Nickie's Nippers Pre-School
Meet our team
At Nickie's Nippers Pre-School in Crayford, all our staff are fully trained and qualified. We pride ourselves on only employing the very best to look after your children. Each and every member of staff attend regular first aid training and safeguarding courses for your peace of mind.
Nickie's Nippers Pre-School is Ofsted registered and we are registered members of The Early Years Alliance Association.
We accept both childcare vouchers and government funding for child placements.
Nicola Gayle
Director
Since Nickie has had two children of her own and a passion for children, she decided to re-train with Ofsted, going from Ofsted registered childminder to opening a pre-school to further her passion.
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Nickie worked in the city of London doing accounts for Magic Circle law firms until her mum was taken poorly with cancer, which left her without childcare.
Nickie went on to turn her whole life around to study childcare and be able to provide parents with childcare that Nickie would have liked for her own children.
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Since being an Ofsted registered childminder she has decided to open facilities to look after and help families in her preschool.
Gemma Scarley
Deputy Manager / Pre-School Practitioner / Designated Safeguarding Lead / Fire Marshall
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I am proud to be the Deputy Manager here at NIckie’s Nippers Preschool. My journey into early years education began when my own children were young. I worked as a childminder, during which I completed my Level 3 qualification in home-based childminding. It was a lovely way to combine my passion for working with children with the flexibility of being at home for my own family. I first joined the Nickie’s Nippers team to help cover a period of staff sickness. What was meant to be a short-term role quickly turned into something much more. I became part of the bank staff team, and within just nine months I was thrilled to take on the role of Deputy Manager. What I love most about working at Nickie’s Nippers is watching the children grow and learn through play. Seeing them express themselves, build friendships, and develop their unique personalities in an environment where they feel safe and supported is incredibly rewarding. We pride ourselves on giving the children the space, encouragement, and resources they need to explore the world around them. Every day is different, and that is what makes this job so special. Whether they are building castles in the sand, painting masterpieces, or acting out stories with their friends, we embrace every child’s imagination and ideas. It’s a privilege to be part of each child’s early years journey, helping to prepare them for their next adventure as they head off to reception.
Brooke Harman
Level 3 Practitioner
Hello, my name is Brooke, and I started working at Nickie’s Nippers in November 2023, and it has been one of the most fulfilling roles I’ve ever had. Working with children has always been a passion of mine—so much so that I left school to pursue a two-year course in childcare and education. In 2021, I proudly achieved my Level 3 Certificate and Diploma, which laid the foundation for the work I do now. From the moment I stepped into this field, I knew it was where I belonged. Being part of the team at Nickie’s Nippers is incredibly rewarding. I love being able to support, teach, and nurture children as they grow, learn, and explore the world around them. Every day brings something new—whether it’s helping a child overcome a challenge, reach a milestone, or simply enjoy a moment of play and discovery. Seeing the impact, we can have on their early years is truly special, and I feel lucky to be doing something I genuinely love.
Christine Murrell
Pre-School Practitioner
Hi, my name is Christine, and I joined Nickie’s Nippers in April 2024. My passion for teaching and education began during the Covid pandemic while home-schooling my two boys. Supporting them through their learning journeys and seeing their progress firsthand inspired me to help other children grow and develop with the same care and encouragement. Prior to joining Nickie’s Nippers, I studied to become a teaching assistant (NCFE) and spent a year and a half gaining experience in a local school, where I achieved my qualifications. Working at Nickie’s Nippers has been extremely rewarding for me. It brings me so much joy to watch the children thrive in a safe, happy, and nurturing environment. I’m also committed to my professional development and regularly take part in training courses to continue expanding my knowledge and skills.
Wendy Callager
Manager / Level 3 Practitioner
Hi, my name is Wendy and I’m the manager at Nickie’s Nippers. I have been here since November 2023.
I have worked in childcare for at least 28 years, and I have a diploma in pre school practice level 3, along with many other qualifications achieved over the years.
Working at Nickie’s Nippers is a wonderful and fulfilling opportunity, being part of the children’s first experience is rewarding. Watching them learn and grow, getting them ready to move onto their next stage in education and being part of that, for me, there is not anything better.
The team I lead are amazing, they work hard to provide our children with the absolute best opportunities so they develop and flourish into independent little people, with a love and curiosity for learning that will stay with them throughout their educational journey.
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Lisa Martin
SENCO Leader / Level 3 Practitioner
Hello, my name is Lisa, and I started working at Nickie’s Nippers in January 2024.
I always knew that I wanted to work with children, and I have been fortunate enough to have worked in the early year's profession for 24 years. I gained my level 3 diploma in 2004, and I regularly attend training to extend my learning and further my knowledge. I am the SENCO leader at the setting, and I am passionate and dedicated in this rewarding role.
The team at Nickie’s Nippers and I believe that every child is unique, and we are all committed to creating a warm, fun, safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for all children that attend our setting
Leanne O’Connell
Pre-School Practitioner
Hi, my name is Leanne, and I joined Nickie’s Nippers in October 2022. I have worked in the childcare sector for 13 years. Working in childcare is deeply rewarding and helps me pursue my passion in supporting children through the vital early stages of their learning and development. Creativity plays a key role in my approach, and I especially enjoy doing crafts with the children. It is a wonderful way for them to express themselves, develop fine motor skills, and explore varied materials. I love planning hands-on activities that spark their imagination and curiosity. At Nickie’s Nippers, we create a safe, supportive, and positive environment where children feel valued, confident, and inspired to explore the world around them.
Nickie's Nippers Pre-School testimonial
"My kids have been with Nickie for nearly two years now, she is totally at home with her. How she keeps them entertained with trips out and activities. Her dinners are great, proper home cooked food (some days I wish she'd fed me!) My kids are very happy, although my eldest has left for secondary school and no longer goes regularly, he is still welcomed into her home and feels comfortable to go to her on occasions if needed. Overall I am really happy with Nickie caring for my children and hope to stay with her for the rest of my daughters primary school years."