Meet the Team

Management Staff

Julie

My name is Julie, and I am the owner of Best Friends Day Nursery, along with my husband, Cliff. We opened the nursery in 2006, and during that time I have gained two Early Years degrees. I have a passion for early years education, and my aim has always been to ensure that every child has access to the same opportunities, regardless of their background. Over the last 20 years, I have built a setting filled with passionate, highly qualified, and experienced staff who share my commitment to giving children the very best start in life. I am very hands-on and love being involved in the day-to-day life of the nursery.

Cliff

Hi, my name is Cliff, and I am the owner of Best Friends Day Nursery along with my wife, Julie. I worked at Airbus for 30 years before taking early retirement in 2019. I am very hands-on within the nursery and enjoy getting involved in various projects to help ensure the nursery continues to be the very best it can be.

Tory

I am the manager at Best Friends. I joined the team in April 2024. I have worked in childcare for 30 years, working with all age groups before managing for the last 17 years. I have an Early Years Teacher qualification from Chester University and a Level 3 Forest School qualification. Forest Schools and outdoor learning is something that I am passionate about, I love nothing more than working outside with children, helping them to explore and learn from the world around them.

Bernie

My name is Bernie, and I have been working at Best Friends as a Deputy Manager since May 2024. I feel extremely lucky to be part of this amazing team and I really enjoy supporting Tory, the Manager and all the other girls in the rooms! Me and my family are from Hungary, my husband and I moved to Chester in 2005. Before that I was teaching English as a Foreign Language in a High School in my hometown, Gyula in Hungary. Since living in Chester, I have always worked with young children in different positions such as a practitioner, Room Leader or a Deputy Manager. I have a BA Teaching Degree, a Level 3 Qualification in Childcare and a TA Diploma. We have four amazing children and as a family we love being active, going for walks, doing different sports such as swimming, cycling, skiing and wakeboarding. I am very passionate about being outdoors with the children, showing them and teaching them all about the natural world.

Hayley

My name is Hayley, and I am the owner’s daughter. I have been part of Best Friends Day Nursery since we first opened in 2006. I hold Level 2, 3, and 4 qualifications in Childcare. I worked in the Baby Room for almost 15 years before becoming part of the management team. My current role focuses on welcoming new children into the nursery and supporting our families as Family Liaison — something I truly enjoy and take great pride in.

Wendy

My name is Wendy. For many years I worked as a carer before joining my sister, Julie, at Best Friends in 2010. I began by helping in the rooms and quickly fell in love with the nursery and I’ve been here ever since! I now work on reception, greeting all the children and families as they arrive each morning. Over the years, I have completed many training courses, most recently Mental Health First Aid and Staff Wellbeing. I am proud to be the nursery’s Wellbeing Champion, ensuring all staff feel supported and cared for. I also organise events such as mental health walks and staff wellbeing days, as this is something I am very passionate about.

Caterpillar Staff

Andie

My name is Andie, and I am the Room Leader in the Baby Room. I joined Best Friends± in 2024 and bring over 30 years of experience working in schools, crèches, and playgroups. My heart has always been in nurseries, caring for the youngest children and helping them grow and thrive. I moved to Chester from Colwyn Bay eight years ago and love to share my Welsh heritage with the nursery through songs and activities. Over the years, I have completed various professional development courses, including Safer Sleep, Weaning, and Speech and Language. I am also the Project Leader for Military Children, a role that is especially close to my heart.

Yasmin

My name is Yas, and I have been part of the Best Friends team since 2023. I started in the Preschool Room before moving to the Baby Room in December 2023, where I discovered my passion for supporting babies in their early development and helping them reach their milestones. I have a love for arts and crafts and enjoy involving all the babies in creative activities, making sure they have fun while exploring and learning through play. I also came to Best Friends when I was a Toddler and have lots of amazing memories growing up here.

