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
Faye Griffiths
Melissa Alford
Faye Griffiths
Basingstoke Nursery School Manager
Kieron Hooper
Kieron Hooper
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
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.
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.
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
Kieron Hooper, Nursery Manager
Hi, I have been in early years since 2014, when I qualified as a Nursery Educator. Since then, I've worked across a range of settings, steadily climbing the ladder to become Nursery Manager in 2022. Alongside my hands-on experience, I also holds a degree in Early Years Childhood Studies with a 2:1.
When I'm not at nursery, you’ll find me exploring new places or cheering on my beloved Portsmouth FC.
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 .
denmead: Meet the management team
Amy Ambrose, Nursery Manager
Hello, I'm Amy!
I’ve been working with children since 1999, starting out as a SEN support practitioner before moving into management. I became a Nursery Manager and led a fantastic team of 14 staff while caring for 36 wonderful children – a role I absolutely loved and stayed in until 2020.
After the nursery sadly closed, I continued in management roles for another five years and even had the amazing experience of helping to set up a brand-new nursery from scratch.
Outside of work, I’m a big fan of yoga, I’ve just started Couch to 5K, and I try to get to the gym when I can. I also love spending time with my family… and my five cats!