THE FOOTPRINTS TEAM
Our nursery is independently owned and operated. The day to day running of the setting is the responsibility of the Owner, Sandra Stedeford, who works in the nursery each day. Sandra is assisted by the manager Michelle Williams along with a team of qualified and experienced nursery practitioners who work in the nursery rooms and a qualified and experienced chef. Our safeguarding leads are Sandra and Michelle and our SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) is Anabela. Our staff range in age from 18 to 70 which we think is a great asset to the setting and brings a range of life experiences to draw from. All staff at the nursery have undergone an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS), are trained in Paediatric First Aid and safeguarding children. They are all significantly involved in continuous training to ensure they remain able to deliver the highest level of education.
The Management Team
Sandra
Nursery Owner and Principal
I have worked with children since the age of 18, beginning my career as a nanny before gaining experience in a children’s home and a preparatory school. This journey ultimately led me to open my own nursery, Footprints. I am deeply passionate about providing the best possible environment for children, where they feel safe, nurtured, and inspired to learn, grow, and thrive. I believe that we never stop learning, and over the years, I have continued to engage in further education and professional training to deepen my knowledge and understanding of young children. This commitment to ongoing learning ensures that my practice remains reflective, informed, and responsive to the needs of every child in my care. I am equally committed to encouraging and supporting my staff to engage in continuous professional development, so that together we provide the highest quality care and education for all children at Footprints.
Michelle
Child Care and HR Manager
Before joining Footprints 21 years ago, I worked in several nanny positions and later held management roles within a number of private nurseries. As Manager I enjoy overseeing the rooms and supporting staff development. I also support our Principal in the day to day running of the nursery. I enjoy going back to my native Scotland to visit relatives and love exotic holidays abroad.
Layla
Administrator
I am a qualified level 3 Nursery Nurse as well as the administration manager at Footprints. I do enjoy both roles, as working with children is my passion. I enjoy seeing them grow and develop into our future leaders. I have been volunteering abroad with different charities to hand deliver food parcels, medical aids etc. to underprivileged families and orphans in Lebanon and Jordan.
Flopsy Bunnies (0-14 months)
Cat
Room Leader
I am a Room Leader for Flopsy Bunnies and Tiggywinkles. I have 18 years of experience working at Footprints and hold a Level 3 qualification in childcare. I am also a mum to two boys who both attended Footprints and loved their time here, which gives me a personal as well as professional understanding of the nurturing, supportive environment we provide.
Evie
Nursery Practitioner
I have worked in childcare for five years and am passionate about supporting young children in their development. At Footprints, I particularly enjoy planning creative and sensory activities and exploring each child’s individual interests to support their learning and wellbeing.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, as well as working with animals.
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Wesal
Nursery Practitioner
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Nursery Assistant
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Tiggy Winkles (14-24 Months)
Cat
Room Leader
I am a Room Leader for Flopsy Bunnies and Tiggywinkles. I have 18 years of experience working at Footprints and hold a Level 3 qualification in childcare. I am also a mum to two boys who both attended Footprints and loved their time here, which gives me a personal as well as professional understanding of the nurturing, supportive environment we provide.
April
Nursery Practitioner
I have over 10 years of experience in childcare, working across a variety of settings within the field. I’m a caring, patient, and fun person who enjoys working with children and supporting their development. One of my favourite parts of my job is getting stuck into messy play with the children
Lucy
Nursery Practitioner
I am a recently qualified Early Years Educator with three years of childcare experience and previous experience as a student midwife. I love being creative and I enjoy making learning fun for children in a positive and supportive environment.
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Nursery Practitioner
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Gina
Nursery Assistant
I studied psychology at University which included modules on child development which I thoroughly enjoyed. Working with young children at Footprints is very rewarding. It is a pleasure to be able to support children with their development and to watch them grow and gain confidence at nursery.
Timmy Tiptoes (14-24 Months)
Sue
Joint Room Leader
I am an experienced level 3 senior nursery nurse with over ten years childcare experience and joined Footprints in October 2025 taking joint room leadership in January 2026. I am a devoted mother and grandmother, passionate about fostering children’s development. I am dedicated to creating safe, engaging and supportive environments for children and families.
Tessa
Joint Room Leader
I have worked in the childcare sector for over twenty years. I hold a Montessori diploma and NNEB certificate. I joined Footprints in September 2024 and am a room leader in the under twos room. In my spare time, I like to ride horses and race track day cars. I also enjoy travelling and visiting art galleries.
Carina
Nursery Practitioner
I have a Bachelors degree in childcare from Gothenburg, Sweden and have many years experience from both nursery and primary school as well as bringing up my own four children. In my spare time, I like discovering the world, scuba diving and listening to music.
Chantell
Nursery Assistant
I am an enthusiastic and compassionate practitioner with a background in healthcare, exploring a transition into childcare. I provide strong interpersonal skills, a nurturing attitude and a commitment to supporting children’s development. My hobbies include reading and listening to podcasts.
Adina
Nursery Assistant
I am a young and patient nursery assistant with a real passion for supporting young children’s learning and development. I strive to create a warm safe and nurturing environment where every child feels valued and confident. I am continuing my professional development whilst working at Footprints.
