The team
At Topsham House Day Nursery our staff have always been our greatest asset. They are chosen for their integrity of character, enthusiasm and a sincere wish to care for and guide your child. We achieve the high standards we have set ourselves through vigorous selection procedures and training programmes. All staff are thoroughly vetted which includes the Disclosure and Barring Service check.
The staff team includes a Nursery Manager, a Senior Lead Practitioner, Senior Nursery Practitioners, Nursery Practitioner and Apprentice Nursery Practitioners.
All staff are encouraged to further their education and Topsham House is committed to training staff at all levels. Staff undertake regular training sessions both within the nursery on internal courses and on external courses.
All our staff hold or are working towards Basic Food Hygiene, Paediatric First Aid and Child Safeguarding qualifications.
Staff are identifiable through their uniform and name badges.
Susan Maxted, Owner
The owner Susan, takes ultimate responsibility for the nursery, its staff and children. After completing her B.Ed (Hons) in 1990, Susan taught in primary school for 6 years before opening Topsham House Day Nursery in 1996. Susan recognised the need for a day nursery that provided not only quality care but also pre-school education. Susan has 3 grown up children.
Karen Haylett, Nursery Manager
The Nursery Manager Karen, manages the nursery and works closely with the owner to ensure that the quality of care and professional organisation of the nursery is maintained. Karen is responsible for the day to day running of the nursery and ensuring that it adheres to Ofsted regulations. Having qualified in 1993, Karen joined Topsham House when it opened in 1996 . Karen completed her BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies in 2011 and the Early Years Teacher Status in 2012. Karen has a primary school aged son.
Nikki Johnson, Deputy Manager
Deputy Manager, joined Topsham House in 2019.
Nikki assists Karen with the day to day running of the nursery and Manages the setting in Karens absence.
Qualification Level 5 BTEC HNC Early Childhood Studies.
First Aid and Safeguarding
Nikki has 1 daughter and 2 sons in secondary school.
Anne Moore, Office Manager
Anne – Office manager, joined Topsham House in 2024.
Anne runs the administration side of nursery. The go to lady for fee’s and funding.
Anne has 2 grown up daughters.
Catherine Connolly, Senior Practitioner
Catherine Connolly – Senior Practitioner, joined Topsham House in 2018.
Catherine is one of our Senior practitioners and has some management responsibilities, she is also the setting SENCO.
Qualification Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Early Years.
First Aid and Safeguarding
Catherine has a daughter.
Robyn Lovett, Senior Practitioner
Robyn Lovett – Practitioner, joined us in February 2023
Qualification level 3 in Children’s Care, learning and development
First Aid and safeguarding
Alice Chapman, Practitioner
Alice was a member of the team from 2016 -2020 and rejoined Topsham in April 2024
Qualification level 3 in Children’s Care, learning and development
First Aid
Rebecca Burton, Practitioner
Rebecca Burton – Practitioner, joined Topsham House in 2018.
Qualification Level 3 City & Guilds Diploma in Early Years.
First Aid and Safeguarding
Sue Tebbutt, Practitioner
Sue Tebbutt – Practitioner, joined Topsham House in 2017.
Qualification Level 3 NCFE Children and Young Peoples Workforce.
First Aid and Safeguarding
Sue has a grown up son and a daughter at University. She has 2 grandchildren.
Megan Taylor, Practitioner
Megan joined Topsham in October 2022
Qualification level 3 in Children’s learning and development as an early years educator.
First Aid and Safeguarding
Courtney Green, Room Lead Practitioner
Courtney Green – Room Lead Practitioner, joined Topsham in 2023
Qualification level 4 in children & Young People services (Early Years).
Carolyn Browning, Practitioner
Carolyn Browning – Practitioner, joined Topsham in January 2023.
Qualification level 3 in Children’s care, learning and development.
Carolyn has over 25 years’ experience of working in childcare, First Aid and safeguarding
Gavi, Practitioner
Gavi joined Topsham in October 2023.
Qualification level 5 in Children’s care, learning and development.
Gavi has many years’ experience of working in childcare, First Aid and safeguarding
Sharon Whelband, Practitioner
Sharon joined Topsham in September 2024
Qualification level 4 in Children’s Care, learning and development
First Aid and Safeguarding
Sharon has grown up children and grandchildren.
Becca Owen, Practitioner
Becca joined Topsham in February 2024
Qualification level 3 in Children’s Care, learning and development
First Aid
Chloe Tallis, Apprentice
Chloe joined Topsham in October 2024
Chloe is an Apprentice and will be working towards her level 2 in children’s learning and development as an early years educator.
Leah Poyser, Apprentice
Leah joined Topsham in July 2023
Qualification level 2 in Children’s learning and development as an early years educator.
First Aid and Safeguarding
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Karon Herbert, Nursery Cook
Karon Herbert – Nursery Cook, joined Topsham House in 2020
Qualification NVQ 2 in Food preparation & cooking, Food Safety & Hygiene and Food Allergy training.
Karon has over 25 years of catering experience.
Karon has 3 grown up children.
Jackie Bruntz , Kitchen Assistant
Jackie joined Topsham in 2024, she is assistant Karon the Cook over the busy lunch period.
