Rand Farm Park Day Nursery & Pre-School

Sarah: Nursery Manager

You know, when we first looked at bringing you a ‘Meet the Team’ segment over the Summer holidays, it never dawned on me that I’d have to write something about myself!

Don’t worry, there won’t be any “I like to take long walks on the beach” or “My favourite colour is…”

So, hello, I’m Sarah… the one who loves to jump in and help with the rooms, bring all of the messy, paint and wet play out and then be ‘called away for something’ leaving the rest of the team to clean up the mess?

When I first saw the yet-to-open Nursery was advertising for vacancies in 2019 I thought; A) Why can’t I be a kid again growing up and learning on a farm? Where do I apply?

At the time I was currently studying for my degree but jumped at the opportunity to join what is, truly, an amazing Nursery setting.

Since then, over the last three years, I have completed my degree, became Room Leader, Deputy Manager and now Nursery Manager.

Last weekend, Myself, Lucy and especially Holly, said a very teary goodbye to some of our Pre-Schoolers. Some of these amazing little humans were just babies when I started my adventure here at the Nursery and if I’m asked what my greatest achievement here is I, can hand-on-heart say, it’s every single one of the children I will miss terribly when they move on up into Big School
(It’s always harder to talk about yourself isn’t it, sorry!)?

Next week will be Lucy P. If you don’t know who Lucy is you 100% would have heard her – even from the car park.

Sarah x

Lucy: Deputy Manager

If you’re reading this out loud in your head then you’ll probably want it to be EXTRA loud and talk REALLY quick to best capture how I would say it haha?

So, I’m Lucy, the Deputy Manager here at the Rand Farm Park Day Nursery & Pre-School.

I’ve worked in Nurseries for 16 years and, at the end of this month, would have been here for 3 years. A bit of a fun fact, I’ve had the pleasure of working with most of the children who have come through the doors and have met the majority of the parents as I think I’ve held almost every position available. When the Nursery first opened I was the baby room leader and can remember laying out all these brand-new toys and resources… imagine it, it was picturesque, Instagram-worthy, tidy and clean... for about ten minutes.

So away from the obvious things I love about my role like cuddling with the children, singing with them and hosting karaoke parties and I’m probably best known for drinking lattes, being loud, slipping Sean Paul into the office playlist or always sporting some form of Fairfax and Favor clothing/accessory.

My family have been members of Rand Farm Park for over five years now since Jessica was actually 6 weeks old, and we love seeing the new animals and the amazing events the team at Rand Farm Park put on and then sharing the experience with all of the children in the Nursery too.

Lucy x

Preschool Room Leader & Kids Club Leader

Many of you will know me as the one who embarrassingly cried her eyes out during our recent Pre-School Graduation!

Lots of these (so very nearly) big school-ready children have been there by my side through toddlers and now preschool and have helped me develop and grow over the years.

I’m so proud of how far they’ve all come on their journey in life and I wish them all the very best!

I’m very lucky to have had the amazing opportunity of being here from the very start, helping to frantically build nursery furniture and set up our rooms ready to nervously open the doors back in September 2019, which then came back around again earlier this year when I was doing the exact same thing when we opened the purpose-built Pre-School!

Holly x

Phoebe: Baby Room Leader

Let me just start by saying; Hey I’m Phoebe!
Some of you may recognise me as the lunchtime cover in Pre-school for the last 6 months, but you’re now looking at the new Baby Room Leader and I’m beyond ecstatic to start in my new position.

So here goes a little bit about me… I’ve had the pleasure of working in childcare for 8 years and the best part about it is not just the obvious cuddles, laughter and craziness with the children but watching/supporting them conquer the things they didn’t know were possible.
If you happen to cross paths with me in the Nursery, I will be the one walking around with a crazy foam beard or busting some awesome dance moves or, the usual for me is walking around in an inflatable cow costume... But please say hi I’m super friendly.

If you happen to see me on the farm I’m probably the one giving the cows a big cuddle but, 7 months ago before I started working here, that never would have been me as I was scared of anything bigger than a rabbit haha!

