The Staff Team

The Staff Team

Claire Akhurst - Owner/Leader & Keyperson

NNEB and BA (Hons) in Early Years Studies with Early Years Professional status (EYPS) Level 6 qualification.

Claire splits her time between working in the office and being with the children.  She enjoys spending time with the children as she feels it’s important that she knows every child at Bertie’s. Claire loves messy play, lunchtime conversations with the children and being outside, even in the rain! She still gets excited by seeing what interests the children and planning what will happen next at Bertie’s

Rose Elysee - Deputy Manager & Keyperson

BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies (Level 6 qualification)

Rosie

Karen Higgins - Senior Practitioner & Admin support

Foundation Degree in Early Years Studies (Level 5 qualification)

Karen has worked at Bertie’s since 2001 and is a very experienced practitioner. At present she mainly supports Claire with lots of the administrative office work and will often be the person you speak to on the phone. 

Sara White - Senior Practitioner & Keyperson

Foundation Degree in Professional Studies in Early Years (Level 5 qualification)

Sara is a very enthusiastic, friendly and committed practitioner. She has lots of energy and is often seen playing games of ‘chase’ outside, a place she loves to be. Sara does lots of baking with the children, which is very popular. She also likes messy play and spending quiet, cosy time with her key children having conversations and sharing their learning journeys/Tapestry with them.

Sarah Lee-Alliston - Senior Nursery Practitioner & Keyperson

Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5 qualification)

Sarah is a very caring practitioner and is wonderful at supporting her key children to settle. Sarah loves reading stories to small groups and supporting the children’s own ideas when doing craft and artwork. She also enjoys spending time in our wooded area outside, looking for worms and mini-beasts!

Ellie Halls - Nursery Practitioner & Keyperson

Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce (Level 3 qualification)
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