Meet the Team

My name is Mani Spratt and I am the CEO & 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 and playing tennis. 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.

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 a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). 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.

My name is Denisa and I have been working in childcare for more than one year, and my passion for the early years continues to grow. I hold a Level 3 qualification in Childcare / Child Development and I believe the earliest months and years are the most important for building warm, secure foundations that help children flourish.

I love working with children. Their smiles, small milestones, and everyday discoveries bring me real happiness. I enjoy singing, sensory play, simple messy play, and reading stories. These little, joyful moments inspire me to bring thoughtful, hands-on experiences to the room every day.

Hi, I’m Catalina Maria Coatu and I’m a caring and dedicated childcare professional with over 10 years of experience working with children.

I am passionate about supporting children’s development in line with the EYFS framework, creating a safe, nurturing, and positive learning environment.

Hi, my name is Gareth. I have a seven-and-a-half-month-old boy, grew up locally and am a recovering Arsenal supporter!

I have worked in nurseries for more than 6 years and have also worked as an assistant in Reception.

I love getting to know children as individuals and discovering their unique personalities and interests.

My passion is for nurturing children’s innate curiosity about the world and providing opportunities for them to learn through hands-on exploration.

I have a particular passion for reading with children. I am also happiest outside and love outdoor learning and sports.

I should say I’m a big advocate of junk modelling, so start collecting interesting odds and ends!

I’ve already received a very warm welcome at Smile and Shine and look forward to getting to know everyone!

My name is Jimmy Auguste, and I’m an international chef with over 10 years of experience.

Originally from Trinidad, I bring a rich blend of global culinary techniques and flavours to my cooking.

I’m passionate about crafting nutritious, well-balanced, and flavourful meals that celebrate diversity in ingredients and styles.

Cooking isn’t just a profession for me; it’s an art and a way to promote health and wellbeing around the world.

My name is Oktarina, and I have had the pleasure of working with Mani for many years, from childminding to the wonderful nursery we have today – a true home away from home for many children.

My passion for working with children has grown over time alongside my degree in Psychology and ongoing learning in the field of child psychotherapy. These experiences continue to shape and inspire the way I relate to and support children, with strong emphasis on creating a safe, caring, and nurturing environment where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.

I believe that approaching children with openness, curiosity, and warmth is essential in supporting their personal, social, and emotional development, as well as their learning journey.

I am currently enrolled in a Level 3 Childcare course to further develop my knowledge and skills within early years education.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, reading, baking occasionally, and playing the piano and violin.