Our lovely team

We at St. Aidan’s Day Nursery are proud of our hardworking team, some of whom have been with us since 2011. We have built a team of practitioners that are enthusiastic about what they do by fostering a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere where they are recognized and their goals and ideas are encouraged. The children in our care benefit from continuity and a stable environment as a consequence of the limited staff turnover that creates a close-knit team.

We recognise outstanding education and qualifications, but we also emphasise the importance of experience and ongoing professional growth. We are a highly qualified team of professionals, who support each other on our journey to continuous personal and professional development. Furthermore, all members of staff will hold a valid Paediatric First Aid certificate, complete regular Safe Guarding training and all new members of staff are subject to DBS clearance.

  • Joanne Hodder

    Nursery Manager

    Qualifications:

    • Level 5 Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies
    • Safeguarding Officer
    • Paediatric First Aid
    • Level 2 food Hygiene

    Before joining St Aidan’s, I was a registered childminder for many years and worked in a variety of childcare settings. I arrived at St Aidan’s as a nursery nurse in the Preschool room. After some time here, I moved through many responsibilities, including Senior Nursery Nurse, Deputy Manager, and now Nursery Manager. St Aidan’s is my passion; working here for over twelve years has been very satisfying, ensuring that all our families have access to high-quality provision.

    I absolutely love my job, the relationships we form with the children and their families are very special and I feel privileged to be able to work with them daily. I have worked passionately over recent years to incorporate our journey on the Curiosity approach and provide the children with a beautiful environment.

    I enjoy spending time with my family especially my two beautiful Granddaughters, Hollie and Eliza. We love to go on walks, enjoying the fresh air whilst going on adventures with my adorable (and crazy) Frenchie, Etta!

  • Jemma Donkin

    Deputy Manager / Preschool Senior

    Qualifications:

    • BA (Hons) Early Childhood studies
    • SENCO
    • Paediatric First Aid
    • Safeguarding
    • Level 2 Food Hygiene

    I have always known that I wanted to work with children. Before joining St Aidan’s, I worked in primary school nurseries including the one I attended myself as a child. After a few years in schools, I came to St Aidan’s working across all the rooms and fell in love with nursery life.

    I completed my SENCO training and now work as the nursery SENDCO, developing my awareness of different approaches and being privileged to work alongside specialists such as Occupational therapists and Speech and Language Therapists, ensuring each child has equal opportunities to learn and thrive.

    For a while, I lead the Toddler room, the uniqueness and variety of the two-year-olds always kept me smiling. I am now the Deputy Manager and run the Preschool room.

    At St. Aidan’s, each day is unique and fascinating. I have a strong desire to design activities that are engaging, intriguing, and welcoming. I create fresh play invites depending on the interests and future stages of all the children.

    Most of my free time is spent with my family, I have a two-year-old Nephew, Theo whom I adore. I enjoy visiting new places such as local farms and the beach, giving him new opportunities to learn. I also love getting stuck into a good book or Netflix series and attend weekly morning swims.

  • India Herring

    Baby Room Senior

    Qualifications:

    • Level 3 in Childcare and Education
    • Paediatric First Aid
    • Safeguarding
    • Level 2 Food Hygiene

    I came to St Aidan’s from my college apprenticeship many years ago. I have always loved and enjoyed working with children. When I first started, I worked across all the rooms and then settled into the Toddler room. The Toddler room is an exciting and ever changing atmosphere. After being the Senior practitioner in that room for a while, I moved to the Baby room. I am now the Senior practitioner in the Baby room and love every minute! I am passionate about creating a safe and homely experience where are babies feel valued, loved and nurtured.

    I am passionate and happy in my role here at St Aidan’s. There is no greater joy that watching a baby develop and grow turning into a happy and inquisitive child. As part of my role, I embed the Curiosity Approach into the baby room, I provide the children with loose parts and malleable objects that give them fascinating and engaging opportunities for sensory based learning.

    I enjoy travelling to new places with my family and my dog Halo. I enjoy eating out and trying new restaurants. I also enjoy a good cup of Yorkshire tea!

  • Resham Salman

    Toddler Room Senior

    Qualifications:

    • Level 5 Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies
    • Safeguarding
    • Paediatric First Aid
    • Level 2 food Hygiene

    I have many years’ experience working in various childcare settings. I joined St Aidan’s over ten years ago and have worked across all the rooms, including working directly with children with SEND. Much of my experience has been in the Toddler room, where I am now the Senior practitioner.
    I have worked closely with children of all learning abilities and provide personalised activities and opportunities to support development. Children go through a lot of big changes and learning curves in the Toddler room and I am privileged to witness and support this.

    Working in the Toddler room is fun and exciting. No two days are the same and there is nothing I love more than seeing their faces when they achieve something they have been working on!

    I am very family oriented and have a large family both in the UK and abroad. I enjoy travelling to new places, seeing the sights and enjoying the sunshine! I also enjoy a good Netflix series with an iced coffee!