Meet the Staff

At Ballerup Nursery Centre, we are a happy and hard working team. We are committed to providing a safe, stimulating, secure and happy environment for all the children in our care. We also take pride and enjoyment in working in partnerships with parents and the surrounding community.

Head of Centre – Dyan Spence

Hi my name is Dyan

I am Head of Centre at Ballerup.

I joined Ballerup Nursery in April 2024 but I have worked in Early Years for over 20 years.

My favourite thing to do at nursery is to sing along to Disney music. I am a very approachable, caring and nurturing leader and I love to learn new things to support our children, families and team.

My hobbies are walking my dog with my husband and son, swimming and listening to music. I absolutely love to travel and explore new places.

FUN FACTS

I have a beagle called Lottie

I once did a zip- slide across the Clyde for charity!

Depute Head – Samantha Jamieson (Start of the week)

Hello!

My name is Samantha I have been Depute head of centre for 3 years. I work a Monday, Tuesday and alternate Wednesdays.

My favourite thing to do at nursery is to explore the mud kitchen, I love making mud pies and doing anything messy! I have been learning some Makaton to communicate with you.

I recently bought a new bike and I am trying very hard to get fit! I enjoy taking my little 2 little girls to baby sensory classes and swimming lessons. I am going to see Shania Twain soon.

FUN FACTS

I have a French bulldog named Hugo

I love musicals. I have seen the Lion King and went to see Wicked twice!

I can speak a little Italian

Depute Head—Amanda McLean (End of the week)

Hello! My name is Amanda, I am Depute and work part time, I share this post with Samantha. I have been at Ballerup for 7 years. 

I love being creative and share new ideas with everyone to help them learn new things. I like to talk to everyone and discover new idea’s to keep Ballerup an exciting and welcoming nursery for the children and your families to be part of. I like to see you all having fun, learning new things too and making lots of friends.

I have been learning new Makaton signs to share with you, your parents and the staff.

  My hobbies are keeping fit, I love walking my dog and going to the gym. A group of us at Ballerup are taking part in the Race for Life 5K.

I am looking forward to spending time with my family and going on holiday.

I have a dog, he Is 2 years old and is called Rudi.

FUN FACT

I have twin boys.

I once ran a half marathon (a very long way) and finished a 13 mile muddy obstacle course!

Acting Team Leader – Clare Fraser

Hello! My name is Clare, and I am the acting Team Leader. I became part of the Ballerup family in January 2024. 

My favourite things to do at nursery are explore the outdoors, investigate different loose parts to build, make links with the community and go out on lots of walks!

I enjoy going on long walks and going to the gym. I also enjoy baking and every year I make my sister a birthday cake.

I enjoy spending time with my family and going on an aeroplane to go on holiday!

FUN FACTS

I am got married this year!!

I have been to New York, and I have been at the very top of the Rockefeller Centre and the Empire State building!

Clerical Assistant- Monday and Tuesday – Carol Senior

My name is Carol and I am a Clerical Assistant. I work on a Monday and Tuesday and have been at Ballerup for 15 and a half years. 

My favourite thing to do at nursery is see my grandson playing and having fun! I like to spend lots of time with him building big towers and playing in the garden at home.

I am looking forward to going on holiday this year to Tenerife and Center Parks to spend time relaxing with my family.

I used to have 2 dogs called Izzy and Ruby.

FUN FACT

I have just joined a fitness class

 

Clerical Assistant  – Jackie Reynolds (Wed, Thurs, Fri)

Hello! My name is Jackie and I have worked at Ballerup for 27 years as a Clerical Assistant on a Wednesday Thursday and Friday.  

I like visiting different parts of Scotland and my last trip was…..

My hobbies are gardening, watching tennis and tracing my family tree. This has been especially interesting!

Spending time with my grandchildren is what I look forward to most. I have 3 granddaughters and 2 grandsons and we have lots of fun together!

I have a beautiful Japanese Akita, called Mia who is 10 years old. I also have a mischievous French Bulldog called Bella who is only 2!

