Meet our Team

The Nursery has a number of permanent staff detailed below. All staff are qualified to a minimum level 3 qualification and hold a paediatric first aid certificate and a minimum of level 2 food hygiene certificate. In addition the staff are assisted in their duties by a wide range of volunteers, including students and Early Years Practitioner trainees. We also have a team of regular supply staff who are all DBS checked.

Nursery Management

Ruth Mellard

Nursery Manager

BA (HONS) EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP (LEVEL 6)
EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION DEGREE (LEVEL 5)
ADCE (LEVEL 4)
NNEB (LEVEL 3)
CACHE (LEVEL 3) SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS COORDINATOR
FIRST AID AT WORK CERTIFICATE

I have worked with children for around 40 years and I have worked at the University of York Campus Nursery for 33 years, having set up the original nursery on site. Building on other childcare qualifications, I gained a first class degree in Educational Leadership – Children’s Workforce in 2010.

Both of my children attended the Nursery from the baby unit onwards until attending a local school.
I have always enjoyed working with children, especially watching them learn, develop and blossom. I find that unlike most job roles, working with children means learning something new from them every day.

Andrea Moore

Deputy Nursery Manager and Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

EARLY YEARS TEACHER STATUS (LEVEL 6)
BA (HONS) EDUCATION LEADERSHIP (LEVEL 6)
EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION DEGREE (LEVEL 5)
CACHE (LEVEL 3) SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS COORDINATOR
BTEC (LEVEL 3)
PAEDIATRIC FIRST AID CERTIFICATE

I have worked in childcare for over 15 years, 5 of which have been at York Campus Nursery. I am the Nursery Deputy Manager and Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). I hold a Foundation Degree in Young Children’s Learning and Development which I passed with Distinction, a 1st Class Degree with Honours in Educational Leadership and have attained Early Years Teacher Status. I am a mum of 4 children now aged 24, 22 and twins aged 20.

I strongly believe that every child deserves the best possible start in life and working in childcare helps me to facilitate this belief, as it gives me the opportunity, in conjunction with parents/carers, to help children develop the emotional, social, and cognitive skills needed to become confident and self-sufficient lifelong learners.

Working in childcare is fun and rewarding. There is no better sight than seeing a smile of pride spread across a child’s face when they achieve something they didn’t think they could. And there is no better sound than the laughter of children as they play and learn with their friends. I am proud to be part of an amazing team of Early Years Practitioners at York Campus Nursery, who provide high quality care and education in a fun, stimulating and safe environment.

Holly Glover

Nursery Administrator

I have worked at York Campus Nursery since July 2023 after a varied career featuring roles in marketing, university administration and more recently qualifying as a secondary school teacher. I love working in educational settings and particularly meeting and getting to know our wonderful families. In my role as Nursery Administrator, I help with enquiries from parents and take care of the finance side of things.

You will find me at the reception desk between 8am and 1pm. I am married with a little daughter of my own. I am quite crafty and in my spare time I enjoy painting, sewing and getting my nose stuck into a good book.

Roxi Greenwood

Nursery Administrator

I recently started working at York Campus nursery, After a long career working in a private Hospital in York as their Private Patient Manager. I looked after all self paying patients and made there process from start to finish a smooth and expectational experience.

Many years ago l use to work with Pre School children, so it is nice to be around children again. My working hours are Monday to Friday 1 till 6.

When not at work l am a busy single mum to Dylan aged 11. We have a 1 year old miniature Sausage dog called Coco who never sits still and makes life very fun and interesting.

Carol Wheatley

Nursery Administrator

I started my employment at the York Campus Nursery in November 2024. I’m usually working in reception from 8am until 1pm.
My previous role, of many years, was as Senior Finance Officer with a private Mental Health Organisation in York, working within both adult and children’s services and alongside the NHS and other private Mental Health Organisations. Previous to this, I worked as a Finance Administrator within the hotel industry.
It’s lovely working here at York Campus Nursery and it’s great meeting all the children, parents and families in such a wonderful setting! When not at work I’m usually with my grandson or planning my next road trip as I love travelling and camping.

Baby rooms – Dragonflies

Karen Crombie

Early Years Assistant Practitioner

NNEB DIPLOMA LEVEL 3
PAEDIATRIC FIRST AID TRAINED

My name is Karen, My job role is an Early Years Assistant Practitioner in Dragonflies.

