Meet the Tidbury Team...    

The Owners: 

 “Miss Anna” ; Adriana Farren.

N.N.E.B.

Owner of 37 years

Swan Buddy 

SENCO, Deputy DSL & Community Officer

 

Louise and I opened Tidbury 37 years ago ... it was an exciting challenge. We quickly built links within the community; with St John’s Church and the local schools. I love working with Louise and our committed team, it’s what makes Tidbury really special. We support the children through their first milestones in life and I love to see them blossom and grow.

In my free time I love socialising with family and friends and cooking meals for them all!, it takes up a huge amount of time, but it’s what I enjoy most. I also love going to the cinema, walking, or any outdoor activity – I love to be adventurous and will try any new challenge. 

I have been married for 36 years to Adrian and we have two grown up daughters; Bianca-Rose and Mia. I love spending time with my 3 grandchildren, Lilly, Cody and our latest edition Maisie aged 7 months. I have Italian heritage and as a family we love to go back to Italy each year to visit family and friends. Poppy our dalmation loves to be with children and older people. She is so loved by everyone.  I also have two ginger tom cats  Ralfie and Bluey my ginger tom cats.

 

“Miss Louise”; Louise Williams.

N.N.E.B.

Owner of 37 years

Training Officer & Behaviour Manager 

Nursery Administration 

Tidbury is such an important part of my life, I feel very lucky to enjoy my job so much and to still be working with my best friend and business partner Adriana and our fabulous team – it’s a totally rewarding job!

I set up Tidbury in 1985 with Adriana, because we felt we wanted to create a nursery that was a fun and exciting place to be. We were both only 19 years old and recently qualified. Looking back we were very young to be taking on such a huge challenge, but it didn’t feel like that at the time. We simply shared the same vision and had such determination between us.

Me and my husband Paul live in Shirley with our cockerpoo Ruby. We love to play tennis, walk, ski, camp and party, but best of all we love to be with our family and friends. 

We have two married daughters and three grandchildren. Our eldest daughter Sara lives in Leeds with hubbie James and their toddler George. Our daughter Sophie lives in Knowle with hubbie James (also James!) and their two children Bertie and baby Bonnie. 

Me and Paul absolutely love being grandparents, (Nana and Pops) - it's better than we could even describe or ever imagine. 

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The Nursery Manager:

"Miss Jo”; Johanna Attwood 

NVQ LEVEL 3.

  Manager

DSL, H.&S.O., M.O. Equ.Ops.O. 

Nursery Admissions

I joined Tidbury in February 2007. I chose to work at Tidbury because I loved the small environment and the outdoor areas, and the overall ethos and reputation. I really enjoy seeing the children growing in confidence and feeling that they are all special. I love building relationships with the whole family and working with them to give their child the best start in life. Working at TGPN really is like being one big family, and I miss the parents just as much as the children when they leave to go to school.I love socialising with family and friends and walking my dogs Lottie and Luna .... and of course salsa dancing, sky diving, rollerblading, marathon running, swimming, spin classes .. (in your dreams Miss Jo!)

I have been married to Pete for 31 years, we have a beautiful daughter Sasha who is 27 years old.  We have Lottie age 15; a very spoilt choc Labrador. We also have Luna age 3 - a crazy cockerpoo!

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The Swan Team: 

Miss Charlotte; Charlotte Pearson

B.A. Hons Early Childhood Studies

Deputy Manager  & Swan Teacher & Lead for EYFS

I joined Tidbury in September 2014. I was first introduced to the nursery when I did a university placement here in 2009 and I instantly realised that this was the place I wanted to work, so I was delighted when the opportunity for a permanent position came up. I enjoy working at Tidbury because I love to watch the children blossom and grow and gain more independence and confidence through their nursery life. Tidbury provides a kind and supportive environment for all children, staff and parents and is a real home from home.
I live with my husband Karl and our son Jude who will be starting Tidbury soon (January 2023). Outside of nursery I like spending  time with my family and friends, going on day trips and eating out. I also enjoy travelling and listening to music.

Miss Sophie - Sophie Baldry

BEd - Primary Education

Swan Teacher

Maternity Cover

Miss Sophie joined the Tidbury team in January 2024 (official Tidbury photo of Sophie to follow!)

"I feel extremely lucky that my mum is Miss Louise. I have been a part of the wonderful Tidbury family my entire life. I attended the nursery when I was little and hold many fond memories from my time there. I was also very fortunate to spend many summer holidays working and helping out. Working at Tidbury has always been a dream of mine as I honestly believe that there is no nursery better. 

After teaching in London and Dubai, I am now looking forward to working alongside Tidbury's fantastic team and being part of the amazing work they do. 

I live in Knowle with my husband James and two children Bertie and Bonnie who both attend Tidbury. I love skiing, cycling, anything crafty, being outdoors, but mostly spending time with my family."

Miss Sarah; Sarah Ryder

BA (Hons) Early Years Education PGCE Early Years

Swan Teacher & Joint Lead for EYFS 

Sarah is currently on maternity leave 

Miss Sarah joined Tidbury in November 2019

"I was one of the first pupils at Tidbury, attending for my preschool year! I have fond memories of my own Tidbury time and I'm excited to now be able to support children and their families on their Tidbury adventure! I chose to work at Tidbury because I have always loved the family ethos and welcoming approach Tidbury has. I knew when visiting Tidbury again 10 years ago with my first child that I would love to work with the amazing team here, so when the opportunity arose I was very excited!
I live with my husband Mike and our two sons Dillon and Harrison, both of whom came to Tidbury for their nursery years. Outside of nursery I enjoy spending time with my family, we love watching films and visiting the zoo, as well as adventuring in the woods!"

