Meet the Leadership Team

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My name is Jane and I am the manager of First Friends Day Nursery at Wootey, Alton.

I have previously worked as Deputy Manager for a nationwide nursery chain and completed my Level 3 qualification a few years’ ago. I am extremely passionate about SENCo and ensuring every child is provided with equal opportunities. What I love most about my role is seeing the children learn and thrive throughout their journey with us.

Leanne is NDNA's National Nursery Practitioner of the Year!

I have a Level 3 in Playwork, Level 1 & 2 in Makaton, First Aid,  and I am the SENDCO lead at First Friends.  I am particularly passionate about being an advocate for SEND children  and their families! 

I love being apart of all the children's learning journeys  and being apart of creating an environment where the children develop a passion for learning and have fun!

Hello, I am Sharon, the nursery manager.

I'm a seasoned childcare professional with over 20 years of experience, including 15 years in managerial roles. I've worked in nurseries of various sizes, from cosy setups with 30 children to bustling environments accommodating up to 110 little ones.

With a foundation degree in early years and a level 5 qualification in Leadership & Management and hold certifications as a level 3 Forest School leader and a level 4 in Safeguarding, I ensure children's safety and holistic development at all times.

Passionate about child-led play, I believe in nurturing children's natural curiosity. My journey into childcare was inspired by my own six children.

Despite being profoundly deaf, I can communicate effectively through lip-reading, ensuring inclusive and supportive interactions with both children and colleagues.

 Hello my name is Sally and I’m level 3 qualified  SENCO lead of our nursery . I am  currently based in the preschool room. 

I joined first friends Basingstoke in January 2018 as a nursery practitioner. 

I love to see the progress the children make and watching them grow on their  individual journey to become Independent and ready for school. 

I live with my partner and have four children.

Hello!  I am responsible for the overall management of the nursery; ensuring all children are safeguarded, providing 

high standards of care and early learning experiences.

I have over 10 years working in childcare, including two years working as a nursery manager at another nursery in Wiltshire, where I was finalist for Manager of the year in 2021.  

I have a Batchelor Degree in Early Years Childcare  and Education, Paediatric First Aider & Safeguarding Mental Health First Aider, to name but a few.

 I’ve been working in early years education for over 20 years, starting as a nursery practitioner and working my way up to nursery manager. I hold a degree in Early Years and EYPS (Early Years Professional Status), which has helped shape my approach to childcare. After having my first child, I became a childminder and later trained as an Early Years tutor and assessor, a role I fulfilled for two years. However, my true passion has always been working within a nursery, which is what brought me to First Friends. In my spare time, I love exploring the local area with my husband and our two young children.

 With a background in childcare spanning over two decades, I'm proud  to lead our beloved nursery in Eastleigh. I've been an integral part of  the First Friends family, starting my journey as a nursery manager at our  Basingstoke branch.  

My commitment to excellence led me to temporarily manage our nursery  in Barford St Martin for a fulfilling six-month stint. Qualified with a NNEB in 1994, I'm passionate about nurturing movement  skills in children. 

I believe these skills not only enhance cognitive abilities  but also boost self-esteem and resilience. 

 I'm Emma, proudly serving as the SENDco at our lovely nursery. 

With a  wealth of experience as a qualified Early Years Educator since 1999, when I  obtained my NNEB CACHE Diploma, I've been deeply involved in nurturing  young minds. 

Beyond the nursery, I'm a mother to two boys, one of whom has been  diagnosed as autistic. This personal experience fuels my passion for  supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and their  families .