Here for you and your child

Our work has one clear focus: your child's individual needs. In order for us to support your child's development in the best possible way, we employ people with diverse skills and educational backgrounds. They all attend regular further training courses, which enable them to bring new ideas and proposals to their daily work with the sole purpose of continually enhancing each child's learning opportunities.

 

Find out more about our Leadership Team below

Claire Ainscough - Munchkins Owner/ Manager

 

“On becoming parents in Dec 2007 & Sep 2010 we discovered how difficult it was to find a nursery that was 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 2013 opening of our nursery, we then welcomed a beautiful daughter; and we’re proud that she has also directly benefited from our nursery and experienced everything Munchkins had to offer. As business owners we consider being parents of young children a significant strength, as we wish to provide the same level of care to our nursery children, that we come to expect for our own children”

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 smoothy, and to 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 10 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.