Appletree Nursery

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.

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 and lives in Calne with her husband, Jon who also takes an active role in the running of the Nursery.

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 a Level 4 qualification in childcare and education.
Julie is the Nursery's Health and Safety officer and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator.
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 works alongside Shirley, Louise 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 fiance and two children who attend the nursery.

Blossom Room Leader

Shirley Hegerty has a Level 4 qualification in Management. 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, Michelle and Leisa in the Pips room. Kayleigh holds a Level 3 qualification and lives in Devizes with her partner and young son who attends the nursery.

Buds Room Leader

Sue Dodds joined us in 2007 and works in our Toddler room alongside Vicky 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, Michelle 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 Nursery Assistant

Vicky came to Appletree to undertake her Level 2 qualification and we decided to keep her! She is now studying towards her Level 3 Diploma.

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.

Blossoms Nursery Nurse

Louise Jefferies joined us in October 2008 to cover maternity leave. She then went on to cover another maternity leave and now is employed full time in the pre-school working alongside Laura, Josie and Shirley.

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

Pips Nursery Nurse

Michelle Horne has worked in the baby room since November 2010. She first came to the nursery as a parent, but then we were fortunate enough to have a vacancy which she has filled perfectly. Michelle has a Level 3 qualification and lives in Calne with her husband and two young children who attend the nursery.

Apprentice Nursery Assistant

Lisa King is studying towards her Level 3 childcare qualification after sucessfully achieving her Level 2 and an apprenticeship award from Wiltshire College! Lisa mainly works in the Buds room alongside Sue, Sue and Vicky.