Our Staff

Sally Shields- Manager
 

My name is Sally Shields and I have worked with children for as long as I can remember!

I have been working at Little Nightingales since it opened in 2007 . I was made Manager in 2009. Since taking the manager post I have had lots of new experiences which in turn brings their own challenges. I am a qualified and experienced Nursery Nurse with over 20 years experience. I currently have a level 4 diploma in childcare. I have also gained various qualifications such as Paediatric First Aid, Advanced Food hygiene, Child protection, Safe guarding children, behavior management and a wide range of team building courses.

As a Manager it is incredibly important that the children in my care not only have lots of fun but learn as much as they can through good quality play. It is equally important for all the children and their families to feel nurtured, secure and valued within our nursery environment.

Being the Manager is not just a job to me, it’s a big part of my life. I value and respect every child, parent and carer who is fortunate enough to become part of the ‘Little Nightingales’ family.
 
 

 

Sharmila Tamang -
Deputy Manager
 

Hi,My name is Sharmila.
 
I have six years experience of working with children and joined Little Nightingales in 2008. I hold an NVQ Level 3 in Childcare. Having started as a nursery nurse, I work in the pre-school room and my main aim is to ensure that when the children leave us to go onto big school they are ready and raring to go. My passion is to help children develop in every area of learning and see them grow into confident little individuals. I take great pride in coming to work each day to work closely with Sally to ensure that every child in our care receives the best nursery experience.
 

 

Naomi McNamee - Assistant Deputy Manager
 

My name is Naomi and I am 23 years old.  I have worked for Little Nightingales since July 2009.  I have always loved looking after children and enjoy watching them learn and grow through play.  So far I have achieved my Level 3 diploma in childcare.  I also have my Paediatric first aid, and food hygiene certification. I am currently the Health and Safety officer for the nursery which allows me to maintain a high level of safety for all the children and staff.

 

Alice Mahaffey - Pre-school Leader

Hi.My Name is Alice and I am 24 years old. 
 
I am currently the Pre-school leader  I have a Level 5 qualification in early years and I am in my final year at Hertfordshire University completing my degree in Early Years & Education. 
I have a passion for working with children and have worked within the early year’s sector for nearly 5 years now. My main aim is to help children thrive and help them achieve all their goals from a young age.
I am currently the safe guarding officer for Little Nightingales.

Naomi Lewis - The Woodpeckers - Room Leader

I have been studying childcare for nearly 3 years now.  I have my NVQ Level 3 in childcare and education.  I came into childcare because I find it very rewarding to see children achieve and learn so much from a young age.  I intend to continue studying within the early years sector as I know there is so much we can offer these young children to help them become confident adults.
 
In my spare time I like to socialise and my main hobby is cheerleading.  I currently compete in competitions. 
 

Melissa Reck - The Nest - Room Leader

Hi, my name is Melissa and I recently joined Little Nightingales.  I have been working with children since I left school.
 
I have a Level 3 qualification in childcare.  As well as Paediatric first aid, food hygiene and SenCo certificates. 
In my spare time I like to socialise with friends and family, go to the gym and relax.
I recently spent some time working aboard with children with additional needs which I found very rewarding.

 

Marilyn Journet -Nursery Nurse

Hi, my name is Marilyn and I work part time for Little Nightingales.  I have been looking after children since I left school and find it a very rewarding job.  There is also a fun factor to looking after children of all ages. 
I have recently completed my Level 2 in childcare and start my level 3 very soon. I currently hold a Paediatric first aid and a food hygiene certificate. 
In my spare time I like to socialise with friends and listen to music.




 

Nursery Nurse - Bernie Aldridge

Hi, I’m Bernie and I have worked for Little Nightingales since May 2009.  I have a NVQ level 2 in Childcare as well as , Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding children, and Food Hygiene qualifications. 
Since joining Little Nightingales I have worked in most of the rooms but I am now based in the baby room which I find most rewarding.  I find it a very interesting job and I feel I gain a lot from helping the babies grow and reach their full potential. 
I am a mum of 3 girls myself so I have personal hands on experience which has come in really handy in the Nest.
 
In my spare time I like to Read and socialise with family and friends.

 

Sophie England - Nursery Nurse

 
Hi, my name is Sophie and I recently joined Little Nightingales.  I have been working with children for 3 years now and enjoy it.  
I have a Level 2 qualification in childcare and I intend to start my Level 3 very soon.  I am currently placed in the Pre-school room which I find very rewarding as the children have already started to show their own personality.

Arek Kowalczyk - Head Chef

I have been a part of Little Nightingales since it opened in 2007 as my eldest son attended fulltime.  I became Head Chef in 2010 and ensure that all the children’s dietary requirements are met.  I enjoy working in the nursery for several reasons.  One being, it has an open plan kitchen which allows me to feel part of the team.  I also like the fact that I get to see and watch my second son grow and develop under the high standards of care that the nursery offers.
 

 

 

Emily Journet
Banking staff / Lunch time assistant