Meet the Team

Team Member 1

Mani Spratt

My name is Mani Spratt and I am the Nursery Head at Smile & Shine Nursery. I have been working in childcare for the past 17 years, and my passion for early years education continues to grow. I firmly believe that the early years are the most critical stage of a child’s development, as this is when strong foundations are nurtured and shaped for the future.

At Smile & Shine, I have created a setting that combines the best practices from multiple teaching philosophies. We follow the EYFS guidelines, integrate the Maria Montessori method, and embrace the Scandinavian forest school concept. These approaches allow us to provide a holistic learning environment that fosters curiosity, independence, and a love for the outdoors.

Outdoor play and physical activity are a cornerstone of our curriculum, as I believe they are vital for a child’s physical and mental development. Personally, I am very sporty and enjoy running, playing tennis, and leading scouting activities as a Scouts leader. These hobbies inspire me to bring hands-on, adventurous, and engaging activities to our children.

I am deeply committed to providing a nurturing, stimulating, and supportive environment where every child can thrive and achieve their potential.

Team Member 2

Sandra

My name is Sandra, and I have been working in childcare for 8 years. I absolutely love being surrounded by children, watching them grow, learn, and develop. Creating a nurturing and stimulating environment is something I am truly passionate about.

I am currently studying to become a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), as I am deeply committed to supporting children of all abilities and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. This role aligns perfectly with my dedication to fostering inclusion and celebrating each child’s unique strengths and needs.

In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, practicing yoga, meditating, reading books, and caring for pets—I have a special love for cats! I am a very creative person and love using my creativity to design engaging activities, decorations, and learning opportunities that make every day exciting and memorable for the children.

Working in childcare brings me so much joy, and I am constantly inspired by the children I work with. I strive to be a positive influence in their lives and help them build the confidence they need to achieve their full potential.

Team Member 3

Zarra

Hi, my name is Zarra, and I’ve been working in childcare for 2 years.

I’m passionate about creating a fun and nurturing environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. Watching their confidence grow is the most rewarding part of what I do.

In my spare time, I enjoy going to the gym, reading, and taking long walks to explore new places.

Outside of work, I love spending time with friends and family, baking and traveling to discover new cultures.

Team Member 4

Bona

My name is Bona.

I've been working with children for more than ten years now.

Caring for children and looking after their health and wellbeing, helping them develop new skills every day,encouraging them to be independent and supporting them by implementing EYFS framework it's a pleasure.

I love to read and travel, I enjoy music and nature! During my free time I love spending time with friends and family.

Team Member 5

Ana

Hello, my name is Ana Paula Ojeda , I have two lovely years of experience in childcare.

I am dedicated to taking care of the day-to-day needs of children and creating healthy environments where they can feel free to learn in the best way, reinforce their knowledge and thus develop their own independence.

I like to improve every day and find the best version of myself personally and in this professional path.

In my free time I enjoy reading, writing, learning new things and spending time with my family 💕🫶🏻

Team Member 6

Beata

My name is Beata, and I am passionate about creating healthy, delicious meals for children. As a chef, I believe in the importance of using fresh, wholesome ingredients to nourish young minds and bodies. I prepare everything from scratch, ensuring that no processed foods are used in our meals.

I love incorporating hidden, nutrient-rich ingredients into my recipes, making them both healthy and appealing to children. Whether it’s adding vegetables to sauces or using whole grains in baked goods, I strive to make every meal a balanced and enjoyable experience.

Cooking for children is more than just a job for me, it’s a way to contribute to their growth and development. I take pride in knowing that the meals I prepare help fuel their energy, creativity, and learning throughout the day.

In my free time, I enjoy experimenting with new recipes, exploring different cuisines, and sharing my love for cooking with others. I am dedicated to creating a positive and healthy relationship between children and food, one meal at a time.

Team Member 7

Rahila

My name is Rahila Khan.

I have done level 3 in childcare and development and I hold a Montessori diploma as well. I am compassionate and dedicated early years practitioner with over 15 years of experience in nurturing and fostering the developmental needs of children in early stage.

I enjoy doing cooking and baking.

I enjoy visiting my friends and spending leasure time with them.