who will look after me?
-
Kate Eastwood
Nursery Manager
Together with her husband, Dave, Kate spent the Summer of 2007 preparing to open Leigh Cottage in November 2007. On a day to day basis Kate is based in the office at Leigh Cottage, welcoming the children and parents as they arrive, working on the admin and mentoring and managing the staff team.
Kate has worked in Education since completing her B Ed in 1983. After teaching for 6 years, she took some time out to stay at home with her three young daughters. In 1994 Kate filled in as cover for the Manager of Westwood Nursery School, then took on the job permanently and remained there for 11 years. In 2007 Kate undertook her Early Years Professional Status at Bath Spa University, and completed this qualification in 2008.
-
Dave Eastwood
Maintenance Manager & Chef
Dave spent the summer of 2007 converting Leigh Cottage with his team of builders into the wonderful childcare building it is today. Since opening the Nursery in November 2007 Dave is responsible for the maintenance of the building and garden, as well as overseeing the cooking and preparation of all the children's catering requirements.
Dave initially trained as a chef and worked in catering for a couple of years before training as a Carpenter and Joiner. After working with various building firms Dave became self-employed in 1989 and was soon running large shop fitting projects for retailers such as Nicole Fahri and French Connection.
-
Meg Sutherland
Deputy Manager
Meg is the Deputy Manager at Leigh Cottage and assists Kate with the administrative side of the Nursery.
Meg joined Leigh Cottage in 2008 and since that time has completed her NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Childcare and Education. During her time as Comets Room Leader Meg started her Foundation Degree in Early Years Studies at the University of Bath, and gained her degree in July 2012.
-
Carlie Miller
Twinkles Room Leader
Carlie has worked at Leigh Cottage Childcare since 2019, starting as a nursery assistant in the baby room. Carlie has attended several training courses since this time, including First Aid, Food Hygiene and Safeguarding to name a few.
Carlie completed her Level 3 Diploma in Children’s learning and Development through an outside agency before joining Leigh Cottage. Carlie is keen to enhance her knowledge with continual professional development.
Carlie is currently on Maternity Leave and her role is being covered by Carrie Clarke.
-
Ellie Binks
Sparkles Room Leader
Ellie has worked at Leigh Cottage since 2015, starting as a student helper to then progressing to nursery assistant, and now room leader of Sparkles. Ellie also holds the role of our in-house Senco.
Ellie completed her Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Learning and Development whilst working here at Leigh Cottage. Ellie has continued her professional training development by completing several inhouse training courses, along with training provided by outside agencies.
Ellie also takes on the role of Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator at Leigh Cottage and as such works with other staff, parents and, if necessary, outside agencies to ensure the needs of the children are met within the nursery.
-
Kayleigh Bowes
Comets Room Leader
Kayleigh has worked at Leigh Cottage since 2009, when following a successful placement with us during her NVQ Level 3 in Early Years and Childcare she was offered the position of Nursery Assistant. Kayleigh has continued to undertake in service training and is now the Comets Room Leader.
-
Lucy Weaver
Stars Room Leader
Lucy joined Leigh Cottage in November 2009 and has been our Pre-school Room Leader since January 2012. Lucy completed her Diploma in Childcare and Education at Chippenham College and has since continued her professional development through undertaking in-service training.
Lucy is currently on Maternity Leave and her role is being covered by Fi Jewell.
