OUR TEAM
Charlotte Riley
Director and Co-Founder
Actor and mother, Charlotte has been vocal in her belief that you can’t have true equality in the film and television industry without talking about childcare. Her passion for creating a more diverse and supportive working environment was the starting point for The WonderWorks and the overarching mission To Keep Families In Film
jane cowell
Head of Childcare
Jane has supported the development of The WonderWorks from the very beginning. She brings over 20 years of experience working in a range of Early Years Care, training and advisory roles. Jane is passionate about supporting all of our families.
Jane supports all of our Childcare provision. Her role is to oversee the quality of care provided to every child who joins The WonderWorks family. She provides training, advice and support to The WonderWorks team wherever they are located.
Michael
Nursery Manager
“I have been working in Early Years Education for 13 years, starting as an unqualified babysitter in 2010. I spent the majority of my early career as a Room Leader and Senco working with children aged 3-5 for around 8-9 years before moving into a senior management role and completing my Level 5 Leadership and Management qualification. I’ve been working within TWW since we opened in 2020, firstly leading in The Burrow (Over 2’s), then managing our mobile nursery on location, and moving into the role of manager in 2021”.
What do you love most about working at The WonderWorks?
“One of my favourite aspects of being part of the team at The WonderWorks has been developing our child centred/ enquiry based approach. The nursery feels like a homely and cosy place to be, and we’re so lucky to have such a beautiful space to work in everyday. I love developing bonds with the families we work with and seeing the difference we’re making to the film industry is a big motivation to me. I have a passion for supporting the teachers’ skills and knowledge and The WonderWorks is industry leading in mental health and well-being support for employees. Of course, the icing on the cake for me is that I get to interact with the children every day and see the transformation from a child’s first day, being confident, capable children as they move through the nursery rooms is priceless. I couldn’t think of a more rewarding role! “
Amy
Deputy Manager , Business and Admin Lead
“I first started my journey in Early Years in 2015. I started off as an apprentice and have developed my experience and knowledge over the years working in all age groups, progressing to my current position as Deputy Manager. In my current role I have specific responsibility for supporting the organisational and administrative tasks of a busy nursery and I have discovered my interest in the business and finance aspects of the business. I help parents and support them with organising paperwork, booking places, settling into nursery, and answering any queries. I have been lucky to have started at The WonderWorks from the very beginning in August 2020 and have worked alongside a fantastic team that has enabled me to progress into the position I am now in.”
What do you love most about working at The WonderWorks?
“The fact that there is always a calm entrance when you get to work. Being greeted by a happy team and happy children is something I love about working at The WonderWorks. At The WonderWorks everyone has a voice, especially the children. Seeing them treated with respect and given the chance to learn things independently, with support from the Teachers when they need it, is lovely! Now I am working more in the office, I love being able to pop in to the rooms and engage with the children, and can see the huge progress in their development. This is something I appreciate every day.”
Chelsea
Deputy Manager and Pedological Lead
“I have been in childcare for over ten years now, I have worked my way up from a Nursery Teacher to Room Leader, third in charge and now Deputy Manager. I have also worked as a travel nanny and in the crèche onboard Disney cruise lines. I have been with the WonderWorks since we opened in 2020. I worked in The Burrow room (2-4 years) as a Nursery Teacher before becoming the Room Lead, I then moved to The Nest (under 2’s) this year and have progressed to Deputy Manager, focusing on pedagogy and helping the team embed The WonderWorks approach”.
What do you love about working at The WonderWorks?
“I love working at the WonderWorks as the approach is all about the children. I love that a big part of working here is all about learning and that’s not just the children, it’s us too! I love how Hygge the nursery always feels and how the children are truly respected as individuals.
I enjoy supporting the team and their development as well as the children’s. I am so glad that The WonderWorks is here to support families in the film industry and I am happy to be a part of that. My favourite thing about working here would have to be seeing the children daily and all the milestones that we share together”
Paula
Nursery Teacher
“I have been a passionate early year’s educator for thirty years and have a range of invaluable experiences working with children of different ages and abilities. I have worked as a youth worker, a Mencap play scheme manager and a nursery nurse in the nursery of a local primary school. On a personal level, whilst raising two daughters and working part time I gained my first class degree in Early Years and Education. I then went on to become the manager of a privately owned nursery before I embarked upon my exciting journey here at the WonderWorks, as the room leader in the Burrow in June 2022.
I find my role as a Nursery Teacher rewarding and enjoyable privilege. On a daily basis I ensure that I continue to gain a wider knowledge of our children, their interests and their cultural capital. This allows me to assist the amazing team in the Burrow, to support all of our children to become independent learners and reach their full potential.”
