerwood, I am proud to be part of a team that puts children's wellbeing, development and happiness at the heart of everything we do. I look forward to continuing to grow alongside the children, families and wider Childerwood team.

Taliah Linning
Taliah LinningLevel 3 Apprentice

Taliah joined Childerwood in 2026 as a Level 3 Apprentice, after transferring from another setting. She has over 4-years experience working with children aged 0-36months and is excited to be qualifying in this sector.

Taliah Linning
Taliah LinningLevel 3 Apprentice

Taliah joined Childerwood in 2026 as a Level 3 Apprentice, after transferring from another setting. She has over 4-years experience working with children aged 0-36months and is excited to be qualifying in this sector.

Dhara Chauhan
Dhara ChauhanAssistant

I joined Childerwood in 2025 as a Nursery Assistant, bringing with me a background in education as a qualified teacher in India. My previous teaching experience has given me a strong understanding of children, learning and the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment.

Since joining Childerwood, I have developed a particular passion for Early Years education and have enjoyed learning more about how young children learn, develop and build their confidence through play and everyday experiences.

I am keen to continue developing my knowledge and skills within the Early Years sector and intend to begin my Early Years qualification later this year. I am excited to build on my existing teaching experience and continue growing as part of the Childerwood team.

Dhara Chauhan
Dhara ChauhanAssistant

I joined Childerwood in 2025 as a Nursery Assistant, bringing with me a background in education as a qualified teacher in India. My previous teaching experience has given me a strong understanding of children, learning and the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment.

Since joining Childerwood, I have developed a particular passion for Early Years education and have enjoyed learning more about how young children learn, develop and build their confidence through play and everyday experiences.

I am keen to continue developing my knowledge and skills within the Early Years sector and intend to begin my Early Years qualification later this year. I am excited to build on my existing teaching experience and continue growing as part of the Childerwood team.

Kelli Germing
Kelli GermingLevel 3 Teaching Assistant

I am a qualified *Level 3 Teaching Assistant with a strong passion for working with children and supporting their learning and development. Before joining Childerwood, I worked within the care sector, where I developed valuable skills in supporting others, building trusting relationships and responding to individual needs.

Through my experience in care, I realised that my passion has always been working with children. Since joining Childerwood, I have enjoyed developing my Early Years knowledge and gaining practical experience within the nursery environment.

I am committed to continuing my professional development and will be enrolling on my Level 5 Senior Educator qualification while continuing to build my skills and experience at Childerwood.

I am passionate about creating a safe, nurturing and engaging environment where children feel valued and supported. I look forward to continuing to grow as an Early Years professional and contributing to the positive experiences we provide for our children and families.

Kelli Germing
Kelli GermingLevel 3 Teaching Assistant

I am a qualified *Level 3 Teaching Assistant with a strong passion for working with children and supporting their learning and development. Before joining Childerwood, I worked within the care sector, where I developed valuable skills in supporting others, building trusting relationships and responding to individual needs.

Through my experience in care, I realised that my passion has always been working with children. Since joining Childerwood, I have enjoyed developing my Early Years knowledge and gaining practical experience within the nursery environment.

I am committed to continuing my professional development and will be enrolling on my Level 5 Senior Educator qualification while continuing to build my skills and experience at Childerwood.

I am passionate about creating a safe, nurturing and engaging environment where children feel valued and supported. I look forward to continuing to grow as an Early Years professional and contributing to the positive experiences we provide for our children and families.

Honeybee and Dragonfly Team

Maria Gotts-Peyton
Maria Gotts-PeytonLevel 3 Senior Practitioner

I am a passionate Early Years professional with a Level 3 Educator Qualification, committed to creating a warm, nurturing and engaging environment where children feel safe, valued and encouraged to learn.

I joined the Childerwood team in 2026 and work across our Dragonfly and Honeybee Rooms, supporting our Level 7 Early Years Teacher to provide high-quality care, learning and development opportunities for the children.

I enjoy building strong relationships with children and getting to know their individual personalities, interests and needs. I believe that children learn best when they feel secure, listened to and encouraged to explore the world around them.

I am committed to working as part of a supportive team and developing my practice through everyday experiences, observations and learning. I look forward to continuing to grow within Childerwood and contributing to the positive experiences we provide for our children and families.

Maria Gotts-Peyton
Maria Gotts-PeytonLevel 3 Senior Practitioner

I am a passionate Early Years professional with a Level 3 Educator Qualification, committed to creating a warm, nurturing and engaging environment where children feel safe, valued and encouraged to learn.

I joined the Childerwood team in 2026 and work across our Dragonfly and Honeybee Rooms, supporting our Level 7 Early Years Teacher to provide high-quality care, learning and development opportunities for the children.

I enjoy building strong relationships with children and getting to know their individual personalities, interests and needs. I believe that children learn best when they feel secure, listened to and encouraged to explore the world around them.

