Grass Roots Nursery Group
Grass Roots Private Day Nursery HX6 1HB Tel: 01422836280 grassrootsdaynursery@gmail.com
Grass Roots Preschool HX6 1DY Tel: 01422417659 grassroots.newroad@gmail.com
Our staff
The most important people, as far as your children are concerned, are the staff who are all dedicated and caring, with a wealth of experience. Some of the Senior Leadership Team hold Masters Degree’s in Early Years and Psychology and four of the team are qualified early years teachers. All members of the team are qualified to, or working towards, Early Years Educator Level 3 qualification, appropriate for the care and development of children, as required by Ofsted.
Additional training is available for all staff to continue their professional development, keep up with new initiatives and to consolidate their areas of expertise (a copy of our Staff Policy can be found on this site) We are proud recipients of the Dingley's Promise Mark of Achievement. This award is given to early years settings that successfully demonstrate a high level of quality across several key areas, including leadership, pedagogy, and continuous professional development (CPD). It signifies that our staff meet the rigorous standards set by Dingley's Promise for excellent early years practice and commitment to professional growth..
New members of staff receive induction training, which includes our Health and Safety and Safeguarding Children policies and procedures and this is reviewed regularly throughout their induction period.
All members of staff are qualified in Paediatric First Aid and basic Safeguarding Children (which includes Child Protection) amongst other core training that we adhere to as part of our induction process. There is always a senior member of staff present during opening hours.
The Management Team
Lucy
Director &
Executive Nursery Manager
Lucy Pottinger is the Executive Nursery Manager. Lucy has a Masters in Psychology. She has a BA (Hons) in Childhood and Youth Studies, Post Graduate Early Years Teacher Status, and National Professional Qualification for Early Years Leaders. She is qualified to level 5 in leadership and management and level 3 in Coaching in the Workplace and Paediatric First Aid.
Lucy oversee all aspects of the business and both the nursery settings to ensures quality and standards are high therefore providing the best development and learning for the children attending. Lucy's passion is family support and developing knowledge within the community.
Lucy is the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Emotional Health and Well Being Champion for Calderdale and holds a PANCo (Physical Activity and Nutrition Co-ordinator) qualification. Lucy is on the Starting Well Board for Calderdale, representing the PVI Sector and Quality Improvement Safeguarding Board.
Lucy is a mother of four children and one dog, she enjoys reading, long baths, long walks, exploring new places and baking in her spare time.
Caitlin
Nursery Manager
Caitlin is the Nursery Manager at Grass Roots. She has a degree in Early Childhood Studies, National Professional Qualification for Early Years Leaders, Masters in Childhood studies and Early Years and Paediatric First Aid. She also has over 20 years experience in childcare.
Caitlin is responsibile the day to day management of the settings. Caitlin's main passion in the setting is the personal development and welfare of the children and staff, to ensure the best outcomes for all our children and families.
She is the settings deputy DSL.
Caitlin has three children, whom she loves to go on adventures with. She also enjoys creative projects and being outdoors.
Matthew
Director &
Buisness Manager
Matthew is a Director and Business Manager for Grass Roots.
He holds a Paediatric First Aid and First Aid at work qualification
He enjoys woodwork and making furniture, many of our items in nursery Matt has created or adapted for us. He also enjoys gardening, he carefully tends to our allotment.
Matt also likes walking and enjoys long walks with Frank, our nursery dog.
Emma
Deputy Manager & SENDCO
Emma is the Deputy Manager and SENDCo across both settings. She is Level 6 qualified with a degree in Childhood Studies and has over 10 years experience working with children and young people. She also has a Level 3 in SEND Support and Paediatric First Aid.
She loves seeing each child develop and grow into confident little learners and letting their personalities shine.
She enjoys spending time and socialising with her family and friends and she has two fur babies.
Her life is always go, go, go as she and her partner love getting in the car to explore new places especially if it involves a beach day or a weekend caravanning.
Jess
Deputy Manager & Deputy SENDCO
Jess has worked for Grass Roots since we opened in 2018. She has successfully progressed through the setting and now serves as a Deputy Manager, playing a key role in assisting the management team and supporting the crucial SENDCO function alongside Emma.
