Meet the Team
Rachel – Owner
I am the Director and Co-Owner of Forest and Coastal Nurseries, working alongside Katrina Brown. I have worked in childcare for over 20 years and feel incredibly privileged to play a part in shaping young children’s early experiences.
I am passionate about giving every child the best possible start in life, providing a nurturing environment filled with love, care, fun, and the freedom to simply be a child.I believe that children learn best when they feel safe, happy, and valued,
and I am committed to creating a setting where every child can grow in confidence and develop at their own pace.
I am equally passionate about supporting my team, ensuring they feel appreciated, motivated, and given every opportunity to develop their skills and progress in their careers. By fostering a positive and supportive environment for both children and staff, we create a nursery that feels like a true community.
Katrina - Owner
I am the Director and Co-Owner of Forest and Coastal Nurseries, working alongside Rachel King. Together, we have grown all three of our nurseries from strength to strength and remain committed to continually developing
and enhancing each setting to provide the very best experiences for our children and families. We are passionate about creating enriched learning opportunities that inspire curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Our focus is on providing exciting, nurturing environments where every child can thrive, explore, and reach their full potential. As a mum and grandmother, I understand the importance of providing children with a safe, caring, and stimulating environment. I am deeply passionate about my work and the ethos that underpins our nurseries. I take great pride in creating extensive and engaging learning spaces that support children's development, wellbeing, and individual interests, while fostering strong partnerships with families and the wider community. My commitment is to ensure that every child receives the highest quality care, learning opportunities, and memorable experiences during their early years journey.
Anita - Area Manager
I am the Area Manager across our three settings and have worked in childcare for over 12 years. During this time, I have worked in a variety of roles and progressed throughout my career, gaining valuable experience along the way.
I am passionate about supporting all children, with extensive experience in SEN, and enjoy helping children reach their full potential. I also enjoy supporting our staff teams and management to provide the best possible experiences for children and families.I love working across all three settings, as each offers something unique while sharing the same values and ethos.
Stacie – Nursery Manager
Hello, I’m Stacie! I have 15 years of experience in early years education and am proud to be Deal Nursery & Forest Schools Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
I hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification and am trained in paediatric and adult first aid. I’m passionate about creating a safe, fun, and inspiring environment where every child can thrive and feel privileged to support them as they grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence.
Nicola – Office Manager
Hello, I'm Nicola, Office Manager for Forest and Coastal Nurseries.With over 20 years of administration experience, including 6 years in early years settings, and a Level 5 qualification in Office Management and Administration.
I am dedicated to providing a welcoming, professional, and supportive environment where families feel informed, valued, and confident in the high-quality care and education we provide.
christina - deputy Manager
Hiya I am Christina and have had 18 years in nurseries, only having time away due to becoming a mum myself. I am Deal nursery's Deputy manager and hold a Level 3 children and young people's education qualification
as well as designated safeguarding lead (DSL). I also have paediatric first aid certification and was a fully qualified gymnastics coach. I fully believe that encouraging children to be physically active and healthy boosts all areas of development and it is extremely rewarding to see children meet their milestones as they grow and develop.
Sophie
Hello, i am Soph! i have always worked with children in various fields such as swim teaching and completed my early years level 3 apprenticeship with Deal nursery and Forest School. I am now a level 3 qualified Early Years Practitioner and Room Leader in Wrens RoomWatching and helping our youngest children in the setting grow and learn is the best part of my job. I love engaging with them in water, messy and quiet play seeing them develop in all areas.
JADE
ALICE
Hello, my name is Alice. I am Level 3 qualified and have worked in childcare for over 10 years.
I will be based in the Wrens room and look forward to meeting you all soon!
I enjoy creating fun ways to explore, play and furthering experiences through nursery trips around the local community!
