Wallsend – Meet the Team – Footprints Nursery

Joanne info@footprints-nursery.com

Company Director

Hello, my name is Joanne! I set up Footprints Day Nursery Wallsend in 2018. I have always worked in day nurseries and find working with children and their families an extremely rewarding job. I have worked with babies and children since 2008 and am truly passionate about my work, which is why I took the plunge and decided to open my very own day nursery! I have an honours degree in children and young people as well as various training which includes paediatric first aid, safeguarding children, behaviour management, food hygiene and much more!

Michelle wallsend@footprints-nursery.com

Nursery Manager

Hello, my name is Michelle. I have dedicated my entire career to childcare and hold a Level 4 qualification in Children’s Care, Learning and Development. In 2024, I achieved my NPQEYL in Leadership and Management. I have a deep passion for helping children grow, learn, and develop their unique personalities. Over the years, I have worked with children across all age ranges in Early Years and am also a proud parent of two children. Throughout my career, I have completed a wide range of additional training courses, including Paediatric First Aid, Behaviour Management, Safeguarding, Leadership and Management, Food Allergy Awareness, and so many more. In my current role at the nursery, I serve as the Designated Safeguarding Officer, First Aider, Behaviour Management Coordinator, and SENCo Assistant. I’m committed to creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

Heather

Deputy Manager

Hello, My name is Heather! My journey in childcare started in 2010 when I volunteered through Barnardos in a Family support group before qualifying. I hold a Level 3 Qualification in Childcare and have completed other relevant training including Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene, Safeguarding, Prevent, FGM and SEND. I am truly passionate about working with children and their families and helping them reach their full potential. I look forward to meeting you all and working with you and your children.

Wendy

Third in Charge & Room Leader - Butterflies

Hello, my name is Wendy! I have worked in childcare since 2016, as well as having 3 children of my own. I have a NVQ level 3 in childcare. I have also completed courses in Leadership and Management, food hygiene, food allergy awareness, paediatric first aid and many more! I have a passion for arts, crafts and messy activities, and love to watch the children learn and grow every day.

Hannah Senco@footprints-nursery.com

Senco

Hello, my name is Hannah. I have two children of my own and have been working in childcare since 2008, when I qualified with my Level 3 in Children’s Learning and Development. Over the years, I have completed training in Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene, Safeguarding, SENCo training, and many more. My passion lies in supporting children with additional needs, working with parents and other professionals, as well as creating an inclusive environment where every child can thrive. I am dedicated to ensuring the best outcomes for all children, giving them the care and support they deserve. I am so excited to be part of the Footprints team and to grow alongside the children every day.

Charlotte

Room Leader - Hedgehogs

Hello, I’m Charlotte! I earned my Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Workforce and Early Years Educator qualification in 2015. Over the years, I’ve completed a variety of training courses, including First Aid, Safeguarding, Food Hygiene, and many more. I’m currently studying for an extra Level 3 qualification as a Baby Room Practitioner and am excited to continue growing my skills and career. After taking a short break from childcare, I’m thrilled to return to my passion for Early Years — and there’s no better place to do that than here at Footprints!

Gemma

Senior - Hedgehogs

Hello my name is Gemma! I graduated university in 2018 with a diploma in Childhood studies and Early years. I have also taken training in Paediatric First Aid, Child Protection, Food hygiene and more. This is my first nursery to work in and I feel so lucky to be a part of this team, I am so excited to be part of the Footprints family and start my long career helping children from the beginning of their educational journey!

Louise

Nursery Practitioner - Hedgehogs

Hello my name is Louise, as well as having two children of my own, I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Childhood and Early Years Studies. I have also taken courses in food Hygiene, Safeguarding, Paediatric first and many more! I am so excited to be re-joining the Footprints team and watch the little ones learn and grow.

Cherice

Nursery Practitioner- Hedgehogs

Hello, my name is Cherice. I gained my level 3 in Children's Learning, Play and Development in 2017, and an honours degree in Psychology in 2020. I have completed training in Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene, Safe Sleep and more! I have a young daughter and I'm so excited to join the Footprints family and help children discover their full potential.

