People who genuinely care
Meet the Hawthorn Tree team
Every person at Hawthorn Tree holds a Level 3 qualification or above and has completed an enhanced DBS check. But qualifications tell only part of the story. What really defines our team is their genuine commitment to every child in their care.
Our Leadership
The people who lead the setting
Hawthorn Tree is led by a small, experienced management team. Their role is to create the conditions in which both children and practitioners can thrive.
Leadership & Management
Lydia, Lucinda & Jenni
Our three leaders oversee everything — from the quality of education and safeguarding to staff development and relationships with families. They are a visible, daily presence across all three rooms.
The leadership team is supported by five flexible support practitioners who work across all rooms throughout the day.
Lydia A
Manager & DSL
Lucinda G
Manager
Jenni J
Deputy Manager
Room Teams
The practitioners in every room
Each room has its own dedicated team with a Lead Practitioner, a consistent Key Person for every child, and practitioners who genuinely know and care for each child in their care.
The Nest
The Nest
Six dedicated practitioners who understand the rhythms and needs of very young children. Every baby has a named Key Person who builds a genuine relationship with them and their family. Calm, warm and always close.
Lead: Katie T
The Burrow
The Burrow
A team passionate about child-led learning, loose parts and the kind of play that gets hands dirty. They follow children’s interests with genuine curiosity and support independent thinking every step of the way.
Lead: Natalie M
The Den
The Den
A creative, imaginative team with a particular love of sensory play, music and storytelling. They create an environment where imagination is the primary resource and children feel genuinely free to follow their own ideas.
Lead: Currently recruiting
Qualifications & Safeguarding
Our commitment to your child’s safety
Every appointment at Hawthorn Tree is made with safety and quality in mind. These are the non-negotiables.
All Level 3 or above
Every practitioner holds a recognised Level 3 childcare qualification as a minimum. Many hold Level 4 or 5.
Enhanced DBS — every member
All staff, volunteers and regular visitors hold current enhanced DBS certificates. No exceptions.
Designated Safeguarding Leads
Lydia A is our Designated Safeguarding Lead. Jenni J is our Deputy DSL. Both are trained to the highest standard.
HighScope trained
The whole team is trained in the HighScope approach — active learning, Plan-Do-Review and key experience areas.
Come and meet us
Reading about a team only tells you so much. Come and see how the rooms feel, how the practitioners interact with the children, and how the whole place works. We offer relaxed show-arounds at a time that suits you.