Meet Our Staff
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 a joint Owner of Woodlands Pre-School in September 2022 and continues to manage the Pre-School on a daily basis.
Nikki has 2 children and holds a level 3 qualification. Nikki is the nursery DSP. Nikki has a passion for Horses and enjoys live music events.
Clare Wilkie
Director
Clare opened Woodlands Preschool in 2019, where she put her heart and soul in to starting up this nature inspired learning environment for 2-5 year olds. Clare has now emigrated with her husband and 2 wonderful children to Australia, where they are starting their new life in the sun. Clare remains 50% owner.
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 enjoys drama programmes, scary films and meals out with her husband.
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.
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 9 years and is level 3 qualified. Shannon is currently studying to complete her 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 has a daughter and likes to spend time taking her on days out.
Lisa Keys
Level 3 Nursery Practitioner
Lisa joined woodlands in 2020. She is NVQ level 3 qualified and received a distinction for it. Lisa puts 110% in to everything she does. Lisa is creative person who loves inventing new activities for the children. Lisa is Health and Safety Rep for the preschool and works tirelessly to ensure all the children and staff have a safe environment to be in daily.
Lisa has a daughter who she loves spending time with going on days out to the zoo and seaside trips.
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 Nurse who supports the whole team and is extremely caring towards the children. Simone is also SENCo support for the preschool. 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.
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 13 years and is committed to ensuring all children have the best start to their early education.
Jo enjoys going on long walks especially if there is a good restaurant at the end.
Tracy Holliman
Assistant Practitioner
Loved by children and staff alike, Tracy brings enthusiasm and joy to Woodlands Pre-school, Warners End. New to the role Tracy has become an integral part of the team, who goes out of her way to make the days at preschool very exciting for all the children. Tracy has 3 children of her own and 2 adorable Daschunds who Tracy loves taking on holidays away to the beach.
Gabi David
Assistant 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 has 2 children and is an avid gym enthusiast who loves reading phycological novels.
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 a keen baker who loves to play games with her family.
Sharon Boyall
Assistant Practitioner
Sharon is our newest member of the team and has already started to become part of the Woodlands Family.
Sharon has 4 children of her own and loves to spend family time with them camping, eating out and travelling the world.
Chelsea Edwards
Third in Charge (Currently on Maternity Leave)
Chelsea is a fully qualified Nursery Nurse who has over 10 years experience working with children. She is very passionate about working with children and has become an integral part of the Woodlands team.
Chelsea loves spending time with her family, taking her daughter swimming and taking part in motocross races.
Victoria (Tor) Wilton
Senior Nursery Nurse (Currently on Maternity Leave)
Energetic and driven, we were thrilled to have Tor join our Woodlands team in January 2023 as our Senior Nursery Nurse. Tor is very excited to take on the next challenge and push our team forward. Tor is a level 3 senior nursery nurse. She has a beautiful daughter and loves taking her on days out to the farm. Tor also enjoys taking her Jack Russel out on woodland walks.