Orchard Family

Sophie

Room Leader

Sophie has worked in nurseries in the area since 2016.  She loves reading stories and introducing exciting aspects to these such as voiced characters, actions, and an array of different facial expressions!  Outside of nursery life Sophie loves to craft at home, caring for her pets, and spending time with her family.

Isabell

Deputy Room Leader

Hello I am Isabell and I have been at Orchard since 2020 after travelling a lot and living in Amsterdam. I am originally from Germany and like to teach the children about different cultures. I love learning from the children as much as the children learn from me and it’s wonderful watching them flourish into little people full of joy and confidence. 

Trish

Nursery practitioner

I live very locally and have a young family in the area. I have heard lots of positive things about Orchard through other people locally and was so happy to be able to join the team! I have just come back into childcare after a break to raise my own children and have the same hunger to help the children of the nursery to develop and grow!

Isobel

Nursery practitioner

I have recently finished studying in Brighton and I am excited to begin my training towards EYTS status. In my free time I like to explore the city and catch up with friends.

Jade

Nursery Apprentice

I am currently completing my level 2 qualification at Orchard. I love coming in and watching the children develop such kind and funny personalities.

Karen

Practitioner

Hello, I am Karen. I have been at Orchard since 2009. I absolutely love being a part of Orchard. Each child is unique and being able to teach so many amazing children is wonderful. At home, I have my own art studio so I enjoy creating lots of different art activities with the children using all sorts of resources.

Libby

Nursery Practitioner

Hello, I’m Libby and I have recently finished my level 3 qualification. I have passion for the early years sector and love helping the children to develop and work towards their next steps. In my own time I like to go to lots of concerts and gigs, seeing some of my favourite artists. My family are super important to me and I value spending time with them when I can, especially my Nan.

Jasmine

Nursery Practitioner-

Hi I’m Jas and have lived in Brighton for my whole life. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and taking my nieces and nephews out at the weekend.
I discovered that I wanted to work in early years, having watched my mum do it as I grew up, and seeing the positive impact she could have on the children she looked after. I am currently working towards my level 3 qualification and love putting my growing knowledge into practice!

Chrisann

Senior Practitioner

(On maternity leave)

Hello, I am Chrisann. Working with children is so rewarding and I feel a tremendous sense of pride watching the children learn new skills. One of the best things about working for Orchard is being able to extend the classroom and learn in the wider community whether that is at the beach, zoo, farm, or library. I have a large family as I am one of seven children and I also really enjoy puzzles.

Abby

Room Leader

Hello, I'm Abby and I am a level 3 qualified practitioner. I have worked at two other nurseries previously before joining Orchard in October 2021. I am excited about teaching the children and I thoroughly enjoy any messy activities the messier the better.

Kyler

Deputy Room Leader

Hey I’m Kyler and I have worked at Orchard since 2015. Listening to the children’s ideas and creating fun experiences is one of the things I love about working with children. I have two younger sisters who keep me busy at home.

Tiegan

Nursery practitioner

I have recently completed my level 3 qualification, and I am excited to start using it here at Orchard. I completed my last college placement here and was very pleased to have gained a position here afterwards. In my spare time I like to do diamond art, and crafts with the younger members of my family.

Becs

Room Leader

Becs is joining our team having gained 7 years experiences in a multitude of different settings.  She is incredibly enthusiastic about outdoor play and constructing magnificent models alongside the children.  Becs is an avid knitter and enjoys doing this and sewing in her spare time.  She has a large family in the local area and enjoys spending time with her younger siblings.

Lesley

Deputy Room Leader

Hey, I am Lesley and I have been at Orchard since September 2019. Being able to follow the children’s ideas and take them on a learning journey is something that I love about working with Group 3. They are so expressive and want to learn. Outside of nursery I spend a lot of time outdoors with my dogs and photographing nature.

Anne-Marie

Practitioner

Hi, I’m Anne-Marie, I have lived in Brighton for the last 10 years, but I originate from Romania.  I love to spend my spare time with family and friends, as well as painting and reading.  I still visit my Romanian family when I have the opportunity and spend a lot of time with my partner’s family too. I am very enthusiastic about working with children and love to do activities that focus on their wellbeing and developing their self-regulation skills.

CJ

Chef

CJ is our chef, she has a real passion for creating tasty and nutritionally balanced meals for the children! She has been in the catering trade for more than 15 years working in different environments along the way. When CJ is not working, she enjoys being outdoors, exploring different areas on foot and on bicycle. She also likes to go to the gym when she has the time!

Edie

Bank Staff

I have lived in Brighton for my whole life, and even attended Orchard when I was little! I love to watch the children learn and develop, and planning ways to support this happening in an organic way. I love to play netball in my spare time.

Grace

Lunchtime Assistant

Hi, I’m Grace and I returned to working at Orchard in 2023, I had previously worked at the setting, but took a break to spend time with my son.  I am very interested in Harry Potter and Disney, and love to crochet in my spare time!

Kate

Lunch Cover

Hello I'm Kate, I graduated in 2010 completing BA hons Primary education (3-7) with QTS. Since graduating I have had lots of experience in different education settings including schools, nurseries and children centres supporting family's and children.
When I'm not working at Orchard I love spending time with my family. I have three children that keep me very busy.