FUN FACT

My great uncle was a sea captain in the 1800’s. He was born on the Isle of Arran and once had his ship captured by Pirates

 

The Rainbow Room – Babies

Kirsty Key Worker – Daisies Group 

Hello! My name is Kirsty I look work on a Monday and Tuesday, I have been an Early Years Practitioner at Ballerup for 3 years. 

I have been at Ballerup for 3 years now. At nursery I like to spend time making playdough and painting.

I like to spend my spare time with friends, family and my little boy and girl, going on days out. I enjoy taking my little girl to her dance classes and she often competes in big competitions over the UK.

FUN FACTS

I like going to watch the football and the darts.

I like to go a few holidays a year, visiting new destinations, making lots of memories with my kids.

Claire – Key Worker Daisies Group 

Hello! My name is Claire I am an Early Years Practitioner I have been at Ballerup for 18 months and I work in the Rainbow Room.  

At nursery I like singing, dancing, reading stories and going for nice walks. Recently I have been learning about healthy eating and how to cook meals for scratch/ with help from Hello Fresh for my breakfast lunch and dinner. We could do some cooking together and I could show you what I have learned.

I like to spend time with my little boy and going out nice long walks to get my steps in. I can also ride a bike and will occasionally go cycling.

I mostly look forward to going on holidays and spending time with my family.

FUN FACTS

I have moved house 17 times.

I have climbed Ben Nevis.

Nicolle Key Worker Bluebells Group 

Hi my name is Nicolle and I am an Early Years practitioner. I work in the Babyroom and have been at Ballerup Nursery for 6 years. 

At nursery I love going to the forest and exploring. I am an Eco Co-Ordinator and also enjoy litter picking to help protect our planet! I have learned lots about growing and planting different fruits and vegetables and I can’t wait to see how well the seeds we planted together grow in the allotment.

My hobbies are going on long walks, exploring nature and spending time with my 2 boys.

I can face paint lots of different characters and like to do this with you in nursery.

I am really looking forward to going caravan holidays with my family

FUN FACT

I have lots of medals from show jumping with my horse called Blaze

Zoe Key Worker Buttercups Group 

Hello! My name is Zoe. I am an Early Years Practitioner and I have been here for 1 year.  

My favourite thing to do at nursery is get messy and sing lots of nursery rhymes.

My hobby is going out with my friends and spending money.

I like to pretend I can sing and dance but that is up for debate. I enjoy swimming and going on hikes with friends.

I look forward to going on holidays. I have a pet akita called Bear and 2 cats called Lokie and Ben.  I also have a bearded dragon called Yoda.

FUN FACT

I recently visited Disneyland Paris and met Jack the Skeleton and Captain Jack. I also met Jafar and the Gennie. My favourite movie is The Lovax and Bettlejuice.

The Sunshine Room – 2-3 Years

Grace Key Worker Butterflies Group 

Hello! My name is Grace I am an Early Years Practitioner. I have been at Ballerup for 15 years and I work in the Sunshine room

I love to play outside and messy play. I like gardening in the allotment and last year I grew lots of nice juicy tomato’s. I also like to do building with the blocks.

I have been learning lots things because everyday is a school day! Most recently I have been learning how to run for longer distances and I am also running the Race for Life 5k this year. I like go to Zumba and go to the theatre. I have seen lots of shows such as; Hamilton, Cats and Wicked. This year I am going to see Annie and the King and I.

I can bake and my favourite is tablet. I also like to knit and make beautiful gifts for the newest members of our Ballerup Family.

I like to go on lots of holidays. Most recently I went on a tour of Spain and enjoyed a more relaxing trip to Gran Canaria. This year I am going back to Spain for another adventure.

FUN FACTS

I have been on TV.

Alice Key Worker Bumble Bees Group 

Hello! My name is Alice I work in the Sunflower room. I am an Early Years Practitioner and I have been at Ballerup for 5 years.

I like doing lots of messy things at nursery like playdough, slime and dirt! I also like to use my imagination role playing with you!

I love to learn and I am in my final year at University completing my BA in Childhood Practice. I am very interested in learning about speech and language, attachment and mental health. I enjoy reading and crafting at home! I also like to spend my spare time watching movies and going on nice walks by myself and with friends.

