Our Team
The practitioners who know your child
Long-serving, Level 3+ qualified, and genuinely fond of the children they care for.
Our practitioners are the heart of Heaton Lodge. Many have been with us for years rather than months — long enough to watch a child we cared for as a baby come back through the door with a child of their own. Every room is led by a Level 3 or higher qualified practitioner, with paediatric first aid and ongoing CPD across the team.
Owner, manager, and deputy
The team is led day-to-day by our owner, manager, and deputy, who between them carry the safeguarding lead role, the day-to-day running of the nursery, and the original purpose Jeanette founded Heaton Lodge with in October 2000.
Every lead practitioner holds at least a Level 3 qualification. We support staff through ongoing training, paediatric first aid renewal, and safeguarding refreshers. We are a team for every child, every family, and every stage from baby to school.
Many of our practitioners have been with us for years rather than months. Your child’s key person is likely to still be here when their younger sibling joins.
Level 3
The minimum qualification every lead practitioner holds. Paediatric first aid trained, with safeguarding renewed annually.
Key persons
Every child has a named key person who knows their routine, soothes, and milestones. The single most important relationship at nursery.
Ongoing CPD
Practitioners continue training throughout their careers — SEND, communication, behaviour, and the EYFS framework.
Safeguarding-led
Our designated safeguarding lead and deputy are on site every day. All staff are trained on safeguarding annually.
Who’s here
Low turnover, deep relationships
Meet the leadership team
The people who care for your child every day
Owner. Established Heaton Lodge in October 2000 and has been here every day since.
Owner. Co-owns Heaton Lodge alongside Jeanette and looks after the nursery building and grounds — keeping our premises safe, welcoming and well cared for.
Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead. Runs the day-to-day and is the first point of contact for any safeguarding concern.
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. Supports Zoe across safeguarding and the wider team.
Senior Practitioner. Part of the nursery management team, supporting curriculum, practice and the day-to-day care that helps every child get the best possible start.
What families say about the team
Meet the team in person
Book a visit and meet the practitioner who will be caring for your child. Call 0113 231 9989 or email heatonlodge2000@yahoo.co.uk.