Meet the Managers
Laura Hanson
Business Owner, Area Manager & Lead Safeguarding Officer
Hello, I’m Laura Hanson the Business Owner, Area Manager and lead Safeguarding officer of Little Stars Childcare.
Little Stars first began in January 2014 as a child-minding setting from my home in Cheddleton Staffordshire.
My aim was to be a full time mother and continue to do the job I love so much. As a first time parent back in 2013, I wished to combine my knowledge, experience and qualifications in childcare into a setting that provides a homely experience for both the child and parent. I Now have three children and my youngest child attends Little Stars Cheddleton. I’ve been working in childcare for over 20 years I have various qualifications including a Level 6 BA Hons degree in Education, Level 5 foundation degree in Early Years, Level 3 BTEC in Management, Safeguarding Lead level 3, Paediatric First Aid and much more.
The once “Little” business soon grew to where we are today. The opening of our first Nursery setting in Cheddleton began in May 2019 after a seven month renovation to ensure the setting was well equipped and provided the home from home feel. September 2021 saw the opening of Little Stars Leek and the growth of the Little Stars Staffing team.
I am very proud of how far Little Stars has come and all we have achieved.
Amanda Hall
Level 5 Nursery Manager
Hello my name’s Amanda and I’m the full time Manager at our Leek First setting based at Leek First School. I have over 20 years experience within the childcare sector. I have great passion about my job role and enjoy all aspects of my day to day job.
I hold a level 4 in early years childcare, higher level 5 teaching in early years, safeguarding Level 3 and I am currently studying an MPQEYL level 8 in management. I have two beautiful girls and enjoy family time at weekends.
I’ve been working at Little Stars since January 2020 and rapidly progressed through all the roles until becoming the Nursery Manager.
Rachel Perry
Level 3 Nursery ManagerHI I’m Rachel, I am the full time Manager here at the Cheddleton setting, I am a mum of 3 beautiful children, 2 girls and a little boy who are all at school. I have a Level 3 CACHE diploma in Childcare & Education and safeguarding lead level 3.
I have 12 years of childcare experience looking after children of various ages right up until high school age. I started my employment here at Little Stars Childcare Cheddleton in March(2023), I initially started in the toddler room enjoying my time with the 18 months – 3 year olds, getting to know all of the children along with their families and staffing team, during this time I had the opportunity to spend time in all of the rooms getting to know all the children and staff throughout the Cheddleton setting.
Being a very family orientated person, my spare time is mainly spent with my little family, we have days out now and again but also enjoy quiet days at home just as much. In my recreational time I like to go horse riding, going on walks with our boisterous doggy companion and meals with family and friends.
Catalin
Nursery ManagerHello, I’m Caitlin and I am the setting manager at our lovely Cheddleton site. I started my Little Stars journey in 2018 as a student and loved it so much I decided to do an apprenticeship to achieve my level 3 qualification which I started in September 2019, Not long after qualifying in 2021, I started as a toddler room manager. After a few years of that exciting journey I decided I was ready for a change and took on the challenge of being baby room manager in 2023, I have recently completed the level 5 lead practitioner degree which I received a distinction in and I’m now studying for my level 6 BA Hons in education.
I then got the amazing opportunity of being the Cheddleton setting manager which I am loving every second of.
Being a part of the Little Stars team is so rewarding and it’s lovely watching and helping your little ones grow.
I have completed the following courses- Paediatric first aid, level 2 in understanding autism in children, safeguarding lead level 3 and many more little courses.
Amy Buxton
Level 5 Deputy Manager & Pre-School Manager
Hi, I’m Amy, I’m the Deputy Manager and Room Leader at Little Stars Leek. I’ve been working for Little Stars Childcare since 2019 and love being part of the amazing team.
I am passionate to develop children’s learning and provide them with the skills needed to give them the best start to life. I’ve got over 15 years experience working within the childcare sector and hold a Level 5 Foundation Degree Qualification.
I have all the relevant training for my role, including safeguarding Level 3, Paediatric First Aid and Food Hygiene. I am a mum of two gorgeous boys, who take up most of my extra time when I’m not working. We love exploring the outdoors and enjoy time together as a family.
Sam Prescott
SENCO & Deputy Manager
Hi my name is Sam, I am the lead SENCo that covers all settings within Little Stars Childcare and also a senior member of the team. I hold a Level 3 Diploma in Early years and qualified level 3 Senco.
I have always wanted to be an Early years SENCo as I am very passinate about helping and supporting children and families, I have had personal experiences of understanding how hard and frustrating as a parent it can be when you have a concern regarding your child, Caregiver knows best!
I am very passionate about my roles and will go above and beyond to support children and families; Every child should have the best start therefore every child within our settings will have equal opportunities.
It is important to me to see the children at Little Stars with big smiles, laughing, making new friendships, getting messy, exploring and growing into confident and independent children.
Lily
Deputy Manager
I’m lily, I’m am level 3 qualified and currently studying my level 5 in childcare. I have been here at little Stars since I was a student from leek college. I have worked my way up to deputy from being a practitioner, then room manager. I have my own child aged 4 who has also been through the little Stars journey with me now starting reception. Childcare has always been a passion of mine and little stars has helped me to grow with all the support and I have also seen littles stars grow from being a childminders at Laura’s house.