Meet the Team
Our Little Explorers team are all qualified or working towards their Early Years Educator qualification or above as part of our setting standard.
We provide our team with a wealth of training and support to help further enhance their learning and continual professional development throughout their career.
In 2016 we were awarded 'Employer of the Year' for our continual commitment to the development of all of our Little Explorer team.
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We were once again awarded 'Employer of the Month' in 2020 and again in November 2022.
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Our goal at Little Explorers is to ensure that all staff work together as a team to become outstanding Early Years Practitioners within an enjoyable and supportive environment.
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All staff are Paediatric First Aid Trained and DBS checked on the yearly update service.
management
Gemma Roberts
Financial Director/Owner
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Paediatric First Aid Trained
My passion for working in the Early Years started at a young age, from playing with my dolls as a little girl, to babysitting for family friends as I became older and securing my first apprenticeship in a nursery in 2007.
Fast forward to 2012 and I was a qualified practitioner with my own little boy on the way and wondering how I would juggle motherhood and my career.
This all led to the creation of Little Explorers and in 2013 we first opened our doors as Little Explorers Childminding.
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In 2017 I had my second little boy and Little Explorers expanded once more.
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During my Early Years Career I have had a variety of roles from Private Nannying to Early Years Leader for the Childminding Community for Somerset County Council.
By 2022 we knew it was time to really go for it, the passion, the love, the enjoyment of watching children learn and grow in a supportive and caring environment, creating those bonds and memories with families has never lost its magic. This is our third and final move for Little Explorers and without a doubt our biggest adventure yet.
I can’t wait to meet all of the new families who will pass through our doors and share with you all our Little Explorer ethos!
Claire
Manager / SENCO
Level 3 Early Years Educator
​Paediatric First Aid Trained
Claire joined our Little Explorers team in 2024!
Claire is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the setting. Claire is also our settings SENCO and uses her knowledge in this area to support staff on the floor, complete ADPRs, EHA's and EHCPs to support children in their learning and development.
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Claire makes up a fundamental part of our management team, whilst always bringing her warm and bubbly personality into the work place!
Megan
Floor Manager / Stand in Deputy Manager
EAL Coordinator
Level 6 Early Years Educator
​Paediatric First Aid Trained
Megan joined Little Explorers in 2024.
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Megan's role is to oversee the care and education provided to all of our Children at Little Explorers.
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Megan supports staff knowledge, understanding, implementation of the curriculum and ensuring staff feel competent and supported within their roles.
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Megan has quickly established herself within the team as a driven, determined and passionate member who consistently ensures the best care and learning opportunities are delivered to every child within our care.
Katie Grabham
Administrator / Stand in Deputy
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Level 3 Early Years Educator
Paediatric First Aid Trained
Katie joined our Little Explorer team in 2018.
During this time Katie has completed her Level 3 Early Years Educator, in which she was awarded a distinction. Katie has also gone on to further enhance her knowledge and skills in Leadership and Management and Designated Safeguarding Lead Training.
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Having worked with us for the past 6 years she has a clear understanding and passion for implementing our Little Explorer ethos and standard.
Katie is a highly motivated and valued member of our Little Explorer family!
Kitchen Team
Katrina
Little Explorers Chef
Staff Wellbeing Supporter
Level 3 Catering
Level 3 Food Hygiene & HACCP
Allergens Awareness Training
Katrina joined our team in 2022 and has over 10 years experience cooking up delicious meals in the Catering industry.
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Katrina freshly prepares all of our Little Explorers cooked lunches, desserts, snacks and evening meals each day and serves them to the children.
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A Little Statement from Katrina:
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"I really enjoy working in a warm and friendly atmosphere watching the children learn and explore."
Michael
Little Explorers Chef
Level 3 Catering
Level 3 Food Hygiene & HACCP
Allergens Awareness Training
Michael is an Italian Chef who has been working up until joining Little Explorers in 2024 as a Nursery Chef in London. Michael and his wife have recently relocated to Taunton together.
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Michael is a very welcomed addition to Little Explorers and has already proved a huge hit with the delicious meals being served up from the kitchen!
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Cocoons
6 months - 2 years
Katie
Cocoons Room Leader
Level 3 Early Years Educator
Designated Safeguarding Lead
​Paediatric First Aid Trained
Katie joined Little Explorers in September 2022.
Following a long standing career in Childcare Katie was looking for a setting which could bring new experiences and challenges.