Mia

My name is Mia, and I joined the Best Friends team this year after completing my Level 3 BTEC in Health and Social Care. I have also spent time volunteering with children who have SEND, which is something I am very passionate about. I am part of the Baby Room team and absolutely love it! My favourite activities to do with the babies are arts and crafts, playing in the garden, and singing songs together.

Ladybird Staff

Kelly

My name is Kelly, and I have been part of the Best Friends team since March 2008. I am the Room Leader of the Ladybirds Room, as well as 3rd in Charge and the nursery SENCO. I love researching new messy play ideas and spending time outdoors with the children in all kinds of weather, encouraging them to explore and have fun while learning through play.

Cathy

My name is Cathy, and I work in the Toddler Room. I hold a Level 2 qualification in Childcare and am currently working towards my Level 3. I have over 12 years’ experience in early years, having worked in both schools and nurseries. I love singing and dancing with the children and watching them grow through new experiences. I have also completed SENCO training, and I am now the nursery's, SENCO is something I am very passionate about.

Leilah

My name is Leilah, and I have been part of the Best Friends team since 2020. I first started in the Baby Room, where I gained lots of valuable experience and discovered my love for working in early years. I am now part of the Toddler Room team, which I absolutely love. I enjoy getting creative with the children, having fun, and creating special memories together. I have achieved both my Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in Early Years Education. I have attended various courses, most recently a ‘play and action’ course on the importance of movement for children. I was one of the first children to come to Best Friends in 2006, so it really feels like home to me and have made some amazing memories.

Pre-School Staff

Vicky

My name is Vicky, and I live in Hoole. I work in the Preschool Room and hold a Level 3 qualification in Childcare, as well as BSL Levels 1 and 2. I am married and have two children and a dog called Lulu! When I’m not in nursery, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and taking Lulu for walks. I have over 17 years’ experience in childcare and love every second of it.

Stella

My name is Stella, and I am currently completing my Level 2 Apprenticeship at Best Friends. I have also achieved a Level 2 qualification as a Teaching Assistant. I enjoy working with the Preschool children and supporting their learning through fun and engaging experiences, especially at Forest School. I am a proud mum of two children who are both in high school.

Niamh

My name is Niamh, and I have been working at Best Friends since 2024 in the Preschool Room. I enjoy every minute of my time with the children and love creating fun and exciting activities for them. I especially enjoy spending time in the garden and organising physical activities such as treasure hunts and obstacle courses.

Libby

My name is Libby, and I have worked at Best Friends since 2023. I have two children, Reggie and Hallie. I've always had a big passion for role play and using imagination to make things fun. I love bringing stories to life, getting everyone dancing, and seeing the children's faces when we open the magic music box. Those moments of excitement and giggles are what I look forward to the most. I hope that with my big personality and energy, I can brighten their days even just a little bit. What I love about Best Friends is that it really does feel like one big family. Everyone is welcomed, supported, and treated with so much care, and that's why I feel so lucky not only to work here but also to send both my children here. They've enjoyed every moment just as much as I have, and it means so much to know they're growing up in such a warm and loving environment.

Kitchen Staff

Jake

My name is Jake, and I am the head chef. I've been cooking professionally for over 10 years, travelling all around the world learning new and exciting cuisines before joining the family business, cooking and sharing my knowledge with our little ones. I make a balanced and nutritious menu that changes with the seasons to ensure all children receive all the goodness that our food provides to ensure they grow strong and healthy. I also cater for all dietary requirements and have meetings with all parents whose children have complex dietary needs as well as babies weaning.

Jean

Hi, my name is Jean, and I have been working in catering for more years than I care to remember! I moved up from Cheltenham to be closer to my family. As a lover of baking all things scrumptious, I have enjoyed the challenge of creating healthy, nutritious puddings for our little ones without using sugar, and I love finding fun alternatives that the children enjoy.

Pete (caretaker)

My name is Pete, and I have been working at Best Friends since 2020. I was introduced to the company by my mother and father-in-law and have loved every second since joining. Although I had never worked with children before, I have found it to be such a fulfilling and rewarding experience watching them grow and develop each day.