Wolstanton Kindergarten
Wolstanton Kindergarten has been operating in The Old School House in the heart of Wolstanton for over thirty years and is well established within the local community. Wolstanton was the first private kindergarten that was taken on by Natasha Richards in 2012, after her own children attended the nursery and she was so impressed by the quality of childcare that they received.
Wolstanton is a small nursery offering care for up to twenty-five children each day, with dedicated rooms for babies, toddlers, two to three year olds and pre-school children. We also offer before and after school care for children up to the age of eleven. The children are able to enjoy playing outside each day in our enclosed garden area. The kindergarten feeds into all of the primary schools within the Wolstanton area.
The nursery’s Catering Manager freshly prepares all of the meals on site every day.
To view the Ofsted report for this Kindergarten click the below button.
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
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.
Jade Sherratt – Nursery Manager
I do everything that I can to help each child in our care make a smooth and happy transition from home to nursery, as I feel it’s so important that they settle in quickly. I love teaching the children new things, helping them to develop and grow. I particularly enjoy doing the messy play with the children, it’s always great fun and the children absolutely love it.
In my own time I enjoy getting outside mountain biking and climbing hills, I’ve walked up Snowdon and next on my list is Skyfal Peak. When I can I also love to watch live music.
Favourite Childhood Memory
Being made captain of our school cricket team when I was eleven and winning the next match!
Favourite Children’s Book
‘The Boy in a Dress’ by David Walliams.
Favourite Children’s Film
The Incredibles
Favourite Season
Definitely winter with the cold, crisp mornings and the prospect of being able to go sledging when it snows.
Siblings
I’m an only child.
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Brittany Selwood - Deputy Nursery Manager
I always wanted to work with children from a young age. They bring me such joy and there’s never a dull moment with lots of laughter! I am passionate about providing children with the best possible care and education filled with fun and enjoyment. It is a privilege to watch them learn and grow throughout their own unique journey. I am a trained primary school teacher, and have experience teaching every age from babies up to 11 years. This experience and knowledge is great for helping children transition from nursery to school as smoothly as possible. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, walking my dog and going on fun days out.
Favourite childhood memory
I used to love going shopping with my mum every Saturday in the town centre to spend my pocket money. I also remember my grandparents setting up a tent in their garden for me and my cousins, we had a pillow fight and howled with laughter for hours!
Favourite children’s book
The Secret Seven by Enid Blyton. I used to go to the library every weekend as a child to borrow a book from the series.
Favourite children’s film
Lady and the Tramp.
Favourite season
I love the summer time with warm weather and visits to the seaside.
Siblings
I am an only child but I would have loved a sibling - although people tell me I’m lucky not to have one!
Alice Rowley - Early Years Practitioner
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I’ve always wanted to work with children, I’m the eldest of my cousins and brother so growing up I loved looking after them all and bossing them about. Outside of work I like helping my Nana with the gardening.
Favourite Childhood Memory
My favourite childhood memory is going to Wales for weekends away.
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Favourite Children's Book
My favourite Children's book will have to be Alice in wonderland.
Favourite Childhood Film
My favourite childhood film is tinker belle.
Favourite Season
My favourite season is spring.
Siblings
I have a younger brother who is 5 years younger then me.
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Holly Heeks - ​Early Years Practitioner
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I've always wanted to work in childcare since I was a little girl playing schools with my teddy bears. I also grew up looking after my nephews who played a big part into my journey into the childcare sector. They truly inspired me and made me recognise my passion for caring for little ones. Outside of work I love to spend time with my friends and family going on days out. I also play the piano outside of work. It keeps me busy!
Favourite Childhood Memory
My favourite childhood memory is when me and my friend went to the cinema for the first ever time to watch Tangled with my mum and its been my favourite film ever since.
Favourite Children's Book
My favourite book as a child has got to be each peach pear plum!
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Favourite childhood film
My favourite child hood film as I have said previously is Tangled but my second favourite is probably Hercules.
Favourite Season
My favourite season is winter! I love the snow and dark nights in watching movies, cosy in my fluffy pyjamas.
I have two older sisters! I'm the baby of the family.​
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