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Tyler
Cocoons Stand in Room Leader
Level 3 Early Years Educator
Paediatric First Aid Trained
Tyler joined Little Explorers in September 2022.
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Tyler previously worked at a Nursery where she gained her level 3 qualification before having her little boy in 2019.
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Tyler has a very warm, caring nature and makes a wonderful addition to our Cocoons Room.
Kaitlyn
Cocoons Assistant
Level 2 Early Years Practitioner
Paediatric First Aid Trained
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Kaitlyn joined Little Explorers in 2022.
Always giving great care and support to our smallest of Explorers!
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Kaitlyn's hobbies are: air soft, gaming - sims, walking and holidays.
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Milly
Cocoons Room Leader
Level 3 Early Years Educator
​Paediatric First Aid Trained
Milly joined Little Explorers in 2024.
Milly's hobbies are: I enjoy spending lots of time with my partner and family! I love getting out and about often and seeing new places, I also love being busy and creative wherever I can!
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Sophie
Supporting Room Leader
Level 5 Early Years Educator
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Paediatric First Aid Trained
Sophie joined Little Explorers in September 2022
Having worked in a Nursery for many years Sophie has first hands experience of working alongside a team and supporting young children in their early stages of development.
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A little message from Sophie:
"I really love working with children, watching them grow and develop over time is something that really interests me. I feel humbled to be able to be there with them and support their learning at such an important stage in their lives."
Ellie
Cocoons Assistant
Level 2 Trainee Early Years Educator
​Paediatric First Aid Trained
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Ellie joined us in September 2023 as a trainee apprentice. Ellie was previously cared for by Gemma at Little Explorers Childminding! When Ellie contacted us asking if we would consider her for a placement to complete her apprenticeship we were over the moon! Ellie is a kind, caring individual and we are really looking forward to supporting her career in childcare. Ellie will be based across all of our rooms at to give experience across all age groups, initially starting in our Cocoons under 2’s room.
Hannah
Cocoons Assistant
Level 3 Early Years Educator
Paediatric First Aid Trained
Hannah joined our team in 2024.
Hello I’m Hannah, I have just completed my level 3 qualification in college. I chose childcare as I want to help others and I enjoy caring for people. I am looking forward to supporting children and families in those early years and working with a lovely team. Some things I enjoy doing are reading, shopping and spending time with friends and family. I look forward to meeting you all.
Acorns
2-3 years
Dyharny
Room Leader
Trainee Level 3 Early Years Educator
​Paediatric First Aid Trained
Dyharny joined Little Explorers in 2024.
My love and passion for childcare began back in April 2019 where I started my level 2 apprenticeship. I have recently started my level 3 to gain the qualification of an ‘Early Years Educator’ where I’m expanding more of my knowledge to ensure I provide the best quality of care for your little ones. Being a part of your child’s development journey is something so special that I will forever treasure. I’m incredibly lucky to be working in such a loving and nurturing environment that rewards me everyday with the smiles on your children’s faces! Without your little ones, I wouldn’t be able to succeed in the job I love most!​​​​​​​​​​​​
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Shelly
Level 3 Early Years Educator
Paediatric First Aid Trained
Shelly joined Little Explorers in 2025.
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I am level 3 qualified as an Early Years Educator, I enjoy working with children to see how they grow and learn. I like helping them reach their next milestones and develop new skills. I have always been around children with them being in my family and having family friends with young children. I chose to come into childcare to further my knowledge around child development and the skills they learn. Outside of work I spend my time with family and friends. I enjoy getting outside and going on walks with my little girl.
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Aleesha
Room Leader/SEN Support
Level 3 Early Years Educator
Paediatric First Aid Trained
Aleesha joined our team in 2024.
Aleesha's hobbies are: Going on walks, spending time with friends and family and listening to music.
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Ellie
Level 2 Early Years Educator
Currently training towards Level 3
Paediatric First Aid Trained
Ellie joined Little Explorers in 2025.
​Hi I’m Ellie. I’m an active person who loves the outdoors and likes to spend time with my family and my dog. I’m passionate about childcare especially young children as the first 5 years of any child lives is the most important for development. I love to nurture and support the growth through play and stimulating activities. I’m always happy to talk to you about your child and how I can provide the best care for them.
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Caterpillars
2-3 years
Erica
Level 3 Early Years Educator
Senior Room Leader
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Health and Safety Officer (HSO)
Paediatric First Aid Trained
Erica joined our Little Explorers team in 2020.
