'Learning to be in the World’
Happy Stars Babies: (01724) 876 200
Happy Stars: (01724) 876 123


Email: info@happy-stars.co.uk
Meet The Team
All our staff have been carefully chosen for their caring nature and dedication to improving outcomes for all children, in addition to their qualifications.

We have a high staff to child ratio which allows us to really get to know the children in our care and to help them realise their full potential.

We are always available to discuss any suggestions or concerns you may have.

Clare Foster Nursery Owner Manager
I opened Happy stars in 2002 a year after my first daughter was born. Over the years the nursery has expanded and we have continued to grow and develop as the early Years sector continues to evolve. Since opening I have had 2 more children and completed my Foundation Degree. I am grateful to all of the families that put their trust in myself and my team to care for their children. I love my job and it is a privilege to be part of the lives of so many young children, helping them, learning to be in the world.
Laura Catterick Deputy Manager - Happy Stars Pre-School
I have worked at Happy Stars since 2017 and I have loved working here ever since. I work in the Red Stars room I love working with this age group and watching their characters develop. I gained my BA honours in Early Childhood Studies in 2017.
Leza Shirt Deputy Manager at Happy Stars Babies
I started working for Happy Stars in 2015 and I am now the Deputy Manager at our Baby setting, I have also held roles of room leader in baby room and yellow stars and that of Special Educational Needs Coordinator. I have a BA Hons in Early Childhood Studies I have a little girl also attends the nursery. I'm proud to be part of a great team and making a difference to other family lives.
Rebekah Short Deputy Manager at Happy Stars Babies
I have been part of the Happy Stars team since 2012, I have just returned after having a carer break to spend time with my daughter. I am Deputy Manager at the Baby setting. I received my degree in early childhood studies in 2016. I love working with families and supporting all the children in their early journey of education.
Tracy Scott Office Manager
I have been a part of the Happy Stars family since 2007. I gained my level 3 in childcare in 2003, when I had a change in career. I have worked in all rooms of Happy Stars during this time, I am now the Office Manager and I still love been in the room with the children. I have worked in childcare for over 24 years since my own children have been little. It is such an amazing experience to be able to be part of children's early learning and development, to be given the chance watching them grow surrounded by the love that they receive whilst in our care. Outside of nursery I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, exploring my new love of photography.


