Nursery Staff

Gemma Rhodes is our nursery manager.

She has worked at St Joseph's School and nursery for the past 18 years. During this time she has progressed from the room leader of the toddler room to deputy manager then to her current position as nursery manager.

As the nursery manager it is her responsibility to oversee the day-to-day operations of the nursery setting.

Her priority has always been to make sure that the children in our care are safe, happy and given the best opportunities to progress in all areas of learning.

Lauren Whysall is currently our deputy nursery manager.

She has been working in the nursery since October 2020.

She was previously deputy manager at her last setting and came here as level 3 nursery nurse. She has been promoted twice since to duty manager and then again to deputy manager. She has over 10 years experience in childcare.

Lauren loves taking the children out of building on trips such as soft play, farm, wollaton park, library, fire station and even for a walk around the community.

She covers in all three rooms and loves working with different ages.

She is the nursery deputy safeguarding lead.

Lois Atkinson is currently working towards her Level 3 in childcare.

She has been working in the nursery since November 2023.

Lois is very creative and loves thinking up new and fresh ideas for the children to take part in and is very passionate about supporting children with additional needs.

Jo Rowell is our Sunflower room room leader.

She has been working in the nursery since May 2023

Jo has brought with her a vast wealth of experience having spent time in Reggio Emilia in Italy spending time learning about the Reggio approach which she brought in to the sunflower room. Jo likes to bring creative experiences for the children that allow them to learn through play using mainly natural materials.

Tina Banks is a fully qualified level 3 nursery practitioner.

She has been working in the nursery since April 2014.

Since then Tina has welcomed 2 of her own children and enjoys spending her time with them when not looking after the little people here.

Tina enjoys spending times with her friends socialising.

She enjoys being based in our Sunflower Class which is a new challenge for Tina as she has mainly worked in our Pre Prep Class.

Chloe Steele joined St Joseph’s in September 2024 but has been a level 3 qualified early years educator since 2018. She worked in EYFS at a local primary school for 5 years and the rest of her experience has been in private day nurseries. Chloe’s favourite thing to do with the children at nursery is messy play and she isn’t afraid to get stuck in with the children when it comes to having fun! When Chloe isn’t having fun with the children here, she’s most likely to be outdoors, with her 2 year old Labrador. Chloe also loves anything Disney, with her all time favourite being The Lion King!