Abby Mitchell
Nursery manager
I have always found the development of children fascinating, the way they can take something as simple as a box, and suddenly they are soaring into space to find aliens. I truly believe that if we can give children a strong start then they will go on to thrive as adults. I decided to train to become a childcare practitioner after looking after my nephew as a baby. I joined the Holly Cottage family in 2014 in Pre-School before moving in to the management team. My role allows me to spend time in all three rooms but my favourite thing to do is to take groups of children into Gorrick woods for a day of fun and adventure.
Olivia Whitehouse
Management Team
Being able to be part of creating a nurturing, positive and stimulating environment for children to grow and develop during their formative years was a huge drive for me when pursuing a career working with children. I find it a privilege, and highly rewarding to work in a role that allows me to do this in a Nursery as fantastic as Holly Cottage.
The atmosphere is warm and caring, providing a wonderful surrounding for all the children who attend. I thoroughly enjoy being able to use the amazing outdoor space at Holly Cottage, and always look forward to Fun in Forest with Pre-school on a Friday, it is a great opportunity to give the children new skills and exciting experiences!
Outside of Nursery I love spending time outdoors and with my lovely family (including my cat Mia!)
Anna Mirza
Management Team
My passion for childcare started over 20 years ago and over the years I worked in multiple childcare organisations and I’ve always found working with children deeply rewarding and fulfilling, which is why I am immensely proud to be part of such an amazing team here at Holly Cottage. My aim has always been to lay a solid foundation for all the children within our setting, and I do this by providing them with a fun and inspiring atmosphere that cements their moral, social and spiritual values. I’ve always considered the best part of my day when I get the opportunity to push the children’s creative boundaries and explore their character.
In the spare time I have, I enjoy traveling and sightseeing with my husband and daughter, my other favourite activities include, yoga, art, reading swimming and walking our pup at heart Milo.
Theresa Gale
Manager of Food and Nutrition
Our extremely talented Chef Theresa has been part of the Holly Cottage family since 2004, seeing three of her own grandchildren move through the nursery. Everyday she prepares homemade delicious meals and snacks in her spacious kitchen for the whole nursery. We are so proud of her consistent, outstanding 5 star rating for hygiene from the local council and don’t know what we would do without her!