Leadership Team

Featured
Lou Simmons
Lou Simmons

Director

BA hons Business Management

I am a business management graduate and have worked in all kinds of industries in operations management.

I have grown up with my mother’s passion for delivering high quality childcare and now I have taken over our family business. I have a passion for business especially in Romsey and I am so proud that Abbotswood have been a pinnacle part in educating Romsey's children.

Abbotswood was my childhood home and I have been lucky enough to watch the nursery grow and flourish over the past 26 years. Now proud mum to Bodhi, I have a true understanding of the kind of experiences I’d want my own baby to have and how I want him to thrive. There is no better environment than the great outdoors which our nursery has in buckets.

What I love about Abbotswood is that we can use the whole setting to our advantage and explore in completely natural surroundings in rain or shine! I love engaging with the children outside. We find bugs and wildlife and generally get nice and muddy!

Roxanne
Roxanne

Nursery Operation and Training Manager

Qualified Level 6 BA (Hons) EYPS and Qualified Assessor

I started with Abbotswood in October 2020. Before this I was a manager and later a Quality Training Advisor for Co-Operative Childcare. I have 2 young boys one of whom attend Abbotswood. I have a passion for developing both staff and children to reach their full potential.

I love how much time the children spend outside and the opportunities on offer here at Abbotswood. I am excited to be part of developing this welcoming nursery further.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Nicola
Nicola

Office Manager (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday)

HNC in Business Administration

I joined Abbotswood at the beginning of 2018 as an office administrator. I deal with all invoices, application forms, booking patterns, waiting list and general tasks. I can be found in the front office. I have worked in office environments for 20 years in the Private, Voluntary and Public Sector.

I have two daughters and know first-hand how important it is to feel secure about leaving your children in a happy, safe environment whilst being a working mum. From day one I have felt so welcome in the Abbotswood family.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Sabrina
Sabrina

Operation Supervisor – Health & Safety Officer

Level 5 Early Years Practitioner

I joined the team in September 2018. I’m an experienced nursery practitioner and a mum of 2!

My role at Abbotswood has changed a few times since I started which has made me more confident as a practitioner and more recently as a leader. Since completing my Level 5 I am enjoying the new challenge of being able to help develop the teams and the Nursery.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Preschool Team (Adventure)

Featured
Verity
Verity

Senior Practitioner - Pre-School Manager

Level 5 in Childcare

I have been working in childcare since 2015 and enjoy making a difference to a child’s life and watching their progress. Abbotswood is a very welcoming and warm nursery and I am grateful to be given an opportunity to work here and help develop the Pre-School.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Jess M
Jess M

Training Supervisor and Senior Practitioner Pre-School / Snug Room

Early Years Teacher in Education

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Cassidy
Cassidy

Senior Practitioner

Level 3 in Childcare

I studied my level 3 as an apprentice with Abbotswood. I love being outside and messy play, I can often be found to have paint on my face or in my hair. Outside of Abbotswood I love to bake and have made many special treats for the staff to enjoy.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Sharon S
Sharon S

Nursery Practitioner - Pre-School Room

Level 3 in Childcare

I have been at Abbotswood since July 2017 and I have really enjoyed getting to know the children and parents. I successfully completed my Level 3 in Childcare as an Modern Apprentice at Abbotswood. I love Abbotswood because the nursery is warm and inviting. Having had my daughter in January 2022 we have both returned to Abbotswood and she enjoys getting messy as much as me!

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Shannon
Shannon

Nursery Practitioner - Pre-School Room

Level 3 in Childcare

I’m recently completed my level 3 in Childcare having studied as an apprentice with Abbotswood. I love working alongside the children and exploring the outdoors and nature with them. Abbotswood is such a welcoming place to work, the staff are so lovely and helpful. There always a friendly face.

Abbie
Abbie

Nursery Practitioner & SENCO - Pre-School Room

Studying Level 5 in Childcare

I’m currently studying for my Level 5 in Childcare as an apprentice within the pre-school room and also hold the role of SENCO for the nursery.

I am also currently undertaking my MSc in Psychology with a specific interest in Language and Literacy Development.

I love working alongside the children and encouraging their passion for learning while enjoying seeing the children develop their interests. What attracted me to Abbotswood was their outdoors ethos and the home from home feel the nursery promotes.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Amy R
Amy R

Nursery Practitioner

BA (Hons) in Early Years

Amy has been in childcare for 11 years. Amy has worked with all ages across a variety of ages and has recently gradated in her Foundation Degree in Early Years. Amy enjoys cooking and exploring the gardens with the children.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Sarah
Sarah

Nursery Practitioner – Part Time - Pre-School Room

Level 3 in Childcare

I've been working within the early years sector for over 25 years. I enjoy working with the pre-school little ones, as they are so interesting and engaging.