MICHELLE
Hi, I’m Michelle. I recently joined Deal Nursery and Forest School as an apprentice.Before joining the nursery, I spent 26 years working for a charity supporting victims of Modern Slavery in a Safe house setting, where I managed the service and worked closely with vulnerable adults and their children. Supporting people in challenging circumstances has been a huge part of my life, and it’s shaped my passion for compassion, communication, and community. I’m really looking forward to this new chapter and the chance to work in a positive, creative environment surrounded by children
SUMMER
hello, I'm Summer! i have 7 years of experience in Early Years Education, along with previous work in children's residential care, so i've always been dedicated to caring for children.
I truly understand the importance of providing the best care and learning experiences for your little ones, especially as a mum to a young boy myself. I love spending time outdoors, engaging in messy play, and creating a warm,
nurturing environment where children feel safe and supported. It’s so rewarding to see children progress and develop through their nursery journey and develop in their independence and confidence.
Abbie
Hello, I’m Abbie, and I am thrilled to be part of the Deal Nursery and Forest School, currently working towards my level 3 qualification in early years. My journey in childcare began as soon as I left school, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with children of all ages, right up to 16 years old. Most recently, I was a 1-1 support in a primary school, which has added to my experience, particularly in special educational needs. What brings me immense joy is singing nursery rhymes with the children and engaging in messy play. Above all, I cherish the moments filled with laughter and fun as we explore and learn together.
JAMES
Hello, My name is James. I am a Room Leader and a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner. I am passionate about supporting children's learning and development and take pride in being a positive male role model.
Danielle
I’m a Level 4 practitioner with experience working in early years in Australia for five years, as well as in a primary school in Taiwan.
I love being outside, whether that’s cycling or exploring new places, and at home I’m a big cat lover too!
Nicola
Hello, I’m Nicola!
I work in the Woodpeckers room as a Level 3 Practitioner and have a real passion for nurturing young minds. I love art activities, tuff trays, outdoor learning, children’s books and baking.
I have a 2.1 degree in English, as well as a PGCE in Lower Primary Education from the University of Leicester. While training for my PGCE, I realised that my heart lies with the early years. I spent 2 years teaching Reception and a further 2 years supply teaching in a range of schools. I have 2 young children and I love healthy living and fitness.
I am excited to be a part of your child’s nursery experience and provide lots of fun learning opportunities.
Emma
My name is Emma and I am Level 3 Early Years Practitioner and Room leader. I have nine years of experience in childcare, including seven years as a nanny, as well as time spent working in other settings before joining Deal Nursery and Forest School.
Julia
Hi, I’m Julia and have been working in Early Years education for over 25 years. I became interested in child development whilst working as a Learning Support Assistant for children with severe and complex needs. I am a qualified teacher and a trained Forest school leader. I love the outdoors and am passionate about using the natural environment to enrich children’s learning. I have taught in Nursery, Reception and Year One, and have enjoyed worked closely with families and their children through Children’s centres and early support networks.
Katie
Hello, my name is Katie and im a level 3 childcare practitioner.
I have always enjoyed working with children and love arts and craft and being outdoors. I’m really excited to be involved in your child’s nursery experience and provide them with lots of new learning experiences.
Darren
I’ve been working in early years for three years, after making a career change inspired by becoming a dad myself. I am a Level 3 Practitioner.
I’m currently training to be a Forest School Leader, as I love being outdoors and watching children explore, build resilience, and grow in confidence through nature.
Ellie
Hello, I’m Ellie and I am currently doing a level 3 Apprenticeship at the nursery! Prior to the nursery, I was a Teaching Assistant. I have two little girls, one at the nursery also. In the past, i have had my own childcare business within
the village I live in and to me, nothing is more beautiful than watching children grow, their personalities blooming while they get ready for their life journeys ahead. Working within education and childcare has always been a passion of mine, building strong relationships with children and gaining their trust is a feeling like no other. I’m a creative person so enjoy crafting, painting and all that fun as well as being in the outdoors
Contact
Reach out anytime, we're here to help
Phone
Admin@dnfs.co.uk
01304 801714
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Walmernursery@gmail.com
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01304 375355
01304 695175
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