Sarah Cutts
NURSERY MANAGER
NNEB, Safeguarding Level 1 & 2 & Paediatric First Aid
Sarah leads the nursery with a strong focus on providing high-quality care and education for every child. She is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children, families, and staff feel supported and valued. Sarah works closely with the team to maintain high standards, support professional development, and ensure the nursery continues to grow and thrive.
As the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), she is responsible for safeguarding practice across the setting.
Debra McIlroy
ASSISTANT MANAGER & SENCO
Cache Level 3 Diploma in Pre-School Practice
Debra plays a key role in the day-to-day running of the nursery, supporting staff and ensuring high-quality care for all children. She is passionate about inclusive practice, staff development, and creating a positive learning environment. Debra works closely with families and professionals to ensure the best outcomes for every child.
Debra has a strong passion for supporting children with SEND and additional needs. She works closely with staff, families, and external professionals to ensure children receive the support they need to thrive. Debra takes pride in promoting inclusion and helping every child reach their full potential.
Mandy Oglethorpe
DUTY MANAGER AND DSL
NNEB, Safeguarding Level 1 & 2 and Paediatric First Aid
Mandy is one of our longest-serving staff members, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to her role as Duty Manager and our third Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). She is a trusted and valued member of the team, and her expertise makes her a favourite with both children and parents. Mandy’s dedication, professionalism, and warmth ensure the nursery runs smoothly while providing the highest quality care.
Kerry Beesley
NURSERY PRACTITIONER
NVQ Level 3 in Childhood Studies
Kerry works in our Baby Room, providing care, support, and a nurturing environment for our youngest children. She enjoys helping babies explore, learn, and develop through play, building strong bonds with each child. Kerry’s warmth and dedication make her a valued member of the nursery team.
Rebecca Naylor
BABY ROOM LEADER
Level 3 in Childcare and Education
Rebecca is our experienced Baby Room Leader, bringing knowledge, care, and leadership to the room every day. She ensures that babies are happy, safe, and supported in their learning and development, creating a nurturing and welcoming environment. Rebecca’s expertise and dedication make her a valued and trusted member of the nursery team.
Emma Whitaker
ROOM LEADER
Level 3 in Early Years Childcare
Emma is an experienced Room Leader who supports both children and staff within the nursery. She is committed to maintaining high standards of care and education while supporting children’s individual development. Emma enjoys mentoring her team and ensuring every child feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.
Kimberly Dean
NURSERY PRACTITIONER
Level 2 Qualified Practitioner
Kimberley, fondly known as Kimbo by her colleagues, works with our Lower Toddlers, providing care, support, and a fun learning environment. When she’s not caring for our babies, Kim enjoys teaching children’s swimming lessons, sharing her energy and enthusiasm both in and out of the nursery. Her dedication, warmth, and playful nature make her a valued member of the team.
Gemma Bresnihan
NURSERY PRACTITIONER
PGCE in General Primary
Gemma has been a valued member of our nursery team for many years and works with our Preschool children. She brings fun and exciting activities to the room each day, encouraging children to explore, learn, and develop new skills. Gemma’s creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication make her a favourite with both children and colleagues.
Michelle Fox
PRESCHOOL ROOM LEADER
National Diploma in Nursery Nursing
Michelle is our Preschool Room Leader, bringing creativity, energy, and fresh ideas to the room every day. She is always busy, both in and outside of work, running groups for Rainbows, Brownies, and Guides in her spare time. Michelle’s dedication, creativity, and passion for supporting children’s learning make her a valued leader and an inspiration to the whole team.
Gillian Fowler
FOREST SCHOOL LEAD
HNC in Early Education & Childcare
Gillian, also known as Bear Gills, is our Forest School Lead who loves getting children outdoors to explore and learn. She enjoys making fires, building dens, and creating exciting hands-on experiences that encourage curiosity, teamwork, and confidence. Gillian’s enthusiasm and adventurous spirit make her a favourite with the children and a valued member of the team.
Kirsty Danson
NURSERY ASSISTANT
Level 3 NVQ in childcare
I have been working at Ribby Hall nursery and preschool for 7 months. I currently work with the toddlers and lower pre-school children. I hold a level 3 NVQ in childcare and have been working with children since 2009. I love spending time with my family and enjoy visiting different attractions with them. I can’t wait to carry on my childcare journey with all your children and families
Megan Murphy
LOWER BABY ROOM PRACTITIONER
Level 3 practitioner
Megan works in our Lower Baby Room and is known for her happy, bubbly personality. She loves reading books with the babies, encouraging their curiosity and early language development. Megan’s warmth, energy, and dedication make her a cherished member of the nursery team.
Irma Wood
NURSERY PRACTITIONER
Level 3 Qualification in Childcare, Pediatric First Aid, Safeguarding
Irma is one of our long-standing staff members, bringing experience, warmth, and joy to the Baby Room every day. She loves incorporating music, singing, and laughter into the children’s day, creating a happy and engaging environment for them to learn and explore. Irma’s dedication and cheerful personality make her a cherished member of the nursery team.
Stephanie Cameron
LOWER BABY ROOM LEADER
Level 3 Qualified Practitioner
Stephanie is our Lower Baby Room Leader, bringing creativity, energy, and dedication to the room each day. She loves introducing new ideas and activities that engage the babies and support their early learning and development. Stephanie’s enthusiasm and innovative approach make her a valued and inspiring member of the team.