I have the pleasure to work with such an amazing team. I have worked in childcare on and off for the last 25 years including nannying and pre-school.

Emily Elmer

Early Years Room Leader

LEVEL 3 EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER
NCFE CACHE QUALIFICATION
PEDIATRIC FIRST AID TRAINED

I am a level 3 early years practitioner and I have worked in childcare since 2017. I have lots of experience caring for children all ages, including my own two wonderful children.
In 2023 I gained a NCFE cache qualification in an introduction to neuroscience in early years which focused on the early brain development and the importance of nurturing babies.

Jayne Ritchie

Early Years Practitioner

NNEB LEVEL 3
PAEDIATRIC FIRST AID TRAINED

I have worked in Early years for 30 years and before that as a Nanny. I have two wonderful children of my own.
I am now working in the baby room and find it very rewarding to be part of such an amazing team caring for the under twos.

Hayley Baker

Early Years Practitioner

Level 6 BA (Hons) Degree in Educational Leadership
Level 3 qualification in Early Years
Foundation degree (Level 4 and 5) in Young Children’s Learning and Development

I am a level 6 qualified Early Years Practitioner with over twenty years experience in a variety of settings including private nurseries and in family homes as a Nanny.

I have experience in ages ranging from 0 – 5 years but my passion is working with babies as they always amaze me with the things they learn. I started working at York Campus Nursery in January 2024 and already feel at home in the new setting and with my new team.

Caron Minnitt

Early Years Room Leader

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

I’m a Level 3 qualified Early Years Practitioner, Mum of two lovely children, and have worked in childcare for nearly 20 years. I’ve had experience with all ages, and have previously owned my own childminding business. More recently I worked in a Preschool for many years, and started here at York Campus Nursery in 2021 where I’m really enjoying working with the younger ones in the baby unit.

I love how rewarding this job is, and working at the campus nursery feels like a home from home environment where you really get to know each individual child so well and I love that.

Harumi Ball

Early Years Practitioner

Cache Level 3 for the Early Years Workforce
PAEDIATRIC FIRST AID TRAINED

I am a mother of two grown children with a little dog at home.

We value our multicultural settings and I enjoy working with young children at York Campus Nursery. It is wonderful to be able to support children’s development in this warm and academic environment.

Sally Morton

Early Years Practitioner

NNEB (Level 3)
Foundation Degree (Level 5)
BA Hons
Gravitational Leadership (Level 6)

My name is Sally, I have been working in childcare for 34 years. I am a qualified Nursery Nurse and have a degree in Education and leadership. I have worked at the York Campus Nursery in the baby room for 6 years and really enjoy it. I have had various experiences working in schools, hospitals and Nurseries. I am a mum to 3 children; 2 boys and a girl.

Omima Mohamed

Early Years Assistant Practitioner

CACHE Level 3 NVQ in Children’s Care, Learning and Development

I have worked in the Early Years Foundation Stage for over 10 years now, I have thoroughly enjoyed this and keen to continue. I love working at York Campus Nursery with a fantastic team who are so supportive. I enjoy educating children by reading stories and getting involved in indoor and outdoor activities.

Baby rooms – Ducklings

Hazel Walls

Early Years Assistant Practitioner

CACHE LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN EARLY YEARS EDUCATION AND CARE

I began working at York Campus Nursery in November 2024 and have around six years of experience in childcare.

My primary experience is with children aged 0-5, although I particularly enjoy caring for babies. In my spare time, I write and play music, and I love going on long walks through the countryside at National Trust areas.

Jenna Craig

Early Years Practitioner

LEVEL 5 QUALIFICATION IN MANAGEMENT AND CHILDCARE
SENCO TRAINED
FIRST AID TRAINED

I started working at York campus Nursery November 2024, I have worked in childcare for nearly 20 years. I started as an apprentice and worked my way up to becoming Deputy manager at a Pre school and nursery.
I love working with children everyday is different.
I have a daughter who is a competitive national swimmer so when I’m not at nursery I’m next to a swimming pool.

Hayley Baker

Early Years Practitioner

Level 6 BA (Hons) Degree in Educational Leadership
Level 3 qualification in Early Years
Foundation degree (Level 4 and 5) in Young Children’s Learning and Development

I am a level 6 qualified Early Years Practitioner with over twenty years experience in a variety of settings including private nurseries and in family homes as a Nanny.

