Appletree Nursery

Nursery Owner/Manager

Rachel Knights is the Owner/Manager of Appletree Early Years Ltd. Rachel is a trained primary school teacher who taught for over 10 years in schools before opening Appletree. Rachel has a BEd honours degree and has Early Years Professional Status. Rachel is also employed by Wiltshire County Council as the Advisory Teacher for the nursery and children's centre. In this capacity she supports the learning and devlopment of the children across the 0-5 age range, leading the staff and ensuring that the provision is of the highest quality.
Rachel has 3 children between 2 and 13 years of age and a 7 year old step daughter and lives in Calne with her husband, Jon who also takes an active role in the running of the Nursery.

Our Staff

The recruitment and retention of staff is a priority at Appletree. We know how important it is for children to establish a sense of stability and security. To try and ensure this we carefully select our staff, offer competitive rates of pay and supportive working conditions.

Once working with us, staff have regular appraisals and are encouraged to take up a range of training opportunities to foster their professional development. All staff are qualified to or working towards a level 3 childcare qualification or above. We strive to facilitate an environment where all staff have the confidence to communicate effectively with each other, management and parents.

Deputy Manager

Julie Frewin has worked at the nursery since March 2005 and is the Deputy Manager who supports Rachel in the day to day running of the Nursery.
Julie has many years experience of working in childcare settings and has recently finished a Level 4 qualification in childcare and education.
Julie is the Nursery's Health ans Safety officer.
She lives in Calne with her husband and children.

Blossoms Nursery Nurse

Josie Waters joined the team in September 2008. Josie has recently completed a CACHE Diploma in chilcare and education. Josie will be working alongside Shirley and Laura in the pre-school room. Josie lives in Devizes.

Pips Room Leader

Sam Bullock, an experienced nursery nurse leads the team in our baby unit. She holds a Level 3 childcare qualification. Sam lives in Calne with her husband and daughter, who attends the Nursery.

Blossoms Nursery Nurse

Laura Frayling has a level 3 qualification in childcare and education. Laura lives in Calne with her partner and daughter who attends the nursery.

Blossom Room Leader

Shirley Hegerty has a Level 4 qualification in childcare and education. Shirley leads the team in our pre-school room. She lives in Calne with her husband and son and is also a very proud grandma!

Pips Nursery Nurse

Kayleigh Hughes joined the team in October 2007. Kayleigh works alongside Sam, Susan and Leisa in the Pips room. Kayleigh holds a Level 3 qualification and lives in Devizes with her partner and new baby. Kayleigh is currently on maternity leave.

Buds Nursery Nurse

Sue Dodds joined us in 2007 and works in our Toddler room alongside Hannah and Sue. Sue is a trained nurse, who after childminding for many years moved to work in nursery settings. Sue holds a level 3 childcare qualification. She lives in Devizes with her husband and sons.

Pips Nursery Nurse

Leisa Cox works alongside Sam, Susan and Kayleigh in the baby room. Leisa has two children one of whom attends the Nursery and lives in Calne with her husband. Leisa holds a Diploma in Childcare.

Buds Room Leader

Hannah Lovell leads the team in the toddler room. Hannah is an experienced childcare practitioner who has a level 3 qualification. Hannah is currently studying towards a foundation degree in early years. Hannah lives in Calne with her husband and two children.

Buds Nursery Nurse

Sue Kew works in our toddler room. Sue has many years experience of working in both nurseries and in private homes. She lives in Calne with her Husband and two children the youngest of whom attends the nursery.

Pips Nursery Nurse

Louise Jefferies joined us in October 2008 to cover Leisa's maternity leave. She is now covering for Kayleigh. (as we liked her so much!)

Louise has recently finished a level 3 diploma in childcare. She lives in Calne.

Pips Nursery Nurse

Susan Thirlwell has recently joined the team after undertaking her EYPS placement with us. Susan hopes to soon gain her EYPS and works alongside the other practitioners in our baby room. Susan is also the nursery's SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)