​Newcastle Kindergarten
Newcastle Kindergarten opened in January 2024. Situated in the heart of the community we accept children from 8 weeks – 5 years across our three spacious and well-equipped classrooms all providing direct access to our fantastic outdoor area. With a designated outdoor space for our youngest babies to our vast playground for our toddlers and preschool children. This wonderful environment enables all of our children to explore the natural world and observe the changes of the seasons whilst getting the vital daily exercise and fresh air that all children need. Situated within the Newcastle Family Hub enables us to signpost our children and families to a range of local services so that they can access the services they need at the earliest opportunity.
Newcastle Kindergarten offers a holiday club for children aged 3-11 years throughout the whole of the Newcastle district. The Kindergarten feeds to all of the primary schools in the Newcastle area as well as some further afield as parents travel from a wide geographical area to access childcare at our setting.
All of the children’s meals are prepared fresh, each day on-site by the nursery’s Catering Manager.
The nursery benefits from having onsite parking.
Meet The Team
Natasha Richards – Managing Director and Director of Educational Development
I founded the Kindergarten Group with the clear aim of delivering high quality childcare, in an environment where children can flourish and be happy. I started my career in education over twenty years ago and have always had a huge passion for supporting children to become the best that they can be, both academically and in their personal and social development. I have taught children from preschool, right through to students in higher university education and I have a BA Honours Degree in Primary Education, a Masters in Education and have worked as an early years inspector for OFSTED.
I am a proud mum of twin teenage boys, two dogs and a cat. When not at work I enjoy travelling the length and breadth of the country with my family on camping holidays.
Favourite Childhood Memory
As a child I always loved Christmas and still do! Even though I’m the eldest of four children, I’d always be the first one to wake up on Christmas morning, as I’d be so excited to see if Santa had been. I’d sneak downstairs to see if there were any presents, then I’d get my younger siblings to wake up my mum and dad who would insist that Santa hadn’t yet been (secretly hoping for a bit longer in bed), to which my brothers and sister would shout “oh yes he has – Tash has seen all of the presents!” With my own children it’s always been important to me to try and recreate the same magic and excitement of Christmas for them too.
Favourite Children’s Book
‘What Katy Did’ by Susan Coolidge
Favourite Children’s Film
Up
Favourite Season
It has to be winter as not only do I love the whole Christmas season, but I think there’s something really lovely about wrapping up warm in a big coat, scarf, woolly hat and gloves and heading outside for winter walks.
Siblings
I am the eldest of four children, I have one sister and two brothers.
Rebecca Jones – Director of Learning
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When I was growing up I used to love helping to look after my sister who is ten years younger than me, this had a big influence on my decision to study child care at college. After I graduated I joined the team at Wolstanton Kindergarten and have since progressed in my career to work across all six of our settings within The Kindergarten Group. I find the most rewarding part of my role is to see the children in our care develop and learn new skills. Like many of the staff, I particularly enjoy the messy play and outdoor activities that we do with the children as it’s so much fun! In my current position I support all of our staff in their roles and deliver training across the six nursery settings to ensure the consistency and high quality of the care that we deliver.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my husband Jake and my little boy Levi and heading outside for walks with my Border Collie dog Olly (named after Olly Murs!).
Favourite Childhood Memory
We always used to visit my Nan and Grandad's house on a Sunday for Sunday lunch, as a special treat we used to have a chocolate bar and this was a surprise each week. My favourite was a diam bar!
Favourite Children’s Book
‘Guess How Much I Love You’ by Sam McBratney
Favourite Children’s Film
Elf
Favourite Season
I’ve always liked the wintertime the best, as I absolutely love Christmas and my birthday falls at this time of year too. I think it’s lovely to wrap up warm and head off outside for winter walks.
Siblings
I have two sisters and I’m the middle child.
Clare Devine – Nursery Manager
From a young age I loved to care for children and couldn’t wait to have children have my own. Having raised my own three boys, I began my career in early years education. Having been an Outstanding Childminder when my boys were small, I continued my professional development in a school nursery and reception setting. During this time, I completed a degree in Early Childhood Development and learnt a wealth of knowledge from a variety of professionals. I have continued my own education in Psychology with Early Childhood Attachments and experience being my interest. I love to learn. I live with my Husband, my younger Sons and my Dog Loki.
