Meet the Team
Friendly Faces, Caring Hearts
Our experienced and passionate team creates a warm, welcoming environment where every child feels safe, valued and encouraged to thrive.
Anayah
Nursery Manager
Anayah joined Nightingales at just 16 and quickly discovered her passion for early years. She became Nursery Manager in 2021 and is proud to lead the team in creating a warm and nurturing environment for every child.
She loves watching children grow in confidence, celebrate new achievements and develop their own unique personalities through play and exploration.
Qualification Level 5 Early Years
Passion Outdoor learning, confidence and child development
Selina
Owner
Selina has been part of the Nightingales family since 2002 and took over the business in 2004. Before joining Nightingales, she worked as a primary school teacher, where her passion for supporting children first began.
She believes children thrive when they feel happy, secure, valued and cared for, and has built Nightingales around a warm, supportive and family-focused ethos.
Experience Part of Nightingales since 2002
Background Former Primary School Teacher
Freddy
Nursery Chef
Freddy has been part of the Nightingales team since 2007 and takes great pride in preparing fresh, home-cooked meals for the children every day.
He enjoys introducing children to new flavours and encouraging them to explore a wide variety of healthy and nutritious foods in a fun and enjoyable way.
Experience Part of Nightingales since 2007
Also Supports Wraparound care across Penarth schools
Julie
Nursery Nurse
Julie is a Level 2 Nursery Nurse currently working towards her Level 3 qualification. She loves supporting children as they learn, grow and reach important milestones.
For Julie, the most rewarding part of the role is seeing children build confidence and develop into happy, independent little people.
Qualification Level 2 Nursery Nurse
Currently Studying Level 3 Childcare
Emma
Deputy Manager
Emma joined Nightingales as Deputy Manager in January 2026 after spending 21 years as a schoolteacher and moving into childcare in 2020.
She is passionate about supporting children’s learning, development and confidence, and especially loves seeing creativity flourish through arts, crafts and imaginative play.
Experience 21 years in teaching
Joined Nightingales January 2026
Lili-Mae
Trainee Nursery Nurse
Lili-Mae has been part of the Nightingales team for almost two years and is currently studying towards her Level 2 Childcare qualification.
Her favourite part of the day is spending time outside with the children, watching them explore, build confidence and discover new things independently.
Currently Studying Level 2 Childcare
Favourite Activity Outdoor learning and exploration
Tabitha
Baby Unit Team Leader
Tabitha has been Team Leader in the Baby Unit for the past eight years and loves being part of such an important stage in children’s lives.
One of the most rewarding parts of her role is watching the babies she has cared for grow into confident, happy children and seeing them head off for their first day of school.
Experience 8 years leading the Baby Unit
Passion Supporting babies through their earliest years
Leah
Nursery Nurse
Leah has been a Nursery Nurse at Nightingales since 2019 and is Level 2 qualified in Childcare.
She loves helping children develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning, and finds celebrating their achievements and milestones one of the most rewarding parts of her role.
Qualification Level 2 Childcare
Joined Nightingales 2019
Misty
Nursery Nurse
Misty is a Level 3 qualified Nursery Nurse who joined Nightingales in 2023. She especially loves planning messy play experiences for the babies.
She enjoys seeing their curiosity and excitement as they explore different textures and materials, with The Wonky Donkey being one of her favourite books to share with the children.
Qualification Level 3 Nursery Nurse
Joined Nightingales 2023
Michelle
Nursery Nurse Assistant
Michelle has worked as a Nursery Nurse Assistant for the past six years. Her favourite part of the role is watching children learn and grow through play.
She particularly enjoys seeing children spending time together in the garden and expressing their creativity through arts and crafts.
Experience 6 years as a Nursery Nurse Assistant
Favourite Activities Outdoor play, arts and crafts