I’ve worked in childcare my whole life, starting with babysitting jobs as a young teenager, I’ve worked in schools and other nurseries before taking the leap to open my own setting, and never looked back!

I have three children Archie is 21, Ruby is 17 and has also started working at the nursery – and Wilf who is 4 and been through the nursery and now going to school – In case you’re wondering I don’t highly recommend a 13 age gap…

In my spare time I enjoy horse riding, looking after our nursery animals, walking our dogs, paddle boarding, skiing and anything else that involves a little bit of adrenaline. I love animals as much as children and if I weren’t doing this I’d probably be working with animals of some sort.

Over the past 13 years I have worked predominantly in Nursery settings and have also worked abroad.

I have had experience with all age group mainly under 5’s and love each age and stage of development, my favourite age would probably be Toddlers!

I love exploring the outdoors with the little ones, reading stories and helping them to achieve their individual goals as they grow into the little people they are going to be!

In my spare time I enjoy anything water related! Walks and going to the gym!

I started at the Ark 21 years ago as a Nursery Assistant which I loved and then progressed in to the office later on. I really enjoy working in the nursery environment and seeing all the children, and often sneak out of the office to enjoy a cuddle or chat with them all!

I have two children, one at senior school and one at primary school – so getting a bit older although never any easier it seems! In my spare time I enjoy reading and walking my naughty French bulldog Rufus.

I’ve been at Ark since 2017 and my main role is to manage the accounts and payroll, so I love it when I get to escape the numbers and help out with the children in the rooms!

I’ve worked in a few different educational settings from Exeter college to volunteering at primary school but early years is my favourite

When I get any spare time I also have a small business Drawn Together – personalised artwork where I make resources for ours and other early years settings as well as gifts, calligraphy signage and engraving – basically anything I can get creative with!

I started in the toddler room which I enjoyed helping children reach their individual goals but babies are where my passion lies.

I have worked within child care for 23 years starting with babysitting which made me realise that this is what I wanted to do!

I’ve worked in a variety of settings from schools to nurseries from running a nursery to working alongside Sendco’s and mentoring staff towards their NVQ’S.

I enjoy developing the children’s love for the outdoors and messy activities! In my spare time I like to socialise with friends and family taking walks and enjoying making memories.

I qualified as a Level 3 practitioner in 2017 and I’ve had several years experience working with children and young people since. My field of interest is Special Educational Needs. I graduated from my Special Educational Needs and Disability Studies degree in 2022 and have since worked in a special needs school mainly in the early years classroom and had my work published in the Research in Teacher Education Journal (November 2023 edition).

I love working with young children and helping them reach their full potential, seeing them flourish and develop their own personalities and confidence. I love anything sensory play, messy play, action songs (my Makaton comes in handy here!) dancing and reading stories with props.

In my spare time, I love going on walks, meeting up with friends and ice skating when I can!

I’ve been in childcare for 20+yrs and have mainly worked with preschool and toddler ages (toddlers being my favourite love the craziness).

I joined AITP almost 8 years ago and have always been based in the Toddler room. I love coming up with creative activities to do with the children.

I have two grown up children, one of whom works here at Ark in the Park, in my own time I enjoy walking, outdoor activities and spending time with my family and friends.

…igniting a passion that has carried me through high – end hotels and landed me here, creating fresh, nutritious meals for the children in our care.

When I’m not stirring up delicious dishes you’ll find me along the coastline, savouring family walks, kayaking and diving into a good book whenever time allows.

Working at the nursery isn’t just a job ; it’s a heartfelt commitment to nurturing young minds through the joys of wholesome foods.

As part of my additional role I support staff and parents, helping to support children who need extra support with speech and language, behaviour support and supporting children with more complex needs.

I have been working with pre-school age children since 1994 as well as bringing up my own two boys. I have worked at Ark in the Park for over sixteen and half years.

I enjoy teaching early years Mathematics and Literacy in a fun way. I love reading and telling stories to the children and I also love doing all the creative arts from arts and craft to singing and music with the children.

In my spare time I enjoy listening to music, watching live bands, going to watch musical theatre and I’m learning to play the guitar. I also love going for walks and spending time with my family.

I started off doing work experience and then I did my Level 3 in college. After completing my course I worked in a small nursery where I quickly became the nurseries special educational needs coordinator, I was there for six years.

I came to Ark in December 2019 to work in Junior Crocodiles supporting Clare. Then in February 2022, I moved across to Junior Butterflies. Working in childcare, there is never a dull moment! No two days are the same that’s why I enjoy it so much. I love the random conversations, the craziness, and the weird and wonderful questions.

In my spare time I enjoy baking, cramming in as many holidays as I can and going on lovely walks with my Dog Nelly.