Gemma Maxwell Early Years Strategic Lead

Gemma will collaborate with both settings to develop and coordinate a unified EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) strategy across the Oak Partnership Trust. In addition, she will provide support to schools in implementing the EYFS component of the Excellence Strategy, focusing on areas such as phonics development, staff training, and school improvement consultancy.

With 18 years of experience in Early Years education, Gemma brings a wealth of expertise to her role, having most recently served as the Early Years Strategic Lead for our Trust. She has recently earned her NPQEYL (National Professional Qualification in Early Years Leadership) and also works as an Early Years Specialist for County.

Nadia Conner Manager 

Nadia has been an integral part of The Oak Partnership for several years, beginning her journey at our sister establishment, Woodlands Nursery in Ruishton. We were fortunate to have appointed Nadia during the lockdown period, after which she became a permanent member of Little Herons.

Nadia has rapidly established herself as a key team member, leading to her promotion to Deputy Manager, and now to her current role as Manager. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Nursery and has recently completed her foundation degree, further enhancing her expertise.

Adele Maxwell
SENDco/Deputy Manager

Adele joined us in March 2021 and has since proven to be a valuable asset to our Nursery. With extensive experience working with young and vulnerable children, Adele brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role.

Her commitment to providing equal opportunities and tailored experiences for all children is evident in her approach, recognising that each child learns and develops at their own unique pace. Adele is dedicated to offering timely support and has a demonstrated history of efficiently securing external assistance, ensuring that the needs of each child are met effectively.

Lucia Baker

Nursery Practitioner

Lucia joined Little Herons when it first opened in 2016 and has had over 9 years experience of working with young children.
Lucia is such a fun, warm, caring and helpful member of our team and is always striving to help and support both children and adults and as such has become a very key member of our team.

Emily Walker

Nursery Practitioner

Emily Joined Little Herons in September 2017 as an apprentice. Emily has since completed her apprenticeship and gained her NVQ level 3 Early Years educator qualification.
Upon completing her NVQ, Emily became a permanent member of the team.
Emily brings with her a very passionate, nurturing, calm and caring approach to support children further their development and ensure that they make the most out of their little Herons experience.

Roxy Depledge

Nursery Practitioner

Roxy joined Little Herons in June 2020 as an apprentice and has become a permanent member of the team upon her completion. 
Roxy is a natural when caring for children and offers such a vibrant presence with the ability to create some wonderful continuous provision activities.
Roxy is very passionate about ensuring that children make the most out of their time here at Little Herons and has quickly become a very valued member of the team.

Lucy Redfern

Nursery Practitioner

Lucy joined Little Herons Nursery in February 2022 and has settled into the Nursery well, adapting to our vision and values.

Lucy brings with her a wealth of experience and had also recently became a Mum herself before joining us.

Lucy offers a very nurturing and welcoming nature to the children and can often be found with groups of children who are drawn to her kind and caring nature.  

Sasha Warren

Nursery Administrator

Sasha joined Little Herons in December 2021.
Sasha has plenty of extensive administrator experience, although Little Herons is her first appointed role within a Nursery and is very keen to build upon her already vast knowledge.
Sasha offers a very warm and welcome presence to both staff, visitors and parents present and new and is always keen to ensure that all queries are handled with the upmost professionalism.