Pippa

I trained as a Norland nurse and had some wonderful and fulfilling nanny positions; working as a maternity nurse and then went to Boston MA to work as a nanny helping a host of families with their young families. It was wonderful and I enjoyed my career immensely. Not long after my eldest son started nursery, he made friends with a little girl of similar age, her mother was having child care issues and needed help. I stepped into the breach as a temporary measure and looked after her sister also who was near my daughters age. Both my children were very happy having their own little playmates and happy children make a happy Mummy! From this point PIPS Nursery evolved. We have now been offering care for the Early Years for over 28 years

Fran Karaman

I first started at PIPS Nursery in 2010 whilst at school before going to Norland College to train to be a Norland Nanny. I qualified in 2015 with my Norland Diploma and my BA Hons in Early Childhood Studies. Once qualified I worked as a nanny for 10 years before coming back and joining the PIPS team as Manager at Strethall in May 2023. I love being part of the team and working at this setting, being able to enjoy the outside surroundings, helping children thrive and reach their best potential. I have completed many courses such as Safeguarding L3, Paediatric First Aid and Health and Safety to keep my CPD up to date and for the safety of the children and staff at nursery.

Emma Ireland

I started working at PIPS Nursery in 2020 as an Early Years Practitioner before being promoted to Deputy Manager in 2021. I gained my Level 3 Qualification in childcare in 2011 and I have worked with children for 19 years. Working at this setting has shown me how important it is to give every child a positive and unique start to life. I really feel part of the PIPS family and working here is extremely rewarding when seeing how happy the children are each day. I have an up to date Paediatric First Aid qualification, Safeguarding L3, Food and Hygiene Level 2 and do many CPD courses throughout the year.

Mirriam Mutumbo

I joined the PIPS team in June 2023 as a Nursery Practioner. In 2017 I gained my diploma in Early Childhood Development studies which has enabled me to work with children ever since. I enjoy working at both the Strethall and Hempstead settings particularly because they have such a homely, relaxed and friendly feel. I have completed many online courses to keep up to date with changing legislation and my training.

Rachel Kemp

I first started at PIPS@Boytons in October 2021 as a nursery practitioner. I qualified in 2009 with a level 3 equivalent qualification and have since gone on to have two children of my own, who are now 11 and 9 years. After having worked a couple of years at PIPS I applied to become a co childminder and I work solely at the Hempstead setting. Boytons Farm has plenty of outdoor space to play as well as farm animals to engage with, the children enjoy a number of different experiences here. PIPS@Boytons have fewer children with a real home from home feel to it. It’s a real joy sharing these experiences with the children and seeing them develop in such a calm and enriching environment is heartwarming.

Emma Taylor

I have an NVQ2 in Childcare and Education and I have worked at PIPS Nursery as a Nursery Practitioner for over 20 years. Working at this quaint, unique and rural setting is so rewarding, especially seeing the children grow and develop during their time with us. I keep up to date with the online courses, one of them being the twelve hour paediatric first aid training.

Kirsty Viney

I have worked at PIPS since 2011 with a gap for 18 months when I moved to Malta. I have worked as an assistant for many years before deciding to study for my Level 2 Qualification in Childcare at PIPS. I enjoy the added responsibilities involved now as a nursery Practitioner. PIPS nursery is unique for babies and young children, I especially enjoy working with this age group in a homely environment where there is freedom for the children to explore outside.

Nicola Beard

I started working at PIPS Nursery in 2019. I work at both the Strethall and Hempstead settings and during my time here have worked up to getting my L2 Qualification in Childcare. I love the fact both nurseries are situated in a beautiful rural setting as I think it is so important for young children to enable them to have the freedom to explore. I have recently completed many courses ranging from Paediatric First Aid, Food and Hygiene and Safeguarding Level 2.

Oluwakemi Adesanya

I am a dedicated early years child-care educator with over a decade of professional experience. I joined PIPS nursery in November 2024. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, a PGDE, a master’s in education, and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Additionally, I am certified in Paediatric First aid and I hold certification in Understanding Mental Health In Early Years (Level 2). I am passionate about nurturing young minds and committed to helping children reach their full potential. I thrive in the warm and stimulating environment at PIPS Nursery, where I play a vital role in early childhood development. I find immense fulfilment in supporting young children as they interact, learn, grow, and explore the world around them.

Shanon Catchpole

I joined the PIPS team in January 2025, I am currently working towards my Level 3 in Childcare as an apprentice. I enjoy working at PIPS alongside the other staff, helping the children grow and develop, in the various areas of development, during their days with us, whilst also learning myself.

Katrina

I started at PIPS Nursery in September 2025 after seeing how much my daughter thrived at PIPS at Boytons. I have always worked in childcare, having previously worked as a Primary school teacher for the last 10 years and completing further training to become a Maths Mastery specialist. I loved working with older children but I have realised how important the Early years of development are – how essential it is for them to be in a nurturing environment, to be outdoors as much as possible, to learn through play as well as through more adult led activities. Working at PIPS allows me to continue working with children, which I have always loved, but focussing more on the children’s social and emotional areas of learning. I have loved witnessing the children grow and develop even in the short space of time that I have been here and that is what makes this such a rewarding environment to work in.

Laura

I have over 10 years experience in childcare, working with children aged from 3 moths to 7 years in a variety of settings. I have Level 2 NVQ and have a Level 3 diploma in ‘Children and Young Peoples Workforce’. I have two of my own children who are 6 years old and 18 months who I enjoy spending time with on my day off. I am based at the Strethall site and enjoy exploring nature out on walks and in the garden as well as joining in with the children with messy play activities.

Claire

I have worked at PIPS Nursery since January 2024 as I had always wanted to go into childcare. PIPS is such a lovely environment for children to learn and grow, the outside space and countryside around the nursery lets the children explore nature and I really enjoy watching the children thrive here. I have completed my Paediatric First Aid and Food Hygiene and continue to take courses to further my CPD.

Olga (Olia)

I am delighted to rejoin PIPS Nursery team after a ten-year hiatus spent focusing on my family and exploring other professional avenues. Having previously been part of the PIPS family from 2014 to 2016, returning feels like coming home.

My background is rooted in early childhood education and healthcare. I hold a BA in Pre-School Educology from Vilnius Pedagogical University and previously also worked as a Qualified Children’s Nurse at Vilnius University Hospital. My career includes extensive experience as a Nursery Nurse and Pre-School Teacher. In 2002 I was awarded the ‘Senior Teacher for Pre-School Establishments’ category.

Upon moving to the UK and obtaining my Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), I spent seven years working in a Special Educational Needs (SEN) school in London before my initial start at PIPS. I find working with very young children to be the most rewarding aspect of my career, and I am thrilled to be once again a part of such a dedicated and professional team.