Jess has her Level 3 Early Years Educator and Level 5 qualification in Leadership and management, she is also trained in Paediatric First Aid and holds the First Aid at Work qualification. Jess has over a decade of experience working with children 0-11.
Jess enjoys spending time with her daughter, partner and family, scenic walks with her dog, and meals out
Frank
Nursery Empathy Dog
The Fold Team
Under 2's at St. Peters
Keeley
The Fold Room Leader
Keeley is a dedicated and qualified member of our Early Years team. She holds her Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and is certified in Paediatric First Aid.
While pursuing her passion for childcare, Keeley brings a wealth of life experience, including 8 years spent working in elderly care. This background provides her with exceptional skills in compassion, patience, and professional communication, which are invaluable when supporting young children and their families.
In her spare time, Keeley enjoys spending quality time with her little boy, family, and friends, and taking walks with her dog.
Tiarna
Nursery practitioner
Tiarna is a valued member of the team, fully qualified as an Early Years Educator and certified in Paediatric First Aid.
Although she has experience supporting Preschool children, Tiarna's current focus and great enjoyment is working in the Baby Room. Her professional skills are bolstered by significant real-world experience, drawn from her large family background and raising her own daughter, giving her an abundance of practical, compassionate knowledge in childcare.
Laurie
Early Years Practitioner
Laurie is a qualified Level 3 Early Years Educator and holds current certification in Paediatric First Aid.
Since joining our team in 2023, Laurie has quickly become a valuable asset. While she enjoys supporting children of all ages across the setting, she has a particular passion for working with the under-two age group, where she excels at providing nurturing and developmentally appropriate care.
In her spare time, Laurie enjoys relaxing with her family and catching up with friends over coffee.
Amy
Early Years Practitioner
Amy is a qualified Level 3 Early Years Educator who contributes significant practical expertise to our setting.
Her professional experience, combined with the invaluable hands-on knowledge gained from raising her own children, provides her with a holistic understanding of child development and care.
She loves being creative and making things at home, and she particularly enjoys engaging her own children in nature walks where they collect natural materials—an interest she often incorporates into stimulating activities for the children in our care.
Ruby
Nursery Assistant
Ruby brings genuine enthusiasm and a nurturing approach to her role, backed by her Paediatric First Aid qualification.
Although new to working in a day nursery environment, Ruby is clearly an innate fit for early years education. Her natural qualities—being warm, kind, and incredibly supportive—allow her to build strong, positive relationships, making her extremely popular with the children.
Ruby loves to travel and has enjoyed exploring diverse locations across the globe, including Australia, Bali, and various destinations across Europe.
Darcey
Early Years Apprentice
Darcey is a valued and highly motivated member of our team, currently working towards her Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification. She is also fully certified in Paediatric First Aid.
Bringing a unique perspective to her training, Darcey has grown up within the nursery environment as Lucy's daughter. This exposure gives her a naturally deep understanding of the practitioner role, the daily routines, and the setting's ethos.
In her spare time, Darcey enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family.
The Paddock Team
2 year olds at St. Peters
Natasha
The Paddock Room Leader
Natasha is a highly experienced and qualified member of our team, holding a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and current certification in Paediatric First Aid.
With many years of experience working in nurseries, combined with the invaluable perspective gained as a mother, Natasha brings a wealth of practical and insightful knowledge to her role. What truly motivates Natasha in childcare is the opportunity to observe and facilitate each child's growth and development as a unique individual.
In her free time, Natasha is passionate about the outdoors, enjoying camping and connecting with nature alongside her family.
Amy
Deputy Room Leader
Amy is a qualified Level 3 Early Years Educator and is currently furthering her expertise by working towards a Foundation Degree in Childhood Studies. Amy is also fully certified in Paediatric First Aid.
With five years of professional experience in various nurseries, Amy brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. She finds her greatest satisfaction in the process of watching children grow and supporting them as they reach their individual goals and milestones.
In her spare time, Amy enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, and she often extends her passion for childcare by regularly caring for her nephew and niece.
Alicia
Early Years Assistant
Alicia is an ambitious and dedicated practitioner, currently furthering her professional expertise by undertaking a Level 5 Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies. She is also certified in Paediatric First Aid.