Lucie Bruce
NURSERY PRACTITIONER
Apprentice (working towards Level 3 Early Years Qualification)
I enjoy spending time with family and friends including going on walks, watching movies and listening to music. After high-school I went to Preston college in which I gained experience through placement where I attended two nurseries including Ribby Hall Village and a SEN setting in where I was able to develop lots of helpful experiences and knowledge. I enjoy working with children as they are a pleasure to be around, their curiosity and imagination always brightens up the day, being able to watch children achieve little milestones and targets is always a rewarding feeling as a practitioner. Children always seem to brighten up the day even more which is why I enjoy working with them.
Leanne Price
NURSERY PRACTITIONER
Leanne works with our Baby Room children and is always a friendly, happy presence in the nursery. She enjoys supporting babies’ early learning and development, creating a safe, nurturing, and welcoming environment where both children and families feel at ease. Leanne’s cheerful personality and positive attitude make her a valued member of the team.
Suzanne Hendren
NURSERY PRACTITIONER
Suzanne is a valued Nursery Practitioner who brings energy and positivity to her role every day. She loves singing with the children and is always jolly, helping to create a happy, welcoming environment where children feel confident and engaged. Suzanne enjoys supporting children’s learning through fun, interactive experiences and building strong relationships with both children and families.
Phoebe Scott-Bradshaw
NURSERY PRACTITIONER
Phoebe is a new member of our nursery team, working with our Baby Room children. She has a naturally caring attitude and enjoys supporting the little ones in their early learning and development. Phoebe quickly brings warmth and kindness to the nursery, helping create a safe and nurturing environment for all.
Lois Law
NURSERY PRACTITIONER
Lois works primarily in our Baby Room but enjoys supporting children of all ages across the nursery. She brings energy and enthusiasm to every room she works in, helping create a fun, caring, and inclusive environment. Outside of nursery, Lois loves to travel and is working her way around the world, bringing her sense of adventure and curiosity into her role with the children.
Denise Aighton
NURSERY PRACTITIONER
Denise is the newest member of our team and brings many years of experience in early years. She is working with our Lower Preschool children and has already become a big hit with them, building strong relationships and supporting their learning and development. Denise’s experience, warmth, and enthusiasm make her a wonderful addition to the nursery.
Neil Guerin
CHEF
Neil is our talented Chef, providing healthy and nutritious meals for all the children in the nursery. He ensures every child’s dietary needs are met and takes pride in creating meals that are both delicious and balanced. The children love seeing Neil as he brings the meals across from the kitchen, and his friendly presence makes mealtimes a special part of the day.
Xanthe Johnson
APPRENTICE
Level 2 Early Years Apprentice
Xanthe is a Level 2 Early Years Apprentice who works with our Lower Toddler children. She is enthusiastic about supporting their learning and development through play and hands-on activities. Xanthe is eager to gain experience and grow her skills, bringing energy and dedication to her role in the nursery.
Olivia Bonage
NURSERY PRACTITIONER
Olivia works with our Baby Room children, providing care, support, and a nurturing environment where they can feel safe and happy. She enjoys helping babies explore, learn, and develop through play, building strong bonds with each child. Olivia’s warmth and dedication make her a valued member of the team.
Izzy Entwistle
APPRENTICE
Level 2 Early Years Apprentice
Isabel, or Izzy as she’s known in the nursery, is a Level 2 Early Years Apprentice with a real passion for working with young children. She works closely with our Toddler Room children, supporting their learning, play, and development in a nurturing and fun environment. Izzy is eager to grow her skills and gain experience, and she brings enthusiasm and dedication to everything she does
Grace Cook
NURSERY PRACTITIONER
Grace works with our Baby Room children, providing a caring and nurturing environment where they feel safe and supported. She enjoys helping babies explore, learn, and develop through play, building strong bonds with each child. Grace’s warmth, patience, and dedication make her a valued member of the nursery team.
Jasmine Barlow
APPRENTICE
Level 2 Early Years Apprentice
Jasmine is an Early Years Apprentice working with our Lower Preschool children. She enjoys supporting their learning and development through play and hands-on activities, helping them grow in confidence and independence. Jasmine’s enthusiasm and dedication make her a valued member of the nursery team.
Jordan McCulloch
DUTY MANAGER, LANGUAGE LEAD & DSL
Jordan is our energetic Duty Manager who supports the team and steps in to help oversee the nursery whenever needed. As the Language Lead and the nursery’s fourth Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), he brings expertise, care, and leadership to his role. The children love spending time with Jordan, as his energy, passion, and enthusiasm shine across all rooms, making learning fun and engaging for everyone.
Sarah Kellet
NURSERY PRACTITIONER
Sarah is new to the world of early years and works with our Baby Room children, providing warmth, care, and support. She is passionate about helping babies feel safe and happy while they explore and learn. Sarah’s gentle and caring approach makes her a valued member of the team.
Laima Balode
NURSERY PRACTITIONER
Laima works primarily with our Preschool children but loves spending time across all rooms, supporting and engaging with children of all ages. She brings energy, care, and creativity to her role, helping to create a fun, nurturing, and inclusive environment. Laima’s enthusiasm and dedication make her a valued member of the nursery team.
