Who we are...

Sarah Walker

I Sarah Walker, am the owner and managing director of Halesowen Day Nursery. I am a Qualified Teacher with an advanced diploma in Child Psychotherapy and an extensive background in working with children. 

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Emily Hobday

Emily Hobday is our deputy manager and pre-school room leader. She has a degree in Early Childhood Studies and has over 10 years experience in childcare.

Alice Grennan

Melissa Farrell

Alice Grennan is my mother and the original owner of Halesowen Day Nursery, she now manages the accounts and supports me in too many ways to mention!

Melissa Farrell is our Nursery Development Officer. She works with our teachers on a 1-2-1 basis, supporting with planning, observations, personal development and interactions. In addition, she works with the management team on an organisational level to refine and implement the long term vision of Halesowen Day Nursery.

Nursery Teachers

In addition to myself and my staff members above, the nursery employs three fully-qualified Lead Practitioners in the Babies, Toddlers, Kindergarten and Pre-school Playrooms - Sophie Debney, Sam Jennings and Lauren Darby.

They are supported by a team of qualified Nursery Practitioners whose photos and names you can see below

Babies and Toddlers Teachers (Under 2's)

Sophie Debney

Sam Jennings

Kindergarten and Pre-School Teachers (Over 2's)

Lauren Darby

Emily Hobday

We are also supported by regular bank staff, an office administrator, a cook, and a cleaner. 

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Furthermore, the nursery aids the development of future child-carers by supporting the local

colleges and offering long-term training placements to students studying for Early Years qualifications.

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A quality learning experience for children requires a quality workforce. To ensure your child is

getting the very best out of Halesowen Day Nursery, our practitioners have access to numerous

training opportunities, both internal & external and are encouraged to be ‘reflective’ about their

practice and provision. Staff Training Days are also held twice per year.

All staff who have interactions with the children have an up-to- date DBS clearance and we maintain a robust recruitment system. First Aid & Safeguarding training is mandatory for all staff – both of these are regularly accessed and updated appropriately.

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Professional Development and Standards are monitored through a strong appraisal and

supervision system whith regular focused observations. This is paramount to ensuring the we

continue to provide the very best care and education for your child.

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Staff have responsibilities and autonomy within the nursery through additional training relating to

their personal interests. These areas include: SENCO, safeguarding, health & safety, maths,

communication and language, art and construction to name but a few (for a full list please refer

to the noticeboard in the foyer).

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