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
Deputy 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.
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 Childcare and Education
Megan joined the team a couple of 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
CACHE Level 3 Early Years Educator
Training for Foundation Degree
Rudi is the newest addition to the Cats Whiskers team, joining us on a permanent basis since the first Lockdown.
Rudi did her final placement with us for her Level 3 course before joining us permanently. She is currently working towards her Foundation Degree at Brockenhurst College.
Shannon
Nursery Practitioner
CACHE Level 3 Childcare and Education
Shannon has been with us for approximately 3 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.
Millie
Nursery Practitioner
CACHE Level 3
Millie joined the Cats Whiskers Team 2 years ago as a nursery apprentice. As Brian and Jacqui's great niece, and having several nurses in her family, caring for others comes as second nature to Millie.
She is a fast learner, bright, dedicated and adored by the children. She plans brilliant activities for the children, especially in terms of physical development and well-being, often teaching the children about healthy eating and exercise.
Alicia
Nursery Apprentice
Working towards CACHE Level 3
Alicia joined the Cats Whiskers Team just over a year ago as a nursery apprentice. She is aiming to qualify towards the middle of next year.
Alicia loves to plan fun activities with the children that spark their creativity and imagination. She also loves to cook and bake and will often make different types of foods with the children including smoothies, breads, cakes, soups and pizzas.
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.