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 and am now Deputy Manager. Having worked in childcare for over 10 years, I am now Level 5 qualified.
I love working with children and developing great bonds with them. I like to be a part of their development and watching them grow. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family.
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.
Mrs Yates
Pre-School Practitioner
Hello, I first came to Cottam Nursery School as a parent when my twin boys came here.
I have always loved the friendly, nurturing and stimulating atmosphere that my wonderful colleagues and I strive hard to maintain for each and every precious child we take care of.
As a qualified Librarian it will be no surprise to hear that my greatest joy is encouraging and inspiring a lifetime love of books and reading – and indeed beginning the journey towards the goal of independent reading through our early phonics work.
Miss Carla Wheatman
Barn Room Practitioner
My name is Carla and I have worked in childcare since 2012. During this time, I have gained experience working with all ages from 0-4 years. I initially began as a cook in a nursery which progressed to working with the children which is my real passion.
I thoroughly enjoy my job and have never looked back 😊
In my spare time I spend time with my children and grandchildren.
Mrs Kath McBride
Barn Room Practitioner
Hello, my name is Kath. I started my childcare career in 1996 and gained a BTEC in Childhood Studies in 2000. Since then, I have been fortunate to gain a wealth of experience working within several Day Care and Pre-school settings in Preston and Northern Ireland. I started my wonderful journey with Cottam Nursery School in 2003 where I worked alongside the team for 3 years before returning to the setting again in 2020.
I enjoy providing high quality care and education, celebrating every success no matter how big or small whilst working together with parents to achieve the best possible start to their child’s education.
Miss Gail Johnson
Barn Room 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.
Mrs Katie Stables
Pre-School 1-2-1 Support
I have worked as a childcare practitioner for over 25 years and still feel as passionately about this profession as when I first qualified. Becoming a parent myself has given me a new outlook on my role as a practitioner and this enables me to see things from an entirely different perspective.
I am also in a unique position where I have developed extensive knowledge in the field of special needs due to my previous roles as a SENCO and through my own personal experiences, as my daughter is autistic and has a learning disability.
I enjoy singing with the children and use my Makaton training to support their language and communication.
Mrs Vicky McKewan
Pre-School 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.
Miss Bethany Miller
Pre-School Practitioner, Deputy SENDCO
Bethany is currently on maternity leave. She will update her profile when she returns to the Nursery.
Miss Megan Armistead
Pre-School 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!
Mrs Michelle Thomson
Barn Room Practitioner
Cottam Nursery School