Angela Kerr

I’m Angela and I’ve been Head Teacher at Cart Mill since November 2024. I was very fortunate to be Acting Head Teacher for 2 years prior to my permanent appointment so feel that I know our Cart Mill family really well. As well as the leadership, management and strategic direction of Cart Mill, I am Child Protection Co-ordinator, Equalities Co-ordinator and Froebel and Literacy lead.
As Head Teacher I am responsible for the health and safety of our building, users and outside spaces as well as managing our budget.
I can hardly believe that I’ve worked in early years since 1998! I’m passionate about giving children the best start in their education and have loved every minute of working with many families across East Renfrewshire.
You’ll often find me talking to children, parents/carers, visitors and staff as I like to be a familiar face, approachable and get a flavour of what’s happening in Cart Mill. I like nothing better than sitting with children at lunchtime, helping to serve their food and having a good old chat.
Outside nursery I like baking bread, eating out, walking, gardening, travelling, and scouring the local charity shops for a pre-loved bargain. You’ll often find me in Millport, my second home. When I’m there I love swimming, watching the sea and looking for treasure (shells/sea glass). I’m a bit obsessed by the weather and the sky at night and love to feel the impact of the changes of seasons throughout the year.
I hope that by encouraging children to play or explore and fostering a sense of wonder and responsibility towards nature we can cultivate a lasting appreciation for the natural world.

Val MacLean
Hello. My name is Val, I am the Depute Head of Cart Mill Family Centre, and I have been in my present role since 2020 but at Cart Mill since 2018.
I believe that every child has a right to express their views and we love to hear them at Cart Mill! I’m passionate about family learning and am always keen to find ways for families to be involved at Cart Mill.
I am the Additional Support Needs co-ordinator in the centre and the Child Protection Officer and will always be on hand to support children and their families at the earliest stage of their lives. I also lead Forest School and love walking to the woods with our children and seeing their reaction when they climb so high up a tree or swing on a rope swing!
When I am not in work, I am either at my caravan in Oban, in my garden, walking my two border terriers or spending time with my granddaughter. I love the outdoors but I also have a huge love for football so if I am a bit hoarse on a Monday morning, you will know why!

Helen Brown
Hi, I am Helen and I am the teacher at Cart Mill. I have been here since 2018 although I have been a Primary teacher for a lot longer. I am the Maths Champion for the centre and love encouraging children to explore numeracy! I support all the staff with their planning to ensure the curriculum is varied for every child and that parents are all kept informed through our planning wall. I am also part of the Joint Support Team and support children who require a little extra support during their day, introducing new strategies or techniques to help every child to achieve.
When I am not in Cart Mill, I enjoy spending time with my family and going on holiday to sunny places!

Fiona Hannah
Job Title: (Acting) Senior Child Development Officer (Job Share Monday – Wednesday) Child Development Officer (Thursday – Friday)

Sarah Jane Mitchell
Hi, I’m Sarah-Jane and I am one of the Senior Child Development Officers here at Cart Mill Family Centre. You will see me at the end of the week as I will be in the centre on a Wednesday, Thursday and a Friday.
I love working at Cart Mill and have been here since January 2018. I have built many relationships with children and their families over the years and enjoy every minute of it. I have recently completed my BA in Childhood Practice at Glasgow University and I am passionate about developing children’s learning and interests and watching them to thrive throughout their nursery experience.
When I am not at work, I am at home with my two children Cooper & Poppy and my partner Graeme. I enjoy taking my children to different parks, going on holidays in the sunshine, going to football matches and spending time at our holiday home in Lochgoilhead. I also have a loveable little dog called Lola, who I absolutely adore.
I look forward to seeing you at Cart Mill!

Caroline Barnes
Job Title: Child Development Officer (Job Share) and key worker for The Swans

Carly Brown
Hi, My name is Carly and I am the keyworker for the Duck Group. I joined the Cart Mill Family in August 2019 and have recently moved to work with our little 2 year olds in ‘The Pond’. I am passionate about creating a safe and nurturing environment for our children to ensure they feel secure and happy to explore and develop confidence to learn. Being there to cheer them on and support them to reach all their important milestones is the most rewarding part of my role.
When I’m not at work I enjoy looking for new recipes to cook, spending time with my friends and family and going somewhere nice and sunny on holiday 😎 I cant wait to get to know you all better and see where the year takes us.

Emma Campbell
Bonjour mes amis. My name is Emma. I’m the proud key worker for the Magpies. I’ve been a part of the team here at Cart Mill for the past 5 years. I love all things creative and artistic! You will probably find me somewhere in the creative areas usually covered in paint!
I enjoy reading and sharing stories with the children and often we have more fun making up our own. I also love singing even though I have a bad habit of changing the tune and words each time I sing! I’m a qualified Book Bug co-ordinator and will often bring my friend Book Bug along with me at song time. One of my favourite lead roles is to take on the singing practices to teach the children new songs at each of our special celebrations we share here. I’m always so proud of our little ones standing up and singing.
I have been in Child Care for over 20 years. I have a passion for learning and have taken on a number of higher education qualifications and opportunities and can now call myself a “Frobelian”. I’ve recently taken on a lead role in delivering French in the centre. I will be learning this alongside the children, but I do love a challenge.
I love all things pink and sparkly!! I have a wonderful little dog at home who keeps me on my toes, he likes to take me on a walk! Pop in an say Bonjour any time…… À bientôt!

