Staff members:

Meet Our Manager – Ellie

Ellie has over 10 years of experience in childcare, including five years managing two outdoor settings before taking the exciting step of opening and managing her very own setting.  

Her passion for working with children began early, inspired by accompanying her mum to work at a local primary school. As a child, Ellie spent much of her time at pony club with her horses, where she loved helping younger groups. She even organised a charity event, teaching others about Gymkhana – a horse riding competition. These experiences sparked her love for teaching and nurturing young minds.  

After finishing school, Ellie pursued an apprenticeship in childcare, and she’s never looked back. Known for her creativity and positivity, Ellie is always thinking of fun and exciting ways for children to learn. Her approachable and bubbly nature makes her a favourite with both children and parents.  

Becoming a mum herself gave Ellie a new perspective on children’s needs, deepening her love and understanding of her work. In her spare time, Ellie enjoys exploring the countryside or seaside – rain or shine! She firmly believes in the magic of natural materials for crafts and sensory play.  

Ellie is dedicated to creating a happy, healthy, and safe environment where children can thrive, grow, and learn.  

Qualifications  

- Early Years Childcare Level 3  

- Currently working towards Early Years Lead Practitioner (Level 5)  

- Paediatric First Aid Level 3  

- Enhanced DBS certification  

- Forest School Level 2  

- Safeguarding Awareness Group 3  

- Food Hygiene Level 2  

Ellie can’t wait to welcome you and your little ones into her setting!

Niki

Niki is our Deputy Manager and a valued member of the team, bringing with her several years of experience in childcare and a strong passion for supporting young children in their early development. With a wealth of knowledge in Early Years education, Niki plays an important role in helping to create a nurturing, safe, and engaging environment where children feel confident to explore, learn, and grow.

Holding a Level 3 qualification in Early Years, Niki has developed a deep understanding of how children learn through play, curiosity, and meaningful interactions. Her experience within childcare has allowed her to build strong relationships with both children and families, helping to create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere within the setting.

As Deputy Manager, Niki supports the day-to-day running of the setting and works closely with the team to ensure that every child receives high-quality care and learning opportunities. She is known for her calm, caring nature and her ability to connect with children, helping them feel secure and valued during their time with us.

Being a mum to her young son, whom she absolutely cherishes, has given Niki an even deeper appreciation for the importance of early childhood experiences. Her perspective as a parent helps her understand the trust families place in us and allows her to approach her role with empathy, patience, and genuine care.

Niki is dedicated to helping every child feel happy, supported, and encouraged as they grow in confidence, independence, and curiosity.

Qualifications

- Early Years Childcare Level 3

- Safeguarding Training

- Food Hygiene

- Enhanced DBS Certification

Sabrina

Sabrina is a valued Nursery Practitioner within our team and brings with her a wealth of life experience, warmth, and care. With a Level 2 qualification in Social Care, Sabrina has developed a strong understanding of supporting others and creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to grow.

Sabrina’s greatest experience comes from being a mum to five children of her own, which has given her a deep, practical understanding of children’s needs at every stage of development. Her experience as a parent allows her to approach childcare with patience, empathy, and genuine compassion, helping children feel secure and supported during their time with us.

Her calm and caring nature makes her a reassuring presence for both children and families. Sabrina enjoys building positive relationships with the children she cares for, supporting them as they develop confidence, independence, and curiosity through play and everyday learning experiences.

Sabrina also has a strong appreciation for the importance of outdoor experiences and nature, and she enjoys encouraging children to explore the world around them. Whether it’s discovering new things outside, engaging in creative activities, or simply spending time talking and playing, Sabrina values the simple moments that help children learn and thrive.

Outside of the nursery, Sabrina enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors. She loves going for walks in nature and enjoys time with her family dog, making the most of fresh air and the countryside.

Sabrina is dedicated to helping create a warm, supportive, and happy environment where children feel comfortable to explore, learn, and develop at their own pace.

Qualifications

- Level 2 in Social Care

- Paediatric First Aid Training

- Safeguarding Training

- Enhanced DBS Certification

Liv

Liv has been working in childcare since leaving school and has quickly developed a passion for supporting young children as they grow and learn. She currently holds a Level 2 Childcare qualification and is working towards her Level 3, continuing to build her knowledge and skills within Early Years education.

Liv brings enthusiasm, creativity, and a gentle, nurturing approach to the setting. She enjoys supporting children through play-based learning and loves finding new ways to make everyday experiences fun and engaging. Her calm and caring nature helps children feel comfortable and confident, encouraging them to explore their surroundings and develop their independence.

A true nature enthusiast, Liv has a particular interest in the natural world and enjoys sharing this passion with the children. She loves discovering how wild plants and natural ingredients can be used in baking, and she often brings this creativity into the setting through simple cooking and sensory activities. From exploring seasonal ingredients to making healthy treats together, Liv enjoys helping children connect with nature in meaningful ways.

