Lisa Taylor
Area Manager
Lisa began working with the Learning Curve Nursery Group as a student at Shepherd Lodge Nursery. She worked her way up, and became Manager of Shepherd Lodge in May 2000. In January 2005 Lisa helped to set up Clifton Lodge Nursery, and took up the role of Manager there. In 2008 Lisa took up a new role of Area Manager. As Area Manager of all three Learning Curve nurseries, Lisa ensures that high standards of care are maintained in a loving and friendly environment.

Amie Nicolson
Nursery Manager
Amie has been working for the company for two years. Amie began working at Bluebell Lodge nursery where she helped to establish the new Preschool Unit with Anne Smithen.
Amie graduated as a newly qualified teacher in 2010, specialising in Early Years Education. The degree program covered all Areas of Learning in the Foundation Stage and subjects within the National Curriculum at Key Stage 1. The Early Years Specialism provided; depth of insight into young children’s development, current early years issues, research and leadership in early years settings.
Since working at Clifton Lodge Amie has attained her Early Years Professional Status. Amie is now the manager at Clifton Lodge Nursery covering Rachael Parkins’ maternity leave.

Laura Jayne Maskell
Nursery Deputy Manager
Laura has worked at Clifton Lodge since 2011, becoming Deputy Manager in January 2012. Laura has previously worked in Africa in a children’s hospice. Laura has a degree in Education from Keele University. Laura enjoys arts and crafts, and reading.

Helen Booth
Early Years Professional
Helen has worked at Clifton Lodge since August 2006. Helen worked as the Baby Unit Coordinator for 3 1/2 years, before becoming our Early Years professional in January 2012. Helen works within all rooms of the nursery, observing and enhancing practice, and will be overseeing the assessment, observation, and planning within nursery. Helen has a BA (Hons) degree in Primary Education, gained at North East Wales Institute of Higher Education, and her Early Years Professional Status gained at Lancaster University. Helen is originally from Congleton in Cheshire, but now lives in St Annes with her Mum. In her spare time Helen enjoys dancing and, taking tap, ballet, Irish tap, and jazz lessons at The Dance and Fitness Warehouse.

Leanne Johnston
Pre-School Coordinator
Leanne has worked within Learning Curve Nurseries since 2003, and has previously worked in both our sister nurseries, Shepherd Lodge and Bluebell Lodge. Leanne has had experience of working with and running many different age groups, from babies up to pre-school. Leanne has a Level 4 NVQ in Childcare, and is currently studying for her Foundation Degree in Childcare. In her spare time Leanne enjoys relaxing and socialising with her friends.

Laura Jayne Maskell
Nursery Deputy Manager & Practitioner in the Pre School
Laura has worked at Clifton Lodge since 2011, becoming Deputy Manager in January 2012. Laura has previously worked in Africa in a children’s hospice. Laura has a degree in Education from Keele University. Laura enjoys arts and crafts, and reading.

Alicia Kuhn
Early Years Practitioner in the Pre School
Alicia has worked at Clifton Lodge Nursery since January 2012, previously working at out sister nursery Bluebell Lodge. Alicia has a Level 2 NVQ in Childcare and is currently working towards her Level 3. In her spare time Alicia plays for Waterloo Rugby and Football Club.

Chelsey Quigley
Early Years Practitioner in the Pre School
Chelsey has working in the pre-school at Clifton Lodge Nursery since 2010. Before this, Cheslsey worked as a modern apprentice at our sister nursery Bluebell Lodge. Chelsey has her Level 2 and 3 qualifications in Childcare. In her spare time Chelsey enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Sam Lewis
Early Years Practitioner in the Pre School
Sam has worked for the company since 2009, and has worked in all three of our nurseries, working with several different age groups. Sam job shares with Sam Surtees. Sam has her Level 2 and 3 qualifications in Childcare. In her spare time Sam enjoys running and keeping fit. Sam also enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters.

Sam Surtees
Early Years Practitioner in the Pre School
Sam has worked with Learning Curve since 2002, and has worked at all three nurseries. Before going on maternity leave Sam was Deputy Manager of Bluebell Lodge Nursery. Sam job shares with Sam Lewis, working four afternoons a week. Sam has her Lever 4 NVQ in Childcare and Learning, and a BTEC National Diploma in Children’s Studies. In her spare time Sam enjoys spending time with her partner and two daughters.

Kim Ball
2-3s Room Coordinator
Kim is 22 and has worked at Clifton Lodge for three years. Kim worked in the Toddler Room before moving to the 2-3s. Kim has completed her Level 2 and Level 3 NVQs in Childcare. Kim lives in Lytham with her fiancé Tom and cat Lilly. Kim has 7 brothers and 1 sister. In her spare time Kim enjoys shopping and socialising, and spending time with her family and friends.

Kerry Sharp
Nursery Practitioner in the 2-3s Room
Kerry is 24 and has worked with Learning Curve for four years, first working at our sister nursery Shepherd Lodge, before moving to join the team at Clifton Lodge. Kerry has completed her Level 2 and Level 3 NVQs in Childcare. Kerry lives in St Annes with her flatmate Katherine who works at Shepherd Lodge. In her spare time Kerry enjoys spending time with her friends and family and watching television. She also enjoys helping her Mum and Dad to look after their foster children.

