Our People

We know how vital it is to leave your child with someone you can trust.

All of our staff are fully qualified in Paediatric First Aid and nearly all of our staff hold a minimum of a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare. This not only meets, but far exceeds, Ofsted expectations for how a nursery is managed. Two of our staff are nursery nurses who are currently studying for their level 3 childcare educator diploma.

We work in Partnership with Hackney Council to deliver this award-winning apprenticeship programme: https://hackneyworks.hackney.gov.uk/apprenticeships

We are proud to be part of the hackney Business Network and Apprenticeship employer network. We are honoured to have been nominated runner up as best apprenticeship employer in 2020. https://investinhackney.org/han

Alongside our capable room leaders we have one full-time teacher (QTS) to oversee the educational curriculum. In this way, we ensure that our older children leave our nursery fully ‘school ready’, as well as fulfilling our innovative staff and child wellbeing programmes and intergenerational project.

Our staff are competent, focussed and dedicated professionals who take their career seriously and are proud to work here. In turn, we really look after them, nurture them, train them, pay them properly and ensure that their rights to full lunch hours and holiday pay are respected.

Our holistic approach extends to our team and, as a certified London Living Wage employer, we are proudly committed to this being our minimum salary scale.

In short, happy staff equals happy children and a well-functioning nursery. We have a ‘people over profit’ approach and it works well for us all. We have very low staff turnover, long term key person relationships, great peer support, a healthy and positive atmosphere and total dedication – all factors that are very important for children and families to experience.

Yasmin (Maisie)

Founder & Director

• Paediatric First Aider
• L3 Childcare Diploma
• L3 Forest School Leadership
• PGC Social Care and Health
• PGDIP Psychoanalytical approach
• Working with Children young people and families
• BA Honours English Literature & Theatre Studies

Marian

Lead Manager: Nursery & Pre-School and SENDCO

• Pre School Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• Level 3 Childcare (NVQ)
• National Vocation Qualification in Childcare and Education
• Paediatric First Aider
• Child Protection Level 3
• Safer Recruitment (Recruitment Team)
• Makaton Trained
• SEN Trained

My role is to oversee the running of the nursery and preschool embedding all the elements of the EYFS. I also coordinate support for children with Special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to bring the necessary services together to participate in putting a support package to enable children to have the best outcomes possible as they deserve; in lines with the SEND Code of Practice 2017. I have been working within the Early Years field for the past 33 years. I love dancing, singing, walking and talking all which I like to use to motivate children in exploring the possibility of something different.

Monique

Nusery Manager

• Nursery Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• Level 5 Operational Management Learner
• Level 3 Childcare Diploma
• Paediatric First Aider
• Child Protection Level 3
• Food Hygiene Level 2
• Safer Recruitment (Recruitment Team)
• Makaton Level 2
• Fire Marshal/Warden

I am the nursery manager at Maisie Poppins Nursery, as well as the Designated Safeguarding lead. I joined Maisie Poppins in December 2018 as an educator before progressing through the roles of senior, room leader, deputy on duty and now nursery manager. I have over 10 years of childcare experience. My passion has always been to offer the very best for young children within my care. I aim to provide a safe stimulating environment in which children can learn and develop whilst allowing them to grow as an individual.

Steph

Business Manager

• BA Hons
• Level 5 Operational Management Learner
• Paediatric First Aider
• Safer Recruitment (Recruitment Team)

I am the Business Manager at Maisie Poppins Nursery & Pre School. I started at Maisie Poppins in October 2018. I love the ethos, focus on wellbeing and the absolute joy of working with children at Maisie Poppins. I have progressed and grown with the Nursery, helping to open a second building and working through the pandemic to become a more confident and capable member of the Poppins team. I really enjoy working with such a talented, inspiring and caring staff team that always come up with innovative ways to help the children learn and develop.