Alicia has always been motivated to work with children, finding immense satisfaction in witnessing their learning journey and supporting their holistic development.
Her commitment to fostering growth is evident in her past experience: she previously spent her spare time coaching gymnastics to young children. This role provided valuable hands-on experience, reinforcing her passion for seeing children thrive as they master new skills and gain confidence.
Brooke
Nursery Practitioner
Brooke is a qualified Level 3 Early Years Practitioner and holds current certification in Paediatric First Aid.
She has returned to professional childcare after taking time to raise her own family, which provides her with enhanced empathy and practical skills in her daily work. Brooke's greatest reward is observing and supporting the children in reaching their full developmental potential.
Brooke loves spending quality time with her two children, often engaging in outdoor walks and swimming, prioritizing meaningful family connection.
Heather
Nursery Practitioner
Heather is a valued member of our team, fully qualified as a Level 3 Early Years Educator and certified in Paediatric First Aid.
As a mum to two energetic boys, Heather brings practical, real-world knowledge and boundless energy to the setting.
Her family life reflects her active approach: she and her family love exploring the outdoors, frequently enjoying walks and finding new places where they can go climbing. When it's time to relax, they unwind by indulging in a good movie night together.
The Orchard Team
2 year olds at New Road
Charlotte
The Orchard Room Leader
Charlotte is a highly qualified and committed practitioner, holding her Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and current Paediatric First Aid certification.
Bringing a wealth of transferable skills, Charlotte transitioned to Early Years after 11 successful years working in health and social care, seeking a new and rewarding professional adventure.
She is dedicated to enhancing her knowledge in outdoor education and is currently undertaking Forest School Training.
Charlotte's passion for the outdoors extends into her family life. She enjoys camping, caravanning, and exploring nature with her husband, two young daughters, and dog. She also has a keen interest in sustainability, growing her own fruit and vegetables at home.
Jenny
Early Years Teacher
Jenny is an exceptionally qualified member of our team, holding Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) and current certification in Paediatric First Aid.
She brings valuable professional experience, having previously worked in out-of-school clubs, which provides her with expertise across different age groups.
Jenny's core educational philosophy is centered on the natural world: she passionately believes that children learn and thrive best when immersed in nature. This conviction drives her enthusiasm for providing engaging, outdoor-based learning opportunities for the children in our care.
The Meadow Team
3 - 4 year olds at St. Peter's
Christine
The Fold Room Leader
Christine is a highly experienced and accomplished member of our team, holding a Level 5 Practitioner qualification. She is the dedicated Room Leader for The Meadows Room and is certified in Paediatric First Aid.
Driven by a lifelong aspiration to work with children, Christine considers early years education the most rewarding job. She finds profound satisfaction in knowing that she has made a positive difference in a child's learning journey and development.
In her spare time, Christine focuses on family, enjoying day trips and walking in the countryside with her partner and four boys. She also has a creative side and enjoys making things.
Georgia
SEND Support Apprentice
Georgia is a highly motivated practitioner, currently advancing her career by studying for her Level 3 Early Years Educator (EYE) qualification, and she is fully certified in Paediatric First Aid.
Georgia is naturally creative and insightful, consistently bringing great ideas to the setting. She particularly excels at problem-solving, ensuring challenges are met with innovative and practical solutions.
Racheal
Early Years Teacher
Racheal is an exceptionally qualified staff member in our Early Years team, holding Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). She also holds a degree in Learning, Development and Support and is certified in Paediatric First Aid.
Racheal is a highly creative and insightful practitioner. Her educational philosophy centres on following children's individual interests with great enthusiasm, a practice she expertly integrates into planning to ensure high levels of engagement and motivation in their learning journey.
Outside of the setting, Racheal enjoys spending quality time with her family. They share a love for the outdoors, often walking their dog and exploring the woods together.
Traci-Marie
SEND Support Practitioner
Traci is a Level 3 qualified practitioner and holds current Paediatric First Aid certification.
Her expertise spans multiple educational environments, having spent time working successfully in both early years settings and schools. This broad background allows her to expertly support children with a range of needs, including both complex medical requirements and specific learning and developmental needs.
In her spare time, Traci enjoys nurturing her creativity through crafting and spending quality time with her family.