Puddleducks (2-3 years)
Enza
Room Leader
My 21 year career at Footprints shows my long-term commitment to early childhood education and the Montessori Philosophy. During this time, I have gained meaningful experience supporting children’s growth, independence and love of learning. I enjoy creating new experiences for the children and getting involved, especially in messy play.
Jo
Nursery Practitioner
I have worked at Footprints for 15 years and hold a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and a Montessori Assistant qualification. I love creating new resources to support and extend children's curiosity and learning, and it gives me great pleasure and satisfaction.
Pat
Nursery Practitioner
I have worked at Footprints for over 13 years. I have an NNEB Qualification and have worked with children for nearly 40 years. In my spare time I enjoy travelling and spending time with my friends and family.
Louise
Nursery Practitioner
I have worked in child care for many years, the last ten of which have been spent at Footprints in Puddleducks. I enjoy supporting the children as they grow into independent little learners who are capable of amazing things. I enjoy many hobbies, including cooking and going to the theatre as well as spending time with my family and friends. I have three grandchildren who keep me very busy.
Nuria
Nursery Practitioner
I have been working at Footprints Nursery for Four years. I completed my childcare qualifications in Spain. I have worked in the early years sector for nine years and have always wanted to become a nursery teacher because I truly love working with children. As soon as I joined Footprints, I knew it was the best setting I had ever worked in. I particularly love that we are based in the countryside, which allows us to spend so much time outdoors exploring nature. Many of the staff at Footprints have been here for many years. They are highly experienced, supportive, and always willing to help, making them a wonderful team to be part of.
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Holly
Nursery Assistant
I joined Fooprints at the beginning of 2026 and am based in Puddleducks. I have embarked on training to achieve a level 3 qualification in early years education.
Scarlett
Nursery Assistant
I joined Fooprints at the beginning of 2026 and am based in Puddleducks. I have embarked on training to achieve a level 3 qualification in early years education.
Nutkins (3-4 years)
Nicola
Room Leader
I’m a level 3 practitioner with more than 20 years experience in childcare. I am currently Room Leader in Nutkins where I love helping children learn, grow and thrive. When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Jo
Nursery Practitioner
I have worked in childcare for 30 years, including 20 years at Footprints. I am a qualified Nursery Nurse and also hold a Montessori Diploma. I am a parent to two children who both attended Footprints, giving them a wonderful start to their educational journey.
I particularly enjoy creative activities with children and value messy play, recognising how important these experiences are for their learning, exploration, and self-expression.
Cary-Ann
Nursery Practitioner
I am an early years practitioner with 25 years experience of working with children and families and have worked at Footprints for 3 years. I am a proud mum of three and a proud grandmother. I currently work in Nutkins and also nanny for a young family, with previous experience in nurseries, preschools, as a childminder and at an after school club. Outside work, I enjoy gardening, yoga and long walks by the sea and in the countryside.
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Nursery Assistant
Jeremy Fisher (3-4 years)
Claire
Nursery Practitioner
I am a Level 4 Montessori Early Years Educator. I have worked at Footprints for 7 years. I spent several years with the under twos before moving into the brand new Jeremy Fisher Room. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, going for walks and spending time with my family.
Reetika
Nursery Practitioner
I am a hardworking and dedicated teacher passionate about helping children learn and grow in a positive, supportive environment. I believe in encouraging curiosity, creativity and confidence while guiding the children to achieve their best.
Hunca Munca (4-5 years)
Sandra
Room Leader
I opened Footprints because I love working with children, which is why I choose to work directly in a room as well as fulfil my duties as Principal. I am very lucky to have Michelle and Layla, who confidently manage the day-to-day running of the nursery, allowing me to continue fulfilling my dream of working closely with children.
Maria
Nursery Practitioner
I have worked at Footprints since 2008 and I am a Montessori Early Years Educator. In my spare time, I enjoy visiting historic places and long walks in the Surrey Hills.
Ann
Nursery Practitioner
I am a level 3 qualified Nursery Nurse. I have been at Footprints Nursery for 15 years, starting in Nutkins and then moving into Hunca Nuncio. I have worked with children in various roles for 40 years now.
Other Specialist Team Members
Claire
Nursery Assistant
I have worked at Footprints for 6 years. I enjoy all aspects and activities in all the rooms and love seeing the children having a fun and happy time. Coming to work is a very enjoyable experience.
Helen
Nursery Practitioner
I began my journey as an apprentice and, through dedication and hard work, went on to complete my level 3. As a mum myself, I understand how important it is to create a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment for children to learn and thrive. I especially enjoy spending time outside with the children, encouraging exploration, creativity and a love of nature.
Anabela
SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)
I joined Footprints in February 2026 as Senco.I am highly trained and motivated to help children with special needs achieve their highest potential. I am dedicated to training the staff team so they can help the children they care for achieve their goals and learn and develop in a happy, playful manner. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the gym, gardening and cooking.
Cheyney
Kitchen Assistant
I have worked in the Kitchen at Footprints since January 2025 as assistant Chef. I love cooking up yummy, healthy meals that keep little tummies happy and full of energy for learning and play. Away from the nursery, I’m a busy mum of two boys, so there’s never a dull moment!
Poppy
Nursery Dog
I am the Nursery Dog and have worked at Footprints for six years. I love playing with the children and going for walks in Ben's Wood. I always enjoy a trip around the nursery with prospective parents and look forward to meeting you.
