Meet the team

Manager

Rachel Burnett

Hi I'm Rachel, I am the nursery manager. I live in Duns with my 16 year old son and border terrier dog, Missy. I am currently studying to complete my level 4 in early years before moving on to gain my degree in childhood practices. In my spare time I enjoy socialising with friends and family.

Beehive room lead

Helen McKnockiter

Hi I'm Helen

Beehive practitioner

Zoe McCraw

Hi I'm Zoe, I work in the Beehive room (2-5 year olds). I've worked in childcare for just over 6 years, gaining my level 2 & 3 in social services (children and young people). I am hoping to achieve my level 4 in the future.

​

I live outside of Duns and enjoy spending time with family, friends and my dog Nell - as well as going on adventures!

​

My favourite part of the job is watching the child grow and develop throughout their early years.

Beehive practitioner

Lewis Patterson

Hi I'm Lewis and I was part of the team that started Duns Community Nursery. I have a HNC in childhood practice. My favourite part of the job is seeing what the children have to offer, no day is ever the same.

Beehive practitioner

Sheree Drysdale

Hi I'm Sheree, I am a mother of one and I've worked in childcare for 9 years. I'm qualified in level 2 childcare, working towards my level 3. I'm passionate about working with children and love to see them reach their goals, ready to emerge into the butterflies.

Beehive practitioner

Leah Davidson

Hi I'm Leah, I live with my son who is 6, my two dogs and a hamster. I am a level 3 qualified practitioner. I love the outdoors, adventures and road trips.

Treehouse room lead

Judith Dempster

Hi I'm Judith, I mainly work in the Treehouse room (0-2 year olds). I've worked in childcare for over 21 years. I live with my partner, daughter and 2 stepsons. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and socialising with friends.

​

I used to be in the RAF (joined when I was 17) and whilst I was there I qualified as a chef, cooking for 800 people!

Treehouse practitioner

Emma Voase

Hi I'm Emma and I live in Berwick with my 2 boys, husband and a crazy frenchie called Duke. I have worked in childcare for the last 11 years and hold a level 3 qualification. I have always had a passion for working with children and love to see how much the children progress through the years. I'm based in the Treehouse 0-2 room. In my spare time I love to spend time with my family. I'm both a football and rugby mum where I'm very much their biggest fan (much to their embarrassment).

Treehouse practitioner

Kirsten Denholm

Hi my name is Kirsten and I live in Duns with my partner. I am a level 3 childcare practitioner and I've been working in childcare for 3 years. In my spare time I enjoy going out with friends and family.

Beehive & Treehouse practitioner

Ellie Jackson

TBC

Staff development and child learning mentor

Diane Watson

Diane is the newly retired Early Years Officer up at the Duns primary school. She has joined our team as the staff development and child learning mentor. Part of her role is to take on the Care Inspectorate report, guiding us on our growth and development. She will further develop our quality assurance processes, self-evaluation and continuous improvement. Diane has over 35 years experience in the role.

Cook

Marion Paris

TBC