Natalie Bell
Nursery Practitioner in the 2-3s Room
Natalie is 20 and began working at Clifton Lodge in November 2011. She has been a nursery nurse for three years. Natalie has got a Level 3 diploma in Childcare and Education, and is currently studying for her Foundation Degree in Childcare. In her spare time Natalie enjoys shopping and going to the gym. She also enjoys socialising with her friends.

Lindsay Wright
Nursery Practitioner in the 2-3s Room
Lindsay is 34 and has worked at Clifton Lodge since November 2011. Lindsay has been a qualified nursery nurse for over 15 years. Lindsay has an NNEB in Childcare and an NVQ in Customer Services. Lindsay lives with her partner Tony and their daughter Scarlett. In her spare time Lindsay enjoys shopping, cooking and baking, and is a Barn Owl at a local Brownie Pack. She also enjoys spending time with her friends and family.

Maria Crawshay
Nursery Practitioner in the Toddler Room
Maria has worked for Learning Curve since May 2011, previously having worked in Abu Dhabi in a Montessori Nursery. Maria has completed her NVQ Level 3 and has qualifications in various other aspects. Maria lives in St Annes with her husband.

Emma Nicholson
Senior Nursery Practitioner in the Toddler Room
Emma is 27 and has worked for the company for four years, first working at our sister nursery Bluebell Lodge before joining the team here at Clifton Lodge. Emma has her Level 2,3, and 4 qualifications. Emma lives in Blackpool with her family. In her spare time Emma enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Chloe Hindle
Nursery Practitioner in the Toddler Room
Chloe is 22 and has worked at Clifton Lodge Nursery since January 2009. Chloe has her Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Learning. Chloe lives in St Annes with her family. In her spare time Chloe enjoys going out with her friends and family.

Rachael Webb
Nursery Practitioner in the Toddler Room
Rachael is 23 and has worked at Clifton Lodge since 2006. Rachael has her Level 3 qualification in Childcare. Rachael lives in St Annes with her twin sons Harry and Jack. In her spare time Rachael enjoys spending time with her friends and going on days out with her sons.

Emily Clymer
Nursery Practitioner in the Toddler Room
Emily has worked at Clifton Lodge Since September 2011, before this Emily worked on placement and as holiday cover at Shepherd Lodge Nursery. Emily is currently studying for her Foundation Degree in Childcare. In her spare time Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Farhana Omer
Modern Apprentice
Farhana is 21 and has worked at Clifton Lodge since September 2012. Farhana is looking forward to starting her NVQ Level 2 in Childcare. In her spare time Farhana enjoys socialising with her friends and family, and meeting new people. She also likes shopping and trying new things.

Rachael Newsham
Baby Unit Coordinator
Rachael is 19 and has worked at Clifton Lodge since July 2010. She has worked in the Baby Unit since November 2010 and became the Baby Unit Coordinator in January 2012. Rachael has completed her Level 2 and Level 3 NVQs in Childcare. Rachael lives in Kirkham with her Mum, dad, and sister. In her spare time Rachael enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Rachael Parkins
Management – On Maternity Leave
Rachael is 30 and has worked for Learning Curve Nursery Group for over ten years. Rachael has Level 2 and 3 qualification in Childcare, and Level 3 in Leadership and Management. Rachael lives in Cleveleys with her husband, Chris, who she married in 2007. Rachael and Chris are expecting their first child in May, and Rachael will be going on Maternity leave in April 2012. In her spare time Rachael enjoy baking cupcakes for friends and family parties.

Lynsey Broughton
Nursery Practitioner in the Baby Unit
Lynsey is 23 and has worked at Clifton Lodge since March 2010.Lynsey previously worked in the Toddler Room, moving to the Baby Unit in March 2012. Lynsey has completed her Level 2 and Level 3 NVQs in Childcare. Lynsey lives in St Annes with her family. In her spare time Lynsey enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Kerry Betteridge-Rowland
Nursery Practitioner in the Baby Room
Kerry is 33 and has worked at Clifton Lodge since October 2009. Kerry is a practitioner in the Baby Unit. Kerry worked in the Toddler Room before moving to the Baby Unit in July 2010. Kerry has completed her Level 2 and Level 3 NVQs in Childcare. Kerry lives with her husband of 11 years, Stephen, and sons Nathan, 5, and Declan, 4. In her spare time Kerry enjoys cooking and reading. She also likes to spend time with her family and go on days out.

Rachel Garlick
Modern Apprentice in the Baby Room
Rachel is 21 years old and has been working at Clifton Lodge since April 2011. She is a practitioner in the baby unit, and began working in this room in August 2011. Rachel has completed her Level 2 NVQ in Childcare and is looking forward to starting her Level 3. Rachel lives in St Annes with her Mum, Dad, Sister and two little brothers. In her spare time Rachel enjoys spending time with her friends and going on days out with her family.