Meet the team

At our nursery, we are proud to have one of the most qualified and experienced early years teams in Staffordshire.

Every member of staff is dedicated to providing the very best start in life for the children in our care. Our team brings together a wealth of knowledge, passion, and creativity, united by a shared ethos of sustainability, curiosity, and child-led learning.

To give families peace of mind, every practitioner is trained in Paediatric First Aid, safeguarding, and food hygiene, ensuring children’s safety and wellbeing are at the heart of all we do. Our staff also receive ongoing professional development, from specialist training to workshops on outdoor learning and sustainability, so we remain at the forefront of early years practice.

Young children are in the kitchen with a teacher, they are looking at a pancake on a plate

Our 'being present' approach

At Woodlands, we believe children thrive when the adults around them are truly present. Our practitioners focus on building strong, responsive relationships and supporting learning through meaningful interactions.

We intentionally keep technology and paperwork to a minimum, so our attention is with the children – observing, listening, and extending their play in the moment.


Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) principles

This approach not only allows us to notice each child’s unique interests and needs, but also aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) principles of:

Positive relationships

By being present, we form secure bonds that help children feel safe, valued and ready to learn.

Enabling environments

Our staff are free to notice and respond to learning opportunities as they naturally occur.

Learning and development

By focusing on quality interactions rather than over-assessing, we nurture curiosity, resilience, and confidence across all areas of the EYFS.

What this means for you and your child

For families, this means your child spends their time with adults who are fully engaged, supporting their development through everyday moments that matter most. What truly sets our team apart is not only their expertise, but also their warmth and commitment. Families often tell us how quickly they feel part of our community, thanks to the caring relationships staff build with both children and parents.

Together, our team works hand-in-hand with families to nurture confident, resilient, and eco-conscious young learners who are ready to thrive in school and beyond. For families, this means your child spends their time with adults who are fully engaged, supporting their development through everyday moments that matter most. 

What truly sets our team apart is not only their expertise, but also their warmth and commitment. Families often tell us how quickly they feel part of our community, thanks to the caring relationships staff build with both children and parents. Together, our team works hand-in-hand with families to nurture confident, resilient, and eco-conscious young learners who are ready to thrive in school and beyond.

Nursery staff are all standing in a classroom for a group photograph
for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021