Meet the Leadership Team
Louise Hayes
Louise Hayes
Louise Hayes
Managing Director
Shanice Butt
Louise Hayes
Louise Hayes
Curriculum & Quality Manager
Paul Smith
Rae Oxlade
Paul Smith
Director
Meet our Nursery Management Team
Melissa Alford
Melissa Alford
Melissa Alford
Barford St. Martin Day Nursery Manager
Email: bsm@firstfriendsltd.co.uk
Sharon Martin
Melissa Alford
Faye Griffiths
Basingstoke Nursery School Manager
Faye Griffiths
Melissa Alford
Faye Griffiths
Eastleigh Day Nursery Manager
Alton: Meet the management team
Jane Noble, Nursery Manager
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.
Beth Graves, Deputy Nursery Manager
Hello, my name is Beth and in the deputy manager of First Friends Day Nursery at Wootey, Alton.
I have worked in child care for over six years. I completed my level 3 qualification a few years ago, learning on the job. I love working in child care because no two days are the same and everyday always bring a new, exciting adventure.
What I love most about my role is seeing how the children develop and learn in such a short amount of time.
Leanne, SENDCO Lead
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!
Basingstoke: Meet the management team
Sharon Martin, Nursery Manager
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.
Ghizlane, Deputy Nursery Manager
My name is Ghizlane Ben Bouchta, and I am the Deputy Nursery Manager. My journey with children began as a gymnastics and swimming teacher, where I discovered my passion for helping young people grow and develop.
After getting married and relocating to the UK, I took a break to focus on my family, especially after having my child. During the covid Pandemic, I realised how much I missed working with children, which led me to complete my level 3 in childcare and return to the field as a nursery practitioner. I then progressed to become a nursery room leader and completed further training, achieving my level 4 qualification.
Now, as a deputy manger, I feel deeply passionate about fostering an environment that can support children’s development and achievements.
Sally Nash, SENDCO Lead
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.
Barford St. Martin: Meet the management team
Melissa Alford, Nursery Manager
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.
Sam Coley, Deputy Nursery Manager (job share)
I have been in childcare for 18 years. I have worked in settings in the UK, New Zealand and Australia as well as being a Nanny. I hold a Diploma in Childcare and Education as well as a Degree in Early Childhood Studies with Psychology.
My own child now comes to First Friends and is thriving here.
I love working here at First Friends seeing the children develop and learn through play.
Miranda Girling, Deputy Nursery Manager (job share)
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.
Sam, SENDCO Lead
Hello, I am a Mum to four children. I am also a qualified football coach and run a local grassroots football club.
I'm really enjoying working back in childcare, its massively rewarding knowing we are making a difference in these young people's lives.
Eastleigh: Meet the management team
Faye Griffiths, Nursery Manager
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.
Amanda Newman, Deputy Nursery Manager
Since embarking on my journey in childcare after college in 2005, I've been committed to nurturing young minds.
Joining the First Friends family in 2019 as a nursery practitioner.
Beyond the nursery walls, I indulge my passion for entertainment, seeing live shows and concerts whenever the opportunity arises.
Emma, SENDCO Lead
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 .
