Following the birth of her first 2 children she decided that her career needed a new direction and her love of early years combined with a drive to run her own business led her to opening the first Tiddlywinks in 2004. Tracey has a passion for quality and education and that is clear throughout all the Tiddlywinks settings. Tracey sits on various boards at local authority level that look at sustainability, quality and education as well as being a governor for York learning which helps adults into education and training. Alongside this Tracey also sits at national level as a route panel member for The Institute for Apprentices and Technical Education ( IfATE). Tracey’s passion lies in the ability to help shape the future of early years and use her knowledge and experience in driving quality within the Tiddlywinks settings.

Since joining Tiddlywinks, Rowena has gained a huge wealth of experience in early years education through training, research and professional development. She brings this expertise to the nursery on a daily basis, supporting the team in delivering outstanding activities using a variety of Pedagogies to ensure children thrive on their early year’s journey. Rowena is a highly motivated individual who strives to be the best that she can possibly be something that she instills in everyone else in the Tiddlywinks family. Rowena is responsible for the development and quality of all the Tiddlywinks Nurseries and is passionate about the education and depth of provision on offer and the outcomes for children and constantly looks for new ways to improve. She also has a love of outdoor learning, so much so she is currently undertaking her Forest School Qualification.

Rowena’s love for the outdoors is also very prominent in her personal life, spending much of her free time walking in the North Yorkshire countryside or standing on touchlines watching her children play sports!.

• NPQ Early Years Leadership.
• EYFS Teaching Diploma.
• PGCE with QTS Secondary Education.
• BA (Hons) Sports Studies and Physical Education.
• Forest School Level 3
• Safeguarding Lead.
• DBS Checked
• Paediatric First Aid
• Allergy Awareness
• Food Hygiene

Lyndsey has been a nursery manager for 20 years and before that worked as an early years educator utilising her BA honour in Early Childhood and education as well as SENCO knowledge to support children in the early years.

Lyndsey joined Tiddlywinks due to its family feel, the wonderful resources available to children and the values and ethos that it upholds as well as the the value placed upon outdoor learning which is close to Lyndsey’s heart.  Lyndsey has already brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role and is looking forward to supporting her team and building parent partnerships to continue to ensure that children are ready for the next step of their journey whatever this may be.

In her spare time Lyndsey loves being outdoors with her family and is a proud aunty to two nieces and three nephews and is now a great aunty.

• BA Hons in Early Childhood Education
• Accredited SENCO
• DBS checked
• Advance safeguarding
• Paediatric First Aid
• Allergy Awareness
• Food Hygiene

Jake is  looking forward to a new challenge at Tiddlywinks, being back in a busy nursery environment and getting to know the children, parents and staff. Jake looks forward to bringing his musical background into the nursery, using guitars, keyboards and percussion with the children, he really enjoy setting up and running activities that involve different textures, sizes, colours and, where possible, sounds, as sensory experiences are so important to development and curiosity.

Childcare has always had a place close to Jake’s heart as he was raised by two strong women who have done childcare in one form or another their whole lives, from private nanny to childminder to nurseries they have done  it all and been his inspiration, Jake also finds there is no more rewarding job than helping and watching children learn and grow.

When Jake is not in Nursery he likes to spend time with his cat toothless and spending time at the Gym.  Jake loves to read, board games, play music and  watch and play American Football.

·        Level 3 Early years educator

.       DBS checked

·       Full Paediatric First Aid

·        Food allergy

·        Food hygiene

.        Safeguarding

As well as an experienced Early Years Educator Olivia has had management  experience and wanted to refine these skills after being on maternity leave with her second child. Olivia is approachable, motivated and focused on building strong relationships with children and families as well as providing inspirational childcare across the setting. Olivia’s experience in previous setting allows her to bring new ideas whilst upholding Tiddlywinks high standards to ensure that the Tiddlywinks children meet their milestones and next steps on their early years journey.

In her spare time Olivia is mum of two beautiful children and enjoys going on days out especially when she find a new place to visit!

• BA Hons in children young people and families
• Level 3 Early Years Educator
• Accredited SENCO
• Advanced Safeguarding
• DBS Checked
• Paediatric First Aid
• Allergy Awareness
• Food Hygiene

Katy is highly organised, motivated and a fantastic support to the nursery team as well as the wider management team. She loves getting to know families and providing support when needed. Katy is responsible for sending new families their initial invoice and alongside the Managers and Area Manager support families in how to apply for their  funding codes to use their hours here at Tiddlywinks and support families in setting up and using Tax Free childcare and any other nursery financial queries.

In her spare time Katy loves spending time with her husband and  two boys………….. usually stood on the side of a football pitch!

• Foundation Degree in Childcare (Level 5)
• Level 3 Early Years Educator
• Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Level 1 Makaton
• DBS Checked
• Paediatric First Aid
• Enhanced Safeguarding
• Allergy Awareness
• Food Hygiene