Rahima

Nursery Deputy Manager & Willow Room Leader

• Level 3 Childcare Diploma
• Paediatric First Aider
• Child Protection Level 3
• Safer Recruitment
• Food Hygiene Level 2
• Enabling Environments
• Assessments Co-lead

I am the nursery deputy manager at Maisie Poppins, as well as the room leader in Willow Room & joint learning & development lead. I joined Maisie Poppins in March 2013 as an educator apprentice gaining my level 3 diploma and being part of an multi award-winning team early on. I have enjoyed the opportunity of being a central part of the Maisie Poppins growth as an organisation which has been exciting and rewarding. I have over 10 years of childcare experience in all and I love to put my learning into best practice.

Ana

Pre-School Deputy Manager & Olive Room Teacher

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Paediatric First Aider
• EYFS Learning Development
• Child Protection Level 3
• Safer Recruitment
• Physical Literacy Lead

I am the Pre-school Deputy manager & Olive Room Teacher and Room Leader. I have been working with children in Spain and London since 2014. I believe childcare in early years is one of the most important phases of life to create strong foundations to support the personality and knowledge development. I especially enjoy ensuring the child’s voice is at the heart of planning, I feel working in collaboration with children to create activities gleans the best results. I have been working at Maisie Poppins since December 2018.

Sarah

Hazel Room Leader

• BA Hons Childhood and Youth Studies
• Paediatric first Aider
• Child protection Level 3
• Food Hygiene and Safety Level 2

I am the Hazel Room Leader. I have the responsibility of maintaining the high-quality of day to day running of the room and to provide care and a stimulating learning environment for children. I recently graduated in Childhood and Youth Studies and started my career in childcare at Maisie Poppins in 2020. I would describe myself as a kind-hearted person, who always cares for others. My goal is to help children shape their unique personalities and achieve a valuable start in life while flourishing under my care.

Fahima

Elder Room Leader

• BA Honours Childcare Studies
• Paediatric First Aider
• Child Protection Level 3
• Food Hygiene Level 2

I am the Elder room leader. I love working here as everyone at Maisie Poppins is very friendly, welcoming and extremely supportive. I have worked in both primary schools and in early years settings since 2010. I have experience working with ages ranging from just a few months up to 11 years of age. I always put an emphasis on care and effective team development. I have a very positive relationship with children and take great pleasure in providing support to the staff. I also have a passion for supporting children’s learning and watching them grow and flourish.

Johura

Bay Room leader

• BA Hons Education Studies
• Paediatric First Aider
• Child Protection Level 3
• Food Hygiene Level 2

I am the room leader in Bay Room here at Maisie Poppins. I am able to support children in their growth and allow them to excel through creativity in their own way, all whilst being in a nurturing and positive environment which I really enjoy. I have a wide range of experience working with children of all different ages and abilities, within Educational settings and a charity organisation. My experiences range from Early years up to Higher Education. I strongly believe in the ethos that every child should be embraced and allowed to express themselves and their differences uniquely, through a holistic and nurturing pedagogy. Just like the Maisie Poppins way!

Semira

Aspen Room Leader

• BA Hons Translation Studies
• Level 3 Childcare Diploma
• Paediatric First Aider
• Child Protection Level 3
• Food Hygiene Level 2

I am the room leader of Aspen room and part of the enabling environment team. I joined Maisie Poppins in February 2020 as an educator and have been given the opportunity to grow and develop my career within the organisation. I have many years of childcare experience behind me, and my passion has always been to offer the very best for children in my care. I believe that working with children is the most fun and rewarding job of all, and also it gives me the opportunity to combine and use my hobbies and passion for art and crafts, music and puppetry for the joy of others.

