Our Team

Our PolkaDots Cresswood Nursery Team

Our caring staff are one of the stand-out features of PolkaDots Nurseries. Many of them have been with us since our earliest days, staying as we’ve grown, and our diverse team reflects the communities nearby that our nurseries serve.

All our staff are fully qualified, with the majority holding a Level Three Early Years Practitioner Diploma or higher. Every staff member is trained in Paediatric First Aid, Makaton signing and Safeguarding (for which they also receive regular training to keep up to date with current best practice).

We’re very proud of our team’s professionalism and all the hard work they do each day. Their enthusiasm and pleasure working with children create PolkaDots’ warm, welcoming environment.

“Polkadots is a fantastic nursery. The staff show endless dedication, care and support for my son’s wellbeing and development. They have supported me through key milestones such as toilet training, walking and speech delays. Bernie, Niki, Sian, Lucy, Faisa, Sam and Kath have become an important integral part of mine and my son’s lives. My son looks forward every day to spending time with them and I couldn’t trust anyone more than I trust them. I highly recommend Polkadots. They are like a family.”

Carmen Esposito, May 2021, Google Review 5 stars

Child playing with building blocks with staff member

Staff member teaching child to use Makaton signs

Our Headteacher

Kathleen O’Shea is a qualified teacher with 30 years of experience. She is an Early Years Specialist with enormous SEN experience gained working both in a variety of schools and as an Early Years SEN consultant for Barnet and Camden. She’s also a Regional Makaton Trainer and brings her signing skills to the nursery – she teaches children and staff to sign as a fun way to develop language and communication skills. Kath is also an excellent musician, meaning PolkaDots is a musical nursery with lots of singing sessions (often combined with Makaton signing, which the children love!) Click here to find out more about our other Enhanced Curriculum Classes…

Our Managers

Our Manager Bernadette is one of PolkaDots’ longest serving team members. As well as her many years of childcare experience, she brings great organisation and sensitivity – plus huge amounts of energy and imagination that inspire all our staff and children

Bernadette

Cresswood Manager

“Hello my name is Bernadette, Manager of PolkaDots Cresswood, but I’m also known as Bernie. I am a mother of two children, so I have experience both as a parent and as an Early Years professional. I have worked in Early Years for the last 23 years, having gained an NNEB and completed the first half of a Level 4 Early Years Advanced Practitioner Certificate.

Early years has always been a passion of mine, giving children the best start in early education. Children inspire me through their enthusiasm for learning and their drive to take on challenges. I have experience working with children with various different needs and strive to ensure they are included and supported to gain the best development for each individual child.”