Meet the Team
All our staff have full and current DBS checks in place.
Jacqui
&
Proprietor
Early Years Provider
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Brian
Proprietor
Jacqui's career began in Textiles and Ceramic Design following studying Business Studies and Surface Pattern Design, whilst Brian had an eclectic career from farming, haulage, oil industry and the residential care sector. However, after having children of their own, Jacqui and Brian's focus changed and they became heavily involved with their children's schools, running the PTFA and Jacqui became a School Governor. As their own children became teenagers, Jacqui and Brian felt the time was right to focus their career path into Early Years Education and set up Cats Whiskers Day Nursery.
Felicity (Fizz)
Early Years Manager
Designated Safeguarding Lead
SENDCO
BA(HONS)
EYP
Fizz is Brian and Jacqui's daughter. She has a degree in Performing Arts and Music from RWCMD and Coventry University and a post-graduate qualification as an Early Years Professional.
As a qualified percussionist and trained in Musical Theatre and Dance, Fizz brings her passion of the Arts into the nursery, to enable the children to have diverse and exciting creative opportunities.
Caroline
Deputy Manager
SENDCO
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
CACHE Level 3
Caroline has been a part of the Cats Whiskers Team since we opened in October 2000. Her love of science experiments, story-telling and singing with the children make her a much loved member of staff.
As the nursery SENDCO, Caroline supports a number of children and families with their child's development, to enable them to reach the best of their potential.
Carol
Administrator
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
CACHE Level 3
An integral part of the management team, Carol supports all the staff in managing ratios, funding, health and safety, deployment and keeping on top of paperwork. Carol loves a spreadsheet!
She is also a qualified nursery practitioner and the children love when she plays the piano for them to sing along to.
Clare
Under 3's Team Leader
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Foundation Degree in Early Education
Clare has worked at the nursery for over 10 years, working her way up the team. She loves to cook and the children are able to join in with these activities regularly, which gives them lots of learning opportunities.
Clare oversees the Under 3's Team and supports all the youngest children and their families.
Simona
Baby room Team Lead
CACHE Level 3 Early Years Educator
Simona joined the team in 2021. Simona's calming nature, organisational skills and friendly personality make her the perfect addition to the team. Simona is originally from Italy and speaks (and writes) fluently in Italian and English.
Hazel
Nursery Practitioner
NVQ 3 Childcare and Education
Hazel has been at the nursery for over 14 years and is much loved by the children. Her caring nature helps children to warm to her quickly.
Hazel currently works in our baby room 'Apples', but has much experience across the whole nursery.
Megan
Nursery Practitioner
NVQ 2 Early Years Educator
Megan joined the team several years ago and her confidence has flourished in that time. Trained in patisserie, she regularly bakes with our toddlers, which not only helps them to develop their gross and fine motor skills, but means they have something yummy and home made for tea too!
Rudi
Nursery Practitioner
Foundation Degree in Early Years
Rudi joined the Cats Whiskers team following completing her college placements here just before the first Lockdown. Rudi is passionate about Early Years Education and her warm personality mean that children settle in quickly and love spending time with her. Rudi loves to create exciting learning opportunities for the children in her care.
Laura
Nursery Practitioner
CACHE Level 2 Early Years Educator
Laura qualified as an early years educator before having 4 children of her own! 3 of Laura's children came through Cats Whiskers and Laura was keen to join the work family now they are all at school. Laura is currently working towards her level 3 as an Early Years Educator.
Charlotte
Nursery Assistant
Charlotte came to Cats Whiskers as a young child and then returned to do her work experience in 2019. Having left college with three A-levels, Charlotte joined the Cats Whiskers team full time in Summer 2022. She is hoping to study musical theatre in London before doing a PGCE in primary education.
Shannon
Nursery Practitioner
CACHE Level 3 Early Years Educator
Shannon has now been part of the Cats Whiskers Team for several years. She has a bubbly personality and a 'can do' attitude, which helps the children to have the same. Shannon is very organised and loves to give the children fun challenges throughout the day. She is a committed and dedicated member of the Cats Whiskers Team.
Lily
Nursery Practitioner
Trainee Early Years Teacher
Lily graduated from Arts University Bournemouth in 2021 with a degree in Animation. She joined the Cats Whiskers team in Spring 2022 and is currently completing a post-graduate degree as an Early Years teacher. Lily loves using her creative skills in activities with the children. Lily was brought up in the South of France and is fluent in both French and English.
Greg
Music Specialist
Royal College of Music and Drumtech - London
Greg is Brian and Jacqui's son and, like Fizz, is a trained musician. He is a professional drummer, freelancing for many bands and theatres around the country, but has also done a vast amount of teaching.
Greg, when his timetable allows, provides the nursery with fun and exciting African Drumming and Drum Kit workshops throughout the year.
Morgan
Chef
Morgan is in charge of cooking all our delicious and healthy meals in nursery. Her food is absolutely delicious and keeps the children energised for a full day of play and learning.
Lily
Nursery Practitioner
CACHE Level 3 Early Years Educator
Lily began working at Cats Whiskers while she was completing her BTEC Level 3 Early Years Educator at Brockenhurst College. Lily is now training at Bath Spa University to be a Primary School Teacher and returns to Cats Whiskers in her holidays.
Millie
Nursery Practitioner
CACHE Level 3 Early Years Educator
Millie is not just part of the Cats Whiskers family but is also part of the Pringle family! Millie loves supporting the children in being healthy and exercising.
Lucy
Nursery Assistant
Lucy is currently completing a foundation degree in illustration at Arts University Bournemouth. Lucy's bubbly and creative personality really inspires the children to get involved and have lots of fun.