Inspiring Staff Team

Here at Ditton Lodge we have a strong, supportive team who all have a caring professional approach. Choosing a nursery for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make. You can rest assured that at Ditton Lodge Nursery your child will be well looked after by outstanding childcare practitioners who are highly qualified, with a strong commitment to ensuring the very best outcomes for your child. Each of our team members brings a wealth of experience and skill sets ensuring that our passion and vision of outstanding childcare is achieved.

Each child in our care will have a named ‘key person’, this provides a link to a positive relationship with your child and nursery, individual children and their parents. Each key person takes it upon themselves to access any additional information to support your child throughout their time here.

Please meet our team………..

Amanda

Hi, I’m Amanda and I joined the nursery in February 2023 as Manager. I started working in Early Years in 2008 and took on the role of Deputy Manager here at Ditton Lodge Nursery in 2009. Between January 2020 and re-joining the nursery in February 2023 I spent some time working as a Teaching Assistant in the reception class of a school, I also have a part time job in Tesco. I live in Newmarket with my husband and two grown-up children. I enjoy going for long walks, meeting up with friends and doing Pilates. I am a student at Newmarket School of Dance where I take adult classes.
Vikki

Hi, my name is Vikki and I began working at Ditton Lodge Nursery in April 2017. Prior to this, I had enjoyed volunteering as parent helper, whilst my daughter was at the setting. I completed my Level 3 in Early Years Education in July 2022 and became Deputy Manager in September 2023. I live in Red Lodge with my partner and our daughter, after moving from Cheshire in early 2013. I have a business and tourism degree and before having my daughter, I worked as an operations manager for an online consumer electronics company and prior to that, in sales within the same sector. In my spare time, I enjoy music (especially live and festivals), Socialising with my friends and family both locally and ‘up North’ and I am a keen dancer, taking modern, contemporary and tap classes with Newmarket School of Dance. I am happiest near the sea and try to visit the beach as often as possible!
Julie

Hi, I’m Julie and I’ve been working at Ditton Lodge Nursery since 1994. My first paid job at the Nursery wasn’t working with the children but as general helper, but as I enjoyed working with the children so much I continued to help voluntarily each week. After a year I was employed in 1995 to work with the children. I gained my NVQ 2 in Childcare and Education and in 2013 I gained my Level 3 qualification in Children’s Care, Learning and Development. Outside of Nursery I have an additional part-time job working in Waitrose and volunteer with the Newmarket Befriending Scheme which involves visiting, listening and chatting to a local housebound person for about an hour each week. I live in Newmarket with my husband as my two children have flown the nest. However I now have one lovely granddaughter whom I get to spend special times with. I enjoy attending church: socialising with family and friends, cooking and watching drama on the television. I love days out and holidays at the seaside and having time to read a good book
Anna

Hi, I’m Anna and I started working at Ditton Lodge Nursery in September 2015. I started working in childcare as a parent volunteer when my children attended our local Pre-school and went on to gain a paid position within the Pre-School in 2005. I worked there until July 2015. During this time I went on to gain a Level 2 qualification in Childcare, Learning and Development, followed up with a Level 3 Diploma for the Young people’s Workforce: Early Learning and Childcare Pathway. I am now the setting SENCO and have received the mandatory training. I also gained the Level 3 Award for Special Education needs in Early Years settings. I live in Little Thurlow with my partner and our 2 children and our dog Loki. When I’m not at work Loki loves lots of walks in the countryside. I love to watch lots of football, socialising with friends and visiting my family in Kent.
Susannah

Hi, my name is Susannah and am the newest team member, joining as Nursery Practitioner in February 2024. I live in Newmarket with my 2 boys and partner. Prior to this position I worked at another setting as a midday supervisor. I am looking forward to this exciting opportunity working at Ditton Lodge Nursery and am ready to further my skills in this new adventure. I love the weekends and holidays where I can spend time with my family and making memories.
Fiona

Hello, my name is Fi and I joined the nursery as administrator in September 2019. Prior to this I worked in education for 11 years at Cambridge Assessment as an Operations Co-Ordinator, after having lived in Turkey for 10 years where I was involved in the property & construction industry in both Istanbul and South-West Turkey. I live in Newmarket with my husband and two young boys who keep me super busy! I love socialising, spending time with my family and hot sunny weather!