Our Team
Meet The Team
The most important thing to us here at Little Steps Day Care is your child's comfort, care and development. To ensure your child is cared for passionately, we have a team of qualified and friendly staff who are dedicated to helping your child have the best start in their education. Our team are encouraged to achieve high standards of child care and delivery of early education, so you can rely on us to provide your little ones with professional care.
I have dedicated my life to supporting children of all ages since I was 18 years old, and I am deeply passionate about giving every child the very best start in life. I hold a degree in Education Studies with Sociology, a postgraduate qualification in Psychology, a Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma, and a Level 3 SENDCO qualification. Through my studies and professional experience, I have developed a strong understanding of child development and the most effective ways to support children throughout every stage of childhood.
I have proudly been running Little Steps Day Care for the past 10 years and could not be prouder of our incredible team, the wonderful children we care for, and their families. At Little Steps Day Care, we are passionate about providing exceptional care and early education during the most important stages of a child’s development. We achieve this by building a dedicated and nurturing team, creating a warm and welcoming environment, and working closely in partnership with families, who know their children best.
Owning and running my own nursery has been my dream since leaving college, and I was fortunate to have the support of my parents in opening Little Steps Day Care. My vision has always been to create a loving environment where children feel part of a family, rather than simply attending a nursery. My priority is to ensure every child in our care feels safe, secure, valued, and excited to learn. Supporting children’s emotional well-being is at the heart of everything we do, helping them to build confidence and thrive in their early years.
SENCO
My role as the setting’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator is particularly close to my heart. I have always had a strong interest in Special Educational Needs and in finding the best ways to support every child as an individual. With first-hand experience of neurodiversity within my own family, I am dedicated to ensuring our nursery provides inclusive, flexible, and supportive care for all children and their families.
We are committed to making any reasonable adjustments necessary to ensure our learning environment, daily routines, care practices, and staff training are responsive and adaptable to meet each child’s unique needs.
If you have any concerns about your child’s development, or feel they may have additional needs, please feel free to speak with me at any time. We will work together to ensure the best possible support is in place for your child.
Rachel and Mark decided to support the ‘Little Steps’ dream of running a children’s day nursery with their daughter Jo in 2015. Rachel has trained and worked in childcare for over 30 years and is passionate about providing a nursery setting with a loving, homely and family feel. She is no longer working in the profession, although enjoys helping out from time to time at Little Steps Day Care in Bedford and joining in with all the fun activities with the children.
Mark has a background in business and procurement and enjoys putting his skills to work in his own business partnership. He is keen to support everyone involved in Little Steps, from the staff who make up the ‘Little Steps Family’ to the children and families we care for. Running a family business has been an ambition for Mark for many years and he is very excited to be able to do this at Little Steps Day Care in Bedford and provide a home from home for the children in our care.
My aspirations to become a teacher began from a young age, and I had initially followed that path and gained a degree in political geography. After having my first child I had a realisation that working with young children is something I wanted to pursue further in life. I went on to complete a level 3 CACHE diploma in childcare and education.
I now have over 10 years of experience in the field, working with children of various ages. It brings me immeasurable joy to see children develop and flourish, all while having fun and feeling welcomed.
Some of my prior experience includes involvement with a forest school, which I am glad to be able to run at Little Steps Day Care. My prior work with the Child Development Centre has helped promote children’s language and literacy.
Hello my name is Fallon and I am newly qualified level 3. I first found my interest in childcare at a young age. I enjoyed helping my teachers and looking after my friends. I believe it is important for all children to receive the best possible start to life as children are the future.
In my free time I like to relax with friends and spend quality time with my family. My goal For the future is to be a manager of a nursery and to help others achieve their goals.
Hello my name is Daniella Canale. I am level 3 qualified in child care and education. I’ve always wanted to work with children ever since I left school. I did all my child care training in the lower school I went to as a little girl then I went on to work there for a few years.
I have over 11 years of experience working with nursery and primary age children. I’ve loved every moment of it and enjoyed helping others. Every day is so different.
I enjoy spending time with my Son outside of work, going on walks, bike rides and swimming. I also enjoy going to the gym a couple of times a week.
After my younger brother was diagnosed with Autism at an early age, I discovered a real passion for supporting young children in their learning and development. Watching his journey inspired me to pursue a career in childcare, where I can help every child feel valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
I strongly believe that every child develops in their own unique way, and I am passionate about creating a nurturing environment where children can grow in confidence, learn through play, and thrive at their own pace.
I hold a degree in Early Childhood Education, alongside a Level 2 qualification in Understanding Autism. I have also completed a range of additional training courses, including Lift Off to Language, Maths Champions, and Helicopter Stories, all of which support me in helping children within our setting grow, develop, and flourish.
When I’m not at work, I love spending quality time with my close friends and family, especially my husband, Charlie, and our two cats, Cosmo and Nova. Many of you will also quickly discover that I’m a huge Disney fan! I love making special memories with the people closest to me, whether that’s relaxing at home, exploring new places, or enjoying the occasional Disney holiday.
I have been working in a nursery setting since leaving school, and I hold a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education. For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to work with children as I love to see them develop through play whilst learning new skills. I believe every child should start their early years learning in a safe and happy environment.
I love spending time with family and friends. I am keen on fitness, regularly attending a local gym and classes in my spare time.
Hello my name is Gemma ,
I am a mummy to two girls age 5 and 3.
I am well travelled and skilled in a trade in a different industry.
However I decided to take a turn and opt for a change in career when my children came along.
I enjoy being a mum which lead me into the idea of working with children.
I have a keen interest in the special educational needs of children in early years education and looking forward to learning more about it.
I have just started my Nvq level 3 in childcare , once I complete the plan is to keep developing my knowledge and move on the next qualification.
In My spare time “which is rare these days”
I love long walks, spontaneous trips to the beach , cooking for family and being at home.
I’m a mum of two and have spent several years working in both primary and pre‑school settings, supporting children across a wide range of ages and needs. I’ve completed specialist training including a Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism and Makaton Level 1, which I use daily to help children communicate and feel understood.
I currently work as a 1:1 SEND practitioner, a role I find incredibly rewarding. There’s nothing better than seeing a child grow in confidence, make progress, and let their personality shine through.
Outside of work, I love going on long walks and exploring new places with my family and cockapoo, Daisy. I also enjoy arts and crafts, which often inspires creative activities I bring into my work with children.
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I came to Little Steps Day Care with a variety of experience gained through working within several mainstream and SEND (Special Needs) schools, and nurseries located in Bedfordshire.
I’ve recently retired from working within the NHS as a Specialist Community Nursery Nurse.
I am keeping busy enjoying the new phase of my life regularly practicing yoga; walking with an established group; I’m in a book group; spending time with my children; grandchildren; husband; wider family and friends.
I am thrilled, so privileged and grateful to be with the team at Little Steps. I have the added joy of working with your precious child or children seeing them having fun, watching them learn and develop as little individuals.
Hi my names Nikita, I’ve recently graduated from Kingston University with a bachelors in social pedagogy. I have worked with many children and young people from the ages 2 to 18 throughout my degree whilst going through the theory side too!
My goal since starting to work as Little Steps has been to allow children to thrive in anything they do; it could be getting messy or colouring, they can do anything! I love working with children purely because of their little laughs; the smile they have is contagious!