our team
Kerry Lowe – Proprietor
After Kerry realised her passion for working with children, she opened Scallywags Chelmsford 2007 with Emma. Kerry gained an Early Years Foundation Degree and many other courses such as SENCO and Mental Health First Aid.
Emma Reynolds – Proprietor
Emma founded Scallywags Nursery Hornchurch in 2002 and opened Scallywags Nursery Chelmsford 2007.
Emma has gained an Early Years Foundation Degree alongside many other early years courses.
Nicola McPherson-Mason – Operations Manager and SENCO
Nicola has worked for Scallywags since 2004 and transitioned to Scallywags Chelmsford when it opened March 2007.
Nicola has completed a variety of training courses including a Cache Level 3 in Childcare, Level 5 in Management, Level 3 Health and Safety, First Aid, Safeguarding, Food hygiene. Nicola is the settings Health and Safety Officers and Designated Safeguarding Officers. She is also the settings lead SENCO and has completed her Level 3 SENCO Accreditation.
Abbie Swann - Early Years Quality Assurance Manager
Abbie has worked at Scallywags since 2015. Abbie holds a BA (Hons) in Early Years and is continuously updating her professional development through many courses, such as a Level 3 Paediatric First Aid and Level 2 Children’s Mental Health.
Abbie is one of the settings Designated Safeguarding Leads and our Mental Health First Aider.
Abbie enjoys attending a variety of courses to expand her knowledge and practice and has also recently achieved an accreditation on Hygge in the Early Years and Just Quality Award.
Dani Hatch- Deputy Manager & Forest School Leader
Dani has worked at Scallywags since 2013. Dani has completed her BA (Hons) in Early Education and Childhood Studies and is currently Deputy Manager and the Supervisor of our brand new outdoor classroom ‘Forest Friends’.
Dani has also completed her Level 3 Paediatric First aid, Level 3 Safeguarding, Mindfulness and Yoga and a Level 3 Forest School training, alongside many other courses which adds to her professional knowledge and experience.
Thor - Our Nursery Dog
At Scallywags, we strongly encourage animal companions whenever possible🐾.
We have a Labrador called Thor, who brings a whole host of benefits to the children. Thor is gentle and fearless, greeting everyone as a friend. This makes Thor an excellent companion, as he loves to be around all the children and staff.
It’s wonderful to see how the children react and communicate with Thor. They explore Thor’s fur, ears and tail, and begin to make eye contact with him and marvel at their reactions and excitement.
Thor also joins the children on outings, they take him on their visits to the local park and on their Forest School sessions. They take turns in helping to hold his lead and watching his behaviour as they walk.
Jungle Cub Team
Laura- Baby Room Supervisor (Maternity Leave)
Zoe - Early Years Practitioner
Robyn - Early Years Practitioner
Elizabeth - Early Years Apprentice
Toddler Unit Team
Victoria - Toddler Unit Supervisor
Tilly - Early Years Apprentice
Stacey - Early Years Practitioner
Sophie - Early Years Practitioner
Hollie - Early Years Practitioner
Faye - Early Years Assistant
Forest Friends Team
Lexa - Early Years Practitioner
Megan - Early Years Assistant
Abigail - Early Years Assistant
Molly - Early Years Apprentice
The Nature Club Team
Kelli-Ann - Nature Club Supervisor
Mihaela - Early Years Apprentice
Faith - Early Years Practitioner
Pauline - Nursery Assistant
Julie - Nursery Chef