I am committed to working as part of a supportive team and developing my practice through everyday experiences, observations and learning. I look forward to continuing to grow within Childerwood and contributing to the positive experiences we provide for our children and families.

Elicia Welch
Elicia WelchLevel 7 Apprentice

I am excited to have joined the Childerwood team as I begin my Level 6 Early Years apprenticeship. Having previously completed a BA (Hons) Degree in Psychology, I bring a strong understanding of child development, behaviour and the importance of supporting children's individual needs.

I have a wealth of experience working with children and young people aged 3–15 years, which has given me a broad understanding of the different stages of childhood and the importance of creating positive, supportive relationships.

I am passionate about continuing to develop my knowledge and putting my existing skills into practice within the Early Years environment. I am naturally curious, knowledgeable and keen to learn, and I enjoy working alongside experienced practitioners to further develop my understanding of high-quality Early Years practice.

I am looking forward to completing my Level 7 apprenticeship at Childerwood and becoming a valued member of the team, while contributing to the learning, development and wellbeing of every child.

Elicia Welch
Elicia WelchLevel 7 Apprentice

I am excited to have joined the Childerwood team as I begin my Level 6 Early Years apprenticeship. Having previously completed a BA (Hons) Degree in Psychology, I bring a strong understanding of child development, behaviour and the importance of supporting children's individual needs.

I have a wealth of experience working with children and young people aged 3–15 years, which has given me a broad understanding of the different stages of childhood and the importance of creating positive, supportive relationships.

I am passionate about continuing to develop my knowledge and putting my existing skills into practice within the Early Years environment. I am naturally curious, knowledgeable and keen to learn, and I enjoy working alongside experienced practitioners to further develop my understanding of high-quality Early Years practice.

I am looking forward to completing my Level 7 apprenticeship at Childerwood and becoming a valued member of the team, while contributing to the learning, development and wellbeing of every child.

Chloe Hodgson
Chloe HodgsonLevel 2 Practitioner

I am a newly qualified Level 2 Early Years Practitioner who joined the Childerwood team in July 2026. I am excited to begin developing my practical experience and putting my knowledge into practice within a busy Early Years environment.

I am passionate about supporting children to feel safe, happy and confident as they learn and explore. I enjoy building positive relationships with children and helping them develop their independence, communication and confidence through everyday experiences and play.

Joining Childerwood is an exciting opportunity for me to continue learning from experienced practitioners and strengthen my practical skills. I am keen to develop my knowledge, learn from those around me and grow in confidence as an Early Years professional.

Chloe Hodgson
Chloe HodgsonLevel 2 Practitioner

I am a newly qualified Level 2 Early Years Practitioner who joined the Childerwood team in July 2026. I am excited to begin developing my practical experience and putting my knowledge into practice within a busy Early Years environment.

I am passionate about supporting children to feel safe, happy and confident as they learn and explore. I enjoy building positive relationships with children and helping them develop their independence, communication and confidence through everyday experiences and play.

Joining Childerwood is an exciting opportunity for me to continue learning from experienced practitioners and strengthen my practical skills. I am keen to develop my knowledge, learn from those around me and grow in confidence as an Early Years professional.

Phoebe-Mae Miller
Phoebe-Mae MillerLevel 5 Practitioner
Phoebe-Mae Miller
Phoebe-Mae MillerLevel 5 Practitioner

Other Team Members

Eleanor Dodd
Eleanor DoddNursery Custodian

I hold a Level 1 qualification in Early Years and have a real passion for supporting young children as they learn, grow and develop. As a parent of four children, I also bring valuable personal experience and an understanding of the importance of creating a safe, caring and nurturing environment for every child.

Since joining Childerwood, I have become a flexible and valued member of the team, supporting the setting in many different ways. Alongside my Early Years work, I provide lunch cover, support with cooking when required and cover our evening cleaning duties when our cleaners are on leave.

I am enthusiastic about Early Years and enjoy being part of a team that puts children at the heart of everything we do. I love getting involved, supporting wherever I am needed and creating positive experiences for the children.

I am proud to be part of the Childerwood team and look forward to continuing to develop my Early Years knowledge, skills and experience.

Eleanor Dodd
Eleanor DoddNursery Custodian

I hold a Level 1 qualification in Early Years and have a real passion for supporting young children as they learn, grow and develop. As a parent of four children, I also bring valuable personal experience and an understanding of the importance of creating a safe, caring and nurturing environment for every child.

Since joining Childerwood, I have become a flexible and valued member of the team, supporting the setting in many different ways. Alongside my Early Years work, I provide lunch cover, support with cooking when required and cover our evening cleaning duties when our cleaners are on leave.

I am enthusiastic about Early Years and enjoy being part of a team that puts children at the heart of everything we do. I love getting involved, supporting wherever I am needed and creating positive experiences for the children.

I am proud to be part of the Childerwood team and look forward to continuing to develop my Early Years knowledge, skills and experience.