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Our Team
Caring & Experienced
Our Team
Caring & Experienced
Jo
Owner , Manager, SENCo & DSL
Little Learners Nursery is proud to introduce Jo, our dedicated Manager and Owner, whose extensive experience and qualifications form the foundation of our warm, nurturing, and high-quality provision. With over 20 years of experience in early years education, Jo leads with passion, knowledge, and a genuine commitment to every child’s development and wellbeing.
Jo holds her Level 3 qualification in Childcare, as well as the NCFE Level 2 in Neuroscience in Early Years. She is also our Designated Safeguarding Lead and SENCo, and is fully First Aid trained. Her professional development reflects her dedication to understanding children’s needs deeply, including training in:
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Speech, Language and Communication
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SEND Code of Practice
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Understanding Children’s Rights
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Autism Awareness
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Theories Underpinning the EYFS
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Sensory Processing Difficulties​
Jo’s journey in early years began when she completed her NVQ Level 2, swiftly followed by Level 3, all while raising her own children. Her natural gift for nurturing young minds led her to roles as a nursery room leader, and later, she spent 11 years childminding in Vigo Village, where she became a trusted and respected part of the local community.
Little Learners Nursery is the realisation of Jo’s lifelong dream—to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where children are encouraged to thrive, explore, and feel truly valued. Under her leadership, families can feel confident knowing their children are receiving the highest standard of care, education, and emotional support.
Jo’s dedication to early years shines through in everything she does, making her not only the heart of Little Learners Nursery, but a trusted partner to families throughout their child’s early journey.
Charlotte
Deputy Manager, SENCo & DSL
Introducing Charlotte, our Deputy Manager at Little Learners Nursery. She holds First Aid training to ensure the safety and wellbeing of every child in our care. In addition, she is our SENCo and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
Charlotte brings a wealth of specialist knowledge, including training in sensory processing difficulties, effective safeguarding, speech, language and communication development, and the creation of individual health care plans and risk assessments for children and young people with physical or complex needs.
Her nurturing, calm approach and genuine commitment to each child make her a key member of the 3–4 year old team. Charlotte also enhances learning through drama workshops and emotional intelligence sessions, helping children to build confidence, creativity and self-awareness.
Charlotte’s passion for working with children began during her time as a children’s entertainer and has stayed with her throughout her career. After raising her own family, she joined Jo’s childminding setting before becoming part of the Little Learners team. Her journey reflects her dedication to supporting every child’s growth, making her a trusted and valued presence for both children and families.
Hollie
Finance and Administrator Manager
Hollie is a dedicated and valued member of the Management Team at Little Learners Nursery, bringing strong experience and organisational expertise to her role. She oversees the administrative and financial aspects of the nursery with care, precision, and a genuine commitment to supporting children, families, and staff.
Hollie began her journey in early years education in 2020 as a childminding assistant for her mum, Jo Spalding, the owner of Little Learners Nursery. Since then, she has grown into an integral part of the nursery, developing her skills and knowledge along the way. She is trained in Safeguarding and Early Talk Boost, further supporting her understanding of children’s developmental needs.
With a passion for nurturing young children and a deep appreciation for the importance of early childhood experiences, Hollie is committed to helping children thrive from their earliest moments through to their first day at school. Her strong organisational abilities and warm, supportive approach make the process of choosing and settling into nursery a positive and reassuring experience for families.
Now serving as our Administrator and Finance Manager, Hollie plays a key role in ensuring the smooth, effective running of Little Learners Nursery, making her an invaluable member of our team.
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Robyn
Nursery Practitioner
Introducing Robyn, our qualified Level 3 Nursery Practitioner, known for her calm, attentive, and caring nature. She is hardworking and dedicated, creating a safe and nurturing environment where children feel confident, supported, and valued.
Robyn brings creativity, joy, and a wide range of engaging learning experiences to our 2–3 year olds, encouraging curiosity and development through play-based learning. She also holds a valid First Aid qualification, ensuring the highest standard of safety and care at all times, and is trained in Early Talk Boost, supporting children’s speech, language, and communication skills.
We are also proud to share that Robyn will be embarking on her SENCO course, becoming another valued member of our strong and well-established SEND team. In this role, she will help support all our children throughout their early years, ensuring every child receives the guidance, inclusion, and encouragement they need to thrive.
Her thoughtful approach and warm presence make her a truly valued member of our Little Learners team.
Kay
Nursery Practitioner
Little Learners Nursery is delighted to have Kay as part of our 3–4 year olds team. She originally joined us as an unqualified member of staff and has demonstrated outstanding dedication, growth, and enthusiasm in her role. Kay is now working towards her NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and is also First Aid trained.
Kay has a natural passion for supporting children’s development, which shines through in her caring approach and daily interactions. She brings creativity, fresh ideas, and a sense of fun to our setting, making a positive impact on both the children and the wider team.
We are extremely proud of her progress so far and look forward to supporting her as she continues to grow and flourish with us.
Leah
Nursery Practitioner
Leah is one of our dedicated Nursery Practitioners at Little Learners Nursery and holds her NVQ Level 3 in Childcare. She brings several years of valuable experience to the role, having begun her journey in early years education at the age of 18 after leaving school. Leah is trained in effective safeguarding practice, supporting behaviour in the Early Years, and also holds a valid First Aid qualification.
Working with our 2–3 year olds, Leah understands the importance of creating a nurturing, stimulating, and playful learning environment. Her passion for early childhood education shines through in her approach to learning through play—ensuring curious minds and little hands are always engaged in meaningful activities such as messy play, sensory exploration, and hands-on learning experiences.
Leah’s warm, thoughtful nature and child-centered practice make her a valued member of our team and a reassuring presence for both children and families.
Katie C
Nursery Practitioner
Introducing Katie, our newest Level 3 Nursery Practitioner at Little Learners. She brings with her a wealth of experience and a strong dedication to early childhood education. After taking some time away from the sector to focus on her family, Katie has returned with a renewed passion for supporting the learning and development of our 0–2 year olds.
Her extensive knowledge, nurturing approach, and professional commitment shine through in her day-to-day practice, already making her a valued part of the team. Although she has only recently joined us, Katie has quickly settled into her role, creating calm, supportive, and engaging environments for our youngest learners.
We are delighted to welcome Katie to Little Learners and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to have on the children in our care. Her dedication to children’s well-being and development makes her a wonderful addition to our nursery community
Mollie W
Nursery Apprentice
Introducing Mollie our newest member of the Little Learners Team. Mollie is 16 and has recently begun her exciting journey with us as she embarks on her NVQ Level 2 apprenticeship in Early Years and Childcare. She brings enthusiasm, kindness, and a genuine passion for supporting young children as they learn and grow. Mollie is looking forward to developing her skills, building strong relationships with the children, and becoming a valued part of our setting.
We’re delighted to welcome Mollie to the Little Learners family and can’t wait for you all to get to know her!
Lennie & Lucy
Nursery Mascots
Introducing Lennie and Lucy, our much-loved Little Learners Nursery mascots! These adorable, cuddly friends bring smiles and excitement to the children, who each get the special opportunity to take them home on their birthday. This tradition creates treasured memories and a wonderful sense of celebration.
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Lennie and Lucy aren’t just soft toys—they help foster connection, confidence, and shared experiences among the children. To capture these special moments, families are encouraged to upload photos of their adventures together to their child’s Tapestry profile. This allows children to proudly share their stories back at nursery and gives parents a lovely way to be involved in their child’s journey.
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At Little Learners Nursery, we believe in building community, nurturing emotional development, and celebrating every child. Lennie and Lucy are a joyful part of that experience.