Ashley

Nursery Practitioner - Hedgehogs

Hello, my name is Ashley! I currently hold a level 3 in Early Years. I qualified in 2008 and have been employed in private day nurseries ever since. I enjoy working with children, helping them grow and learn before their journey to school. I have many additional qualifications including First aid, Food hygiene, Safeguarding and Health and safety. I am looking forward to working with your little ones, helping them grow and learn!

Chloe S

Nursery Assistant - Hedgehogs

Hello my name is Chloe. I am very excited to start my level 3 apprenticeship here are Footprints. I currently hold a level 2 award in Child Development and Care and a diploma in Health and Social Care. It has always been my dream to work with children as I love to hear them laugh everyday. I am looking forward to starting my career, here at Footprints.

Sophie

Nursery Assistant - Hedgehogs

Hello my name is Sophie. I am currently working towards my level 2 in childcare. I have completed training in child development, Safeguarding, as well as my paediatric first aid and many others. I have a passion for childcare and looking forward to getting to know the little ones and further my knowledge here at Footprints Nursery.

Abbie

Nursery Practitioner - Hedgehogs

Hi, my name is Abbie. I hold a Level 3 qualification in Early Years, which I completed in 2023. I have also undertaken training in Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding, Food Hygiene, Allergy Awareness, Safer Sleep, and many more. I am currently studying for my Level 3 Baby Room qualification and absolutely love working with younger babies. Supporting their early development and being part of those first precious moments is incredibly rewarding. I have a genuine passion for Early Years and am excited to further my career here at Footprints, supporting children as they grow, learn, and explore the world around them.

Laura

Nursery Practitioner - Ducklings

Hello, my name is Laura! I gained my N.N.E.B in July 1995 and then my foundation diploma in June 2012. As well as being a mother and grandmother, I have worked with a wide variety of age groups throughout my career. I also support my husband who is a foster carer, offering them love, security, support and learning. I have completed training courses such as Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding, Food Hygiene and many more. I enjoy crafts, messy play, songs and stories and I can’t wait to continue my career here at Footprints.

Chloe B

Nursery Practitioner - Ducklings

Hello, my name is Chloe. I have completed my level 2 in childcare and I look forward to starting my Level 3 here at Footprints. I have returned to childcare after a period of working in a different sector. I have also completed training in child development, First Aid, Safeguarding and many more I am looking forward to getting to know your little ones and expanding my knowledge further

Regan

Nursery Practitioner - Ducklings

Hello my name is Regan. I have recently finished my apprenticeship and qualified with my Level 3 in Early years in 2025. I have also taken courses in First aid, Safeguarding and Food hygiene. I enjoy positively interacting with children while ensuring their physical and emotional needs are met. I am excited to finish my Level 3 and further my career here at Footprints

Danielle

Nursery Practitioner - Ducklings

Hello, my name is Danielle. I gained my level 3 qualification in childcare and education in 2010. I have worked in childcare since then with children of all ages, as well as having a daughter of my own. I have also completed courses in safeguarding, First aid, Food Hygiene and many more! I am excited to be part of the Footprints family, to watch all of the children thrive and develop, ready for their adventure into big school.

Cheryl

Nursery Practitioner - Ducklings

Hi my name is Cheryl, I hold a Level 3 Diploma in Early years, which I gained in 2015. I also hold qualifications in Paediatric first aid, Food hygiene and Allergy awareness, Equality and Diversity and many more! I have many years experience across the sector, I love to see little ones grow and learn and I am excited to further my knowledge here at Footprints

Chantelle

Room Leader - Butterflies

Hello I'm Chantelle, the new room lead for our 2-3 year olds. in 2009 I gained my Level 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development. I have also completed my Paediatric First Aid training, Safeguarding, Food Hygiene and Allergy awareness, Health and Safety, safer sleep and many more! I love to see the little ones develop and learn each day and watching children grow their minds is my passion!