Meet the Staff

Allie is the owner of the Nursery and manages the day to day running with the support the staff.

Having completed a languages degree at Bradford University, Allie continued her training at University of East Anglia to complete a P.G.C.E to become a qualified teacher.

Since then, she has had experience of teaching across the Foundation Stage and Primary sector.

In recent years Allie worked in a Kindergarten in Hong Kong when she moved there with her family.

Allie took over the nursery in January 2012 but was already familiar with the setting and staff as her elder 2 children attended the setting before transitioning to primary school. Since then her younger children (twins) also joined the nursery before heading off to school.

In January 2020 Allie signed up to participate in EYPDP (Early Years Professional Development Programme) a national government initiative to support language, literacy and mathematics development in eery years children (specifically aimed at 2-4 year olds). Earlier this year, Allie completed the course having also delivered seminars to our own setting and worked as a mentor to other settings. We are now classed as a ‘Communication Friendly Setting’ She is now part of an ongoing concept known as Communities of practice whereby a number of settings come together to continue to develop links, develop practice and maintain the momentum of the training undertaken.

Allie has recently completed Forest School Leader Level 3 training and is currently waiting the official outcome. She loves spending time outdoors – enjoys running (finally completed her ambition to take on the London Marathon late last year!), gardening and walking her dog….

When not at work, Allie likes running (and is hoping to complete the London Marathon this year) baking….anything and walking her dog who resembles Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy!!!

Fun fact…when growing up before deciding to be a teacher, Allie wanted to join the RAF to fly fighter jets!

Melinda began her journey with us as a placement student a few years ago. Since then, Mel has qualified as an Early Years Practitioner before going on to complete a degree in Childhood Studies. Mel now leads the Caterpillar Class. She is also a full time mum.

Melissa Price has a wealth of teaching experience to bring to the setting. She has taught overseas and has now settled in Suffolk with her family and joins us in a supporting role within class. Melissa is also a mum to three lovely children.

Michelle started working with children primarily in a voluntary role. After having time off to have her family, Michelle then trained to NVQ Level 2 in 2004 and worked in a School Nursery in Hertfordshire for 2 years. Michelle joined the Granary after relocating to Suffolk in March 2006 has since successfully completed her Level 3 and SENCO training. Michelle is Deputy Manager of the nursery, Working alongside Allie to support staff and develop the nursery. Michelle is also the Deputy SENCO and Deputy Safeguarding Lead.

Fun fact…did you know that Michelle was a county gymnast at the age of 11! When her children were small, she used to make the whole family speak in an Italian accent when they had spaghetti bolognaise for dinner! She also speaks Spanish!

Nicola has a level 3 NNEB qualification. She joined the Granary in January 2009 working in Class 2 part-time as well as nannying for a local family. Nicola has previously had experience working in a local day nursery but has mostly had nannying jobs since qualifying in 1998. Nicola is the room leader for the Butterfly class working with an experienced team to care for and teach our older children.

Rebecca joins us this term as an apprentice working towards her level 3 childcare qualification. She comes to us already with lots of experience as a mum to two children, who also came to the nursery. Rebecca will be supported by the team throughout her training.

Katy gained her NNEB qualification in 1997 and then worked as a private Nanny for 12 years before starting her own family. She now works part time in Caterpillar Class. Katy has always had close contact with the Nursery – from work experience whilst at college, to bringing the children in her care as a Nanny. Both of her own children have attended the Granary. Katy is our setting SENCO. She is highly organised, also an excellent seamstress and makes a truly delicious Victoria Sandwich complete with strawberries and cream!

Claire joined the team as a Nursery Cook in January 2015. As a mother of two boys Claire is used to cooking for children! She has experience of working as a kitchen chef in a commercial setting having worked at The Butley Orford Oysterage for some time, and has a natural flair for cooking. Claire consistently produces high quality meals from our tiny kitchen on the premises. Her creativity doesn’t stop here as she is also a freelance florist.

Debbie completed her Post Grad teaching qualification alongside Allie at the University of East Anglia. Debbie taught in the primary sector before her children came along. Debbie’s own daughters attended the nursery and since they left Debbie joined us primarily in a supply capacity before taking a part time permanent position as a Nursery Practitioner.

Debbie also enjoys gardening and dog walking in her ‘spare ’time!

Rosie is mum to three wonderful children who all attended the Granary before going to school.

Roise is a qualified nursery practitioner who joined us as a permanent feature after a period of supply work.

Vikki Clements joined the team after a period of supply. Vikki has lots of nursery experience covering both age groups. Vikki's youngest child also attended the nursery until transitioning to school.