These are the people who make every day an adventure for your child
Heather Lomas
Managing Director
Hi, I’m Heather, and I hold a level 6 Early Years Teacher status qualification. I have come to early years later in my career, previously working in logistics and marketing alongside raising my own family.
I have a passion for Early Years education. I believe that high quality education and care can really give our children the building blocks they need for life. I am a Forest School practitioner and love sharing my passion for the outdoors with our children.
Rachel McHugh
Area Manager
Hi, my name’s Rachel and I am very proud to be the manager of Little Explorers, I have been working here for almost 7 years, and I have loved every minute.
My pedagogical (teaching style) approach is centred around child led learning, I believe children learn best when they are together, developing skills from their observations and surroundings. With children having a role model, they can learn individually and open themselves to wider educational opportunities.
Amy Fairclough
Manager
Hi, I’m Amy and I have been working at Little Explorers for 7 years, first as Deputy Manager and now Manager. I am level 3 qualified and studying for my Level 5 leadership and management qualification. . I believe children learn best in an enriched environment and love using nature and the outdoors. I love working within small groups ensuring the child is at the centre of the learning.
I am the proud mummy of a 9 year old daughter who takes up most of my time! I enjoy going out with friends and I have a season ticket for Saints Rugby League.
Kirsty Barlow
Deputy Manager
Hello, I’m Kirsty and I am based in Adventurers ages 3 to 5 years. I have been working at Little Explorers for nearly 3 years and I absolutely love what I do. I believe that children learn in a collaborative environment, where the teacher introduces new skills and children go on to discover them in their own learning. I am just about the embark on my National Professional Qualification for Early Years Leaders.
I am the proud mummy of 2 little girls and I live with my husband in St Helens. In my spare time I enjoy going for fun family days out and camping.
Tracey Twiss
Deputy Manager
Hi, my name is Tracey – I am the deputy manager here at Little Exploers and I have been working with the children for over 32 years from working in schools to early years. I love being with the younger children, they are eager to learn and my pedagogy is around child-led play, I love to enhance interests and create lots of learning opportunities and I have a real interest in communication and language.
I have 3 grown up children at home and I enjoy and relax by reading, travelling and baking in my spare time.
Katherine French
Explorers
Hello. my name is Katherine and I am based in the Explorers room at Little Explorers. I specialise and have lots of experience supporting children with additional needs. I love at home with my partner and two year old. We enjoy family days out and trips to the beech.
Jade Tickle
Explorers
Hi, My name is Jade and I am really enjoying me time at Little Explorers, I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else! I love being with the younger children and like to see them grow and develop in confidence. I absolutely love messy play and being creative.
Jane Duffy
Explorers
Hi! My name is Jane and I have been working at Little Explorers for 6 years and I couldn’t imagine ever being anywhere else – having cuddles and seeing our children grow is a wonderful feeling. I believe that children develop their learning skills in a self led environment. I love spending time outdoors and exploring nature with the children.
Helen Ranstead
Explorers
Hi, I’m Helen and I’m really happy to have joined the team here at Little Explorers. I previously worked in a local primary school and was there for four years. I have a wide range of experience working in early years and with children who have special educational needs. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and making lots memories with my three children.
Aiden Carter
Kites
Hi, my name is Aiden, I have been working within the early years sector for 3 years now and I couldn’t dream of doing anything else. I love watching the children grow, learn and develop as well as just having fun and spending their time socializing. My pedagogy is around outdoor learning and believe children can get so much from nature and being hands on in the natural world from getting messy in the mud to the life cycles of plants and wildlife. I am just about the embark on my National Professional Qualification for Early Years Leaders.
In my spare time I enjoy going for walks in the country, baking and learning new skills and I am excited to start my journey at Little Explorers.
Jo Naylor
Kites
Hi, my name is Jo. I first started work at nursery in 2009 and have loved watching many of the children progress through primary and secondary school. I believe that children thrive in a loving environment and this is what I hope to achieve in Little Explorers. I live in Rainford with my husband and three children and in our free time, we love walking our cocker spaniel Charlie and going on holiday to Cornwall.
Nicola Higgins
Kites
Hi, my name is Nicola, I have been working with children since I was 16 years old – working with children and horses becoming a qualified riding instructor. I have now found a passion for early years and love being at Little Explorers, I have started my Level 3 early years educator apprentiship and I look forward to completing my training in the near future. I love being creative and getting messy and I feel children learn best when being involved and immersed in textures which heighten all senses.
I have my own little girl and 2 horses – In my spare time I enjoy going for walks in the country, baking and learning new skills and riding.
Olivia Cronshaw
Kites
Hi my name is Olivia! I am new here at Little Explorers doing my level 3 early years apprenticeship. I have always wanted to work in early years and couldn’t think of anywhere better to learn and work. I love helping children develop and being apart of them growing up!
Niamh Woods
Adventurers
Hi, I’m Niamh and I’m really excited to have started my career in Early Years here at Little Explorers. I am based in the Adventurers room and I love messy play and outdoor learning. I am studying for my level three Early Years Educator qualification. In my spare time I like to relax at home with a good box set.
Lorraine Harrison
Adventurers
Gemma Smith
Administrator
Hi, My name is Gemma. I cover admin work for both of our settings. I have many years experience working in schools. I really enjoy cooking ,baking and looking after our Little Explorers when I get chance. I love going on holidays in our caravan and going on walks with my dog, Rocky. I love to chat, so come on in and say Hello!