The majority of Plantpots staff are qualified early years

practitioners level 3 or above, with years of experience and

knowledge of working with children in the early years. All

staff adhere to government DBS checks and undergo

regular in-house training to enhance their professional

development. 

The Plantpots team

Tamasine McQueen 

Other Staff

Tamasine opened

Plantpots in 2014 for the

residents of Great Park,

Newcastle upon Tyne,

before expanding into

Jesmond in 2018.

She has 26 years experience of working with children and managing settings all over the world. Qualified to a level 3 in childcare, she has also completed Montessori teacher training.

A firm believer in the Montessori approach to early years education, Tamasine was inspired to open both Plantpots locations using these teachings as their foundation.

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Tamasine believes that building good relationships with the children and their families is key to the success and smooth running of Plantpots.  She is always on hand to address any concerns parents or carers may have.

Elaine McKie Nursery Manager

Elaine became Manager

of Plantpots at the Great

Park in March 2020, after

joining the team in 2019.

She is a qualified early years practitioner with 8 years experience of working in the early years sector. 

Elaine works in the Playgroup room providing an essential role in the children's development and working in partnership with our families.

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Andrea Lorenzo -

early years teacher and

Spanish speaker. 

Andrea has more than five

years experience of

teaching in Spain and teaches Spanish to the children at both our Jesmond and Great Park nurseries.

She has a special interest in helping children with learning problems and has a Master's degree in learning difficulties and language disorders.

Lucy Rees - playgroup practitioner

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Lucy is an experienced and qualified

level 3 early years practitioner,

who joined the Plantpots team in

September 2018. Lucy has worked

with all age groups within the early years and is able to bring all that first hand experience and knowledge of the EYFS into the playgroup room, providing opportunities to enhance the children's learning.

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Ashley Hazel - Deputy Manager and Early years teacher

Over the years Ashley has worked in different early years environments, developing her knowledge and skills as a nanny, in private nurseries and as a private tutor in China. Ashley has completed her early years teaching degree and will be working within the preschool room, providing high quality early education in preparation for the children starting school.

Our Staff

Louise Hayles - playgroup assistant

Louise has worked at Plantpots across both settings for the last 3 years, where she has built up her knowledge and understanding of the Eyfs and has enhanced her skills, providing many stimulating and educational learning opportunities.

Katie Marfleet - preschool practitioner. Katie started at Plantpots in

June 2018 and has worked

between the playgroup and

preschool room, gaining her

knowledge and understanding

of the EYFS. Katie successfully completed

 her Level 3 in childcare in April 2020 and is very keen to plan and implement her ideas , providing an effective learning environment for all the children.

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