Nicky Norton, Nursery Manager
Qualifications: NNEB, Foundation Degree Early Years Leadership, BA (Hons) First Class Early Years Leadership, Early Years Professional Status.
I have over 30 years experience in childcare. I have worked as a Nursery Manager, Early Years Consultant and an Ofsted Inspector and have also owned my own nursery. I joined Little Explorers in February 2018 and I am passionate about providing outstanding, quality childcare and education for all our babies and children. I am committed to working in partnership with parents to ensure that all our children receive the very best start on their learning journey.
Amanda Pemberton: Deputy Manager
Qualifications: BTec Level 3 Children’s Learning & Development
I have worked at Little Explorers since August 2013, having started as an Early Years Practitioner. I have worked as a Room Leader in all of the nursery rooms. In my current role as Deputy Manager I am responsible for supporting the Nursery Manager to ensure we provide the very best provision for our children and families.
Alex Murtagh, Head of Pre-School Education
Qualifications: BA (Hons) Primary Education: Early Years, Early Years Teacher Status
In my role, I oversee the curriculum and lead Phonics and number sessions, focussed group activities and small intervention groups. I work closely with our sister setting in Barrow to oversee the Pre-School Education as a whole. When children leave Little Explorers they are well equipped for their transition into Primary education. I love working in a team and have been at Little Explorers since February 2016.
Linda McCann, Finance / Admin
I have worked at Little Explorers since 2016. I work 2 days a week at nursery; Monday and Wednesday. My job is to oversee the finance, including fees. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any help with payments or funding.
Sally Ashworth, Caterpillars Room Leader
Qualifications: BA (Hons) Degree in Childcare
I have over 25 years of experience working in nurseries with young children. I hold a full and relevant qualification in childcare. I am paediatric first aid trained.
I love working with young children and helping them to learn and develop at their own pace.
Carly Moss, Butterflies Room Leader (Maternity leave)
Qualifications: Level 3 in Children’s Play, Learning and Development
I have worked in nurseries since 2017. I started working at Little Explorers in September 2020 and have been the room Leader in Butterflies. I am Paediatric First Aid Trained. I enjoy carrying out exciting activities to help the youngest members learn and grow.
Jodie Penningto
n, Acting Butterflies Room Leader (Maternity Cover)
Qualifications: Level 3 EYE
I have worked at Little Explorers since April 2021. I am the Acting Room Lead of Butterflies, covering Carly’s maternity leave. I am a very passionate, caring, and friendly person. I am always around should you need anything. I absolutely love working with children and being a part of their development. I thrive on creating a fun, spontaneous and exciting environment for children to be in and thoroughly enjoy creating enticing and exciting activities that will help promote your child’s development. I am also paediatric first aid trained
Rachel Pennington, Ladybirds Room Leader
Qualifications: BA (hons) in Early Childhood Studies
I have worked at Little Explorers since 2015 and have spent some of my time in the 2-3 year room and in Pre-School. I have completed numerous training courses to support learning and development for children. I believe that each child is an individual and all children develop at different stages and through different ways. I am also the Behaviour officer and support the staff in behaviour management.
Rhiannon Swinhoe, Pre-School Room Leader
Qualifications: BA (hons) in Early Childhood Studies
I have worked at Little Explorers for over 5 and a half years now and have spent 5 of these years in pre-school. I am extremely dedicated to attending to children’s different, individual learning and development needs. I am a great believer in every child being unique and love to see them following their own interests and developing their individuality through everyday learning and new experiences.
The senior management team are supported by experienced and skilled Room Managers, Early Years Practitioners, a Housekeeper and a Cook.