Many years ago my eldest son started nursery school and after a few months the lady that owned the nursery asked me if I would like to cover if anyone was absent. I said yes, thinking that I probably wouldn't be called upon, but before very long I was a full-time member of staff and both of my children were at nursery with me.  Little did I know that my life was about to change so dramatically and that I would fall in love with the children and what I was doing.  In those days Ofsted didn't exist and life was much simpler than it is today, (no paperwork), we played all day and the children were happy and had an amazing time. Funny how things come round again. 

I worked at Greatham Village nursery for 15 years where I was made deputy manager and took over the running of the nursery.  When the opportunity to purchase Bohunt playgroup came about I had very mixed feelings, but it was the best decision I have ever made and Mad Hatter’s was born. I opened the nursery in January 2001 with 1 colleague, two children, a portacabin and a vision.  That vision has changed many times over the years and as we accomplish each aspect of that vision it changes again.

I am very lucky to have worked with some very special adults and children over the years and that has in turn made Mad Hatter’s what it is today. In 2002 I was asked to return to Greatham Village Nursery to manage that as well. Luckily, I have amazing staff at both nurseries that has enabled me to achieve this. Over the years I have done copious amount of training, covering all aspects of early years foundation stage education, been through a few Ofsted inspections and learnt so much from the children and adults I have had the privilege to work with. After all these years I am still passionate about the nurseries and what we can do to support families and children alike. 

I have worked in childcare since 2002, first as a nanny for 3 young boys and then joined Mad Hatter's as a work experience placement whilst undertaking my Foundation degree in Early Years Care and Education. After graduating, I went on to complete and achieve a 2:1 in my BA Hons in Early Childhood Studies degree. In 2010 I qualified at Chichester University as an official Early Years Teacher.

​

I have worked for Mrs Chiverton throughout my nursery career, both at Mad Hatter's and our sister nursery at Greatham. In 2008 I took on the role as head of room for the newly opened Little Hatties, teaching 2- and 3-year-olds. In 2011, I also became Deputy manager of Mad Hatter's. In September 2020 I took over the role as head of Big Hatties and in 2024 I celebrated my 20 years service.

​

​After all these years I am as passionate and dedicated to my career as I was when I started over 20 years ago. I find that each cohort of children I care for teach me almost as much as I teach them and I love that every day is different. I have 2 children of my own and as a family we love dog walks and spending time together. 

I have worked at Mad hatters since 2019. Both my children went to nursery here and it really is a special place to be. 

​

In 2020 I took over the role as Head of Room in Little Hatties. To see children being worried and nervous at being left, to becoming happy and confident is a joy to watch. I enjoy building strong partnerships with families and being part of each child’s unique journey. 

​

I am extremely passionate about supporting children’s emotional well-being. In 2026 I trained as an early years ELSA (emotional literacy support). This helps to support children in understanding their feelings and emotions, build resilience and develop confidence in all that they do.

​

At Mad Hatter’s we believe that children’s emotional well-being is just as important as their learning journey. ELSA provides a nurturing, safe and supportive environment where the children can explore their feelings. They can build confidence and develop emotional skills they need to thrive. ELSA sessions are tailored to meet child’s individual needs and are delivered through play, stories, games and gentle conversations. Children are supported to recognise their emotions, gain the tools to help early on to make a big difference to their emotional well-being.

​

Working in early years is my passion and I feel incredibly lucky to do it every day. I enjoy exploring our wonderful garden with the children, singing and dancing and getting stuck in with any messy play.

My name is Mrs Mather and I am the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) here at Mad Hatter's. I have worked in child care for over 20 years and have experience working in nurseries, as a private nanny, and also as a mum!

​

It is a pleasure to be part of a child's journey for the first few years of their lives, and providing them with an environment in which they can explore and build their confidence for the big wide world :)

​

I am incredibly passionate about working with children with additional needs and in 2025 I successfully completed the level 3 Early Years SENCO programme. I know how important it is for these children to have someone who understands them and their needs, as well as advocating for them. I am very driven to ensure they feel safe and secure in their environment. We have a team of highly qualified staff who have all undergone specific training on Autism Spectrum Condition, as well as many other courses, to support all children reach their full potential.

I first started working at Mad Hatter's in 2014 when I was 18. I had just finished at college doing performance arts and wasn’t sure where I wanted to take my career. I have always really loved working and creating fun memories with children and decided to start my child care journey. I took on an apprenticeship role working towards my NVQ 2 and NVQ 3 qualifications in Children's Learning and Development. 

