Heather Charlesworth
Manager
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
SENCO
Heather joined Caterpillas in December 2025, she holds a Level 3 in Early Years, Level 3 Early Years SENCO qualification, BA (Hons) in Primary Education and a Post Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills.
Through her teaching experience and nursery manager experience she has completed advanced safeguarding training, first aid and safer recruitment training with the NSPCC.
Nikki Torrington
Deputy Manager
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Nikki has been a member of the Caterpillas team since April 2017, she holds a Level 5 qualification in Early Years, has experience working with all ages and has studied Childhood Psychology.
Nikki is always looking for ways to improve the services that the nursery offers and is keen to support staff in their professional development. Nikki is the settings Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, first aid trained and is one of the settings Mental Health First Aiders, supporting all who access the setting.
Jo Mayer
Baby Room Senior
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Jo joined Caterpillas in Sept 2023 and has been a key member of the team supporting the preschool room before being promoted to the senior in the baby room. Jo holds a Level 5 qualification in Early Years.
She has also completed advanced safeguarding and is first aid trained.
Emma Old
Pre-school Senior
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Emma has been a member of the Caterpillas Team since June 2017 and holds a Level 5 qualification in Early Years.
Emma is advanced safeguarding trained, first aid trained and holds lots of courses to support all children in enabling progression of development.
The senior team is supported by an incredible team of Early Years Educators and Early Years Assistants. All staff have an enhanced DBS check and we aim to have as many staff as possible paediatric first aid trained.