Amanda Holloway Tiny Stars – Room leader / Early years practitioner
I started working at Happy Stars in 2006. I am Level three qualified in Childcare. I now have the role of room leader in the baby room. I really enjoy helping the children settle in and love watching them start their learning journey at Happy Stars and building a good relationship with the families.
Bethany Patrick Nursery Assistant
Clare Anderson SENCO/Early Years Practitioner
I started working at Happy Stars in October 2011, after completing my degree in Early Childhood Studies. I work Wednesday to Friday in the Red Stars room. I really enjoy working with this age group and being a part of their learning and development.
Courtney Bradley Early Years Practitioner
Courtney Hibbert Early Years Practitioner
I am a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner, and I started my journey at Happy Stars in October 2022 within the yellow stars room. I qualified back in 2017 and my love for working with children has continued to grow and grow.
Daniella Mauriello Early Years Practitioner
I originally started working at Happy Stars as a student and became part of the team in September 2023. I am based in the blue stars room but sometimes work with the red stars. I enjoy supporting the children's leaming and development to ensure that all children receive a 'quality education' and I am passionate about supporting children to develop the life skills, knowledge, and confidence, to enable them to flourish and have successful futures. I am also trained in Makaton and enjoy being part of the Makaton community and in my spare time I am a member of a Makaton choir. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends as well as going on days out.
Dee Buckley Nursery Cook
I am a part time nursery cook working Monday to Wednesday. I have worked for Happy Stars since 2019. I have my level 3 Certificate in food Hygiene. I first got to know the Happy Stars team through my daughter attending the nursery from 10 months old. Although she now is at school full time, she still enjoys coming to the holiday club and helping me try out new recipes at home so that I can then recreate them for the children at nursery.
Elizabeth Baddeley Early Years Apprentice
I am currently an apprentice at Happy Stars and working towards my Level 3 qualification this all cam about after wanting a career whilst on maternity with my little boy I now have two children who I love spending my spare time with enjoying lots of days out.
Ellie Bush SENCO/Room Lead Yellow Stars
I am the yellow stars room lead and SENCO at Happy Stars Babies. I have worked at Happy Stars since 2014 and I am Level 3 qualified in Childcare.
Frances Bruce Nursery Cook
I am Frances or Fran; I am one of the cooks at Happy Stars where I have worked since 2014. I qualified in catering in 1982 where I completed my 706.1 at Bedford college. I later went on to become a teaching assistance, but my real passion is in food. I absolutely love my job.
Gwen Barnard Early Years Practitioner
I have worked in childcare since 2002. I started at Happy Stars in January 2023 and I am based in the Tiny Stars room. I love watching the children grow, develop and building that special bond between my key children and their families
Jade Hunsley Early Years Practitioner / Out of school co-ordinator
Katie Hanly Yellow Stars and Blue Stars Room Leader/Early Years Teacher Practitioner
I first worked at Happy Stars in 2010 before I completed my teacher training. I then spent the last ten years working as a reception teacher and having children of my own who have both attended Happy Stars Nursery and the Junior Stars Club. I am delighted to be back working at Happy Stars again and helping the children to grow and develop on their early years journey. I love music, signing, stories and really enjoy cooking in my spare time.
Katie Ward Early Years Practitioner
I started my journey at Happy Stars at the beginning of November 2022. I have enjoyed every minute since I started. Seeing the children laughing and enjoying themselves, developing who they are is a great privilege I get to see and be a part of each day. I have worked in early years settings for five years. I completed my degree and have my BA Honours Level 6 in childcare.
Katie Watson Nursery Assistant
Kelly Tune Early Years Practitioner/ Out of school club co-ordinator
I Started working at Happy Stars in early 2017 as an apprentice and have since completed my Level 3 qualification. I now split my days between being with the yellow stars in a morning and the junior stars after school and in the holidays. I really enjoy getting to work with the different ages and seeing them learn and grown while there are with us.
Kim Prior Early Years Practitioner
Kyra Carolan Early Years Practitioner
Laura Needham Early Years Practitioner
I started working at Happy stars in 2021. I have my Level 3 qualification in childcare. I work between the yellow stars and red stars rooms which helps the children have a familiar face during their and the parent’s transitions to the other site. Since working at Happy Stars I have love seeing the children’s individual personalities come out and enjoy watching the learn and grow.
Laura White Early Years Practitioner
I started working at Happy Stars in May 2022. I hold a level 3 Diploma in childcare. I am mainly based in the blue stars room. I enjoy seeing the children grow and develop
Lisa Coulson Early Years Practitioner
I have worked at Happy Stars since just after they opened their doors in opened in 2002. I have two grown up daughter and they both attended Happy Stars and have been party of my journey. Over the years I have worked with children of all age groups, and I currently work at the pre-school building working in both the red and blue stars room. I love having fun with the children and watching and teaching them learn new skills. I have a level 3 qualification in childcare.
Louise Matson Early Years Practitioner
I started working at Happy Stars in June 2022. I have worked in early years settings since 2015 and hold a level 3 qualification in childcare. I love supporting the children to reach their milestones and giving them a fun, secure and comfortable environment whilst away from their homes
Lucy Raspin Early Years Practitioner
Lydia Morley Early Years Practitioner
I joined Happy Stars as a student before coming part of the team in November 2021. I love seeing the children grow and develop during their time at Happy Stars. I have three young children, and in my spare time we enjoy days out with family and friends. We love to visit new places and take on new adventures.
Megan Houldridge Early Years Practitioner
I started my journey at Happy Stars as an apprentice in 2016 soon after I completed my Level 3 Qualification. I enjoy working with children and seeing them grow and develop.
Megan Pearson Early Years Practitioner
Naiomi Heaton Early Years Practitioner
I started off as a student at Happy Stars for 2 years before I gained my Level 3 qualification. I am now a fulltime practitioner in the Yellow Stars room.
Razia Khatun Early Years Practitioner
I have been working at Happy Stars since June 2022, I am level 3 qualified in childcare. I am currently undertaking my foundation degree in Early Years Childhood Education. I love seeing the children grow and develop during their time at Happy Stars. I have three young children, and in my spare time we enjoy days out with family and friends.
Rebekah Woods Early Years Practitioner
Sophie Wildman Nursery Cook
Summer Shaw Early Years Practitioner
I started off being a student at happy stars, then left college with a level 3 certificate in childcare then became part of the team. I love seeing the children grow and see their personalities shine.
Tilly Foster Nursery Assistant