Aza

Finance Officer and Nursery Administrator

• BA Honours Business Management
• Paediatric First Aider
• Data Protection Officer
• GDPR Level 2
• Child Protection Level 3 Learner
• Safer Recruitment (Recruitment Team)

I have been studying the art of business since the age of 13 and am the admin and finance officer at Maisie Poppins. On my learning journey I have studied at several levels ranging from Level 2 Business Studies to finally completing my business degree in 2019. In November of 2019 I was given the opportunity put all my learning into practice at Maisie Poppins Nursery. It has given me a different perspective of business and has opened my eyes giving me a further insight to how businesses operate. Numbers are a passion of mine and it helps me thrive in my role.

Jasmine

Personal Assistant to Maisie

• BA Politics and International Relations
• GDPR Level 2
• Communication Skills & Handling Data Level 2
• SEND Code of Practice

I am Maisie Darling’s Personal Assistant. My role involves me supporting Maisie with general administrative tasks; for example, I help diarise meetings and events, I help support the Maisie Poppins social media platforms and I help organise and record meetings. My role can vary a lot day-to-day depending on the tasks that need to be done which is what I find most exciting about my role; each day is different, and I get to meet a lot of lovely people! I believe that providing all children of different needs and backgrounds, with fair, high quality care and education is extremely important and is something that should be accessible to all!

Arlette

Hazel Room Senior Educator

• BA Honours Early Childhood Studies
• Level 3 Childcare Diploma
• Paediatric First Aider
• Child Protection Level 3
• Food Hygiene Level 2

I am a senior educator in Hazel room. I have been working with children for over 17 years and am the mother of 3. I have had the opportunity to work with children of all ages and abilities. As a senior educator I work under the direction of my lovely room leader to provide and maintain practices that gives each child opportunities to learn and develop every day, encouraging them to reach their full potential. It is rewarding and fun watching their unique personalities come to life. One of my favourite times is when I’m playing and interacting with the children creatively and simply watching their understanding come to life.

Maureen

Elder Room Senior Educator

• Childcare Level 3 Diploma
•Paediatric First Aider
• Child Protection Level 3 Learner

I am a senior educator in the Elder Room. Aspen is a small room, but I feel we really get to know and develop strong relationships with the children. I do my utmost every day to guide and care for the children to the fullest. We provide experiences to encourage their curiosity to facilitate their learning and development. I want every child to feel happy and confident at nursery and develop their innate desire to learn.

Sharmina

Bay Room Senior Educator

• BA Hons Education Studies
• Paediatric First Aider
• Child Protection Level 3
• Food Hygiene and Safety

I am the senior educator for Bay Room at Maisie Poppins. My role is to encourage and stimulate a child's learning capacities and empowering learning through experience, as well as support children inside a secure learning environment. I have been working in childcare since 2012 with a variety of ages. I enjoy having an impact on children’s lives to help them reach new goals and enjoy learning. Just to see the smiles on children’s faces when they learn something new gives me a sense of self-fulfilment.

Syeda

Willow Room Educator

• Level 3 Diploma in Childcare
• Paediatric First Aider
• Child Protection Level 3
• Food Hygiene and Safety Level 2

I am a qualified educator in Willow room. As an early year educator, I ensure that the children are able to explore a wide range of activities including sensory activities and physical literacy play. My daily role as an Educator includes carrying out a risk assessment, making sure the room is safe for the children. I also set up different activities for the children to explore and use their imagination. I enjoy being outdoors with the children and giving them the opportunity to explore activities that will stimulate their little imaginations.

Timara

Willow Room Educator

• Level 3 Diploma in Learning and Development
• Paediatric First Aider
• Child Protection Level 3 Learner
• Food Hygiene and Safety Level 2 Learner

I’m currently a nursery educator at the great Maisie Poppins Nursery. This is an important role to me because I enjoy helping children to develop physical and social skills, and also love to see them grow and learn at different stages. I enjoy interacting with the children through messy and physical play. Over the past two years I’ve achieved my level 3 qualifications and also a designated safeguarding leader qualification.