Pauline Gamble

Early Years Room Leader

QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)
paediatric First Aid
Teaching Certificate (Equivalent to Level 6)

I joined the staff team here at York Campus Nursery in January 2024 after working on a casual basis for just over a year. I worked as a Nursery Teacher and Y1 Teacher in school for over 10 years and more recently as a Children’s Centre Teacher in Leeds for many years.

It’s a privilege to work with such lovely children, supporting their learning and development and it’s great to be part of a team of supportive, welcoming and dedicated staff.

Becky Tunstall

Early Years Room Leader

NNEB Level 3

I qualified as a Nursery Nurse in 1989 and I have worked in childcare ever since, in both nurseries and as a private nanny.

I joined the team at York Campus Nursery in 1994 when the Baby Unit first opened and I have continued to look after the babies ever since. I take great pride helping the youngest children start their first adventures. I am also trained in Paediatric First Aid and Food Hygiene.

Kerry Fletcher

Early Years Practitioner

BA (hons) in Children, Young People and Families
NVQ Level 3 Children’s Care, Learning and Development
Foundation Degree in Support Learning

My name is Kerry and I have worked in nurseries as a qualified Early Years Practitioner for almost twenty years. I am mum and nanna to three grown-up children and a grandson. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, playing the piano and ukelele, reading, and crochet. I have a BA (hons) degree in Children, Young People and Families and I am currently studying for a PhD in Education. I joined York Campus Nursery in January 2024 and I love being part of the baby room team. Every day is different with a lovely mix of nurturing, singing, looking at books, messy play, following the children’s interests, and having great fun.

Louise Moffatt

Early Years Practitioner

CACHE (Level 3)
Paediatric First Aid trained

I have been working in childcare since qualifying in 2004 and joined Campus Nursery in March 2014 after having my own 2 children. I have experience of working with children under 5 but particularly enjoy working with babies.

Jamie Smyth

Early Years Assistant Practitioner

PAEDIATRIC FIRST AID CERTIFICATE
CACHE LEVEL 3 QUALIFICATION (EARLY YEARS EDUCATOR)

My name is Jamie, I have 2 daughters, I have been working in childcare since 2017. I joined York Campus Nursery in May and I currently work with the babies in Ducklings from 8.30am to 1.30pm. In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym, and I have recently got into running.

Baby rooms – Cygnets

Ahlea Kydd

Early Years Room Leader

BA(Hons) Early Childhood Studies (Level 6)
Paediatric First Aid

I started working at UoY Campus Nursery in November 2021. I have always wanted to work with children and pursued my degree in Early Years with lots of placements in different settings and schools. I absolutely love it here at UoY Campus Nursery, especially working with an outstanding team who are incredibly supportive and welcoming!

Vicky Drew

Early Years Practitioner

Level 3 qualification in early years
Paediatric first aid

After working in retail for 25 years I decided I wanted a career change and completed my level 3 in early years. I have worked in childcare for over 3 years as a practitioner and a room leader in a baby room, and have experience with children from 0-4 years old. I joined York Campus Nursery in January 2024, and really enjoy working in the baby unit, it is such a lovely fun and happy environment, everyday is different and I love watching the children in play and developing. In my spare time I love swimming, spending time with my daughter and her partner, and going on holidays/weekends away with my husband.

Ellie Fletcher

Early Years Practitioner

CACHE Level 3 Qualification (Early years Educator)

I have been a qualified Level 3 Practitioner since 2021. I am also a mother to a very lovely boy. I have experience of working with ages 0-5, each one being an individually rewarding experience. In my time since 2021-2023, I studied a bricklaying course and worked in hospitality. Although i enjoyed both of these job opportunities, I realised that i missed working with children greatly and decided to join UoY. My favourite activities are building, exploring, messy play and whatever makes the children happy!

Sarah Lawrence

Early Years Practitioner

Level 3 Diploma Children and Young Peoples Workforce.
Paediatric First Aid

On completion of my degree I worked in recruitment for the NHS for many years. However, when my twin boys were young, I studied for my Level 3 Diploma and have since worked in childcare settings for nearly 10 years. I have experience of working with children from 0-5 years old. My favourite things to do with the children are reading stories and exploring the outdoors.

