Meet the Team
At our Nursery, we have a fantastic team of experienced staff. Our Nursery Sessions are led by experienced and long serving members of staff. The Nursery provision is overseen by Mel Hand.
Mel Hand
How long have you worked at Hazelmere Infant School and Nursery?
I joined Hazelmere Infant School and Nursery in September 2002 as a newly qualified teacher, I have worked in year 2 and year 1 but since 2010 I have worked in Early Years at Hazelmere and now lead Reception and Nursery.
What is the best thing about working in Nursery?
I enjoy the opportunity to support children’s early development by planning learning experiences linked to their interests and play. One of the great privileges of working in Nursery is the contact we have with parents and they chance to build relationships with them as partners in their child’s learning.
What makes Hazelmere Nursery special?
Our Nursery is special because it is part of an amazing wider school community and the staff and children enjoy the sense of belonging that this brings. The children in our Nursery get the benefit of the school facilities and staff across the school take an interest in the development of the very youngest members of our school.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I live in the Suffolk countryside with my husband and two daughters. In my spare time I enjoy arts and crafts activities, cooking and going to the cinema. I decided to become a teacher when I left school and did a three year degree in Primary Education, I did some supply work at Hazelmere and loved the sense of community so applied for a job and have been here ever since!
Becca Marven
How long have you worked at Hazelmere Infant School and Nursery?
I joined the Nursery team in September 2011 after completing a work placement in the school the previous year.
What is the best thing about working in Nursery?
The best thing about working in Nursery is watching the children experience new and exciting things. I am really interested in outdoor learning both in the forest school area on the school site and in the Nursery outdoor area and I can often be found bug hunting or den building with the children.
What makes Hazelmere Nursery special?
The thing that makes the nursery special is that we have a great team who work together to provide the best experiences for our children.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I live in rural Essex with my husband and young son. My interests include nature and animals, before I did my Nursery Nurse training I also took a course in Animal Management at Otley college.
Sandie Eldred
How long have you worked at Hazelmere Infant School and Nursery?
I started volunteering in the Nursery and applied for and got a job in September 2016
What is the best thing about working in Nursery?
I wake up in the morning looking forward to going to work and spending time with some amazing young people, there is never a dull moment!
What makes Hazelmere Nursery special?
We are like a family.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I live locally and my two daughters have both attended Hazelmere Nursery and then went through the Infant school. In my spare time I enjoy days out with my girls and spending time with friends
Deannah Harris
How long have you worked at Hazelmere Infant School and Nursery?
I joined the Nursery Team at Hazelmere in September 2023 after woking at another Nursery in Colchester for 9 years.
What is the best thing about working in Nursery?
Helping support children with their development and watching them progress and grow.
What makes Hazelmere Nursery special?
Everybody works together as a team.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I'm a mummy to a little boy. In my spare time I like spending time with family and friends and going on days out.