What do you love most about working at The WonderWorks?
“Being part of an initiative To Keep Families in Film is an honour, as my husband, our two teenage daughters and I are avid film fanatics. Working for the WonderWorks has allowed me to immerse myself within a nursery where I can continue to grow personally and professionally, believing in their ethos and ambitions by putting the children at the core of all we do.
What job could be better! Than encouraging children to develop self-esteem and independence whilst experiencing an enriched Reggio and Hygge play and learning environment. Where they can explore, take risks, embark upon new challenges and most of all have lots of fun, making lasting memories and friendships.”
Lorenta
Nursery Teacher
“I hold Qualified Teacher Status and gained my qualification in Romania (Geography and English Literature) and I came to UK in 2014. I have been working as an au pair for 4 years and from 2018 until 2020 I was a Nursery Practitioner in a small and lovely nursery in Farnborough.
I am very interested in child psychology and in understanding how the little ones become motivated to learn and develop, also I like to explore their social, emotional, and cognitive processes that are involved in learning.”
What do you love about working at The WonderWorks?
“I have been with The WonderWorks since we opened in 2020 and that was the beginning of one of the best chapters of my life. I worked in The Burrow Room as a Nursery Teacher until 2022 and I loved every single moment, then I moved to The Nest where I fell in love with caring for the tiny ones. Working with children and being part of the film industry is simply the perfect combination for me and every single morning I thank my lucky star for giving me this amazing opportunity.
The WonderWorks is unique in every single way, and it has the best approaches one could find in early years. We are proud to say we are a big happy family, and I personally can't wait for us to grow and develop together!”
Niamh
Senior Nursery Teacher - Acting Room Leader in The Burrow
“I have been working in childcare and early years for 13 years, my love of early years started when I volunteered at my local youth theatre as an assistant for sessions. Then I went on to complete my BA in Education studies and Early years at Liverpool John Moore University where I had many different placements in schools, children’s centres and nurseries. This is where I decided to specialise in early education. I have since worked in a couple of nurseries starting as a practitioner and making my way up as a Preschool Room Leader then Team Leader before taking my role at The Wonderworks as Senior Nursery Teacher in October 2021. Since then, I have taken on the role as a SENCO which has allowed me to develop my knowledge and work with a range of different health care professionals to help families and children in our setting”
What I love most about working at the Wonderworks?
“Working at the Wonderworks with the approach allows the children to feel like they are at home with the environment making them feel calm, safe and comfortable. This is what I love because it helps them to thrive and develop their skills in a unique way.
Working with children is a unique and incredibly rewarding job I love that it allows me to bring out my inner child by playing alongside them creating my own characters, making voices, and acting out stories. There’s nothing better than when a child reaches a milestone, they have worked so hard towards whether it be putting on their shoes, saying a sentence or using the toilet independently it fills my heart with joy and pride. Being a little part of their life journey is a true honour.”
Rhianna
Nursery Teacher
“I have always had a passion caring for children from a young age. Childcare was a chosen subject of mine in secondary school then from leaving school I went onto college to study art and design which is also a passion of mine. Childcare was the career path I wanted to persue so I went onto becoming an apprentice in a nursery and achieving my level 2 qualification and now having nearly 4 years experience in the childcare industry.”
What do you love most about working at The WonderWorks?
What I love about working at The WonderWorks is working alongside great knowledgeable teachers and The WonderWorks approach towards the children’s learning and development, enabling and encouraging them to be free to explore and discover new interests, and make their own choices on their own unique learning adventure and getting to be a part of that. I also love observing the children being in flow and capturing those valuable moments and sharing them with their parents.”
Erin
Room Leader- The Nest
“From becoming a big sister in my teen years I found a passion in childcare and I knew that that was exactly what I aspired to do. When leaving school, I went to college to begin studying my Level 3 in early years. Whilst completing this course I volunteered in various nurseries. This was great as it allowed me to gain lots of experience with all age groups under 5 and to get a feel for different nursery styles and approaches.
One of the nurseries I volunteered at soon became my first job which I worked in whilst completing my course, allowing me to put all my learning into practise.
After qualifying I moved to a day nursery where I worked in the preschool room for two years.
During May 2021 I joined the wonderworks as a Nursery Teacher where I’ve worked in The Nest with the babies and toddlers. I was able to develop my experience and confidence hugely leading to me becoming Room Leader.
What do you love most about working at The WonderWorks?
“I love working at The WonderWorks as it has given me the opportunity to support children’s development and growth, which is extremely rewarding. As well as having the opportunity to support the children’s development I have also been able to progress and develop myself by taking on extra responsibilities and working alongside some great colleagues.
