About Us
As a parent led nursery, Grasshoppers gives parents a unique opportunity to be directly involved in decisions about all aspects of the running of the nursery. Everything from gardening and DIY, laundry & sewing, social events (with and without the children), fundraising and accounting, is all undertaken by our wonderful parent community.
All parent are required to take on a role, this is what makes our nursery unique and keeps fees down. There will always be a way in which to contribute and a friendly parent to help you if needed. There is a monthly meeting for all parents and staff to discuss how they feel things are going and make decisions on how improvements can be made.
Our days are action packed, full of play, learning, outdoors exploration and delicious & healthy organic food.
Read more about our daily routine and activities…
Manifesto
The aim of Grasshoppers is to provide an enriching experience for the children and to be an asset to the wider community. Grasshoppers is run by parents; and all parents also have the opportunity to work at the nursery as part payment of fees. Through their involvement, parents gain valuable skills, help to provide positive learning experiences for their children and feel a greater sense of community.
Familiarising ourselves with a range of ideas about how to study early childhood is to enrich our understanding. Delving into ideas and thinking about them deeply is important; and will help us to ensure that children are treated with the alertness, with the humour and with the reciprocity they, like anyone else, deserve.
Our Wonderful Staff
Luciana
Manager
SENCO
First Aider
Luciana has been our Nursery Manager since
September 2011. She is responsible for the overall operation and organisation of the nursery. Luciana works with the children to provide the best possible surroundings and stimulation for each child’s development. She has a wealth of experience in early years education and Montessori teaching.
Luciana works closely with both parents and staff to ensure every family enjoys their experience at Grasshoppers. She plays an integral part in the executive committee and has a close working relationship with the parent directors. Her warm and friendly approach helps new families and their children to settle in quickly and happily.
- MA Sociology of Childhood and Children’s Rights
- BA Honours Early Childhood Studies
- Early Years Professional Status
- Montessori Diploma
Bruce
Deputy Manager
Forest School Leader
Health Lead
First Aider
Bruce has been at Grasshoppers since January 2013. Bruce’s background in acting allows him to be an endearing storyteller and performer.
Bruce also leads regular Forest School sessions for the children, and his botanical expertise encourages children’s exploration and understanding of nature.
- NVQ Level 3 Children and Young persons Workforce
- Level 3 Forest School Leader
Thi
Deputy Manager
Health & Safety
Deputy Safeguarding Officer
First Aider
Thi has been with Grasshoppers since summer 2006. She has a special interest in numeracy and has undertaken additional training. Thi teaches numeracy in ways that are fun and that make sense to young children.
Thi has a warm, friendly nature, and also has great patience – especially with children who like to focus on individual tasks.
- NVQ Level 3 Childcare and Education
Coral
Staff
Special Needs Support Worker
First Aider
Coral has been at Grasshoppers since 2013. She has a wealth of experience working with children and is wonderfully patient and maternal.
Coral has a real engagement with the children and is incredibly competent and professional.
- NVQ Level 2 Childcare and Education
Roberta
Staff
Safeguarding Lead
First Aider
Roberta has much experience with engaging children in performing arts and walkabout theatre. She has also performed with Hackney Childrens’ Theatre and facilitates drama workshops and performances with young adults.
Roberta is a skilled puppet maker and storyteller, and is in the process of planning drama sessions for the children.
- NVQ Level 3 in Childcare & Education
- BA Honours Drama & Acting
Amber
Staff
Amber is a trained Steiner primary teacher with a creative and philosophical approach to children’s learning and development. During her studies, she completed internships in several schools in the Netherlands.
Amber grew up on an island in the Netherlands and is very fond of natural landscapes such as forests and beaches. She loves experiencing the outdoors, the change of seasons and weather. She also enjoys singing, reading, storytelling, cooking and baking.
Nives
Kitchen Co-ordinator
Nives is the Grasshoppers Kitchen Coordinator, which isn’t just a fancy name for a cook! She also plans the meals and orders the food – all of which is organic, vegetarian produce (from local suppliers where possible), carefully selected for health and nutrition.
Please click to view Nives’ weekly menu
Kind Words
Press
Parents
OFSTED
We are very happy to hold a GOOD Ofsted rating.
(February 2018)