Outside of work Erica is a local scouts leader and this is reflected in her bright and bubbly personality. Often bringing many of her creative ideas outdoors to share with us all!
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A little message from Erica:
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"I’m working in early years to give every child the best possible experiences and to set the foundations of learning for the future."
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Joanne
Caterpillars Assistant
Level 3 Early Years Educator
​Paediatric First Aid Trained
Jo joined our team in 2024.
Jo's hobbies are: Walking her dogs, spending time with her husband, friends and family, cooking and exploring new places!
Lesley
Caterpillars Assistant
Level 4 Early Years Educator
​Paediatric First Aid Trained
Lesley joined Little Explorers in 2022
Lesley's hobbies are: Spending time with friends and family, gardening, walks, enjoys eating out.​
Amy
Level 5 Early Years Educator
Room Leader
Paediatric First Aid Trained
Amy joined Little Explorers in 2023.
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Amy is fun, bubbly and supports the team in our 2 year room to ensure a well rounded curriculum is implemented for each child's learning and development, something which Amy is very passionate about.
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Emma
Caterpillars Assistant
Level 3 Early Years Educator
​Paediatric First Aid Trained
Emma joined Little Explorers in 2022 following the birth of her Son.
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A little message from Emma:
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"I love helping children grow and develop by planning fun and engaging activities. Watching children reach important milestones and knowing you’ve played a part in that is so rewarding.”
Tom
Caterpillars Assistant
Level 2 Trainee Early Years Educator
​Paediatric First Aid Trained
Tom joined Little Explorers in 2024. Tom is an aspiring teacher and part of his journey is starting with Early Years Learning.
Tom's hobbies are: Playing football - the children particularly enjoy joining in with Tom's football games during garden time, spending time with my family and friends, I also really like camping!
Célia
Caterpillars Assistant
Level 2 Early Years Educator
Training towards Level 3
​Paediatric First Aid Trained
Célia joined Little Explorers in 2024.
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Hello, my name is Célia I have joined Little Explores family recently, I am Level 2 qualified and currently working on finishing my Level 3. I enjoy working with little ones I’m happy that I get to be part of the life helping them to achieve their full potential. I enjoy spending time with family and friends on my spare time I like to learn new things and I enjoy travelling and learning new languages. I’m also fluent in Portuguese and English.
Butterflies
3-5 years
Abbi
Room Leader
Level 3 Early Years Educator
​Staff Wellbeing Supporter
​Paediatric First Aid Trained
Abbi joined Little Explorers in 2022.
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A little message from Abbi:
"Being in an environment thats surrounded with love and laughter is an honour itself. Being at the start of a child’s education is both thrilling and rewarding and a challenge I can’t wait to undertake".
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Sophie
Butterflies Assistant / SEN Support
Level 3 Early Years Educator
​Paediatric First Aid Trained
Sophie joined Little Explorers in 2023.
Sophie is a fun, bubbly and enthusiastic personality who brings lots of warmth and fresh ideas to Little Explorers!
Siobhan
Room Leader
Level 3 Early Years Educator
Paediatric First Aid Trained
Siobhan joined Little Explorers in 2023.
I have been working with children for over 7+ years and enjoy getting to know children and their families. I enjoy supporting SEN children and find it very rewarding to support them through their journey.
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I love creating fun and exciting activities that encourage children to be creative, use their imaginations, and learn as they play. Each child has their own personality, and it’s amazing to see how much they change and grow during their time at nursery. It’s so rewarding when a child achieves a goal, knowing they got there through time, patience, and the extra activities I’ve provided. My goal as a Practitioner, is to provide every opportunity for a child to reach their full potential.
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Outside of work, I run a local Cub pack that has over 40+ members. This allows me to continue offering new and exciting opportunities and support the new generation with life skills. Aswell as being a Cub Leader, I am one of the County Photographers for the Scout Association. My job is to take pictures that the parents can keep and cherish for years to come! It’s a busy job of taking over 1000+ pictures but is worth it, knowing parents have the memories for a lifetime!
Millie
Butterflies Assistant
Level 3 Trainee Early Years Educator
​Paediatric First Aid Trained
Millie joined our team in 2024.
“I have always found that being a part of children’s development is the most rewarding gift anyone can receive, nothing beats the feeling of going home every day and knowing you have had an impact on someone’s day whether that be something big or small and working within early years definitely gives you that feeling.”