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Our Key Staff
The Team at Poppets
Here at Poppets we pride ourselves on having hugely dedicated, caring and highly qualified staff. We are confident that they are amongst the best in their field and would encourage you to visit the setting so that you can see them in action. As well as those fully qualified to Level 3 in childcare, we have degree qualified and current students with us and trainees of the highest calibre. They all bring so many different qualities to Poppets and we are proud of each and every one of them for making our children so happy.
David and Jude Bessell - Owners
David and Jude took over the existing nursery in November 2014. They have been sleeping partners in a successful chain of nurseries for 5 years but with David retiring from the Royal Navy after 23 years service, decided that the time was right to strike out on their own. After searching 3 counties to find a setting good enough, they were delighted to find ‘Poppets’ a mere half mile from their door. They are extremely excited about giving their friends and neighbours the very best childcare they can.
Michelle Pateman - Poppets 'Nursery Manager'
Michelle has a Level 3 in childcare and is Poppets Nursery Manager. She has worked in childcare since 2010 and has been part of the setting’s team since then. Working for three different nurseries, Michelle is pleased that Poppets Nursery is here to stay.
Michelle has worked her way through the ranks from nursery practitioner, room leader, co-manager and finally manager. There isn’t much Michelle doesn’t know about looking after your ‘Poppets’.
Michelle loves seeing how happy and settled the children are at Poppets and has had the pleasure of watching the children build their foundations and develop into wonderful little people, before heading off to school. Michelle is thrilled with the team of staff who are helping her to build and shape the nursery into a thriving and happy part of the local community.
Demi Wheeler - Deputy Manager
Demi holds a childcare level 3 qualification and has been working in nurseries since 2016.
Demi started off as an apprentice then worked her way up through the different positions and is now the Deputy Manager here at Poppets. Demi has lots of knowledge and experience with working within a natural based nursery and has lots of ideas based around the curiosity approach to keep all your little ones learning.
Demi’s role is to work alongside Michelle and to help her with the smooth running of the nursery. She also overlooks the adherence to the EYFS and will work alongside the staff in the rooms to help them further their practice.
