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.

Jenni - Deputy Manager

I’m Jenni and I am the deputy manager at The Nurture Nursery. 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 been working at The Nurture Nursery since January 2019, where I started working in the baby room and then became lead practitioner of the 2-3 room. I have progressed to become the Deputy manager in October 2024. It has been a privilege to work within each room and progress into management, where I continue to support staff professional development and children’s learning in line with our nursery ethos. 

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 have been working at The Nurture Nursery since 2018  and enjoy being part of a team to build positive relationships with the children and parents and meeting the needs of every child.

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. I have been working at The Nurture Nursery since 2019 and worked hard trying different recipes to perfect out menu. I enjoy  taking part in food experiences with the children each week and teaching them cooking skills. 

Kirstie - 2-5 Room Lead

I’m Kirstie and I am the lead practitioner in the 2-5 room at The 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. I incorporate my drama training and artistic side into all aspect of life and especially whilst at Nurture Nursery. I have been working at The Nurture nursery since 2020 progressing from bank staff to 2-5 Room lead. I have my SVQ Level 3 qualification in Childcare. You’ll often find me laughing, jumping in the puddles and doing roly-polys in the garden. 

Louise -2-5 Room Practitioner

Hi I’m Louise and I work in the 2-5 room. I graduated in 2019 from the University of Edinburgh with an honours degree in History of Art. After graduating I started working as bank staff primarily in the baby room. I then joined full time in 2020 working in the 2-5 room. I gained my SVQ level 3 in Childcare whilst working in the nursery. I have a special interest in the arts and allowing children creative expression through free play. 

Gwen - 2-5 Room Practitioner

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Megan - Baby Room Practitioner

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Kerry - 2-5 Room Practitioner

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Caitlin - 2-5 Room Practitioner

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Kaitlin - Baby Room Practitioner

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Lisa - Baby Room Practitioner

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Sarah- Baby Room Practitioner

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Skye - 2-5 Room Practitioner

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Antonia - 2-5 Room Practitioner

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Emmy - 2-5 Room Apprentice

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