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 

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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Other Staff

Rebekah Thompson - Preschool practioner

Rebekah is a level 3 practitioner with 7 years experience in Early years. Rebekah has worked in her previous role with her own group of children, developing their Literacy and numeracy skills in preparation for school and is very keen to implement this within Plantpots in preparation for the transition from early years.

Nicole Riding - Preschool Room leader and Early years teacher

Over the years Nicole has worked in different early years environments, developing her knowledge and skills as a private tutor, in private nurseries and looking after children in their own home. Nicole 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.

Libby Wyatt - Preschool Apprentice

Libby started at Plantpots in December 2020 and is currently working towards her level 3 in Early years. Libby is very keen to plan and implement her ideas, providing an effective learning environment for all the children.

Louise Hayles - Support 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.

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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.

Nicola Foster - playgroup practitioner

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Nicola is an experienced and qualified

level 3 early years practitioner,

who joined the Plantpots team in November 2020. Nicola is very keen to plan and implement lots of fun and educational activities for the children which provide stimulation and to develop and maintain strong relationships with our parents and carers.

Claire Malone - Playgroup assistant

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Claire started at Plantpots in February 2021 and has 9 years experience in Early years. Claire has a very caring and calming nature and is always on hand to help settle and provide comfort to all the children and is very passionate about her role.

Ashley Marsden - Playgroup Apprentice

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Ashley has just joined the team in April 2021 and is currently working towards her NVQ level 2 in Early years. Ashley is very enthusiastic about her role and is keen to progress further in her career with the plan to start her level 3 in September and to widen her knowledge and experience further while working at Plantpots.