Woodlands Team

 Hannah – Co-Owner, Manager 

Hannah is the passionate co-owner of Family First Nurseries, bringing over 12 years of experience in early years education. She holds a Higher National Certificate in Early Education and Childcare from Edinburgh College, along with a BA in Childhood Practice from the University of Dundee.

Hannah began her journe

 Hannah – Co-Owner, Manager 

Hannah is the passionate co-owner of Family First Nurseries, bringing over 12 years of experience in early years education. She holds a Higher National Certificate in Early Education and Childcare from Edinburgh College, along with a BA in Childhood Practice from the University of Dundee.

Hannah began her journey in the early years sector as a practitioner, steadily progressing to a managerial role within a private nursery setting. Her dedication to high-quality early learning and care led her to work as an Early Years Officer within the local council, where she gained valuable insight into public sector approaches to early education.

With a strong foundation in both private and public nursery environments, Hannah co-founded Family First Nurseries to create a nurturing, child-centred space that supports every child’s development. Her wealth of experience and commitment to excellence continues to shape the ethos and everyday practice at Family First Nurseries.

Kirstie – Co-Owner, Business Manager

Kirstie is shared owner of Family First Nurseries and oversees the business management within the setting as well as working as a qualified practitioner both at the Woodlands and School House.

Kirstie started out her career in childcare, working alongside her mum, Debbie-Ann, in their childminding busine

Kirstie – Co-Owner, Business Manager

Kirstie is shared owner of Family First Nurseries and oversees the business management within the setting as well as working as a qualified practitioner both at the Woodlands and School House.

Kirstie started out her career in childcare, working alongside her mum, Debbie-Ann, in their childminding business in 2020. Kirstie holds a Forest School Leader, Level 8 qualification and her SVQ Level 3 in Children and Young People. She is extremely passionate about the outdoors and learning in nature. Kirstie is our food and nutrition leader, having completed several certificates in food hygiene and nutrition. Kirstie also holds a certificate in children’s mental health as well as managing behaviour that challenges.

   Jane – Management Support

Jane joined the Family First team in September 2024 and plays a key role in our management support team. Originally from South Africa, Jane brings a wealth of international experience, having taught in South Africa, Hungary, and Hong Kong.

She holds a Sports Management Diploma and a PGCE in Early Childhood and F

   Jane – Management Support

Jane joined the Family First team in September 2024 and plays a key role in our management support team. Originally from South Africa, Jane brings a wealth of international experience, having taught in South Africa, Hungary, and Hong Kong.

She holds a Sports Management Diploma and a PGCE in Early Childhood and Foundation Phase, and is currently expanding her expertise by studying for her Level 8 qualification in Forest School Leadership. Jane also holds certificates in Montessori Learning and Psychomotor Education, reflecting her commitment to holistic, child-led approaches to learning.

Jane’s diverse background and passion for early years education make her a valued member of our team, bringing global insight and creativity to everything she does.

  Maddie joined Family First Nurseries in April 2023 and is a valued member of our Woods team. She brings a welth of knowledge and experience, holding several qualifications including Registered Nursery Nurse, PGCE in Collaborative working: Education Therapy, and a certificate in Froebel Childhood Practice. Maddie is deeply passionate abo

  Maddie joined Family First Nurseries in April 2023 and is a valued member of our Woods team. She brings a welth of knowledge and experience, holding several qualifications including Registered Nursery Nurse, PGCE in Collaborative working: Education Therapy, and a certificate in Froebel Childhood Practice. Maddie is deeply passionate about working with children in the outdoors, where she nurtures their curiosity and love for nature. Maddie brings warmth, wisdom and joy to the team, creating a safe and supportive environment where children can thrive.

Rebecca is our dedicated Woods Leader and has been integral part of Family First Nurseries since its opening in 2022. With her SVQ level 3 in Social Services (Children and Young People) and current studies toward a BA in childhood practice, Rebecca brings both experience and deep commitment to continuous professional development. Having

Rebecca is our dedicated Woods Leader and has been integral part of Family First Nurseries since its opening in 2022. With her SVQ level 3 in Social Services (Children and Young People) and current studies toward a BA in childhood practice, Rebecca brings both experience and deep commitment to continuous professional development. Having attended a Steiner school herself, Rebecca has a strong belief in the power of child-led learning and values the freedom, creativity, and independence it fosters in young children. Her approach is rooted in respecting each child's natural curiosity and allowing to lead their own learning journey through meaningful play and exploration.

 Ellie joined the Woods team at Family First in November 2024. She completed her apprenticeship at her previous nursery and holds n SVQ level 3 in Social Studies (Children and Young People). Ellie also additional training in BSL level 1, speech and language development and understanding autism, which she uses to support inclusive and indi

 Ellie joined the Woods team at Family First in November 2024. She completed her apprenticeship at her previous nursery and holds n SVQ level 3 in Social Studies (Children and Young People). Ellie also additional training in BSL level 1, speech and language development and understanding autism, which she uses to support inclusive and individualised approaches to care. She is kind, caring, and nurturing, with a natural ability to connect with children and a wonderful rapport across all age groups. Ellie is also musical and enjoys using music to engage and inspire children. She is deeply passionate about supporting each child's development at their own pace, creating a safe and joyful space for learning and growth.