Meet the Staff
Mrs Sarah Bolton-Rigby
Operations Director & Manager
Cottam Nursery School has been a huge part of my life since it was first opened by my mum in 1988. I have been the Registered Provider since 2006, previously supporting the onsite staff from behind the scenes until coming to work full time at the nursery in April 2022. I am currently studying Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5.
I have two wonderful children and we love nothing more than spending time with our family, with days out, trips away or big family dinners!
It is my firm belief that it takes a village to raise a child and here at Cottam we aim to provide excellent quality education with a community/family feel. We are here to support you and your child and I look forward to working in partnership with you.
Mrs Lisa Whittall
Deputy Manager
I joined the team at Cottam Nursery in September 2020 as a practitioner and progressed to Deputy Manager in January 2024. I am Level 5 qualified and have worked in Early years since 2005 😊
I love working with children and developing great bonds with them. I love to be a part of their development and watching them grow. I am very bubbly person and enjoy being silly and have fun with the children. I feel it’s very important to provide a safe and secure environment to help children thrive in all areas of development and Cottam Nursery certainly does this.
At home I spend my free time with my husband and daughter we like to explore lots of new places and enjoy the sunshine on family holidays.
I look forward to getting to know your child and helping them have the best start to their Early Years adventure.
Mrs Niki Molyneux
SENDCO
My name is Nicola Molyneux and I’m 52 years young . I have been a qualified teacher for over 30 years working first in Liverpool, then in Preston. I have had a wonderful career reaching across the Primary School age range. I retired from teaching but missed working with the children. I worked as an Assistant Childminder and realised I really enjoyed working within Early Years, so I became a practitioner to further develop my career in Early Years. I joined Cottam Nursery School in November 2021.
I particularly enjoy being outside, spending time in nature and the fresh air. I am married and have 3 children of my own, aged from 22 to 9. I have a Dalmatian, who loves to swim in the lakes and tarns near my caravan in the Lake District. I am really enjoying being part of a fantastic Nursery team, and look forward to getting to know you and your child.
Miss Holly Moore
Early Years Practitioner
Hi, I’m Miss Moore otherwise known as Holly 😊
I’ve been in childcare since May 2023, after having my own little boy in 2021, I knew this is what I wanted to do. I find working in childcare extremely rewarding watching them learn, grow and develop and become their own individual selves as they begin to understand the world around them.
I look forward to building relationships with you as parents as well as taking care of your lovely children.
Miss Laura Day
Early Years Practitioner & SENDCO
Hello, I’m Laura and I joined the Cottam Nursery team in March 2024. I have worked in early years since 2005, initially studying a BTEC Level 3 in Early Years, before going on to complete my Ba (Hons) Degree in Education and Social Care. My whole early years career has been spent working with children aged 2-5 years, as well as being part of the management team in my two previous settings.
I strongly believe that children get one chance at their early years education and as practitioners we are responsible for making it the best experience possible, in order for them to achieve their potential.
I am passionate about early mark making and initial phonics skills and you will normally find me at the mark making table supporting the little ones with making fantastic creations. I look forward to being part of your child’s journey at Cottam and preparing them for their transition to school.
Mrs Emily Bolton
Language Lead
Hello, my name is Emily and I joined the Cottam Nursery team in May 2024. Prior to this I worked as a Speech and Language Therapist within the NHS for 15 years. During this time, I have gained a wealth of experience working with children who have speech, language and communication needs. I am also Makaton trained.
I’m a mum of two amazing young boys and love spending time with my family and exploring the outdoors.
I am looking forward to bringing my experience to Cottam Nursery and supporting your child’s development.
Miss Gail Johnson
Early Years Practitioner
I joined the fabulous team at Cottam in June 2023 after relocating to Pilling from Huddersfield, with my partner and temperamental cat, to live by the sea.
Before relocating, I was the manager of a private day nursery for 21 years and have been in childcare since 1997 when I qualified as an NNEB Nursery Practitioner. I have since developed myself further by achieving NVQ Level 4 in Children’s care, learning and development and then NVQ Level 5 in Leadership for Health & Social Care and Children and Young Peoples services.
Through my past experiences, I’ve gained a lot of valuable skills to help nurture young children to develop to their full potential. I have loved every minute watching them learn, grow and enjoy themselves throughout their daily nursery life.
In my spare time, myself and my partner enjoy walking along the canals, rivers and estuaries and as members of the RSPB, finding out about nature. When we are not exploring the local areas, we enjoy spending time with the family and looking after our two lovely grandsons.
Miss Claire Holderness
Early Years Practitioner
I qualified in 2013 with a Level 3 Diploma in Children’s care, Learning and Development.
I joined the lovely team at Cottam Nursery School in September 2024 and I am based in the Barn room with the 2 - 3year olds.
I really enjoy working with children and being a part of their learning and development. I find my job very rewarding.
Mrs Vicky McEwan
Early Years Room Leader
My name is Vicky, I have worked in childcare since 2013, it really is my passion. I am both calm and energetic, caring and a little bit bonkers! 😊
I look forward to seeing the children each day and love watching them learn new things with pride and helping them in their learning journey. Outside of work I am kept very busy with my husband and our three children.
Mrs Lauren Handforth
Early Years Practitioner
Hello, my name is Mrs Handforth
I joined the Cottam nursery team in January 2025 studying level 3 childcare due to end in Nov 2025, working at another setting previously, in the baby room.
Becoming a mum inspired me to work with children and I’ve never looked back.
My little boy attended Cottam Nursery and it made him so confident ready for starting school. The environment is caring, warm and loving and I couldn’t have chosen a better place for him.
I really enjoy the sense of wonder of this age group and supporting children’s learning through lots of fun activities. This age group is truly magical and such a privilege to build bonds with.
In my spare time I love spending time with my husband and our little boy. We enjoy being outside and going on adventures to new places, especially the beach at any time of year.
Miss Megan Armistead
Early Years Practitioner
Hi my name is Miss Army and I have worked in childcare since 2010, caring for children from 3 months to 5 years, also being a mother to two children and stepmother to one.
Working with children and being able to witness their development is a passion and knowing I can be a part of that and support it, is the reason I chose childcare as a profession.
I chose Cottam Nursery School not only for myself but for my daughter too as I believe the staff, ethos and environment can provide the best for my daughter and a workplace I enjoy coming to everyday!