I joined the team at Abbotswood three years ago. I enjoy being outside, therefore the Abbotswood ethos works for me. Being able to take the children for walks and jump in muddy puddles, or climb trees is my idea of a great working day.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Vicky
Vicky

Senior Practitioner - Pre-School / Snug Room

Level 3 in Childcare, Level 5 Special Education and Inclusion.

I have been working in early years since 2006. Starting in a Pre-School then in early years in a school specialising in children with behaviour and communication difficulties. I love supporting the children to explore learn and grow.

I have 3 children that are now adults and have recently become a Nan, I enjoy watching my grandson explore the world. I also run a 0 to 5 family/carers group in the community.

Katrina
Katrina

Nursery Apprentice - Pre-School / Snug Room

Studying Level 3 in Childcare

I have been working in childcare since 2021, when I started my level 3 apprenticeship at Abbotswood. I love watching the children grow, develop and learn new skills. I can be found most days reading stories and bringing them to life with different voices.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Ella
Ella

Nursery Apprentice - Pre-School / Snug Room

Studying Level 2 in Childcare

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Toddlers Team (Freedom)

Featured
Josh
Josh

Nursery Practitioner - Joint Toddlers Room Lead

Level 3 in Childcare

I have been working in childcare since 2019 where I undertook an Apprenticeship in Early Years. I love being at Abbotswood and being able to follow the children’s interests daily. I enjoy being outside and can always be found singing with the children. Having won the colleague of the month award within the first 3 months of starting at Abbotswood, I feel like I fitted straight into the Abbotswood family.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Libby
Libby

Senior Practitioner - Joint Toddler Room Lead

Level 3 in Childcare

I studied my level 3 as an apprentice with Abbotswood. I love helping the children to achieve their potential and explore the outside world with them. I love being part of the Abbotswood team and helping in any way I can.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Maria
Maria

Nursery Practitioner - Part Time - Toddlers Room

Level 3 in Childcare

I love the outdoor activities Abbotswood has to offer and am especially looking forward to creating an allotment plot within the nursery and growing vegetables with the children. I have worked in Nurseries in the UK and abroad for many years since gaining my diploma in Early years.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Chloe
Chloe

Nursery Apprentice - Toddlers Room

Studying Level 2 in Childcare

I started working at Abbotswood after finishing an Introductions to Early Years course at college. I am so grateful to be working in such an amazing environment. I love reading stories and getting messy while helping the children the learn and grow.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Ellie
Ellie

Nursery Practitioner - Toddler Room

Level 3 in Childcare

Whilst studying at College I enjoyed supporting Abbotswood in the holidays. I enjoyed being with the Toddlers and seeing them learning each day. After I qualified, I joined the Abbotswood Team full time.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Izzy
Izzy

Nursery Apprentice - Toddlers Room

Studying Level 2 in Childcare

I enjoy working at Abbotswood as I love being outside. I am so grateful for all the support I have been given whilst studying for my apprenticeship it has helped me gain many skills and confidence. I enjoy getting to know the children and help them to the learn and grow.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Victoria
Victoria

Nursery Assistant - Toddlers Room

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Tweenies Team (Awe and Wonder)

Featured
Lauren
Lauren

Senior Practitioner - Under 2’s Lead

BA (Hons) in Early Years

I joined the Abbotswood team in March 2020 and have been working in childcare for 6 years. I completed my level 6 in 2019. I love being outside exploring nature, messy play and being creative. My biggest passion is being a positive influence in children’s earliest years throughout their learning and development.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Charlotte
Charlotte

Senior Practitioner - Tweenies Room

Level 3 in Childcare

I have always wanted to have a career in childcare as it’s so rewarding to see the children develop new skills as well as having fun along the way and building strong bonds with the babies.

I joined Abbotswood straight from leaving school and love that it has so much to offer the children and staff it’s such a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Alice
Alice

Nursery Apprentice- Tweenies Room

Level 3 in Childcare

Lillie
Lillie

Nursery Apprentice- Tweenies Room

Level 3 in Childcare

Babies Team (Growth)

Featured
Sharon W
Sharon W

Senior Practitioner - Babies Room Lead

Level 3 in Childcare

Studying Level 5 in Childcare

I’ve been working in childcare since 2009. I am a mum of four and recently became a Nanny. I really enjoy looking after the babies and watching them grow to meet their millstones.

