Here for you and your child
Our work has one clear focus: the individual needs of your child. To best support your child's development, we employ professionals with diverse skills and educational backgrounds. Our team regularly attend ongoing training courses, equipping them to bring fresh ideas and approaches to their daily work, all with the aim of continually enhancing each child's learning experience.
Find out more about our Leadership Team below
Claire Ainscough - Munchkins Owner/ Manager
“On becoming parents in December 2007 and September 2010 we discovered how difficult it was to find a nursery that was both local and provided us with essential reassurance that, while we worked our ‘babies’ were in the best possible care. We credit our sons with giving us a new perspective on life and have cherished every second of parenthood. Munchkins became the result of not only wanting to be more involved in their early development, but also every child who is entrusted into our care. Since the opening of our nursery in 2013, we welcomed a beautiful daughter; and we’re proud that she has also directly benefited from our nursery, experieriencing everything Munchkins has to offer. As business owners, we consider being parents of young children a significant strength. We strive to provide the same level of care to our nursery children, that we come to expect for our own”
Nursery Manager – Joanne Duff
Began her Early Years career in 1997. Joanne has a BA (Hons) in Nursery Management, is an 'Enhanced Baby Practitioner' and has achieved the Early Years Professional Status (EYPS), which is the gold standard in childcare for those working with children under the age of five. Jo also holds an NVQ Level 4 in SEND. Alongside Jo’s experience and qualifications is her overwhelming enthusiasm and passion for her profession and the children in her care.
Deputy Manager
Lianne Andrews
Holds an NVQ Level 3 qualification in childcare. Lianne began her Early Years career in 2012 - joining Munchkins as Baby Room Supervisor in 2017, then promoted to Deputy manager in 2022. Lianne’s role is to ensure the nursery rooms, and implementation of our curriculum, runs smoothly. As well as support staff within their day-to-day activities.
Baby Room Supervisor
Melissa Bailey
Melissa began her Early Years career in 2014, joining Munchkins in 2019. Mel has a Level 6 BA (Hons) in ‘Education and Early Years’, and also has a Level 2 qualification in British Sign Language.
Mel is a passionate, dedicated practitioner and has the ideal level of skill to ensure the high standards of care are met within our baby room.
Toddler Room Supervisor Charlotte Ashcroft
Holds a level 6 having completed her BA (Hons) from UCLan in ‘Children, Schools & Families’ as well as an NVQ in Speech and Language. Charlotte has more than 15 years’ experience within childcare and has been a central part of the Munchkins Team from the very first day we opened in 2013.
Pre-school Supervisor Kerry Branwood
Holds an NVQ Level 3, with additional qualifications at Level 2 in ‘Team Leading’. Since joining Munchkins in 2014, Kerry has spent most of her time within pre-school, an age group she truly loves, and has successfully worked her way up from Nursery practitioner to Room Supervisor.
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