Meet The Team

Our Staff

We have a team of highly qualified, experienced, and dedicated practitioners who are passionate about providing the best possible care and education for every child. All staff members hold appropriate childcare qualifications, and several are qualified to degree level or higher.

Staff receive ongoing training and professional development to ensure their knowledge and practice remain up to date. We are committed to safeguarding children and all staff complete regular training in child protection, first aid, food hygiene, and health and safety.

Each child is allocated a key person who develops a close relationship with both the child and their family. This ensures that children feel secure, valued, and supported as they grow and learn. The key person observes, records, and plans for each child’s individual needs and next steps, ensuring a personalised approach to their development.

We value teamwork, communication, and consistency across all rooms. Our staff take pride in creating a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment where children thrive.

Nicky Norton

Nursery Manager
Qualifications: NNEB, Foundation Degree Early Years Leadership, BA (Hons) First Class Early Years Leadership, Early Years Professional Status.

I have over 30 years’ experience in childcare. I have worked as a Nursery Manager, Early Years Consultant and an Ofsted Inspector and have also owned my own nursery. I joined Little Explorers in February 2018, and I am passionate about providing outstanding, quality childcare and education for all our babies and children. I am committed to working in partnership with parents to ensure that all our children receive the very best start on their learning journey.

Amanda Pemberton

Deputy Manager
Qualifications: BTEC Level 3 Children’s Learning & Development

I have worked at Little Explorers since August 2013, having started as an Early Years Practitioner. I have worked as a Room Leader in all the nursery rooms. In my current role as Deputy Manager, I am responsible for supporting the Nursery Manager to ensure we provide the very best provision for our children and families.

Alex Murtagh

Early Years Teacher & SENCO
Qualifications: BA (Hons) Primary Education: Early Years, Early Years Teacher Status

In my role as teacher, I oversee the curriculum and lead Phonics and number sessions, focussed group activities and small intervention groups. When children leave Little Explorers, they are well equipped for their transition into Primary education. I love working in a team and have been at Little Explorers since February 2016. I liaise with all our local feeder schools to promote school readiness and ensure a smooth transition to primary school for our children. I am also the nursery SENCo, and I am happy to provide any support or advice to you and your family should you have any concerns over your child’s development.

The senior management team are supported by experiences and skilled Room Managers, Early Years Practitioners, and a cook.