I like to sing but I wouldn’t say I have an ear for it! I also like to bake and even more so like to enjoy eating the things I bake!

I have a cheeky dog called Bodhi and lazy cat called Vegetable.

FUN FACT

I am a big scaredy cat!

I went to Pride last year!.

Sandra Key Worker Ladybirds Group

Hi! My Name is Sandra I am an Early Years Practitioner. I work a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in the Sunshine Room. I have been part of the Ballerup Family for 20 years.

 

My favourite thing to do at nursery is story time and rhyme time. I have been learning Makaton so I can communicate with you better.

In my spare time I like to go long walks and cycle around my local community. I also love to shop and buy new clothes!

I can sing but definitely not as well as I bake! My favourite things to make are cup cakes!

When I’m not at nursery I spend a lot of time with my family.

FUN FACTS

My son is a farmer and drives a green tractor.

Emma Key Worker Ladybirds Group 

Hello! my name is Emma, I work a Thursday and Friday in the Sunshine Room as an Early Years Practitioner. I have been at Ballerup since March 2023

I like spending lots of time with you, getting to you and your likes and dislikes. I also like to get messy and creative especially with the arts and crafts. Recently I have learned lots about you and this will help me to look after you.

My hobby is to go on adventures with my son. We regularly spend time at our family farm looking at the cows and we also like to go woodland walks looking for fairies.

I can paint and draw. I like to make collages inspired by different themes.

I love to go on camping trips with my family.

FUN FACTS

I lived in the south of England for 3 years before coming back to Glasgow.

The Sunflower Room- 3-5 Room

Suzy Key Worker Orange Group 

Hello! My name is Suzy I look after the orange group on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, I am an Early Years Practitioner and I have been here for 8 years. 

I love exploring the forest, doing woodwork, growing, planting and loose parts. I have been learning lots about Forest Kindergarten and I can’t wait to share what I have learned with you.

I have lots of hobbies but my favourites are expanding my extensive stationary collection, reading books and I would love to learn how to play the guitar. I can bake and my favourite thing to bake is cookies and mars bar cake.

I am really looking forward to going on holiday with my family. Last year I went to France and this year I am going to London to the Harry Potter experience and to Belfast to see the Titanic museum.

FUN FACTS

I am that good at woodwork I could be an amazing carpenter

Amy Key Worker Orange Group 

Hi my name is Amy and I am an early years practitioner.  I have worked at Ballerup since November 2023. 

My favourite thing to do at nursery is read stories to the children and paint lots of pictures.

My hobby is going to see musicals.

I can play the ukulele.

I look forward to playing with my dog Harley

FUN FACTS

My favourite animal is a parrot.

Rachel Key Worker Pink Group 

Hello! My name is Rachel and I work in the Sunflower room Ballerup. I have been part of the Ballerup Family since January 2021.  

At nursery I love going long walks in the local community. I have learned how to plant flowers and vegetables which we done together this year. Last year I accidently planted some weeds. . . Ooops! I can’t wait for us to see how well they grow as we water and look after them!  In my spare time I like to go to the gym and go running to practice for the 5K Race for Life, Amanda chases me so I run faster!

I can talk A LOT !

I look forward to my family holidays, I was last at Disneyland Paris!

I have a cocker spaniel dog called Buzz and I treat him like a baby even though he’s nearly 5.

FUN FACT

I love to listen, sing and dance to 60’s music!

Nicola Key Worker Green Group 

Hi! My name is Nicola, I look after the green group. I have worked as an Early Years Practitioner at Ballerup since August 2022. 

My favourite thing to do at nursery is read stories and going walks in the community.

My hobby is running and I am in a running club and compete in races.

I can bake different cakes and cheesecakes and love to make anything that includes biscoff.

I look forward to booking my holidays and seeing new places.

Fun Facts

I come from an Italian family

I have 2 dogs called Rosie and Millie, they are 11 years old

Jude Key Worker Blue Group 

Hi! My name is Jude I have been working at Ballerup as an Early Years practitioner for 9 years now. I look after the blue group.

My favourite thing to do in nursery is read stories. I especially enjoy Dr Seuss books.