The WonderWorks nursery is a lovely environment to be in which comes down to our unique pedagogy.
I really love the approach as not only does it allow the children to be treated as individuals and create their own learning, it also provides a very calm and cosy atmosphere.”
Chloe
Nursery Teacher
“Since leaving school, I jumped straight into an apprenticeship in 2017 which enabled me to gain a Level 3 qualification as an Early Years Educator. This was a great opportunity to learn on the job while studying and truly find my passion for working with children from birth to 5 years old. I furthered my career after this by becoming a Deputy Manager at a holiday club, working with children aged 4-11, alongside working in the baby room at a nursery based on a farm.
One asset I believe I bring to The Wonderworks is my creativity! I love getting the children involved in messy and sensory activities. Creative expression helps children articulate their feelings and thoughts. I find it amazing watching the spark in each child's natural curiosity and watch them create their own journey of exploration, discovery and development”.
What do you love most about working at The WonderWorks?
“Seeing the children develop is the most rewarding experience ever! Working with children reminds me of how amazing and exciting the world can be - I love seeing things through their eyes and providing all the open ended resources they need to extend their ideas. I also love that I can help support other parents by caring for their children while they work and at the same time I'm able to nurture children and offer so many great learning experiences to them. The WonderWorks offers a home from home environment which is cosy, inviting and warm; I adore our calm and positive approach towards the children. I’m so thankful and proud to be a part of this company and to work alongside the film industry”
Alex
Nursery Teacher
“I have been working in child care for 8 years this year. Once I left school I went straight into college to gain my level 3, with this I got to experience lots of different child care work such as nurseries, schools and nannying.
In my previous nursery I worked my way up to a room leader position where I was able to work alongside the management team. I am able to bring those skills and knowledge with me to The Wonder Works.
Since starting at the wonder works I have brought along my passion for photography. With this I am able to take pictures of the children for social media and the nursery website as well as being able to pass on this passion to the children encouraging them to try it out too.”
What do you love most about working at The WonderWorks?
“I love working at The Wonder Works as the nursery feels like a home from home for the children. The approach is all about the children so I love seeing where they may take their learning next.
The whole team within the nursery make sure that all of the children are happy and looked after each and every day, making me feel proud to be apart of such an amazing team.
I have created some lovely bonds with the children throughout the nursery. I love watching the children develop and grow each day.
The Wonder Works is amazing for helping to keep families in film”.
Sophie
Nursery Teacher
“I started my journey in early years at the age of 16 when I completed a Level 2 diploma in childcare and early years education. I then went on to have my own two children which only spurred on my love and passion for early years, leading me to complete a Level 3 apprenticeship as an early years educator. Before joining The WonderWorks, I was head of baby room in an independent nursery which allowed my knowledge and confidence to grow. I’m currently studying for a BSc in Psychology, specialising in child psychology, with the intention of going on to study educational psychology at doctorate level.
I’m very passionate about my role and love to encourage children to learn through play, especially messy play! I consider myself very privileged to watch them grow and be a part of their journey. I love strengthening my knowledge around early years and continue to apply new knowledge to my current role within The WonderWorks.”
What do you love most about working at the WonderWorks?
“The moment you step into The WonderWorks, you’re greeted by happy teachers and, of course, the wonderful children. The environment is the definition of Hygge and the resources and learning opportunities for the children are brilliant. I’m truly inspired by the drive and passion of the rest of the team and love how child-centred the approach at The WonderWorks is. The children’s autonomy is encouraged and respected and each child is treated as an individual, which is something I’m really passionate about. I consider myself very fortunate to be part of the team..”
Poppy
Senior Nursery Teacher- The Nest
“I am level 3 qualified with 9 years childcare experience. Working with children is something I have always wanted to do, so as soon as I left school I went straight for an apprenticeship. This really was the best path for me to take as I was learning whilst studying. I started by doing my level 2 and without hesitation I knew I wanted to go on to do my level 3.
Having previously worked in 3 different nurseries. I have seen many successful ways of working with children and picked up a number of skills and throughout this time. I have attended and completed several different courses based around childcare, which has helped my knowledge and understanding even more.”
What do you love most about working at The Wonder Works?
“It's so lovely to be part of The Wonder Works team. Working alongside such a great team who, together, we ensure the children are happy and safe. I love is seeing the children grow and develop, being part of their journey and helping them in every way we can. I have created some lovely bonds with the children which makes special moments even more special. I really like the Wonder Works approach as it's based around the children and their interests. This has helped me get to know the children really well.“
Alfie
Artist In residence- Atelierista
The atelier and atelierista are integral parts of the Reggio Emilia approach. The atelierista, a Teacher with a background in creative arts, works together with children in the atelier (art studio).