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Favourite Childhood Memory
As I child I loved to spend time with my Grandma at weekends. I would enjoy sharing many experiences with her from shopping to playing cards and even learning how to iron.​
Favourite Children’s Book
All of the Julia Donaldson collection, I particularly love ‘Monkey Puzzle’ and the ‘Flum Flum Tree’
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Favourite Children’s Film
‘Finding Nemo’​
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Favourite Season
I love Autumn, Autumn provides endless resources for learning and is a lovely time to get outside and observe the changes that take place in the world around us, It truly is a beautiful time of the year.
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Siblings
I come from a blended family and I am the youngest of 6.
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Jessica Frost – Deputy Nursery Manager
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I have always loved looking after my sister growing up and children of family friends, as I loved spending time with them. When I got my degree in college, I started my career in nursery’s and I have not looked back. During this I then proceeded to get my degree in psychology and counselling and love to interpret it into the setting. I have loved working in nursery’s and watching the children become who they are today and having an impact on their lives. I love being creative and love the children having and good time, even if that means getting messy. My favourite part of working at nursery is watching the smiles as they come in to when they go out, telling their parents what they have done that day. My favourite part of working at nursery is watching the smiles as they come in to when they go out telling their parents what they have done that day. I love watching them achieve their milestones and have a good time at nursery. Outside of work I love to go to the gym and taking my dog for long walks looking at the different views.
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Favourite Childhood Memory
My favourite childhood memory is definitely at Christmas, when I would go to see all the family and then spend it having a massive Christmas dinner, playing games and opening presents in front of the fire.
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Favourite children’s book
‘The Gruffalo’ by Julia Donaldson.
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Favourite Children’s film
Wall-e.​
Favourite season
My favourite season of the year is definitely summer, I love going on holiday spending it by the pool and having BBQs.
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Siblings
I have one younger sister.​​
Crystal Johnson - Early Years Practitioner
For as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted to work with children as I am a very caring person. I love watching and helping the children to grow
and develop and when I see how happy the children are in my care I know I have done a good job. What I love most about this job is that no day is the same and I love to get creative and messy with the children as well as helping them to learn new skills. I am a very outdoorsy person and love going on hikes with my husband and my little dog . The Peak District is one of my favourite places to walk. I also love a good holiday and experiencing different cultures.
Favourite childhood memory
My favourite childhood memory is all the amazing holidays my mum and dad used to take me and my younger sister on.
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Favourite children's book
Favourite childhood book Hansel and Gretel or anything by Roald dahl
Favourite Children's film
the Lion King
Favourite Season
My favourite season is summer. I love to spend as much time outside
in the sun having barbecues, walking, camping, going to the beach, watching sunsets and exploring. Although I do also love Autumn too.
Siblings
I have 1 younger sister and 2 half sisters and 1 half brother who are all older than me.
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Chloe Robinson-Rafferty – Early Years Practitioner
After finishing high school I completed my Early Years Apprenticeship. I wanted the hands on experience and this definitely achieved that. I learnt what it takes to be a good practitioner, this knowledge will stay with me throughout my career. From an early age I’ve had a passion for caring for others- playing ‘teachers’ with my friends to becoming a big sister at the age of 8. Growing up I used to love helping to care for my brother in whichever way I could. This ultimately had a big influence on my decision to study Child Care. I find it so rewarding to watch the children learn new skills through activities I’ve planned. Everybody knows I love anything and everything messy. The children gain so much from it and it’s so much fun! I’m very lucky that I can say I’ve worked alongside colleagues who previously cared for me as a child. The lasting impression they made has stayed with me into adulthood. They taught me valuable skills and helped shape who I am as a person. I strive to one day have the same impact on a child that I’ve cared for. My spare time is spent with my family and dog, Bella. This might be visiting a pub for dinner or staying curled up on the sofa with a book or film. 


Favourite Childhood Memory
It’s difficult to choose just one memory as many spring to mind. A special memory however was being told I was going to be a big sister. I was that excited I told anyone we met!
Favourite children's book
As a child I remember reading ‘The Magic Faraway Tree’ by Enid Blyton, and being enthralled by the characters adventures.
Now, I enjoy reading to the children… ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ being a favourite. I think it’s so important for children to have a love for reading!
Favourite children's film
Beauty and the Beast.

Favourite season
Autumn is my favourite season. I think being cosy is the best feeling. So, going on walks through the crunchy leaves, whilst wearing big jumpers. And of course, having a hot chocolate along the way, sounds perfect!
Siblings
I have three brothers. I’m the middle child.
