Our Team

Laura Salmon - Early Years and Childcare Manager

I joined the First Class team in January 2020 when First Class became part of YMCA Worcestershire. I have worked for YMCA Worcestershire for 10 years within the Early Years and Childcare Team working with all age groups and supporting staff. Within my role I support 4 Nurseries, 1 Before and After School Club and 2 Holiday Clubs across Worcestershire. I have a degree in Early Childhood Studies and I have recently taken part in the Early Years Professional Development Programme. This programme was aimed to develop staffs skills in supporting children's development in communication and language and mathematics. I will also be using this training to help First Class achieve its ‘Communication Friendly Spaces’ accreditation. 

When I am not working I spend my time with my family and friends, I am a proud parent along with my husband Neil to our son Freddie who was born in 2016.

Carly Kendrick - Nursery Manager

Since qualifying as a nursery nurse in 1996 I have worked as a baby room supervisor, then ran my own pre-school and after school club for 10 years, looking after children from 3-12 years old. During this time I gained further qualifications in playwork, and management.

I then worked as an Improvement Advisor for the Early Years and Childcare Service for 5 years, supporting nurseries and childminders in Worcester City and Wyre Forest. I have really enjoyed the challenges and successes my professional life has brought me, and it has helped me in my role as nursery manager for YMCA Worcestershire, since 2015. I also manage a nearby nursery and split my time between there and here at First Class. I have been welcomed by a wonderful team of staff and look forward to the future.
Im a busy mum of two, Ella and Olly, and have been married to Dan since 2003. My spare time is spent with my family.
I look forward to meeting you and your little one and welcoming you to our nursery family.

Paula Lloyd – Deputy Manager

I started working at first class nursery in 2009. I worked in the bees room and completed my level 3.  I now work within the team in the Bugs Room, I love reading stories and messy play. The best part of my job is being able to watch the children grow and blossom throughout their time at nursery and knowing that I have been a part of that.

I have two boys who I am very proud of. My hobbies are walking, reading and visiting new places. 

Katie Graves - Senior Early Years Pracitioner (Bugs Room)

I started nursery as a level 2 practitioner in 2007 and over time went onto to do my level 3 in childcare to help me to progress in Early Years development. I love my job and care for the children as if they were my own. I enjoy helping, supporting and providing the children with all the things they need to progress and develop through the developmental stages. It’s a great feeling knowing that I have helped to give a child the best start to their journey and I am able to watch them learn, develop and move on to continue their journey. I enjoy having a great relationship with my colleagues, parents and the children.

Sherrie Wilding - Early Years Practitioner

I have worked at First Class for 10 years and really enjoy my job , caring for children and watching them grow in confidence etc. Previous to myself being here I sent both my own boys now 19 and 16 so have been a part of nursery for a long time . I enjoy family life including walking my two dogs and enjoy relaxing and reading a good book. 

Chloe Farmer - Early Years Practitioner

I qualified in March 2020 after completing my apprenticeship at First Class. I enjoy reading, dancing, and yoga. I am particularly interested in mindfulness and wellbeing so I have continued to learn in this area.

Daisy Ware - Early Years Practitioner

I’m Daisy and I qualified as an Early Years Educator in February 2020 after completing an apprenticeship at First Class Nursery. I am currently based in the Busy Bees Room but enjoy working with all age groups. I like to focus on encouraging confidence in children and recognising their strengths. I have recently furthered my knowledge by completing a “Children’s Mindfulness” course which I can now apply to my practice. I love being creative with new ideas to keep the children engaged and support their learning throughout their time at nursery. Outside of nursery I love to travel and make the most out of every place to venture to.

Lian Garfitt - Early Years Practitioner

My name is Lian and I am a level 3 Early Years Educator.I particularly enjoy outdoor activities with the children such as learning about planting flowers and vegetables,bug hunts and the mud kitchen. I have 4 children and 2 granddaughters which I have fun spending time with. My hobbies include yoga and visiting nature reserves to walk my dogs.

Lauren Webb - Early Years Practitioner

I started working at First Class Nursery in 2014 and have been situated in the Bugs Room for the last 6 years. In between those 6 years I took a year out to have my own twins that attend First Class. I enjoy all aspects of my job and love to know that we are always helping the children that pass through the nursery, to have the best start in life before they reach school. Being in such a great team of staff has taught me a lot of new ideas and has helped me develop all my learning through training and help gained from my collogues that I now implement within the nursery but also use during my time at home with the twins.  

Stella Howles

I've been working at the Nursery for about 10 years as the cook, the cleaner and as an admin assistant. At home I enjoy the garden and walking my dog.

Tammy Reynolds - Senior Early Years Practitioner (Baby Room)

I Have worked here for 17 years in the Baby room, I enjoy building relationships with the babies and their parents and providing them fun and educational home from home environment. My own daughter came here from the age of 9 months and she loved it, she made lots friends who she then went to school with.

Samantha Lunn - Early Years Practitioner

My name is Sam and I’ve worked at first class nursery for 6 years, I started as a level 2 apprentice and have since worked my way up to completed level 3 NVQ in 2020.

I’ve spent time in all rooms within nursery but currently work in the baby room. My favourite activities with the children are dancing, singing at the top of our voices and just getting mucky with messy play!
I love being outdoors and spending quality time with my little family as well as days out to the beach no matter the weather.

Jodie Holden - Early Years Practitioner

My Name is Jodie I have a Level 3 NVQ in Child Care and Development. I have recently started working in the Baby Room in January 2020. I love working with the babies, watching them grow, and helping them develop. I particulary enjoy messy play activities and being outside. 

I have 2 children aged 8 and 9, any spare time that I have I enjoy running, going to the gym and reading.