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Our staff

The majority of Plantpots Jesmond staff are qualified early years practitioners level 3 or above, with years of experience and knowledge of working with children in the early years. All staff adhere to government DBS checks and undergo regular in-house training to enhance their professional development. 

The Plantpots Jesmond team

Tamasine McQueen - Plantpots owner
Lesley Collins - Nursery Manager

Tamasine opened Plantpots in 2014 for the residents of Great Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, before expanding into Jesmond in 2018.

She has 26 years experience of working with children and managing settings all over the world. Qualified to a level 3 in childcare, she has also completed Montessori teacher training.

A firm believer in the Montessori approach to early years education, Tamasine was inspired to open both Plantpots locations using these teachings as their foundation.

​Tamasine believes that building good relationships with the children and their families is key to the success and smooth running of Plantpots.  She is always on hand to address any concerns parents or carers may have.

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Lesley is the Manager of Plantpots Jesmond and a level 3 early years

teacher.  She is an experienced educator having worked with primary school age children for 10 years before moving into early years education in 2015.

She started at our sister nursery in Great Park in May 2015, taking on the role of manager of Plantpots Jesmond from March 2019.

She plays an essential role in the children's development, providing high quality early education, and is keen to help children achieve their ambitions. Lesley works closely with our Plantpots families to bring the best out in the children and is always here to listen to their thoughts.

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Charlie Jamieson  Forest School Leader

Charlie joined the team in February 2023 as a forest lead. Charlie has previous experience preparing and planning activities as part of the outdoor curriculum, she has an understanding of how to adapt activities accordingly based on each individuals age and stage of development

Onelia Gonzalez 

Onelia joined the team in

April 2021 and has recently completed her level 4 Montessori accredited qualification. Onelia is a qualified Spanish teacher

and has worked in the early years sector for the last nine years, developing her knowledge and experience. Onelia previously worked in a forest school setting and has experience planning and implementing the early years framework within the outdoor natural environment. Onelia is currently on Maternity leave returning in 2025.

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Emily Pollard

Emily  started Plantpots Jesmond in September 2024 as an early years apprentice, she is currently working towards her level 2 early years qualification and is very excited to develop her knowledge and understanding and use all the skills she learns to support the children within their learning.

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Rachael Smith

Rachael is a level 5 

practitioner with 18 years

experience of working within a

nursery. Rachael joined

Plantpots in January 2018,

 and currently supports Lesley as

Deputy Manager.

Beka

Beka is a level 3 

practitioner who

joined Plantpots in October 2024.

 Beka has  several years of

experience working within an early years environment with different age ranges from 0-5years old.  

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Brogan Iredale 

Brogan is our Early Years Teacher. She started at Plantpots in November 2021. She has a wealth of experience with preschool children, the Jolly phonics method and teaching through play. Brogan is enthusiastic about the Montessori learning approach and linking this with her experience preparing children for school.

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Bryony Hughes

Bryony is currently working towards her  Early Years Teacher qualification. She started at Plantpots in June 2024 and is very enthusiastic about the Montessori learning approach and linking this with her training, working alongside Brogan to prepare the children for school.

Zoe Smith

Zoe joined the team in September 2024, she is a level 3 qualified practitioner who has worked in Early years, with children aged 0-5 over the last 5 years, creating many inspiring and exciting activities. Zoe is very keen to plan and implement these ideas, providing an effective learning environment for all the children.

Carmen Fernandez

Carmen is a Spanish teacher working across both our Jesmond and Great park setting, delivering daily spanish lessons with all the children.  Carmen provides fun Spanish lessons using games, songs, stories & drama to inspire young learners, keeping the children entertained and engaged.

Shannon Robertson

Shannon  started Plantpots Jesmond in October 2024 and is currently working towards her level 2 early years qualification. Shannon has 2 young children herself and has a very caring and sensitive approach with all the children and staff. 

Jasmine Robertson

Jasmine started Plantpots Jesmond in November 2024, beginning her journey, working in childcare . Jasmine has a passion to watch and support children to learn and grow and is very creative. 

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Tel: 0191 816 1666
Email: plantpotsjesmond@gmail.com 

© 2021 Plantpots Jesmond, The Northumberland Club, North Jesmond Avenue, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 3JU

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