Little Stoke Team

Hi my name is Joanne Knight and I am the owner of Play Station nursery. I set this nursery up from scratch, with the intention of creating a fabulous provision that marries quality childcare with a happy working environment for my staff.

I love following the children through their adventures with us and onto the next stage of life with the tools to start their next big step to primary school. I hate saying goodbye but love knowing the confident individuals they have all become due to our influence. We have been running a successful provision for 15 years now and continue to maintain the same amount of enthusiasm as the day we started. Working with my amazing, devoted staff and sharing my day with the children is definitely the best job in the world.

I’m Ruth and I am the Nursery Manager and overall Practice Leader for both settings.

I have been working for Play Station since 2009 and have been managing it since Feburary 2013. I have had a passion for early years ever since I can remember and feel a great sense of accomplishment in helping children achieve and enjoy their time at the nursery. I have a BA (hons) Degree in Early Childhood Studies and I have Early Years Professional status. Going home every day knowing that I have been instrumental in the growth and happiness of our young children – for me there is no better feeling! Since having this job, I smile and laugh every day. Added to that, the opportunity to work with such a dedicated, child-centred team of staff is something I feel incredibly lucky for. We are genuinely like one big family and it’s lovely that many of us have been here for so long. As a nursery, we remain ever-busy, ever-progressing, and our doors will always be open for more and more families to join us.

Hey, I’m Max and I am the Room Leader of the 3-5’s at Little Stoke and have been part of the team since 2012. I guess you could call me a big kid at heart, and from a young age I have always enjoyed helping children younger than myself. This interest has instigated my decision for a career in education as the right path to take. For me there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the hard work you put in helping the children with their personal development result in happy, confident individuals ready for the world ahead of them. I’m a big fan of everything Disney and I understand how magical everything is for a child. Having this natural affinity means I am able to interact and connect with children in a way that gives me great satisfaction.

My name is Natalie and I am the lead practitioner for the 0-2’s. I have worked in the 0-2's room at Play Station for over 7 years and have an NNEB qualification in childcare and wealth of experience under my belt. Aside from the childcare experience I gained at Play Station I have 2 children of my own. I was also a nanny for two different families bestowing me with experience with a variety of ages and differing needs of children. I have an extended interest in language acquisition particularly in the under 2’s and love supporting and understanding their needs.

Hi, I'm Mel and I've been at Play Station for a year and a half. I work with the 0-2's, and the 2-3's children. I love working with both groups as I get to see the children grow as an individual as they move from group to group and follow them on their journey. I have a BTEC Level 3 in childcare alongside my certificate in first aid. I love doing messy play activities with the children and always come home covered in the activities of the day!!

Hi I'm Tash and I work with the 0-3's at Play Station. I have worked here for over 11 years and have always thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to work with children. I had a little break from working here to have my son in 2013, who came with me when I returned from maternity leave and joined our baby group. It's great being able to be a working mum but still be able to be involved in my son's childcare. He is now a fully fledged member of the 2-3's group here and I am so happy with the care he receives. He helps widen my early years experience with baby sensory and other community groups that help me bring great ideas to the nursery.

Hi I’m Hannah, and I work in the 0-2's and 2-3's group mainly, and I'm studying for my NVQ Level 3.

Hi I’m Kerryn and I work in the 3-5's group with Max and Kirsty. I started my time at Play Station through a college placement, and have progressed to being employed here full-time. I hold a full NVQ Level 3. I am very excited to be able to put all the skills I learned during education into practice, and working alongside Max to support the 3-5's in their play and learning. I love working in the 3-5's - you'll always see me smiling and dancing!

Hey I'm Kirsty, I work alongside Max and Kerryn in the 3-5's group. I have a Level 3 in Early Years and am currently studying towards my Level 5. I have always had a passion for working with children and have had experience in a range of different settings. When I am not at work or studying I am busy bringing up my own children!

My name is Nina, I have worked in childcare since 2005 and I have a Level 3 Cache Diploma. I have enjoyed working in different age groups through the years as well as nannying. In 2014 I had a little girl of my own which has helped me grow as a practitioner. I joined Play Station in early 2016 in the 2-3's room and am really enjoying getting to know all the children and their families.