Our Staff
The Lighthouse Nursery prides itself on the quality of our staff and recognise that they are our biggest asset.
About Lighthouse Nursery
Our ratio of qualified to unqualified staff considerably exceeds the Ofsted standards of 50:50, and is at 80% plus. All of our Nursery Assistants are undertaking a recognised childcare qualification. All of the staff are enthusiastic, motivated, and committed to providing high quality childcare and have a genuine love of children.
During your look around the Lighthouse Nursery, you will meet the Deputy Manager or Owner as usual but will also be introduced to the Room Supervisors and full-time Nursery Nurses who are the children’s key carers. You will be invited to stay for a while so that you can talk to them and also see them at work. We believe that getting to know who will be looking after your child on a daily basis is probably the most important thing to consider when choosing a nursery.
A Word from Our Deputy Managers
We are the deputy managers here at The Lighthouse Nursery. Our names are Charlotte and Sara – however we say we are one!
Charlotte and Sara,
Deputy Managers
Our favourite quote:
“Kid, you’ll move mountains!” – Dr. Seuss.
When you first join our nursery, you will start with me Sara. I am a Level 3 qualified nursery nurse who has been at The Lighthouse for over 10 years. I have 19 years’ experience in childcare. I manage the bottom floor of our nursery, working most days in our baby room (Cubs) whilst also supporting our younger toddler room (Tigers).
You will then progress to our upper floor and start your adventure with me, Charlotte! I am a Level 6 qualified nursery nurse and have 19 years of experience in childcare – 8 of which are here at The Lighthouse! I manage our two upper rooms, supporting our older toddler room (Playschool) and spending most of my days over in our Preschool room, prepping all of our older children for school!
You will see us around the nursery, at the start and end of your day and also at our frequent parent events! We are always around should you need a chat, so please always feel free to ask!
We both believe in parent partnership – when you first meet us, we make it very clear that we are here for you as well as your little ones. We both aim to make each day fun and a little bit messy! Whether that is sand or water play or using lots of colourful glitter to create a beautiful masterpiece. We both believe in encouraging each child’s interests as you never know! – you might be caring for the next famous artist/inventor! We aim to create a home from home environment!
A Word from the Nursery Manager
My name is Shannon Dunne. I am originally from Ireland but have recently moved from Canada to the UK after 2 years working abroad and experiencing childcare in another country. I have over 7 years’ work experience in Childcare, that includes private and public early years settings, working with disadvantaged children in Haiti and running a baton twirling dance team.
I hold a BA with Distinction Honors in Early Childhood Studies. Alongside this, I am a licensed security guard – fun fact of the day!
I run The Lighthouse day to day by greeting our families at the front door with a smile, and guiding children to their designated rooms. I check in with my team and ensure everyone is ready for the day ahead. My main objective with The Lighthouse is to maintain the ‘home from home’ feeling that previous management nurtured. I strive to create an inclusive environment for staff, families and children that encourages holistic development. I have an open-door policy which means my ear is always yours in time of need.
Favourite quote:
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing” – George Bernard Shaw.