I started work at the Campus Nursery in January 2024 and it is a lovely team to be a part of.

Joanne Bridgewater

Early Years Assistant Practitioner

BTEC (Level 3)
First Aid Trained

I started working at York Campus Nursery in October 2002, I have worked with children aged two to five years old.

I have always enjoyed working here as I see it like a second family. From being young I have always wanted to work with children, I love their creativity.

Also I am a mum of 4 boys and a daughter. Recently I became a nana of two beautiful granddaughters.

Toddler room

Emma Chapman

Early Years Room Leader

NNEB (Level 3)
ADCE (Level 4)

Finishing school I always knew I wanted a career working with children. I completed my training in 1998 and have worked with children since leaving college. I started working at York Campus Nursery in 2005, and have worked with children of all ages in the nursery. I had 16 years working in the baby unit and more recently moved to work with the older children. Everyday is different, which is one of the many things I enjoy about nursery. We play, we learn, and we have lots of fun.

Sarah Gabb

Early Years Practitioner

NVQ in Children’s learning and development (Level 3)
CACHE (Level 3)

I have worked at York Campus Nursery since February 2022. I have a NVQ level 3 qualification and thirty nine years experience as an Early Years practitioner. I am married and have 2 grown up children, a horse and 2 dogs.

Jenny Georgiou

Early Years Practitioner

FOUNDATION DEGREE LEVEL 4 AND 5 IN YOUNG CHILDREN’S LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
PEDIATRIC FIRST AID TRAINED

I have worked at York Campus Nursery since June 2024. I have over 17 years experience working with various children from all cultural backgrounds and children addition needs.
I live at home with my husband, 14 year old daughter, stepdaughter who has a baby of her own. I also have another stepdaughter who doesn’t live with us. I also have a dog who has a big, mischievous personality.
I love to spend time with my family in my spare time.

Claire Goodwin

Early Years Practitioner

DIPLOMA IN NURSERY NURSING NNEB LEVEL 3.
NCFE CACHE LEVEL 4 CERTIFICATE FOR THE ADVANCED PRACTIONER.
LEVEL 4 CERTIFICATE IN FURTHER EDUCATION AND TEACHING CITY AND GUILDS.

My name is Claire I have worked in Early Years and Education for over 25 years and I joined York Campus Nursery in November 2024.
I have worked in a variety of childcare provisions and have previously worked in Perth Austraila in a school setting by following a Reggio Emilia approach,which i found very interesting.
I am a mum of two beautiful boys called Charlie aged 10 and Arthur aged 5 years old. We have just welcomed Ruby our new puppy into our family, which is very exciting.
I love working with the Toddler children and experiencing the different interests when learning different topics. My team is very supportive as driven by the amazing management in our nursery setting.

Alex Harvey

Early Years Practitioner

Level 3 diploma in children’s learning and development

I have been working in childcare since 2020 where I undertook my apprenticeship at York Campus Nursery. I have always wanted to work with children as it is very rewarding helping them to grow and develop. York Campus Nursery is a lovely place to work with such a warm and welcoming environment.

Heidi Thomson

Early Years Practitioner

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for the Children and Young People’s Workforce – Early Years (Advanced Practice)
Level 3 NVQ Children’s Care Learning & Development
Level 2 Forest School Assistant
Paediatric First Aid Trained

I have worked in Childcare for the last 17 year’s, achieving my qualifications while being a mum to my two daughters.

I love working with children and supporting them in their learning and development.

Being outdoors is a passion of mine and I have completed some forest school training so I’m hoping to share my love of nature with the children.

I started York campus nursery in January 24 and everyone has made me feel very welcome. I’m really happy to be part of the team and look forward to my future here.

Heidi Rochester

Early Years Practitioner

LEVEL 3 IN EARLY YEARS AND EDUCATION PAEDIATRIC FIRST AID CACHE
LEVEL 3 EARLY YEARS SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS COORDINATOR

My name is Heidi and I have worked in childcare for over 20 years and worked my way up from an assistant practitioner to level 3 practitioner working with all age groups from 0 – 5years and as a special educational needs coordinated in various settings. I started working at the York Campus nursery in January 2024 and have found it to be such a warm and welcoming environment to work in. The team are so kind and supportive and the children are wonderful, I have loved getting to know them all. I really enjoy working in the toddler room as every day is full of fun and new learning experiences for the children and us!