My hobby is watching ice hockey and F1.  I also enjoy spending time with my horse and going horse riding.

I love going on family holidays and my favourite place is Florida. I love exploring new places and I am going on an American road trip this year to Nashville and New Orleans.

I have a horse called Topaz and a dog called Ollie.

FUN FACTS

I have been swimming with manatees.

I have seen a live rocket launch at NASA.

I have been parasailing in Spain and Mexico.

Sarah Key Worker Yellow Group 

Hi! My name is Sarah I look after the yellow group. I have worked as an Early Years Practitioner at Ballerup for 2 years.

My favourite thing to do at nursery is sing songs, play games and make fabulous creations in art area. I have been learning how to use Makaton to communicate with you and we have been learning some new signs together.

My hobbies are walking and going to see musicals with my daughter and sister. I favourite musicals I have seen are The Book or Mormon and Hairspray. I can dance when no one is watching.

I look forward to going on holidays with my family and visiting different Scottish Islands, my favourite so far is Iona, it has beautiful white beaches.

FUN FACTS

I am a massive fan of theme parks, I love rollercoasters, the bigger, higher and scarier the better. My favourite so far was Island of Adventure in Florida!

Chloe Key Worker Purple Group 

Hello! My name is Chloe. I am the keyworker for the purple group and I have been at Ballerup for nearly 3 years. 

At nursery I like to make lots of pictures with the children.

I like going to the gym and going on walks with my dogs and riding my horse.

I also enjoy spending lots of time with family and friends.

I go show jumping with my horse. I can dance and I went to dance classes from aged 2 till I was 17.

 I am looking forward to going on holiday, taking part in competitions with my horse and going on long walks on the beach with my dogs.

I have two dogs, Cleo and Berto and a horse called Sky.

FUN FACTS

My favourite movie is Disney Pixar Cars (the original). My favourite character is Mater.

I have never been on holiday abroad.

Tracey Key Worker Red Group

Hello! My name is Tracey I am an Early Years Practitioner. I look after the red group on a Monday, Tuesday and alternate Wednesday and have been at Ballerup for 10 years. 

My favourite things to do at nursery are singing and dancing with all the children.  I also enjoy lots of exciting art activities.

My hobbies are yoga and spending my time going to spa days!

I can do a handstand.

I look forward to spending time with my 2 children and going on holidays with my family.

FUN FACTS

I used to be a hairdresser.

Early Years Support Workers 

My name is Adrienne and I work in the Sunflower room. I am an Early Years Support Worker and have been at Ballerup since August 2016. 

At nursery I love to read stories and to create interesting masterpieces with the playdough.

In my spare time I like to knit ( I even knitted Christmas jumpers for my sons 2 Sphynx cats – Frank and Sonia). I love doing jigsaws especially Disney ones. I also enjoy going walks with my husband.

I can sing, you will often hear me singing away in the nursery kitchen while I prep the snack and do the dishes!

I look forward to visiting my niece and nephew who live in the Czech Republic.

I don’t have any pets but my son has a sphynx cat called Frank.

FUN FACT

I just learned how to drive last year!

My name is Karen and I am an Early Years Support Assistant. I work in the Sunflower room and have been at Ballerup for 5 Years. 

I love to play outside, exploring the nursery garden. I have learned a lot about wellbeing and the power of positive thinking. It is important to look after yourself, your mind and body and I can share what I have learned with you.

I like to spend time going for drives, exploring castles and finding waterfalls.

I can dance and I also teach other children to dance too.

Holidays are what I look forward to but most of all, spending time with my 2 boys!

FUN FACT

I have performed in lots of shows in the theatre. My favourite show I performed in was 42nd Street.

My name is Maxine and I am an Early Years Support Worker. I have been at Ballerup since February 2023.

My favourite thing to do is paint pictures and explore the arts and crafts with you. Lots of messy play!

I like to spend my spare time playing football and going to the gym.

I can play do Tik Tok dances and rhyme off vine videos.

I look forward to going on holiday to nice sunny places and spending time with my family and going on nights out with my friends.

FUN FACT

I have a tortoise named Nelson Manshella.