Meet the Team
Rachael McNicholas
CEO- Nominated Individual
Rachael is the proud CEO of Little Roos Private Nursery, a family-run business built on warmth, trust, and genuine care. With over 30 years of experience in the childcare industry, Rachael has worked across a wide variety of childcare environments, giving her extensive knowledge in early years education, nursery management, and child development.
Little Roos Private Nursery is more than just a nursery — it is a close-knit, family-focused setting where strong relationships between staff and families create a welcoming and inviting environment for the littlest learners. Rachael believes that children thrive when they feel safe, valued, and supported, and she has built the nursery around these core principles.
Her passion for early childhood education, combined with decades of hands-on experience, ensures that every child receives high-quality care in a nurturing and stimulating setting. Under Rachael’s leadership, Little Roos continues to provide a warm, family feel where children, parents, and staff feel connected, supported, and at home.
Raya McNicholas
Nursery Manager and SENDCORaya is the dedicated Nursery Manager and SENDCo at Little Roos Private Nursery. With a wide range of experience working in early years settings, she brings both knowledge and compassion to her role. Raya has a real passion for making a difference in children’s lives and is deeply committed to ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive.
As SENDCo, she works closely with staff and families to create inclusive, nurturing environments where all children can flourish. Raya strongly believes that every child deserves the very best start in life, and she is devoted to helping each one reach their full potential.
Leadership Team
Natalie Keeton
Little Adventurers Room Leader
Sophie Sharpe
Little Discoverers Room Leader and SENDCO
Sian Wilson
Little Wonderers Room Leader
Ami Wallace
Little Explorers Room Leader
Little Creators Room LeaderCortney Brown
Kadie McNicholas
Little Creators and Little Discoverers Deputy Room Leader
Little Explorers Team
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Ami Wallace
Room Leader
Level 3 EYE Practitioner
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Coral Anstee-Cooke
Level 3 EYE Practitioner
Level 5 EYE Apprentice
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Sophie Couldwell
Level 3 EYE Practitioner
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Paula Stroyan
Level 3 EYE Practitioner
Little Wonderers
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Sian Wilson
Room Leader
Level 3 EYE Practitioner
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Ruby Lynch
Level 3 EYE Practitioner
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Sophie Hazeldine
Level 3 EYE Practitioner
Foundation Degree Early Years
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Maddison Carroll
Level 3 EYE Apprentice
Little Adventurers
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Natalie Keeton
Room Leader
Level 3 EYE Practitioner
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Florence Cooper
Level 2 Practitioner
Level 3 EYE Apprentice
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Georgia Brightland-Askham
Level 2 Apprentice
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Hayley Haigh
Level 3 Apprentice
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Jemma Smith
Level 3 EYE Practitioner
Pre-school Team
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Sophie Sharpe
Room Leader
Level 3 EYE Practitioner
SENDCO
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Cortney Brown
Room leader
Level 3 EYE Practitioner
Foundation Degree in Early Years
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Kadie McNicholas
Deputy Room Leader
Level 3 EYE Apprentice
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Katie Laverack
Level 3 EYE Practitioner
BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS
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Ella Kelly
Level 3 EYE Apprentice
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Edie Phillips
Level 3 EYE Apprentice
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Edith Brightwell
Level 3 EYE Apprentice