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Miss Katie - Katie Brittain

LEVEL 3 Health and Social Care 

Swan Buddy

Katie joined our team in June 2021.

Initially Katie's role was being a part of our "Bank Staff"; covering for staff holidays. She is now a very much valued, and well loved member  of the Tidbury team. Katie's role is supporting Charlotte and Adriana in the Swan Group. 

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The Bear Team;

“Miss Hannah”; Hannah Smith

NVQ LEVEL 3 

Big Bear Phase Leader & Deputy Manager

Fire Marshall & Medicine Officer 

Since joining Tidbury in July 2013 as an NVQ apprentice I have gained my level 2 and level 3 qualifications. I love working at Tidbury; it is such a friendly and supportive environment and the team are like a second family. The children always bring a smile to my face.

Outside of nursery I love going out with my friends and spending lots of time with my parents dog Barney - a lovable (slightly crazy) lurcher.

I recently got engaged to Jim, we love going on holiday and travelling, although now we are busy planning a wedding!

Miss Nicki - Nicola Gooderham

LEVEL 3 Children & Young People's Workforce 

Bear Buddy

Nicki joined our team in September 2021 

I live in Dickens Heath and during lock down I would run or walk past the nursery everyday and I would always think "how lovely would it be to work there." Then when I was lucky enough to be invited to meet the staff and children I was right, it was like one big family. 

Outside of work I enjoy running; I recently completed the "End to End" virtual challenge from Land's End to John O'Groats. When I'm not running I like scrap booking and making memory books. I love taking photos to capture the moment, although I'm not sure my husband or my two teenage sons appreciate having their photo taken all the time!

I have two boys 16 and 13 who are football mad, so I spend most of my weekends freezing by the side of the pitch, pretending I know the off-side rule!

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The Cub Team;

 

Miss Angie - Angela Connor

NVQ LEVEL 3 in childcare 

Cub Phase Leader

Angie joined our team in March 2022 

I live locally in Shirley with my husband Steve and daughter Mia. We have a Yorkie called Alfie, two cats called Chooch and Patch and a lizard called Marley! I was a childminder in Shirley for the past 19 years and have spent the last year working in a nursery in Birmingham. I have know both Jo and Louise for over 10 years, so when the opportunity to work at Tidbury came along, I jumped at the chance. 

I love working with children and I am loving the small and family atmosphere at Tidbury (and also the wonderful children). In my spare time I love to be with my family and friends, eating out and walking our dog Alfie. 

“Miss Sue”; Sue Walker

NVQ LEVEL 3  

Cub Buddy

 I joined Tidbury in August 2008. I chose to work at Tidbury because I was excited by the opportunities offered to the children here, such as the outdoor classroom. I most enjoy seeing the children grow in confidence and develop their own characters and skills. 

In my own time I love singing – I sing in a choir that performs all around Birmingham and surrounding areas. I love spending time with my family and my role as pastoral minister at my local church. I enjoy riding pillion on my husband's motorbike. We have toured New Zealand, Austria, Italy and Scotland by motorbike. 

I have been married to Alan for 41 years. We have grown up children, Jonathan and Rachel who are both married and live only a few minutes away. They have blessed us with four wonderful grandchildren; Reuben 3 1/2 yrs, Micah 2 1/2 yrs, Chloe 6 months and Tabitha 2 months. We are certainly kept very busy with Grandparent duties. 

I feel very privileged to be working in such a wonderful place, it really feels more like a family than a job. 

"Nanny Sue" - Sue Hill  

 NVQ LEVEL 2

Cub Buddy

I joined Tidbury in November 2015. Tidbury is an amazing nursery and is just one big, friendly, happy family for the children and staff.

I like that Tidbury provides a lovely homely atmosphere and encourages children to grow in confidence and independence. I also like that Tidbury provides plenty of resources for the children to learn, play and be creative. 

Outside of work, I like to socialise with family and friends. I enjoy listening to music, walking and gardening. 

I have 5 children and 2 grandchildren. Victoria 28 - Mum to my two grandsons Daniel 7 and George 4 (both attended Tidbury), Charlotte 27 (Miss Charlotte), Sam 25, George 23 and Harriet 19.

It is genuinely a real pleasure to come to work at Tidbury, as the children always bring a smile to my face and bring happiness to my day! It's not often that you hear people say that they love their job...... but I do!

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Our Mission Statement is:“It is good to be different”

and this is central to our ethos.

 Our aim is to give children the best possible start; we build foundations from which they can grow and flourish. We provide an environment which is exciting and magical with a strong emphasis on the outdoor environment and active learning.

Tidbury is a place that celebrates individuality and supports children’s independence. We install traditional values and actively encourage children to make their own decisions, have positive attitudes and have respect for themselves and others.

This is your child’s first step on their “learning journey “and we endeavour to make it fun and memorable, not only for them, but for you and your family as well.

Our ongoing success is very much a team effort; we are a passionate, dedicated team who all believe in the same ethos.

We as a team want to build a legacy that positively enhances the lives

of all our children and families and leave everyone with

wonderful memories of experiences shared.

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Staff are Tidbury's most valuable resource, as it is only through their commitment and effort

that quality provision can be both established and maintained.

We only recruit the very best people to join the Tidbury Team. We are committed to providing good training and development opportunities so that we can all perform our roles effectively and efficiently. 

We are all passionate about our job and the role we play in caring and teaching the children, we put 100% enthusiasm into each and every day.

" Qualified and experienced staff work skilfully with children."   OFSTED Report 2015

We are a very motivated team, we all strive for the best for each and every one of the children at Tidbury.  

"Staff provide rich and varied activities that enable children to explore, investigate and explore freely. As a result, children make good progress in all areas.  "OFSTED Report 2015

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