Derek Edwards
Hello! My name is Derek and I’m a Child Development Officer for the Blackbirds group here at Cart Mill Family Centre.
I’ve been working in early years since 2008 and have been at Cart Mill since April 2021. I have a deep passion for giving every child the best possible start in life. I’m proud to be the Rights Respecting Schools Lead at Cart Mill, where I help children learn about their rights in fun, engaging, and meaningful ways. I am also Forest Kindergarten trained and love to be in the outdoors cooking on a campfire or searching for mini beasts!
Outside of work, I love cooking, discovering new restaurants, travelling, and indulging in a bit of shopping! I’m always looking for new ways to bring creativity and joy into both my professional and personal life.

Gail Johnston
Hi, I’m Gail and I have worked at Cart Mill Family Centre 6 years as a Child Development Officer for The Cuckoos group. I love my job and developing meaningful and long lasting relationships with children and their families. I believe that every child has the right to relax and play.
I am qualified to offer Bookbug sessions which the children enjoy as do the mums, dads, grans and grandads who support their wee ones at the session.
I look forward to meeting you!

Cheryl Keith
Hi, my name is Cheryl and I am the keyworker for the Herons. I have been working in Cart Mill for 7 years.
I love being outdoors in the nursery garden, planting seeds and then watching them grow. I also like to take the children out for walks in the local community, looking out for birds, animals and plants.
My favourite season is autumn and I always look forward to the cooler weather and especially enjoy seeing all the leaves on the trees change colour.

Eilidh Miles
Hi, I’m Eilidh, the keyworker for the woodpeckers group. I have been working in early years for just over twenty years and still feel passionate about children’s interests being at the heart of their learning. Since starting at Cart Mill I have taken on the role of STEM leader for the nursery so if you have any questions or would like some inspiration for learning at home please feel free to ask. For those who don’t know, STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.
Outside of Cart Mill, I am a mum of twin boys, a dog and two cats so I am used to being in a busy environment. We enjoy being outdoors and particularly like going for walks at Greenbank Gardens and playing at Rouken Glen park.

Sami Partridge
Job Title: Child Development Officer and key worker for The Starlings

Suzi Simms
Hello my name is Suzi and I have worked in Cart Mill Family Centre for nearly 4 years as a Child Development Officer. I am the keyworker for the Puffin group. I have over 20 years experience in early years and I am passionate about my job. I build good relationships with both children and their families. My favourite part is to watch the children learn and flourish and become confident and independent in themselves and this is so rewarding.
When I am.not at work I love to spend time with my son and watch him every Saturday at his football games. I love to go camping and travel to explore new adventures.

Jo-anne Welsh
Hi, my name is Jo-Anne and I am the key worker for the Robins. I have worked at Cart Mill Family Centre since January 2024 but have worked in various roles within East Renfrewshire Council’s education department since 2017.
I love to read books to the children and play games with them, encouraging them to listen, share and take turns. Watching the children thrive gives me a great sense of job satisfaction.
When I am not in Cart Mill you will find me at the gym, reading books, walking in the outdoors or spending time with my family. Please come and and say hello when you are in our lovely family centre.

Jo Woods

Job Title: Child Development Officer (job share) and key worker for The Swans

Janet Jackson
Job Title: Senior Business Support Assistant

Amanda Carlton

Hi, my name is Amanda and I am an Early Years Play Worker in the 3-5 room. You will probably all recognise me from the front office where I was a Business Support Assistant on a Wednesday and Thursday. Prior to joining the Cart Mill family, I worked in both Public and Private sector in Health & Safety and as a Training & Activities Manager for a Children’s Charity for 34 years. I’ve embraced my new role as a Play Worker and love seeing the children grow and develop.

Nikki Feeley
Hello! My name is Nikki and I have recently started working at Cart Mill. I have just completed my HNC in Childhood Practice and I am now working as the Early Years Play Worker in the Pond, our under three room.
I love working with the children and the joy they bring every day and cannot wait to see them grow and develop throughout their transition from toddler to young child.
I have really enjoyed meeting all our parents and cannot wait to continue this journey, building bonds with you and your child.
Outside of Cart Mill, I enjoy shopping, spending time with family and eating out.

Noreen McDevitt

Hi, my name is Noreen and I am one of the Early Years Play Workers at Cart Mill. I have worked here since May 2022. I am currently in The Pond, our room for under 3’s. I love seeing the children grow and develop during their time in nursery.
I work every afternoon and usually spend my mornings walking my dog and catching up with friends.

Izumi Sakata

Job Title: Early Years Play Worker

Kevin Meek