Her love of natural, wholesome food and outdoor learning fits perfectly with the ethos of our setting, helping children experience the joy of nature, creativity, and hands-on learning.

Liv’s warm personality, creativity, and growing experience make her a wonderful part of the team, and she brings something truly special to our days at Wild Roots.

Qualifications

- Level 2 in childcare

- Paediatric First Aid

- Food Hygiene

- Group 2 Safeguarding

- Enhanced DBS certifaction

Kayla

Kayla brings with her a strong background in childcare and valuable experience working across the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. She holds a full Level 3 qualification in Early Years, which has provided her with a solid understanding of how to support children’s learning, development, and wellbeing through play and exploration.

Kayla is passionate about creating engaging learning experiences for children and has a particular love for messy play. She enjoys planning activities that allow children to explore their senses, get creative, and build confidence through hands-on learning. From painting and sensory trays to experimenting with different textures and materials, Kayla believes that some of the best learning happens when children are free to explore and have fun.

She is also keen to develop her skills in outdoor learning, which aligns beautifully with the Wild Roots ethos. Kayla enjoys encouraging children to explore nature, discover the world around them, and build independence through outdoor play and adventure.

Outside of nursery life, Kayla loves horse riding and spending time walking in nature, making the most of the outdoors whenever she can. She also enjoys getting creative and building with Lego, something that reflects her imaginative and playful personality.

Kayla’s enthusiasm, creativity, and passion for childcare make her a fantastic addition to the team, and we’re so excited to have her as part of the Wild Roots family.

Qualifications

- Level 3 in childcare

- Paediatric First Aid

- Food Hygiene

- Group 2 safeguarding

-Enhanced DBS Certification

Izzy

Izzy joins the Wild Roots team from Kiddi Caru in Exeter, bringing with her a strong passion for childcare and outdoor education. Through her previous role, Izzy gained valuable hands-on experience working closely with children across the Early Years, developing a deep understanding of how play, exploration, and nurturing relationships support children’s learning and development.

With a natural interest in the outdoors, Izzy particularly enjoys exploring nature and leading creative outdoor activities. She is passionate about helping children connect with the natural world, whether that’s through outdoor play, discovering wildlife, or using natural materials for crafts and imaginative play.

Izzy’s enthusiasm, creativity, and love of the outdoors make her a wonderful addition to the team, and we’re delighted to have her as part of the Wild Roots family.

Qualifications

- Introduction to EYFS Curriculum

- Paediatric First Aid

- Food Hygiene

- Group 2 Safeguarding

- Enhanced DBS certification

- Level 3 Apprentice.

Willow

Willow is at the very beginning of her childcare journey, having recently finished school and taking her first exciting steps into working with young children. She brings a bright, positive energy to the team and is eager to learn and grow within the Early Years environment.

A true lover of the great outdoors, Willow feels most at home in nature. Whether she’s riding her horse or walking her dogs through the countryside, she enjoys spending as much time outside as possible. Her natural connection with the outdoors fits beautifully with the Wild Roots ethos of exploration, fresh air, and learning through nature.

Willow is fun, bubbly, and wise beyond her years, bringing enthusiasm and warmth to the setting each day. She has already shown a wonderful ability to build connections with children and enjoys supporting them as they explore, play, and learn.

Outside of nursery, Willow spends much of her time at her pony club, where she regularly helps and mentors younger children during activities and events. Through this, she has developed patience, confidence, and a natural ability to engage with children, making her a fantastic addition to the team.

Willow’s kindness, enthusiasm, and love for the outdoors make her a wonderful role model for the children, and we are excited to support her as she begins her journey in childcare at Wild Roots.

Qualifications

- Introduction to EYFS Curriculum

- Paediatric First Aid

- Food Hygiene

- Group 2 Safeguarding

- Enhanced DBS certifaction

Sophie

Sophie joins us as our Room Lead and is a qualified Level 3 Early Years Practitioner with a real passion for supporting children’s development and giving them the best possible start in life. She particularly enjoys messy play and incorporating outdoor experiences into children’s learning.

With previous management experience, Sophie brings valuable knowledge and leadership to the team and is looking forward to supporting the day-to-day running of Wild Roots. She is also planning to progress to her Level 5 Early Years qualification to further develop her skills and understanding.

Outside of work, Sophie enjoys spending time at the beach, paddle boarding, running, and walking her dog. She is also currently renovating her 1950s home and loves learning new practical skills while keeping active.

Qualifications:

- Level 3 in childcare

- Paediatric First Aid

- Food Hygiene

- Group 2 Safeguarding

Enhanced DBS