Team

Claire Murray

Nursery Manager

Claire Murray has worked at Puddleduck since qualifying as a Practitioner in 2014. In that time she has been promoted to senior practitioner then team leader before getting her latest promotion to Nursery Manager. Claire has completed SVQ 2,3 & 4 and is now studying towards her PDA in Childhood Practice at Glasgow Clyde College. Claire is passionate about her career and enjoys helping both the staff and children to reach their highest potential. Claire prides herself in providing and maintaining a safe, caring and fun environment for the children within the Puddleduck setting. Claire also works alongside Kathleen in our children's committee, this ensures our children's voices are heard and we can plan for improvements or changes.

Kathleen Bennett

Nursery Liaison Manager

Kathleen has a long-term career in the childcare industry which began back in 2001 with training with Carousel and achieving her SVQ 3 in 2003. Kathleen continued to grow as a practitioner and added SVQ 4 to her qualifications, she is now studying towards her PDA Childhood Practice with Glasgow Clyde College. Soon after becoming a manager, with Kathleen as manager her setting achieved the best scores in care inspectorate history in Glasgow of all 6s. This is the highlight of her career. Kathleen believes in delivering a curriculum with a child's individual needs, cognitive and social-emotional processes in mind. She is great team player with the ability to support other staff members and work with management. Kathleen is also the leader of our parents committee, this is a great way to get our service users involved in the life of the nursery.

Brooklyne Leadbitter

Senior Leader of Learning

Brooklyne Started at Puddleduck Nursery in April 2023, she has been working in Early Years for over 6 years and holds her SVQ level 3 in childcare and development. She recently transitioned from another nursery to our nursery along with a group of children, this has been a great support to children, their families and Brooklyne herself. She is also our Events leader and works alongside Kathleen with this.

Alana Dick

Qualified Leader of Learning - Leader of Attainment

Alana is a very passionate practitioner who started her career here with us in Puddleduck nursey in 2020 and achieved her qualification -SVQ level 3 in social services for children and young people, she is continuing her professional develop as she starts University in October 2022 to explore BA Childhood practice. Alana has great relationships with all our children, families, and staff. Alana is also our leader for attainment.

Karen McSporran

Qualified Leader of Learning - Leader of Children's Committee

Karen joined Puddleduck nursery in July 2023. She enjoys working with children has great knowledge of attachment theory. Karen has had experience and training working alongside Dr Suzanne Zeedyk, a development psychologist and research scientist. Since starting Karen has shared her knowledge and experience with staff and parents regarding attachments and strategies they could use. Karen is planning to spend a week in Africa in September 2024 to work alongside other Leaders of learning and share her knowledge. She is beginning her PDA Plus Childhood Practice degree in August 2024. Karen is the leader for our Children's committee.

Brooke Penders

Student Leader of Learning

Brooke has recently started in Puddleduck Nursery, she is an enthusiastic, bubbly young lady who is extremely happy to start her career in early years. Brooke is working towards her SVQ Level 3 qualifications with Tigers.

Orlaith Browne

Student Leader of Learning

Sharmaine McGettigan

Student Early Years Practitioner

Sharmaine started in Puddleduck in October 2023, she is currently working towards her SVQ Level 3 with Tigers training Centre. She works within our little duckling department and has developed positive relationships with children, families and staff. Sharmaine is a member of our Children's Committee.

Abby McGown

Student Leader of Learning

Abby started her career in early years in March 2023, when she Joined Puddleduck nursery. she is working towards her SVQ Level 3 in childcare and development with L&G Learning. Abby is a bubbly member of staff who has developed positive relationships with all children, families and staff, she also works alongside Pauline in part of our Eco committee.

Becca Smith

Hoillicom Marketing and Social Media

Hollicom is a multi-disciplined creative communications agency supplying Public Relations, Strategic Communications, and Creative media as its core services. Becca has worked across digital, social media, events and PR over her career. She is ambitious committed to working with brands that have a positive social impact.