Our Nursery Team

Meet the friendly faces behind Wheatley Hill Community Nursery 

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Albert Schweitzer

Meet the team who make it all happen. We have a large group of staff who cater to all areas of the nursery's operations. 

Emma O'Callaghan
Nursery Manager

Hello, my name is Emma, I am a highly qualified and experienced primary school teacher with QTS and 12 years’ experience, with an Early Years specialism and vast experience in the Early Years, having been an Early Years leader across two schools.
Working with OFSTED and other outside agencies has been an important part of my experience as a teacher and leader. Having a clear curriculum, direction
& assessments for one’s children’s learning has been essential to allow individual children to thrive and develop.

Jodie Simpson
Deputy Manager & SENCO Lead

Hello, my name is Jodie and I have worked in childcare for over 15 years working in childcare that much that I have even travelled abroad to work with children making some amazing memories along the way, it also furthered my knowledge of childcare and gave me lots of great ideas to bring back to other settings that I have worked in.
 I have a passion for the great outdoors and love to explore the surroundings of the world we live in, providing lots of fantastic learning opportunities to further children’s development.
I have good relationships with the children and parents who attend the nursery and continue to build partnerships regularly.  
 

Angela McCormick
Business Administrator

Hello, my name is Angela and I am the business administrator for the nursery. I have a passion for both business and education, having a degree in business management alongside QTS in primary education. I have worked as a business owner running a music tuition business for many years, before training and working as a primary teacher. 
I have 6 children of my own, who have all been a part of the Wheatley hill community nursery family over the years. 

Megan Bartram 
Nursery Practitioner
Baby Room
 

Hello my name is Megan. Within my personal life I have recently had a baby, therefore, can relate to new parents extremely well and understand the difficulties they may face leaving their children at first. Within my work experience I have gained numerous skills such as
organisational skills, team working, time management, communication skills and the ability to use my own initiative. Throughout my work experience I also gained knowledge of the EYFS, Ofsted inspections
and the importance of safeguarding. 

Steph Sanders
Two Year Room Practitioner

Hello my name is Stephanie, I started my journey  here in 2011 and had the pleasure of working in all three rooms.
I currently hold a level 3 qualification in Child care and education and have completed many training opportunities within my time here. 
This helps extend my knowledge and allows me to continue to provide a stimulating, challenging environment for children to learn and grow.
I am looking forward to making memories. 

Sally Stewart
Three Year Room Practitioner

Hello, my name is Sally Stewart and I have always worked with children, in my previous role I was a nanny for a family, and the pleasure and proudness I felt from watching them grow and to know I had made a difference in their lives is amazing.

Mia Maslin

Nursery Apprentice

Two Year Room


I am a kind and caring individual who thrives on helping support children to develop and learn within their next steps. In my previous settings I have supported children's learning following various tools such as the EYFS and how to implement this into children's day to day routines. I have knowledge that all children develop in different stages and look forward to supporting and helping in anyway I can. 

Jaye Thomas
Three Year Room Lead

Hello  my name is Jaye I started working for Wheatley Hill Community Nursery in 2022 providing support for all rooms. I have worked within childcare settings since leaving college, and have had experience in various settings and after school clubs, one of which I was the designated safeguarding officer for, i love helping children learn and building many memories along the way.

 Sarah Watkins
Baby Room Lead

Hello, my name is Sarah 
I started my journey with a Level 3 Childcare qualification and have since had many training opportunities which have extended my knowledge further. 
I have had the amazing opportunity to work in all rooms, gathering an understanding of learning and development in different ages.
I have always had a passion for working with children and become invested in supporting and encouraging them to learn and develop throughout their time with us, gaining joy and pride from seeing them flourish as they grow.

Leanne Coyles 
Nursery Practitioner

Hello  my name is Leanne, I have always had a passion for working with young children, I am a very caring hardworking person with a positive personality. During my time I have worked with children ages 0-5 and I found this very rewarding. I love being around children bringing out the best of them. I am also on the PTA for school and surrounding myself around this makes me want to thrive in this sector even more.

Laura Lowery
Baby Room Lead 

Hello my name is Laura. I started my journey here at Wheatley Hill Community Nursery in January 2017 as a full time member of the team.   
I am very passionate and love to provide opportunities for children to reach their full potential having fun while building special memories. I am delighted to watch the children grow and flourish.

Pauline Bennett
Nursery Cook

Hi my name is Pauline I have the pleasure of working in our amazing nursery as the cook.
I have fantastic relationships with all the children, and I enjoy coming to nursery to see their happy faces, watching them learn, grow and play. 
I provide them with delicious and nutritious meals and snacks while at nursery adhering to all dietary requirements.






Shelby Stephenson Apprentice Practitioner

I am passionate about working with young children and enjoy observing and supporting children within their next steps. I have gained knowledge and understanding through my college courses and placements and I have worked alongside the EYFS whilst supporting children's daily activities.
You will find me engrossed in the cosy corner, as I love to share stories with children helping to build on their communication and language





Nicole Dunning
Two Year Room Lead

Hello, my name is Nicole  and I was a parent here at Wheatley Hill Community Nursery both my children and nephew have had lots of fantastic experiences here at nursery and when the opportunity was presented to work in the nursery I couldn’t wait to apply.
I am very passionate about working with children and love to plan activities especially baking.





Sarah Smith
Three Year Room Lead

My name is Sarah and I've been at Wheatley Hill Community Nursery since August 2023. I work with the 3-5 year old children helping them learn all the skills to be school ready alongside making their journey with us a fun and exciting one. I love drawing with them, reading stories and watching their imagination run wild in our role play area. In my spare time I enjoy photography, going to gigs and spending time with my nephew Ollie.





Lorna - Beth Bartram
Baby Room  Practitioner

Hi my name is Lorna-Beth and I have worked with Children for over 13 years and have experience working with children aged from 0-5. I really enjoy lots of things about working with children one of my favourite parts is creating bonds with the children and watching them grow, develop and learn new things all whilst playing and having fun. I enjoy spending time with  my husband Stephen and our little boy Beau we enjoy going on lots of days out. 

Hannah Britt

Three year room practitioner

I am excited to start my new adventure at Wheatley Hill Community Nursery, I have been lucky enough to work with children aged 0-11 years and have come to love working with 0-3 years. Previous to this, I was a primary school teaching assistant and often worked in the Early Years sector with a few SEN children and I loved it. This new adventure has allowed me to continue working in the Education Room in which I am extremely excited for.

Lisa Forbes

Nursery Practitioner

Hi my name is Lisa and I am a dedicated and compassionate care professional with over 20 years of experience in the care sector. Specializing in supporting children and young people, I have worked extensively with individuals with autism, learning disabilities, mental health challenges, and children in care.

Chloe Black

Tw year room Practitioner

Hello, My name is Chloe and I have worked in childcare for 3 years. I really enjoy helping children grow and seeing them achieving there goals. I am excited to start my journey here in the 2-3 year old room, and look forward to meeting you all.