I am Owner/Manager of Mad Hatters Nursery, including the nursery SENCO (Special Education Needs Co-Ordinator). Although these are my official titles, I am also a mum of 2 beautiful children and at nursery I am here to support my team, and the children in our care wherever I am needed. If that is fixing a cupboard, cleaning, helping in the kitchen, changing a nappy, making bottles, decorating, or generally an extra pair of hands.

I opened my nursery in 2014 and since then I have continued to grow (and no doubt will continue) with the children, as they always teach me something new. I have gained a BA Honours Degree in Early Years, and a Mental Health First Aider certificate while working at Mad Hatters. I have also completed many short courses to continue my personal professional development, and also completed my Level 3 SENCO award.

I also work with Solihull College, tutoring within the Early Years courses, which allows me to build positive relationships with those who are teaching within the sector, including our new Early Years Practitioners. This also allows me to build on staff's personal professional development at nursery, keeping training fresh and current.

Work never seems like "work" as the children bring so much energy, imagination, and character that everyday for me is different, and even though it keeps me on my toes the children are what make everything worth while. So you will always find me with a smile, ready to welcome you and your child for a super, magical day at Mad Hatters Day Nursery

Kathryn is currently our Deputy Manager and has been with Mad Hatters since August 2015.

Kathryn supports the smooth running of the nursery, and focuses on the Mad Hatters team in our under 3's. Kathryn is always full of beans, bouncing from one place to another. She loves reading books in her spare time, and her passion for reading shines through when she reads stories to the children.

Kathryn holds her BTEC Level 3 Diploma in children's care, learning and development, as well as her NCFE Level 2 certificate in principles of team leading, and Level 2 Understanding Autism.

Abe started with Mad Hatters in May 2021 as a temporary chef, however, he has worked wonders in our kitchens and we just couldn't let him go, therefore, became our permanent member of the team in January 2022. Although Abe works in the kitchen creating healthy, nutritious meals for our children he always has the time to stop and say hello to the children.

Abe has many years experience in the food industry as well as, a Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate, Level 2 Safeguarding, and some short courses such as Health and Nutrition in Early Years, and Food Allergy Awareness.  

Natasha joined Mad Hatters in August 2021 and works within our baby room. Natasha's gentle personality is perfect for creating a warm, welcoming environment for out littlest of children at Mad Hatters.

Natasha holds a level 3 in Children's learning and development, and continues to progress her personal professional development in areas such as Understanding Babies, Blossoming Babies and Understanding Children's Emotions.  

Ella joined our team in June 2022 and holds her Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification. Ella brings a fun and caring personality to the team. Her enthusiasm for thinking of new ideas for the children to explore shows through as the children enjoy their day, and eager to share their play with other staff when we say hello. Ella also holds her Safeguarding Level 2 and continues to develop her professional development through in house training. 

Liam joined our team in September 2022. Liam is based in our pre-school room and supports our team part time, while he is studying for his foundation degree in Early Years. He has also completed his Level 2 Safeguarding training and brings his calm and fun personality to the team, supporting the children in their learning and development.  

We are pleased to be able to students from Solihull college the opportunity to gain experience within a nursery environment to support their Early Years course at college. We feel allowing students to see nursery life in action allows them to put their skills and knowledge into practice. Although our students from Solihull College are treated as part of the team around nursery, we do not count them in our staff:child ratios, allowing them fully take in the day, nd enjoy their time with us, as well as learning and developing their personal skills.

Our nursery puppy is settling in well at nursery. Poppy is vey much loved by the children, and enjoys playing around the garden with them. Poppy is a Cavapoo and has a friendly, loving, and joyful personality around others, and loves to be the centre of attention. 

Jemma is our Assistant Manager and joined Mad Hatters in November 2014, a couple of months after opening our doors.  

Jemma has completed her Level 3 diploma for the children and young people's workforce, and continues to progress her personal professional development in many short courses. Jemma started at Mad Hatters as an Early Years Practitioner within our under 2's, and after progressing to Deputy Manager, Jemma has continued to flourish within nursery, and develop her skills to become assistant manager. She is able to utilise her skills in ensuring the smooth running of the nursery and supports the team throughout the day.

Jemma is a mum herself to 2 beautiful little ones and her kind, gentle and calming personality is perfect for when looking after our little ones.

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Tracy is our Supervisor and joined us in April 2016.

Tracy joined Mad Hatters as our nursery chef however, spent more time talking with the children than cooking (in a good way of course) so after very little persuasion Tracy started an Apprenticeship with us and completed her level 3 Diploma for the early years work force.

However, with a little/big one herself Tracy brings her own experience to the team as well as her new knowledge throughout her course. Tracy has also completed various course such as Level 2 understanding Autism, speech and language and blossoming and understanding babies, and is currently studying a Level 5 leadership and Management Course.

Tracy loves walking her dogs, and socializing with friends. Her fun, loving character is infectious, bringing a smile to the children's day. 

Sam has been with Mad Hatters since the beginning when we opened back in 2014. Sam has a caring and nurturing nature, and her calming personality allows her to build positive relationships with our little ones. Throughout her time here, she has brought 2 amazing little ones into the world, and uses her knowledge and experience within her practice.

Sam has completed her Level 3 in children's learning and development, including a level 2 in understanding Autism. Sam has also completed short courses in Childrens Mental Health, Understanding Babies, Speech and Language and Safeguarding Children. 

Maddie joined our team in September 2023 as an Early Years Apprentice. She has settled well into the team and her bubbly personality is a great addition to our toddler room, supporting the children's learning and development. Maddie continues to develop her knowledge through her course and being able to put her knowledge into practice which is evident throughout her day with the little ones.

Megan joined our team in September 2022 and recently completed her Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification with us at Mad Hatters. Megan's soft, approachable and caring personality ensures the children in our under's feel safe and secure whilst at nursery and allows the children to thrive in different opportunities Megan provides throughout the day.

Amy joined our team in January 2022 and has recently completed her Early Years Educator qualification. Amy's confidence continues to grow and continues to use her new knowledge within the rooms with the children. Amy works alongside our under 2's team, supporting the children in their learning and development.

All our staff are Paediatric First Aid Qualified. (not including students from Solihull College)