Amy Braun

Early Years Assistant Practitioner

Early Childhood Care
Education / QQL (Level 4 & 5)

I have been working with children of various ages and in different settings for over 10 years. I’ve been with York Campus Nursery for the past 5 years and I have been enjoying my time here. It is a great pleasure to me to see the children growing and developing into their little personalities as well as a satisfaction knowing that I played a part in it. I love nature and it delights me to see my little charges developing the same appreciation for the outdoors.

Beth Spaven

Early Years Assistant Practitioner

Studying level 3 in child care

I am currently an apprentice at the nursery studying for level 3 in child care. I love working here as the staff have been very welcoming and helpful. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to help children learn and develop.

Pre-school

Danni Castle

Early Years Assistant Practitioner

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S WORKFORCE LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA CACHE (QFC)
LEVEL 5 DIPLOMA IN LEADERSHIP FOR THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S WORKFORCE – EARLY YEARS MANAGEMENT
PAEDIATRIC FIRST AID

I qualified with my level 3 in 2015 and have worked in child care since, working with children the ages of 0-5.
I completed my level 5 in management March 2024.I joined York campus nursery in September of 2024 and have recently enjoyed my time in the preschool room.
I love to provide engaging creative activities for the children where they can explore, play and have fun!
In my spare time I love to travel to new places and get lost in a book.

Alison Fieldhouse

Early Years Practitioner

B.ED (HONS)
PAEDIATRIC FIRST AID

I joined York Campus nursery in May 2024 and work in the pre school (Honeybees). It has been great to join such a friendly staff team and the children have made me feel very welcome as well.
I have worked with young children for over 30 years and have a BEd (hons) in infant teaching.
I worked as a Reception/Year 1 and Year 2 teacher for 17 years in a York Primary School. When my own son started school I began working at the local village nursery and stayed for 15 years.
Young children fascinate me and I find their energy, enthusiasm and imagination makes every day so varied and interesting. I love to see them blossom, grow in confidence & learn new skills.
In my spare time I enjoy walking my dog Digby, days at the coast, pilates and swimming.

Laura Macey

Early Years Room Leader

Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma
Pediatric First Aid trained
Level 2 in supporting learning in schools

I have worked in Early Years for the past 7 years. I have recently gained my Level 3 Early Years Educator diploma and I am now studying an Open University degree in Primary Education including Early Years.

I love working with children and helping them grow and develop through learning with play. Letting the children explore the world around them and use their imagination is one of my favourite things about working with children. The York Campus Nursery is a great place to work and the staff are excellent in supporting all the children.

Nicola Zendle

Early Years Room Leader

PGCE Primary Lower (Level 6)

I joined our nursery in 2018. Before that I was a Nursery and Reception class teacher for many years. I love working at York Campus Nursery because everyday is different and we have such a warm and caring team.

I love working with our children and families; it’s amazing to see the children’s personalities grow and develop in the time that they are with us. I am a qualified teacher and I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience in helping to prepare the older children for school.

Clare Dowle

Early Years Practitioner

Level 3 Early Years Educator
Paediatric First Aid

I have a Biology degree and worked in the scientific sector for several years before switching to childcare after having my own two children. I previously worked for 5 years at another nursery in York before finding my home from home at York Campus Nursery in October 2022. I love the enthusiasm and warmth of all the staff and children, who welcomed me from day one; there’s always a friendly, approachable face if you need anything, however big or small. I adore the variety of working in childcare; no two days are ever the same. I especially enjoy the challenge of planning exciting and stimulating activities ‘on the spot’ when a child comes in with a new favourite interest at 8.30am!

Abbie Bos

Early Years Practitioner

LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN CHILDREN’S LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

At college I completed my Level 3 Childcare. Whilst completing this I went on placement at a nursery, pre school at a school and a special needs school. I loved the practical side and interacting with the children.

I then worked in a Nursery in Worcestershire working with all ages from babies to preschool for 4 and a half years.

I then moved to York Campus Nursery. I settled in very quickly as all the staff are so friendly and welcoming. The Children are adorable. I love working with all of them. I enjoy playing with the children, listening to them and joining in with their imaginative play.