Staff
"Staff are attentive and responsive to all children's needs. Staff plan stimulating activities that are based on what they know children like to do and their interests. Staff know children very well. They carefully use their knowledge to develop and support all children to achieve their next steps in learning"
- Ofsted, June 2019
"My son loves all the staff I see him interact with. That means the World, he comes home talking about staff members and is excited to tell them about things he's done outside of nursery."
- Parent/carer questionnaire, February 2024
- Ofsted, June 2019
"My son loves all the staff I see him interact with. That means the World, he comes home talking about staff members and is excited to tell them about things he's done outside of nursery."
- Parent/carer questionnaire, February 2024
Jo Harvey
Owner/Manager
BA (Hons) in Professional Studies in Learning and Development (Early Years).
Paediatric First Aid
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Child protection & Safeguarding
Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene
Jo began working with Pre-school children in 2001. She began her career as the Supervisor at Lamberhurst Pre-school, which subsequently transferred to Fidgets in 2006. Jo strives to ensure that Fidgets is a high quality, caring and fun nursery and Pre-school that she would be happy to send her own children to. In fact all three of her children have attended Fidgets over the years! For more information about Jo click here.
Owner/Manager
BA (Hons) in Professional Studies in Learning and Development (Early Years).
Paediatric First Aid
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Child protection & Safeguarding
Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene
Jo began working with Pre-school children in 2001. She began her career as the Supervisor at Lamberhurst Pre-school, which subsequently transferred to Fidgets in 2006. Jo strives to ensure that Fidgets is a high quality, caring and fun nursery and Pre-school that she would be happy to send her own children to. In fact all three of her children have attended Fidgets over the years! For more information about Jo click here.
Rachael O'Brien
Kitchen/Housekeeping Assistant
Level 2 Award in Food Safety & Hygiene
Paediatric First Aid
Rachael joined the team in October 2020, working primarily within the kitchen meeting the nutritional needs of the children and working closely with our catering company to provide daily snacks and meals.
Rachael is passionate about dancing, having previously taught it, and enjoys bike rides. She has worked within the food industry for 12 years working as a local restaurant manager.
For more information about Rachael click here.
Kitchen/Housekeeping Assistant
Level 2 Award in Food Safety & Hygiene
Paediatric First Aid
Rachael joined the team in October 2020, working primarily within the kitchen meeting the nutritional needs of the children and working closely with our catering company to provide daily snacks and meals.
Rachael is passionate about dancing, having previously taught it, and enjoys bike rides. She has worked within the food industry for 12 years working as a local restaurant manager.
For more information about Rachael click here.
Sophie Saunders
Preschool Room Manager/Deputy Manager
BA (HONS) Early Childhood Practice
Paediatric First Aid
SENCO
Sophie joined in January 2019 and has worked in both the Kindie & Baby Room. She previously worked in another Pre-School setting for four years.
Sophie loves getting outdoors and being creative, and she will often be found taking part in messy painting activities, building giant cardboard creations or having a big dancing session with the children!
For more information about Sophie and what our parents have to say about her click here.
Preschool Room Manager/Deputy Manager
BA (HONS) Early Childhood Practice
Paediatric First Aid
SENCO
Sophie joined in January 2019 and has worked in both the Kindie & Baby Room. She previously worked in another Pre-School setting for four years.
Sophie loves getting outdoors and being creative, and she will often be found taking part in messy painting activities, building giant cardboard creations or having a big dancing session with the children!
For more information about Sophie and what our parents have to say about her click here.
Shannon Taylor
Kindie Room Manager
BA (HONS) Childhood & Youth Studies
Shannon is originally from South Africa and previously worked at Fidgets in 2019, before leaving to gain more experience at another nursery. Since leaving Shannon has completed her Childhood & Youth Studies degree and her Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.
Shannon returned to head up the Kindie Room in January 2022 and has been instrumental at introducing lots of outdoor adventures and sensory messy play for the children to experience.
For more information about Shannon click here.
Elaine Sheard
Baby & Toddler Room Manager
Level 3 Early Years Educator
Level 2 Food safety & hygiene
Level 3 Food management
Paediatric First Aid
Elaine has worked at Fidgets since 2018 originally heading up the running of the kitchen, but now works in The Baby & Toddler Room as the Room Leader. Elaine also worked at the local Primary School for 11 years as the school cook and running their breakfast and after-school clubs. Elaine is a keen gardener and loves to bake with the children.
For more information about Elaine click here.
Baby & Toddler Room Manager
Level 3 Early Years Educator
Level 2 Food safety & hygiene
Level 3 Food management
Paediatric First Aid
Elaine has worked at Fidgets since 2018 originally heading up the running of the kitchen, but now works in The Baby & Toddler Room as the Room Leader. Elaine also worked at the local Primary School for 11 years as the school cook and running their breakfast and after-school clubs. Elaine is a keen gardener and loves to bake with the children.
For more information about Elaine click here.
Alex Taylor
Forest School Manager
BA (HONS) in Early Childhood & Level 3 Forest School Leader
Outdoor First Aid
Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene
Alex has worked at Fidgets since June 2010. Previously, Alex worked with children aged between 3 months – 15 years when she ran a local crèche and holiday sports clubs, as well as a 1:1 carer for children with additional needs.