I love Abbotswood because it really is home from home and I enjoy being outside exploring nature with the babies watching the birds, listening to sounds and finding bugs. My favourite activities with the babies is messy play, we have so much fun getting covered in flour!

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Jemma
Jemma

Senior Practitioner - Babies Room

Level 3 in Childcare

I have been working in childcare for many years and having run a successful childminding business while my 4 children were young, I decided to claim back my house and started working at Abbotswood.

I enjoy being outside and helping the children explore through play in the construction area and mud kitchen.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Nikki
Nikki

Nursery Practitioner - Baby Room

Level 3 in Childcare

I have worked in Childcare since 2007 after taking time off to have my 2 children, I moved to Abbotswood.

I have lots of experience working with babies and am happy to be part of the Abbotswood Team.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Kate
Kate

Senior Practitioner - Baby Room

Level 3 in Childcare

I started working at Abbotswood in June 2021 and study towards my level 3 in childcare. I have always wanted to work with children. However, the opportunity never happened and the time wasn’t quite right for me. This change for me in Lockdown when I realised I could achieve my dream and its never too late to learn.

I absolutely love it here at Abbotswood especially working with a fantastic team who are so supportive and lucky to have such fantastic outdoor surroundings.

I am very much looking forward to developing my skills further to help the children reach their full potential.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Olivia
Olivia

Nursery Apprentice - Baby Room

Studying Level 2 in Childcare

I am so pleased to be undertaking my apprenticeship at Abbotswood, all the staff help support and encourage me. I love working in the baby room and giving them lots of cuddles and supporting them to learn and grow.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Katie
Katie

Nursery Apprentice - Baby Room

Studying Level 2 in Childcare

Support Team

Featured
Helen
Helen

Nursery Cook - Maternity Cover

Kitchen Manager (L3)

I have worked in a catering environment for many years, within care homes and school kitchens. I enjoy cooking home cooked meals and love that at Abbotswood’s I get to cook such a variety of food. One day it can be a more traditional Cottage Pie and the next Chicken and Chorizos puffs. Abbotswood has a home from home feel and its great being apart of the family and cooking for everyone.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Liane
Liane

Lunchtime Supervisor

I Joined Abbotswood in November 2020. Since leaving Uni, I have worked in Primary schools as a TA, HLTA and cover supervisor. I truly love supporting children with their development and learning. It has been a real joy bringing my passion of music to the nursery, they love seeing, hearing and playing along with me on the harp and piano. Abbotswood is an amazing setting supporting the children whilst having lots much fun learning in the outdoor environment.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Sarah G
Sarah G

Lunch Time Supervisor

I joined the Abbotswood team in 2022. My work background includes many different roles within the care sector as well as art and design. I live with my husband and 3 children. In my spare time, I enjoy walking my Labrador, sketching and painting landscapes along with creating lots of magical story spoons and pictures for the Nursery.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Clare
Clare

Lunch Time Supervisor

I have been working in Childcare for 20 years in a wide range of roles. Joining Abbotswood Nursery was an easy choice as I love the ethos of outdoors nature and the homely rooms.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Becki
Becki

Nursery Practitioner – Part Time

Level 2 in Childcare

I have worked in Childcare for many years and really enjoy watching the children grow, learn and become confident individuals.

Jane
Jane

Admin Assistant

I joined Abbotswood in August 2022 after working in a primary school for many years as a play leader and lunchtime assistant.

I enjoy seeing all the children’s happy smiling faces and supporting the Nursery behind the scenes.

Rachel
Rachel

Nursery Practitioner - Bank Staff

Level 4 in Childcare

Whilst I am studying at Uni I am regularly at Abbotswood for my placement along with supporting them in the holidays. I enjoy being with the Tweenies and seeing them learning each day.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

Neve
Neve

Nursery Practitioner- Bank Staff

Level 3 in Childcare

I have been working in childcare since leaving school at 16, where I completed my NVQ level 2. I joined Abbotswood in August 2020, to finish my NVQ level 3. I loved my time at Abbotswood but in May 2022 I started working as an LSA in a Primary School. However, I will be popping back to Abbotswood to help out in the holidays.

Paediatric First Aid Trained

“Your team is always performing above and beyond. Especially through the whole pandemic! You all deserve medals! The evolution of Abbotswood over the last few years has been incredible to watch and be part of, and we feel privileged to be able to have our son attend your nursery. Keep up the outstanding work and never ever change please!”