Meet The Team
Owner and Nursery Manager
Claire
I qualified as a Radiographer, specialising in cancer treatment, in 1997 at The Cookridge Hospital in Leeds, then I worked at The Royal Marsden Hospital in London until I had our 2 children. When the youngest of our daughters left Noah's Ark, I realised how much I would miss the warm, friendly atmosphere and fantastic staff, so I started working here in 2012! I gained my CACHE Level 3 qualification in 2014 and became Deputy Manager in 2015. I am now extremely proud and excited to be co-owner and manager. I find working with children to be hugely rewarding, diverse and challenging. I enjoy helping them to grow in confidence and independence and to learn and develop in a fun and friendly environment. The bonds we form with children and their families are vital at this early stage and last a lifetime. The team, children, families and staff I work with on a daily basis make my job the best in the world.
Deputy Manager
Sarah (Budd)
I am a mother of two teenage daughters. Prior to having my children, I worked many years within the marketing function of a multi-national company. As my girls grew up, I missed the early years interaction I enjoyed with them. Subsequently, I studied and qualified in childcare, gaining my Cache Level 3 Diploma. I find working with young children and playing a part in their early learning, both rewarding and satisfying, from caring and consoling to watching them develop, flourish and shine with confidence.
Nursery Assistant
Tabi
Having previously owned and worked in my own nursery in Spain, I moved back to England and started working at Noah’s Ark in 2021. I am a mum of two children.
My love and passion is to work with children and aid their development. I truly enjoy working with a great team who also have a great passion for children, their welfare and development.
Nursery Assistant
Kalli (Bank Staff)
My son attended Noah’s Ark and I sometimes went in as a parent helper. I loved the warm, friendly atmosphere so when he moved on I volunteered a couple of times a week. When a vacancy appeared I was happy to be considered for the post. Coming from a large family, I have always enjoyed being around children. I enjoy seeing their joy when they accomplish something by themselves for the first time and their delight when they discover something new. People say being with youngsters keeps you young - I’m not sure about that, but their sense of fun and laughter is infectious and when the children have a good day, so do I.
Owner and Nursery Manager
Denise
Prior to Noahs Ark I spent 10 years in retail management. My first experience of Noah’s Ark was when my daughter attended over 12 years ago, and I loved it so much I decided I wanted to get more involved! During the first 5 years I worked as an assistant where I gained my NVQ Early Years qualification, then deputy for 2 years and manager for 4 years under a consistently Outstanding (Ofsted graded) setting and now joint owner! I love the rewards my work brings, working with the children, seeing them develop, learn and grow. I also enjoy managing our wonderful, dedicated team of staff who have collectively been working with us for over 45 years!
Deputy Manager
Sue (Foord)
I am Mum to three grown up children. I’ve worked in Early Years for 19 years, love being in the company of children and find it really rewarding to see the children progress.
Nursery Assistant
Sue (Henderson)
I have always enjoyed working with children. As a mother of three grown up children and a retired speech and language therapist, I am really passionate about all aspects of development in young children. Seeing them accomplish new skills and develop confidence during their time at Noah’s Ark is incredibly rewarding and I am privileged to be able to work alongside such an amazing team.