Alex has two children of her own, is particularly fond of animals and very passionate about outdoor education. In 2019 Alex's role changed from running The Kindie Room to Forest School Manager, working across the whole setting providing more outdoor learning opportunities, running the Forest School and holiday clubs.
For more information about Alex and what our parents have to say about her click here.
Forest School Manager
BA (HONS) in Early Childhood & Level 3 Forest School Leader
Outdoor First Aid
Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene
Alex has worked at Fidgets since June 2010. Previously, Alex worked with children aged between 3 months – 15 years when she ran a local crèche and holiday sports clubs, as well as a 1:1 carer for children with additional needs.
Alex has two children of her own, is particularly fond of animals and very passionate about outdoor education. In 2019 Alex's role changed from running The Kindie Room to Forest School Manager, working across the whole setting providing more outdoor learning opportunities, running the Forest School and holiday clubs.
For more information about Alex and what our parents have to say about her click here.
Alex Desautels
Early Years Practitioner
Eggs to Apples Farm Shop 'Favourite Teacher' winner 2021!
Paediatric First Aid
Alex joined in November 2018 covering sick leave in the kitchen. However it quickly became apparent the children were quite fond of him so he now works with the children, primarily in the Preschool Room, as well as our woodland based outdoor holiday clubs.
Alex is a keen footballer and loves spending time outdoors so can often be seen running around the garden with the children, kicking a ball about, conducting science experiments or performing puppet shows.
For more information about Alex and what our parents have to say about him click here.
Emily Clary
Early Years Educator
Level 3 Childcare and Early Education
Paediatric First Aid
Level 2 Food Hygiene
Emily joined the team in March 2020 and is based primarily in the Baby Room, although she covers across all age groups. Emily can often be found reading stories or taking part in mark making activities with the children.
For more information about Emily click here.
Early Years Educator
Level 3 Childcare and Early Education
Paediatric First Aid
Level 2 Food Hygiene
Emily joined the team in March 2020 and is based primarily in the Baby Room, although she covers across all age groups. Emily can often be found reading stories or taking part in mark making activities with the children.
For more information about Emily click here.
Jenny Fox
Early Years Educator
BA Primary Education QTS
Level 3 Forest School Leader
Outdoor 1st aid
Jenny originally joined the team working part time in the Preschool Room in January 2021, but due to her passion for Forest School, joined Alex working in our Forest School 'Room' which began in September 2021.
Jenny previously worked as a Primary School teacher before taking a break to go travelling. She is passionate about outdoor education and enjoys gardening, dog walks and reading.
For more information about Jenny and what our parents have to say about her click here.
Early Years Educator
BA Primary Education QTS
Level 3 Forest School Leader
Outdoor 1st aid
Jenny originally joined the team working part time in the Preschool Room in January 2021, but due to her passion for Forest School, joined Alex working in our Forest School 'Room' which began in September 2021.
Jenny previously worked as a Primary School teacher before taking a break to go travelling. She is passionate about outdoor education and enjoys gardening, dog walks and reading.
For more information about Jenny and what our parents have to say about her click here.
Alicia Taylor
Early Years Educator
Level 3 Childcare & Early Education
Paediatric 1st Aid
Alicia joined the Fidgets team in 2021 working originally as holiday cover. She is now working full time in the Kindie Room.
Alicia has previous experience working in a Special Educational Needs school in an admin role.
For more information about Alicia and what our parents have to say about her click here.
Early Years Educator
Level 3 Childcare & Early Education
Paediatric 1st Aid
Alicia joined the Fidgets team in 2021 working originally as holiday cover. She is now working full time in the Kindie Room.
Alicia has previous experience working in a Special Educational Needs school in an admin role.
For more information about Alicia and what our parents have to say about her click here.
Amy Osborne
Early Years Educator
Level 3 Diploma in Childcare
Paediatric 1st Aid
Amy joined Fidgets as bank staff in early 2022 and now works part time in the Preschool Room. Amy is also a local childminder and has previous experience working at other nursery settings. She has three children of her own and is part of the Lamberhurst Panto society.
For more information about Amy and what our parents have to say about her click here.
Early Years Educator
Level 3 Diploma in Childcare
Paediatric 1st Aid
Amy joined Fidgets as bank staff in early 2022 and now works part time in the Preschool Room. Amy is also a local childminder and has previous experience working at other nursery settings. She has three children of her own and is part of the Lamberhurst Panto society.
For more information about Amy and what our parents have to say about her click here.
Tianna White
Early Years Practitioner
Tianna joined our team in 2022 and is primarily based in the Kindie Room with the 2-3 year olds. Tianna enjoys reading stories to the children and has recently been interested in developing the children's literacy skills creating her own activities to support this area of learning.
For more information about Tianna click here.
Early Years Practitioner
Tianna joined our team in 2022 and is primarily based in the Kindie Room with the 2-3 year olds. Tianna enjoys reading stories to the children and has recently been interested in developing the children's literacy skills creating her own activities to support this area of learning.
