Little Bears Nursery Manager

My name is Nina Farzaneh and I am the nursery manager for Little Bears Nursery at Whiteley Village. I havebuilt up considerable experience in the day to day operations and management of both new and established nurseries, having worked with children for 15 years and my role over the last ten years as a key decision maker and member of the senior management. I am also a parent and so fully understand the importance of choosing the right nursery with the right staff team. We also recognize the importance of our partnership with the parents and children in achieving the best results.

My qualifications include the level 5 diploma in Early Years and Childcare as well as a degree in English studies. I have been fortunate to have spent the last 15 years working in a variety of settings with different Early years philosophies and teaching approaches, different people, cultures and management styles. This invaluable knowledge and experience has helped to shape the Little Bears methodology:

- At Little Bears, me and my team will create a loving, nurturing and safe environment.

- At Little Bears, we create experiences and memories for your children;

- At Little Bears, children will be encouraged to develop so that they flourish and achieve their potential.

We are extremely passionate about Little Bears and therefore have invested in a staff team that is fully qualified. This ensures that our setting meets all the Early Years requirements at all times and provide high-quality care to children and their families.

We hope that we can demonstrate our vision and approach to childcare by welcoming you to our nursery.

Little Bears Staff Profiles

Karen Cooper

Job Title: Deputy Manager and Hedgehog Room Leader

Joined: 2018

My name is Karen. I joined little bear in 2018 as deputy manager and Hedgehogs room leader. I  hold a degree in early years education and development. I have worked in early education for over 10 years and have a passion for children’s learning and development.  I love to create learning opportunities for children indoors and outdoors. I especially enjoy using open ended resources for outdoor play. Outside nursery I enjoy spending time with family, socialising and outdoor activities. 

Katrina Hadawa

Job Title: Room Leader

Joined: 2016

My name is Katrina and I recently attended a training with the title of ‘confident communicators’. I really enjoyed this training and learnt a lot about the importance of communication skills in children. I learnt it is so important to have the ability to communicate competently since it underpins child’s emotional, social and educational achievement and development.  I learnt that we should challenge children on what we believe they can achieve. We talked about the brain development and factors that could affect the learning. We learnt what children need to develop language such as confidence, independence, attention, experience, knowledge, understanding and reflection. And who we would need to speak to if we felt a child is behind and may need extra help and support.

Kate Clarke

Job Title: Senior Practitioner

Joined: 2017

My name is Kate and I am level 2 qualified. As a parent of two with life experiences I understand how important it is to adapt learning needs to the individual. I've supported a dyslexic child to overcome challenges of life and grow into a capable, independent and fun-loving adult.  I love storytelling, creating games, crafts and exploring imaginations.

Tabitha Gibbon

Job Title: Senior Practitioner

Joined: 2018

My name is Tabitha and I am a new member of squirrel’s team. I have worked with children in nursery for 4 years working my way up from nursery assistant to completing my level 3 qualification and becoming part of the management team. I mostly enjoy working with 2-5 year olds, helping them progress in different areas of learning. I feel passionate about children’s learning and development. I am a creative person and love to help children explore their creativity indoors and outdoors.

Outside of nursery life I enjoy socialising with my family and friends and love traveling.

Michelle Moore

Job Title: Nursery Apprentice

Joined: 2019

My name is Michelle and I am an Apprentice at Little Bears Day-Care. I enjoy working with children and being part of their learning journey as they prepare for going to Primary School. I love to watch them learn and grow.

Tamzin Weedon

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner

Joined: 2018

My name is Tamzin and I joined Little Bears in 2018 after 12 years working as a Nursery Practitioner in other settings where I gained my Level 2 qualification in childcare. I am a mum to 2 boys and I am very creative with a passion for craft activities with children to help them explore their creative side.

Andrea Anderson

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner

Joined: 2018

Tracey Ball

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner

Joined: 2018

Andrea Jonasson

Job Title: Chef

Joined: 2020

Andrea is a very skillful chef who has had numerous years of experience catering for children of all ages. She is a valued part of the team and with her warm personality she has already made great connection with our children through cooking activities and delicious food.

Binita Grover

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner

Joined: 2021