​

During my time at Mad Hatter’s I have loved being able to work in both the rooms, seeing all the children grow as we help them develop along the way. In September 2020 I took on the role as Big Hatties Deputy room leader, I was so excited to be a part of the children’s last year of nursery getting them ready for their next chapter at big school. As I have been part of the Mad Hatter’s team for many years now, I do feel as we are a big family and we take the time to really get to know the children, their interests, their humour and what makes them them! And I can’t wait to see many more amazing children come through our doors!

I began my early years career in 2011, completing my CACHE Level 2 in Childcare at Chichester College. Following a placement at Greatham Nursery, I joined Mad Hatter’s to complete my CACHE Level 3 Diploma and have spent the majority of my career here, alongside time spent as a private nanny in 2014-2017.

​

I returned to Mad Hatter’s in 2018, after welcoming my first child in 2015, I was drawn back by the strong team environment and the balance it gives my family. Both of my own children attended Hatties and truly thrived under the care of our wonderful staff.

​

In 2022, I was given the opportunity to become Deputy Head of Room for Little Hatties. I love bringing everything I have learned into my daily practice to help our youngest Hatties grow and develop. My favourite nursery activities include arts and crafts, play dough, reading stories, and going on bug hunts! Outside of work, I love spending quality time with my family, making memories and taking our dog for walks.

After spending nearly 20 years working as a hairdresser, in 2022 I decided to take a new direction and study for my childcare qualifications. In the summer of 2024, I qualified with a CACHE Level 3 diploma for the Early Years Workforce. In March 2026 I gained my CACHE Level 3 Award in Supporting Children and Young People's Speech, Language and Communication, with my chosen additional module supporting the speech, language and communication development of children who are learning more than one language. I am incredibly passionate about my role as Speech and Language Lead, and helping children build their confidence, develop their communication skills and express themselves effectively however that may be. Supporting children who speak English as an additional language, ensuring every child feels included, understood and able to reach their full potential is so important. 

​

My previous career has given me excellent communication skills (I absolutely love a chat!) which I now use to make a positive difference to the children. I’m so very passionate about ensuring the interventions I deliver are to the highest standard they can be, giving all the children the best possible chance they deserve. I believe speech and language is the foundation which impacts so many other developmental areas. 

​

I really enjoy spending time with the children and getting to know their individual characters. It is such a pleasure and privilege to play a small part in their learning journeys. I realise how important and special it is to celebrate each child’s individual achievements and to build their confidence as they continue to develop. 

​

As a busy mum of two children, I love watching them grow and explore and through them they have taught me so much. I enjoy nothing more than making memories with my family and friends. Both of my children absolutely loved their time at Mad Hatter's! 

Mad Hatter's holds such a special place in my heart and I feel so very lucky to be a part of this amazing team.

My name is Debs Casey and I completed my work experience at Mad Hatter's when I was 15 years old. In 2011 I completed my Level 2 & 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce after I briefly left for maternity leave when I had my son.

I officially joined the amazing Mad Hatter’s team in 2025 after helping out in both Little and Big Hatties in 2024. The last 20 years I was a qualified beauty therapist before taking on some PA work but my love is working with children.

I spend most of time in Big Hatties and love seeing the children every day, wondering what game we’re going to play, whether it’s inside or outside play. Watching them grow and see how much they enjoy their time here and getting ready for their next journey on to school. 

Having two children myself, I love being a mum and feel I can use my own personal experience. 

We love spending time walking the dog and lots of activities at home.

My son came to Mad Hatter's and I was fortunate to start work here and watch how much he loved his time here. Now I get to be the one to have the fun here. We’re one big family and I'm thankful to be a part of this amazing team.

I joined the Mad Hatter's team in January 2025 after being on maternity leave with my second child. Prior to this I have done hairdressing and in more recent years payroll but fancied a change! After being a parent at Mad Hatter’s, when I was given the opportunity to work there, I knew it was too good an opportunity to miss and I have not looked back. 

I have worked in both Big and Little Hatties and have really enjoyed getting to know all of the children and their interests. I love all aspects of play with the children, especially role play, small world play and reading stories. 

I am a mum of 2 children and love nothing more than going on adventures with them and making memories.