Growing up I never really visited farms, so this was all new to me but most definitely wasn’t an opportunity I was going to throw away.

Working in the Nursery and on the farm has shown me the importance of child interactions with animals and how they teach children to be patient and have responsibility for others as well as how it advances their confidence and self-esteem.

Even on my days off you’re bound to see me taking my two children to Rand Farm Park and telling them everything I have learnt about the animals I’ve grown to love.

Phoebe x

Holly E: Wellness Ambassador

Hello, I’m Holly E a preschool practitioner and wellness ambassador here at Rand Farm Nursery!

Most of you will know me as tall Holly, but I have had the pleasure of working in the preschool room for over/around a year and a half now!

I have been so fortunate to have been here for lots of the nursery’s milestones like when we launched our mini farmer's programme, opened our amazing new preschool room and our very first preschool graduation (which I still haven’t stopped crying over!)

A little bit about me… I love everything to do with animals and self-care! My ideal day would be something along the lines of puppy yoga or sunbathing in a field with some cows! I love being outdoors and trying new things, from kayaking in the Lake District to snorkelling with turtles in Mexico, I will try absolutely anything!
I am really fortunate to be able to express my love for wellness through my wellness ambassador role too. I always try to have my positive pants on and draw the best out of anyone that surrounds me, including the children! So, if your child comes home insisting you do cat and cow yoga or talking about blowing up a balloon in their belly as a breathing technique, my apologies that’s my fault!!

Holly E x

Kayleigh: Senior Practitioner
Hello, you’ll probably hear me before seeing me but if you’ve seen me around and don’t know my name… I’m Kayleigh.

I “work” in the under twos department and I’m a senior practitioner based in the Pre-Toddler Room. As soon as I was qualified for college, I wasted no time and jumped straight into my career! I currently hold a level 3 in childcare and children’s education which was hard work but gosh is it worth it!

Working with our little people is so personally rewarding in many ways!

Being a part of their little journey and helping them along the way, being able to see them grow into the beautiful little people they are/turning into! Not to mention all the cuddles and hearing how many different ways my name’s apparently pronounced (kiwi is currently my personal favourite)!

As well as spending time with our dinky darlings, I get to see the lovely ladies at Rand too! They never fail to make me smile or laugh, the lovely family bond we have is like no other workplace!

A little about me… Just like at work, I like to stay busy in my free time too and will say yes to any type of trip! Anything to get me out of the house really ?????
Whilst I’m young and without any babies of my own, I turn most of my Friday or Saturday nights into nights out and love a good boogie! (Not on a school night though)?

I have a little Russian Hamster called Obi (Star Wars nerd alert) and two border terriers called Max and Penny. My fur babies are my world and couldn’t imagine life without them around! I’m a bit of an adrenaline junky, totally obsessed with rollercoasters, theme parks, water parks, and anything to do with heights really! I’m not really scared of many things but tell me I need an injection or blood test and I’ll cry my eyes out ??! Oh, I’m petrified of Mr Blobby, he’s a big no thank you!
To wrap it up, childcare is the only career I’ve ever wanted to excel in, my journey at Rand has 100% allowed me to do so! I’m super grateful to be a part of our fab team and to be a part of all your little people’s childhood!

Emily R: Pre-School Senior

Hello, I'm Emily and I am the Pre-School Senior.
Believe it or not but I actually grew up on a farm myself so being involved with farm life, welcoming a new life into the world and getting stuck is almost second nature to me.

So, when I saw the Nursery was opened in 2019 I didn’t hesitate to apply.

Sharing my upbringing and educating young children on nature, animals, care and getting stuck in is something I am not only incredibly proud of but something I love to do.

Outside of the Nursery, I like to make precious memories for my daughter and family and have recently started more adventurous activities such as Kayaking! I’ve always said no to riding the Skyrider at Rand Farm Park but, seeing as everyone in this building is an adrenaline junkie, maybe one of the girls could ‘push me’? ??