Hi I am Alfie, and I'm the Atelierista at The Wonderworks. I have studied Scenic Arts (making sets and props for theatre and film!)
I like making large scale projects particularly spooky and strange ones! And enjoy coming to the nursery to spend time with the children and helping them to make their creative ideas into reality.
Sarah
Nursery Chef
I am Sarah your Nursery Chef. I have been a qualified Chef since 1992 and I have worked in all kinds of kitchens Including cooking in offices, hotels, and a garden Centre Café. I was a catering manager in a local Catholic school for 13 years and I have also worked in three nursery settings.
I have been in this trade for 33 years and out of all the jobs, my favourite is working in a nursery setting. The children perk you up every time you enter their rooms. This is probably because I come with food, but also because I love cooking with them. My hopes are to do more and more cooking with the children and to get us growing our own salad, herbs, and veggies. I am no gardener, but always happy for any tips from families.
Laura
Assistant Nursery Teacher
After graduating University just over ten years ago with a degree in Media Production I have worked in various roles in both TV and film. Most recently spending the last six years working as a Transport Coordinator for various productions in Leavesden Studios. Through this I have seen first hand the need for a nursery like The WonderWorks, the huge benefits it gives to families working in film and also the pressures family members face in this industry. I have three nephews that I adore and always love spending time with and this is what first made me think a career in childcare could be something for me. The WonderWorks has allowed me to combine both my passions, working in such a friendly, supportive environment in which I can't wait to grow and develop and help make an incredible difference to both the children and their families.
Saskia
Nursery Teacher- The Burrow
I have always loved being in the company of children, seeing life through their eyes is very magical.
I have worked with children for many years now, either in a nursery setting, child minding or babysitting. I have also worked over seas as nanny which I am lucky to have experienced. I have studied childcare, photography and art. I love being outdoors in nature, going on long hikes, exploring and experiencing all different climates.
I went to a Rudolf Steiner school which I loved and I feel very fortunate to have experienced that education. I love to share and give children the space to play freely, to let them be themselves and enjoy being a child as I think it’s a very precious and special time.
When I came to The Wonder Works I felt so welcome by the team and the children, the environment had a homely feel and I knew this would be the right place for me. I love the freedom the children have to play and to be able to express themselves, learn and develop. There are many different resources and activities that are available for the children to explore and use freely. Everyone treats each other with respect and it’s such a lovely and friendly space to be in.
Kelsey
Assistant Nursery Teacher- The Burrow
I have always enjoyed children’s company, watching them grow and build a life of their own. My interest for children’s development started at quite a young age. I have a very big family and have been around children all the time, whether that was baby sitting or just enjoying some family time.
I completed childcare in secondary school and absolutely loved the subject and wanted to learn more about the psychological side of development, not just within children but within adults too. After completing college with a level 3 NVQ in Health and Social care with applied Psychology I wanted to begin my journey in the childcare industry.
Working at the WonderWorks is like a home away from home. I love watching the children develop into their own person, exploring and testing their limits. Being with them on their journey through life is so important to us, making sure they’re happy and making memories they can look back on.
The WonderWorks approach allows the children to learn, explore and take risks, allowing them to make mistakes and learn from each other, in a fun, inviting, and safe environment. To be able to work within the team and see the world through the children’s eyes reminds me of how excited I was to learn and discover. Being a part of that journey is definitely something I look forward to.
When I joined the WonderWorks I immediately felt so welcome and at ease, not only by the children but the staff as well. Being in an environment where everyone is appreciated for what they do is so lovely! Everyone here supports one another whether it’s something big or small, we are like one big family and I so thankful to be apart of such an amazing team.
Victoria
Nursery Teacher- The Burrow
I started my 14 years experience within children’s care and welfare as a foster sibling, then a foster parent, having a passion for providing care, support and a safe environment for children’s development; this led me to seek my own career and education within the sector. I started with volunteering in nurseries, schools and youth groups, sparking my passion further.
I have now completed a University bachelor's degree in Educational Studies & Early Years. This was a great opportunity to study different educational theorists, children’s literature and learn about Statutory Frameworks.
I have worked within different childcare settings for 10 years now. Throughout my experience I believe supporting children’s emotional wellbeing and regulation is paramount in their learning. I am eager to be a part of a team in providing the highest quality early learning experiences for children.
What do you love most about working at The WonderWorks?
I am excited to be in a child centered environment, learning and exploring along with the children. Refreshing my own knowledge on Reggio Emilia and learning more about these established approaches. Providing support for families, the children and my team, while having the opportunities to take risks and explore our learning. I am honoured to be a part of such an amazing community.
Courtney
Assistant Nursery Teacher