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Meet Our Staff

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Nikki Laventure

Director/Manager

Nikki joined as Pre-school manager at the beginning of 2022 and has been instrumental in the success of Woodlands ever since. Nikki became Owner of Woodlands Pre-School in September 2022 and continues to manage the Pre-School on a daily basis. Nikki holds a level 3 qualification in childcare and education and has over 20 years experience within the childcare sector..

  • Nikki is Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP)

  • Preschool Child Behaviour Advisor

Nikki has 2 children and Nikki has a passion for Horses and enjoys live music events.

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Emma Cottrell

Deputy Manager

Emma joined Woodlands shortly after it opened in 2019. She has progressed from Nursery Nurse to Deputy Manager and is an amazing support to other staff members. Emma is very organised and often takes lead when putting planning into place.

  • Emma is Head of Planning

  • Parent Partnership Leader

  • Physical activity and Nutritional coordinator.

Emma enjoys drama programmes, scary films and meals out with her husband.

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Chelsea Edwards

Third in Charge 

Chelsea is a fully qualified Nursery Nurse who has over 12 years experience working with children. She is very passionate about working with children and has become an integral part of the Woodlands team.

  • Chelsea is senior lead for Personal, Social and Emotional Development.

Chelsea loves spending time with her family, taking her son daughter swimming and taking part in motocross races.

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Hollie Phillips

Third in Charge and Preschool SENCo

Since joining Woodlands Pre-school Hollie has consistently brought passion and dedication every single day. Her experience makes her a perfect fit as our Third in charge.
Hollie is energetic and driven, we were thrilled when Hollie joined the Woodlands team.

  • Hollie is a level 3 nursery nurse and qualified as the Pre-School SENCO and gives additional support to all children who need it.

Hollie is a mother to 2 beautiful children and loves to empower other mum's during lunch clubs that she organises.

Hollie is very much involved in button battery awareness and takes a heavy interest in the health and safety of the nursery.

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Shannon  North

Senior Nursery Practitioner

Shannon is a valued member of the team and has become a part of the Woodlands family. Shannon has worked with children for 10 years and is level 3 qualified. Shannon has a qualification in Mental Health for Children and Young People.

  • Shannon is the Fire Marshal for the Preschool who ensures all fire precautions are in places and organises the fire evacuation drills on a regular basis for the staff and children.

  • Shannon is the child mental health and wellbeing lead for the preschool.

Shannon has a daughter and likes to spend time taking her on days out.

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Magda Paun

Level 3 Nursery Practitioner

 Magda joined the Woodlands team and has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience with her. Magda is always excited to take on the next challenge and shower the children with love and care.

  • Magda is the preschool activity chef and baker extraordinaire. 

Magda is a keen baker who loves to play games with her family.

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Simone Payne

Level 3 Nursery Practitioner

Simone started at Woodlands in 2019 a month after we first opened. Simone is a very knowledgeable level 3 Nursery Practitioner who supports the whole team and is extremely caring towards the children.

  • Simone is SENCo support for the preschool.

  • Preschool Speech and Language coordinator.

  • Preschool Outdoor Provisions Master.

Simone has 2 children and loves spending time with her family. She likes going to the gym and working out. Simone is an avid Watford Football supporter.

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Jo Wharfe

Level 2 Nursery Practitioner

Jo consistently brings passion and dedication every single day. Her experience makes her a perfect fit within the Woodlands family.
Jo has worked in different childcare settings for over 15 years and is committed to ensuring all children have the best start to their early education.

  • Jo is Head of Literacy for the preschool.

Jo enjoys going on long walks especially if there is a good restaurant at the end.

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Tracy Holliman

Assistant Nursery Practitioner

Loved by children and staff alike, Tracy brings enthusiasm and joy to Woodlands Pre-school, Warners End.  Tracy has become an integral part of the team over the past 18 months, who goes out of her way to make the days at preschool very exciting for all the children.

  • Tracy is Events and Holiday Celebration coordinator. 

Tracy has 3 children of her own and 2 adorable Daschunds who Tracy loves taking on holidays away to the beach.

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Gabi David

Assistant Nursery Practitioner

Gabi is a kind and caring member of the team who is enthusiastic and dedicated to perusing a career in childcare. Gabi has very quickly become a very much valued part of the team.

  • Gabi is Head of maths.

  • English as additional language (EAL) Lead.

Gabi has 2 children and is an avid gym enthusiast who loves reading phycological novels.

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Joan Mould-Woods

College Student

We’re thrilled to welcome Joan, the newest star of our team! Currently on a work placement from West Herts College, she brings her passion for childcare, joining us two days a week to gain hands-on experience. Joan is not only fluent in sign language but also enjoys quality time with her family. We can't wait to see all the amazing things she will accomplish with us!

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