The Woodland Team
3 - 4 year olds at New Road
Amy G
Early Years Teacher & Room Leader
Amy is an exceptionally qualified and senior member of the Grass Roots team, holding Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) and current certification in Paediatric First Aid.
In her pivotal role, Amy leads the teaching and learning within The Woodland room, where she excels at providing the children with exciting, stimulating, and enriching learning activities and resources. Furthermore, she carries the crucial responsibility of serving as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Deputy DSL).
Outside of her professional commitments, Amy enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children.
Gill
Early Years Practitioner
Gill is a highly experienced and respected member of our team, holding a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner qualification and current certification in Paediatric First Aid.
She brings an outstanding 22 years of professional experience in childcare, providing her with exceptional insight and expertise across all stages of early childhood development.
This professional expertise is richly complemented by her personal life: as a mother of three grown-up children and a grandmother to two grandchildren, Gill possesses a wealth of hands-on, nurturing experience that informs her daily practice.
In her spare time, Gill enjoys socializing and frequent get-togethers with her friends and family. She also keeps active by enjoying walking and watching various sports.
Charlotte
Early Years Practitioner
Charlotte is a highly experienced and dedicated Level 3 Early Years Practitioner, holding current certification in Paediatric First Aid.
With many years of professional experience in nursery settings, Charlotte has developed versatile skills and expertise working effectively with all age groups—from babies to pre-schoolers. This extensive background allows her to provide comprehensive and adaptable support across the setting.
Outside of work, Charlotte enjoys spending quality time with her daughter.
Millie
Early Years Practitioner
Millie is an exceptionally motivated and highly qualified member of our team, having recently completed her Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). She also holds current certification in Paediatric First Aid.
She is committed to advancing her expertise and has set her sights on undertaking Forest School Leader Training next, demonstrating a strong passion for outdoor and nature-based learning.
Millie's dedication to childcare began unexpectedly: after taking a summer job with us, she quickly realized how much she enjoyed connecting, playing, and nurturing the children, solidifying her path into professional Early Years education.
Janet
Early Years Practitioner
Janet is a highly experienced and dedicated practitioner, holding a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and current certification in Paediatric First Aid. She brings over 10 years of professional experience working with children.
Janet is deeply passionate about early years education. She loves the variety of the role, appreciating that no two days are the same and finding joy in getting to know each child's unique character and personality. Her motivation is centered on nurturing children to become well-rounded young people by scaffolding care and education around their individual needs.
Her previous role within a school setting involved extensive work providing interventions for children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) difficulties.
Kitchen
Ryan
Early Years Chef
Ryan has a passion for cooking and shows great creativity in his work.
Ryan started in the hospitality industry at around 14 years old and worked his way up from pot washer to catering manager.
Ryan then went on to work seasons for quite a few years, he spent summers working for PGL as a catering manager and was lucky enough to work in a variety of locations such as Wales, Scotland and Paris and spent many winters working in ski chalets in either Austria or France.
Ryan now resides in Sowerby Bridge with his wife and son.
Julie
Kitchen assistant
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Julie holds city and guilds certificates in catering and she has over 22 years experience of working as a cook in a private day nursery.
Julie enjoys watching her sons play sports, socialising with her friends and spending time with my family. She also enjoys reading.
Staff Wellbeing
How do we look after our staff's wellbeing at Grass Roots?
At Grass Roots, we place immense importance on the well-being of our staff. We believe that happy staff result in happy children. To support our team, we have implemented several initiatives.
We conduct regular well-being check-ins and provide mental health support, including one-on-one sessions through our Wisdom App. Our monthly well-being newsletter aims to uplift spirits and celebrate our praise winner for the month. This newsletter also highlights upcoming activities, such as 'Woo Week' and 'Treat Day.' We encourage team engagement through easily achievable challenges and organise social outings, promoting team building that includes our team members' families.
Additionally, we invite you to watch a video featuring Lucy, our Nursery Manager, which was presented during the Learn Explore Debate (LED) for the Department for Education in November and December 2020. Racheal, one of our Early Years Teachers, has also created a short video sharing her experience as a member of the Grass Roots team.
Lucy - Nursery Manager
Racheal - Early Years Teacher
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