Tricia

Elder Room Educator

• Childcare Level 3 Diploma
• Paediatric First Aider
• Child Protection Level 3 learner
• Food Hygiene and Safety Level 2

I am a level 3 Educator in Elder Room. The children are all very unique and wonderful and have amazing, bubbly personalities which I’m proud to be around. I spend time with the children helping them learn and grow through play in a safe, secure and happy environment as well as help plan activities which promote supporting the children’s individual needs and interests which are promoting growth in their developments using the famous EYFS. I love growing my knowledge and understanding in the childcare setting to become a positive team leader one day.

Fahima

Willow Room Educator

• BA Honours Childcare Studies
• Level 3 Childcare Diploma
• Paediatric First Aider
• Child Protection Level 3
• Food Hygiene and Safety Level 2

Hello, my name is Fahima and I am a nursery educator. I’ve been working in early years for 10 years. As well as a Level 2 and 3 in childcare, I have also completed my degree in early childhood studies. I want to profess further into my career as I have a passion for all areas in early years, in the future i would love to work in social care within the early years sector.

Shajeda

Elder Room Nursery Nurse

• Apprentice
• Childcare Level 3 Diploma Learner
• Paediatric First Aider
• Child Protection Level 3
• Food Hygiene and Safety Level 2 Learner

Hello, my name is Shajeda and I am a nursery nurse. I have been working with children since 2017 and joined Maisie Poppins in June 2019. So far, my journey has been amazing, I look forward to everyday with the staff and children around me. I enjoy bringing a smile to children’s faces and allowing them to find comfort and joy within our nursery. I am always making sure the children are in a positive environment and I especially enjoy hosting circle times & movement sessions with children. Maisie Poppins is the most supportive team I could imagine.

Dutchess

Olive Room Nursery Nurse

• Apprentice
• Childcare Level 3 Diploma Learner
• Paediatric First Aider
• Child Protection Level 3
• Food Hygiene and Safety Level 2 Learner

I am a nursery nurse in Olive Room. I am currently completing my Level 3 CACHE apprenticeship educator diploma. Through my journey at Maisie Poppins nursery, I have had the opportunity to learn from my fellow colleagues and be mentored by experienced managers. Some of my recent achievements include becoming a paediatric first aider and completing my level 2 Childcare qualification. My goal is to successfully complete my apprenticeship and use my learning to use as a fully-fledged early year’s educator.

Rezina

Kitchen Leader & Educator

• Childcare Level 3 Diploma
• Paediatric First Aider
• Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering

I am part of the Kitchen team At Maisie Poppins where I serve the children their lunch ensuring every child’s dietary needs are met. I also do the laundry, making sure the children have clean fresh beddings for sleep and keep the kitchen and everything within it squeaky clean! I have been working in childcare since I left school in 1999 and I have worked with all age groups. I enjoy watching children learn and grow through play. I really enjoy working at Maisie Poppins because everyone is so friendly and welcoming; I couldn’t have asked for a better workplace especially as the mother of five!

Sonia

Cleaner

• COSHH Health and Safety at a Workplace Trained

I work on the ancillary team as a cleaner in the Nursery and Preschool. I like seeing the creative activities set up for the children each day and the evidence of the fun and enjoyment they have had. I enjoy cleaning at Maise Poppins because we use eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products. The holistic atmosphere makes me look forward to arriving each evening. I was born in Hackney and am proud of the evolution in diversity. I am also an advocate for Mental health awareness and a Mental health first aider. I am interested in learning sign language to advocate on behalf of the Mental health service users who experience hearing loss.

Craig

Caretaker

• Fire Health and Safety Trained
• COSHH Health and Safety at a Workplace Trained

I am the Caretaker at Maisie Poppins. I am responsible for making sure everything is in working order and safe before opening every morning. I also have experience in Painting & decorating and maintenance, and I have previously been a SPC (Site person in charge). I have experience in Fire health and safety with a Level 2 Health and safety in the workplace qualification. I have enjoyed my time working here because it's nice to work somewhere where everyone gets along and has fun!