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Dianne Knott - Early Years Practitioner
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I have worked for over 27 years in school meals working my way up to head chef, I have worked at a primary school and also at a high school for special educational needs children. I have 3 grown up children and I have also been a long-term foster carer for a little boy who had special needs I did this for over 10 years. I’ve also worked in adult social care both with the local authority and the NHS. Motivation to work in this sector as I’ve always seemed to have jobs that have been with children as they have suited my work and home life. After giving up fostering my life was quiet without the presence of children in it. Outside of work I like walking my dog Duke and also going to my caravan which is situated near to Skegness.
Favourite Childhood Memory
I can always remember going a caravan to Rhyl in North Wales, and spending time playing on the beach and in the sea, and always coming home with a Welsh ladies hat.
Favourite Children's Film
Disney’s animated Beauty and the Beast.
Favourite Children's Book
Far Away Tree by Enid Blyton.
Favourite Season
Summer because I can spend time at my caravan and on the beach with my dog Duke who loves to run on the sand.
Sibling
I have a sister who is four years older than me.
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I completed my Level 3 in Early years through collage and went on numerous placements in Nursery's and schools. I knew instantly that I wanted to work with young children because I love watching them develop and gain their own little characters and personalities. I have always been told from a young age that I am a natural with children and was often asked to look after the children of family and friends Being around children makes me happy.
Childhood Memory
I loved family holidays as a child. Being around the pool with my cousins and spending quality time with my family.
Childhood Book
Elmer the Elephant.
Childhood Film
The Lion King.
Favourite Season
I love Summer for the summer sunshine, and the longer days.
Siblings
I have 1 Older bother and 1 younger step sister.
Grace Poppy Martin - Early Years Practitioner
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I am currently undertaking an apprenticeship position with The Kindergarten Group and thoroughly enjoying the experience of working with children. I especially like messy activities and being outdoors. I have always enjoyed looking after my younger sister and the children of my extended family and friends. I knew that when I left school I wanted to start my career in early years.
Favourite Childhood Memory
I loved to play chess with my Grandpa when I was younger and have some lovely memories of this time.
Favourite Children's Book
The Shirly Hughes collection.
Favourite Children's Film
Tangled has to be my favourite film.
Favourite Season
Winter, because I love the festivities of the Christmas period.
Siblings
I have three brothers and four sisters, I am the middle child.
Lisa Barnett - Early Years Practitioner
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I started my career in Elderly care, but when my first son was born I gave up work to be a full time mum, I now have 3 boys. When returning to work I decided to retrain and make the decision to work with children, something I had always wanted to do. I went back to college and volunteered at a Primary school whilst at the same time training to support my college education. Once qualified I decided to become an Ofsted registered childminder, which I did for 8 years, embracing a Pedagogy of Hygge, Wanderlust a child's nature study and Reggio Emile approach. An approach that suited my love of all things nature. In 2022, after having the best cohort of children in my setting I decided to make a change and work in a nursery setting.
Favourite Childhood Memory
Staying with my grandparents at weekends and school holidays. My grandparents taught me about wildlife, flowers and the stars. That's where my love of nature comes from.
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Favourite Childhood Book
The Magic Far Away Tree by Enid Blyton.
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Favourite Childhood Film
The Sound of Music and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
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Favourite Season
I love Autumn and Spring.
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Siblings
I have 2 younger brothers.
Zara Rose - Early Years Practitioner
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I believe that giving back is key and my role in life is to ensure children’s safety and development. Watching them grow through the stages is both rewarding and fulfilling. I have always had a passion for working with children as of their potential and curiosity. I feel that within this job I am able to make significant impacts on their confidence, skills, and uniqueness. The idea of contributing to their growth, truly motivates me. I want to provide a supportive environment for children to flourish. Moreover some of my best memories growing up, were from when I was in nursery and pre-school. I felt like my first steps in those settings helped shape who I am today.
Favourite Childhood Memory
My family used to annual trips down south, in which we stayed in an old cottage with little signal. For fun me and my sister used to make dance routines to Disney films. I can still remember the dance moves to ‘under the sea’ now.
Favourite Childhood Book
Gruffalo, I couldn’t go anywhere without my Gruffalo teddy and book.
Favourite Childhood Film
Mamma Mia, I used to put it on every day after school
Favourite Season
Autumn, I love the colours and I especially love Halloween.
Sibling
I have 2 siblings, I am the youngest. A sister and a step brother.
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