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.

Nicola Young 

Nicola became Manager

of Plantpots at the Great

Park in May 2018, after

joining the team three

years earlier as deputy.

She is a qualified early years teacher with 10 years experience of working in the early years sector. 

Nicola teaches in the preschool room and has recently completed her Level 5 in Leadership and Management.

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She plays an essential role in the children's development, providing high quality early education, 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.

Rachael Smith -

Room leader for Playgroup

and Level 5 playgroup

practitioner.

Rachael has

11 years experience of

working within a nursery

and joined Plantpots in January 2018.

Lucy Rees - playgroup

practitioner

Elaine Mckie - preschool

practitioner (level 3)

Sabrina Bairds - playgroup

practitioner (level 3)

Our Staff

Ann Halford - playgroup

assistant

Katie Marfleet - preschool

apprentice, working

towards her Level 3 in

childcare.

Rosemary Rennards -

supply staff 

Louise Hayles -

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