For more information about Tianna click here.
Sienna Molineux
Early Years Practitioner
Sienna Joined us in 2023 and is based primarily in the Kindie Room with our 2-3 year olds. Sienna is hoping to start an Early Years apprenticeship this year to support her professional development.
Sienna enjoys reading and writing whilst at home and has taken an interest in story telling with the children as well as getting outside in the fresh air.
For more information about Sienna click here.
Early Years Practitioner
Sienna Joined us in 2023 and is based primarily in the Kindie Room with our 2-3 year olds. Sienna is hoping to start an Early Years apprenticeship this year to support her professional development.
Sienna enjoys reading and writing whilst at home and has taken an interest in story telling with the children as well as getting outside in the fresh air.
For more information about Sienna click here.
Jo Stone
Early Years Practitioner
1st aid (Neonatal & adults)
Jo joined the team in March 2023 to provide cover across all of our rooms. Jo has worked as a Maternity Support Worker for the past 11 years which she continues to do part time. Jo has children of her own and previous experience working as a Nursery Nurse.
In her spare time Jo enjoys paddle boarding and kayaking!
For more information about Jo click here.
Early Years Practitioner
1st aid (Neonatal & adults)
Jo joined the team in March 2023 to provide cover across all of our rooms. Jo has worked as a Maternity Support Worker for the past 11 years which she continues to do part time. Jo has children of her own and previous experience working as a Nursery Nurse.
In her spare time Jo enjoys paddle boarding and kayaking!
For more information about Jo click here.
George Wilson
Early Years Practitioner
NNEB, Montessori Teacher, Hornsby Diploma in SpLD (Specific Learning Difficulties)
George joined Fidgets in March 2023 providing part time support across all of our rooms, but being primarily based in The Kindie Room. George has lots of experience working in early years having previously worked within various nurseries and school settings for most of her career.
In her spare time George loves painting water colours, gardening and walking her dog around Lamberhurst.
For information about George click here.
Early Years Practitioner
NNEB, Montessori Teacher, Hornsby Diploma in SpLD (Specific Learning Difficulties)
George joined Fidgets in March 2023 providing part time support across all of our rooms, but being primarily based in The Kindie Room. George has lots of experience working in early years having previously worked within various nurseries and school settings for most of her career.
In her spare time George loves painting water colours, gardening and walking her dog around Lamberhurst.
For information about George click here.
Lily Turnbull
Early Years Practitioner
Lily joined Fidgets in May 2024 and is primarily based in the under 2's room. Lily has younger siblings and loves working with children, getting down on their level, giving lots of cuddles and supporting their play.
Lily grew up locally and lives at home with her family, 2 golden retrievers and a cat. Lily loves socialising and visiting hot countries to relax!
Early Years Practitioner
Lily joined Fidgets in May 2024 and is primarily based in the under 2's room. Lily has younger siblings and loves working with children, getting down on their level, giving lots of cuddles and supporting their play.
Lily grew up locally and lives at home with her family, 2 golden retrievers and a cat. Lily loves socialising and visiting hot countries to relax!
Erin Litchfield
Early Years Practitioner
Erin joined Fidgets in May 2024 having left her role as a Police Officer. Erin spent a lot of time working in the Child Protection department and decided she wanted a change. Having always love working closely with families Erin wanted to work with children in a more positive environment where she could make more of an impact on their development.
In her spare time Erin does ladies kickboxing classes and is an avid animal rescuer having multiple dogs, cats, rabbits and chickens (for now)!
Early Years Practitioner
Erin joined Fidgets in May 2024 having left her role as a Police Officer. Erin spent a lot of time working in the Child Protection department and decided she wanted a change. Having always love working closely with families Erin wanted to work with children in a more positive environment where she could make more of an impact on their development.
In her spare time Erin does ladies kickboxing classes and is an avid animal rescuer having multiple dogs, cats, rabbits and chickens (for now)!
Abbey Dickson
Early Years Practitioner
Abbey has always been drawn to working with children and spends a lot of her time looking after her nieces and nephews. Abbey in primarily based working in the Kindie Room.
In her spare time Abbey loves walking and spending time outdoors as well as photography.
Early Years Practitioner
Abbey has always been drawn to working with children and spends a lot of her time looking after her nieces and nephews. Abbey in primarily based working in the Kindie Room.
In her spare time Abbey loves walking and spending time outdoors as well as photography.
Amy Lewis
Early Years Practitioner
Level 2 Early Years
Amy formally joined us in August 2024 after spending her college placement with us. She is primarily based in the Preschool Room and is undergoing her Level 3 qualification. Amy loves the process of getting to know the children as they grow and develop and she enjoys taking part in outdoor education.
Early Years Practitioner
Level 2 Early Years
Amy formally joined us in August 2024 after spending her college placement with us. She is primarily based in the Preschool Room and is undergoing her Level 3 qualification. Amy loves the process of getting to know the children as they grow and develop and she enjoys taking part in outdoor education.
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Lamberhurst Vineyard
Furnace Lane Lamberhurst Kent, TN3 8LA |
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