Our Dedicated Team

Meet our Team

Kate Wayman

Director

With over a decade of experience in early childhood education, creating a nurturing and stimulating environment for young children to thrive has always been my passion.

After many years teaching early years within a primary school setting, I wanted to be more involved from the beginning, to be able to create an amazing early years environment, not just where children can feel safe and happy so they are able to thrive and learn but also to create a great working environment where our team feel valued and are supported to grow and develop as practitioners.

Being a proud co owner of the nursery with Kelly, it's amazing to see our dream come to life with a wonderful, caring, nurturing team that shares the same visions we do.

Kelly Waller

Director

As proud owners and co-founders, we have always been captivated by the magic of childhood. The laughter, the curiosity and the boundless energy.

Although my working life started out very differently, working in London within Customer Services Management and Operations, I always had a burning desire to work with little ones.

Having been friends and business partners for many years with our gymnastics business, after having our own families, Kate and I were inspired to create something a bit different, a unique offering where children embark on a wonderful learning journey rather than just being in a childcare setting.

Our passionate team share our vision. They are more than teachers, they are storytellers, cheerleaders and confidantes.

We invite you to step into our colourful world, explore our vibrant setting and experience the joy that fills our rooms. We can't wait to welcome your family into ours.

Marie Jeffery

Nursery Manager

Hello, my name is Marie and I am very excited to be Manager of the Beaming Stars team in Ash.

I am married to Neil and have two children of my own.

My nursery career began back in 1994 after gaining my diplomas in Nursery nursing. I worked within a primary school and supported reception aged children (4-5) with their transition into school.

My next childcare career was with Bright Horizons Day Nursery and pre-school where I progressed my career over the last 16.5 years up to Assistant Manager.

My passion is to provide the highest quality of childcare which is fun and stimulating. I am passionate about forging parent partnerships and I look forward to meeting and hearing from you all.

Samantha Lineker

Deputy Manager & SENCO

Sam is a level 3 Practitioner who joined the Beaming Stars family as she wanted to make the change from larger nursery chains to a more home from home family feel nursery.

Sam started life at Beaming Stars Day Nursery in the Toddler room, quickly working her way up to Room Leader and then Deputy Manager.

Sam now works alongside our team in the Preschool unit. Sam loves the challenge of Toddlers and Preschool-age children and finds helping them to learn and grow very rewarding.

Sam is also our SEND lead and works tirelessly, liaising with external agencies and supporting our children with additional needs.

Emma Whittam

Baby Room Leader & Third in Charge

Emma is a level 3 Practitioner and is our Baby Room leader here at Beaming Stars as well as being our Third in Charge.

Emma's childcare career started back in 1996 where she worked as a nursery apprentice before progressing to NVQ level 3.

Emma has worked in various Preschool and School settings, but her heart has always been in nursery settings where she enjoys watching the children grow and develop as they transition through the nursery.

Tia Burr

Preschool Room Leader

Tia is a qualified level 3 Practitioner who joined our team in the preschool room before progressing to Preschool Room Leader.

With a varied and extensive background as a family Nanny and Nursery Practitioner, Tia maintains the high-quality care in our preschool room , supporting the children in their preparation for 'Big School'. Tia loves the preschool room and helping the children to develop their skills in everything from potty training to welcoming their new siblings, making sure they have lots of fun along the way.