our team
katie - co-owner and manager
I’m Katie and my background is in speech and language therapy. I first started working with children when I was 17 and volunteered at the Barnardo’s playscheme in the same building that would become The Nurture Nursery. I studied Speech and Language Therapy at Queen Margaret University and afterwards started work in NHS Lothian. I worked in many different settings in Edinburgh and mid Lothian until I decided to leave to go travelling.
I believe children first need to feel grounded, and secure in their environment before learning can happen. I am passionate about children leading their own learning and having the free space and time to do so. I believe children need supportive, nurturing and creative adults to facilitate this process. I feel lucky to have found such a creative and innovative team to work with us on this journey.
emma - co-owner
I grew up in Bathgate and now live in Edinburgh with my husband and 2 young girls. I am a qualified accountant and have worked in Industry and Financial Serviced since completing my degree at Herriot-Watt University. Since having my first child and going through the process of finding a Nursery and returning to work I have become more aware of the importance of early education and childcare. It was at this time that Katie and I started talking about opening our own nursery and the ethos we envisioned for it. I’m really proud of the nursery we have created and the passion our staff have for outdoor play, providing a warm welcoming environment for the kids and a progressive approach to early years childcare.
Lorraine - deputy manager
I have 10 years’ experience working in the early education and childcare sector, with most of that experience being in a leadership role. I completed my HNC and HND in early education and childcare at West Lothian College and I completed my BA Childhood Practice at Strathclyde university in 2014.
I am passionate about offering children engaging outdoor experiences and creating an enriching natural environment where children have the freedom to learn through exploration and investigation – developing creativity and curiosity. I also believe in creating a respectful and nurturing environment for all children, where their individual needs and qualities are valued and respected.
I am so excited to become a part of the amazing family at The Nurture Nursery and to have the opportunity to build on their ethos of attachment led practice and creating an enriching outdoor environment through a progressive approach.
Tracy - Baby room lead
I’m Tracy and work within the baby room, where I have a lot of experience from over the years. I have been working with children since I was 18 years old in various nursery settings within the Edinburgh area. I have undertaken my qualification in childcare, which I completed in 2005. Since I have been qualified I have gained a lot of experience with young children in various nurseries and developed in senior roles. In 2011, I looked to extend my knowledge with children by becoming a foster carer and in 2014 I decided to take up fostering as a full-time career. I have learned new skills working with the local authorities and health professions to guide and to support young children through their own development. I am returning to work within the childcare sector after having my son in 2015. I am very excited to be working at the nurture nursery and being part of a team to build positive relationships with the children and parents in meeting the needs of every child.
Victoria - 3-5 room practitioner
I’m Victoria and I work downstairs in the 2-5 Rooms. My background is originally within the arts. I graduated from Queen Margaret University in 2018 with a First Class in BA (Hons) Drama & Performance and more recently graduated from the University of Glasgow with a Masters in Playwriting & Dramaturgy. It is an absolute joy working at The Nurture Nursery as creativity is something the nursery deeply encourages.
I believe myself to be a fun, caring and enthusiastic individual. I am passionate about offering opportunities for children by using my own experience to explore and create in their own unique way. My own love for the arts was nurtured throughout every step of education and it is greatly rewarding being able to offer this same encouragement to the children here at the nursery. The Nurture Nursery works on an attachment led practice and I cannot wait to continue this approach by creating secure and lasting attachments with the children. You will often find me dancing, painted head-to-toe, or singing songs from Frozen 2!
I look forward to working towards my qualification in childcare here at The Nurture Nursery.
jenni - 2-3 room lead
I’m Jenni and work within the Baby Room. I have been studying and working with children since I was was 17 years old, beginning my journey at West Lothian College to become a qualified nursery practitioner, continue to gain a Diploma in Childcare Education and follow on with achieving a BA in Childhood Practice in 2014 within Open Learning through Dundee University.
I have experience in all childcare and education sectors such as local authority, playgroup and mainly working within a private nursery for 7 years before I had my son in 2016. I am returning to work within childcare which is exciting. I am passionate about working with children – building positive relationships with children and families to support children in reaching their full potential.
I hope to bring my past experiences to The Nurture Nursery to provide plenty fun opportunities each day.
Rachael - nursery chef
I trained at gleneagles, worked in Perth Australia for 2 years at the Sheraton Hotel, then 6 years on cruise ships and 13 years at Montpelliers Edinburgh as Head chef/executive chef. I have 4 recipes in finest chefs of Edinburgh cook book. I am extremely passionate about fresh nutritious food and gain a lot of pleasure cooking for children to ensure they have a healthy balanced diet.
Charlene - 3-5 room lead
I’m Charlene and after having my own children I decided to make a change of career and completed my HNC Early Education & Childcare in 2016. I have experience as a Pupil Support Worker and Nursery Practitioner at various local authority Nursery and Primary schools within West Lothian.
I am a firm believer that children have the capacity to learn and develop to their full potential through a nature immersed, holistic environment. As a practitioner I strive to facilitate the child’s own thoughts and ideas no matter where that may take them. Participating in their adventure and providing an encouraging helping hand along the way.
I am looking forward to being part of the Nurture Nursery team and building strong relationships with the children and their families. I love the outdoors and can’t wait to immerse the children in exciting new activities no matter what the weather.
Kaitlin - baby room practitioner
louise - 3-5 room practitioner
kerry - lunchtime practitioner
caitlin - 2-3 room practitioner
kirstie - BABY ROOM PRACTITIONER
I’m Kirstie and have recently joined the bank staff at Nurture Nursery.
I am a creative, outgoing and fun individual and thoroughly enjoy working with children of all ages. I graduated from Queen Margaret University with a BA(Hons) in Drama and Performance in 2018 and hope to go on to study a PGDE in Drama teaching. I believe I try to incorporate my drama training and artistic side into all aspect of life and especially whilst at Nurture Nursery. I look forward to working within the attachment led practice of Nurture Nursery and helping children to grow and develop in both the outdoor areas and indoors. You’ll often find me laughing, jumping in the puddles and doing roly-polys in the garden.
megan - 2-3 room practitioner
gwen - Lunchtime practitioner
