Outstanding in every area
“Play makes a major contribution in helping children manage their thoughts, ideas, feelings, relationships and physical selves.”
Friedrich Froebel, inventor of the kindergarten, 1782-1852.
We have a fantastic team of staff at Mulberry Corner and this is the key to our success.
Our team is hugely experienced and well trained, with a number of our staff having trained to degree level. We are very proud to say that nearly one half of all our staff have worked at Mulberry Corner for over 10 years. Please use the slider below and click on a staff member to learn more about them.
OWNER
(P.P.A Diploma)
As the joint owner of the nursery, Denise works very closely with the nursery managers and despite reaching retirement age, still works on site on a regular basis. Denise decided to open Mulberry Corner in 1992. Having moved to the area with no family support she was aware of how important the provision of quality childcare is to enable parents to successfully return to work. With limited options available at that time, Denise decided to set up her own nursery.
Mulberry Corner was the first day care nursery to open in the Test Valley Borough and it has grown in both size and reputation over the years. Childcare and looking after children has always been Denise's passion and she continues to work with the same enthusiasm today as she did at the beginning of her career.
OWNER AND MANAGER
(Early Years Teacher)
Emma is Denise’s eldest daughter and joint owner of the nursery. Emma decided to return to Hampshire to join Mulberry Corner in 2015, having previously had a career as a solicitor in London. As a mother of two young children, Emma has an innate understanding of the needs of working parents and has been involved with the nursery since its opening in 1992. She was even responsible for planting the mulberry tree in the garden at the nursery’s first birthday party, whilst dressed as Mickey Mouse! Emma is very excited about bringing her ideas to the business and working closely with both parents and staff to ensure that Mulberry Corner is a warm and stimulating environment that children will look forward to coming to each day.
NURSERY DEPUTY MANAGER
(NNEB Diploma and NVQ4 in Management)
Sabrina joined Mulberry Corner in February 1998 as a nursery nurse and is now deputy manager of our nursery, where she oversees all aspects of staff and children within the main nursery. Sabrina has had experience in the nursery as a supervisor and has also helped out in the preschool. She is ideally suited to the running of the nursery due to her patience and caring nature and ability to lead her team in a fair and fun way. Sabrina is well experienced and extremely passionate about providing the best possible care for children. She also has two boys of her own.
PRESCHOOL DEPUTY MANAGER
(BTEC trained)
Gemma came to Mulberry Corner in June 2001. Gemma has had plenty of experience working in both sides of the nursery, including her roles as main nursery supervisor and preschool manager. Gemma returned to our main nursery as a senior nursery nurse after the birth of her second child, Austin and is currently back in our preschool as Deputy Manager. Gemma is an enthusiastic and dynamic member of our team and she has an excellent knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and child development in general. Gemma is also fully trained in safeguarding children and is one of our two Lead Practitioners in Safeguarding. Gemma led the team during our most recent outstanding Ofsted inspection. Gemma also has a daughter, Bella.
SEN COORDINATOR
(NVQ3 Trained)
Jodie has over 18 years’ childcare experience, having first qualified as a nursery nurse in 1998! Jodie spent 4 years at Riverside special needs school and works at Mulberry Corner, out of ratio, to provide support to a number of children with special educational needs. We are delighted that Jodie is able to bring her wealth of SEN knowledge and experience to Mulberry Corner as SEN Coordinator.
NURSERY EARLY YEARS TEACHER
(Early Years Teacher) 
Janine joined our nursery team in January 2017, having previously worked for another local nursery chain for over 10 years. Janine has brought lots of new ideas and experience to our nursery team and has a lovely caring and calm manner with the children. Janine completed her Early Years Teacher training in July 2018 and is in charge of outdoor learning for our nursery children, leading nature sessions every afternoon in our nursery garden.
PRESCHOOL EARLY YEARS TEACHER
(Early Years Teacher) 
Sarah joined Mulberry Corner in September 2015, having previously worked in a dedicated preschool unit. Sarah has an honours degree in Psychology and became an Early Years Teacher in 2018. Sarah has a quiet, calm nature and has been praised by Ofsted on a number of occasions for her planned activities and interaction with children. Sarah has excellent knowledge of child development and the Early Years Foundation Stage. Sarah is also fully SENCO trained and is looking forward to moving through to our preschool in September 2018 as our specialised Early Years Teacher.
NURSERY SUPERVISOR
(NVQ3 Trained)
Becca joined Mulberry Corner in 2014 and has experience working with both our nursery and preschool children. Becca is a kind and fun member of the team, and always builds up extremely close relationships with her key children and their families. Becca is really looking forward to her new position as joint supervisor of our main nursery.
PRESCHOOL SUPERVISOR
(NVQ3 Trained)
Hayley joined Mulberry Corner in 2007 and became supervisor of our preschool in 2017. Hayley took a short career break in 2012 to work with children in Greece, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Hayley returned to Mulberry Corner full of passion and continues to be a fun and active member of staff. Hayley has experience with both our nursery and preschool children, as well as children with special needs, having previously worked for The Autistic Society.
NURSERY DEPUTY SUPERVISOR
(NVQ3 Trained) 
Laura joined Mulberry Corner in August 2015, fulfilling a long held ambition to change her career to work with children. Laura joined as an apprentice and completed her training while working at Mulberry Corner. Laura is really enjoying working in the busy environment of a nursery. Laura has a very kind and caring nature and is a very fun member of staff.
PRESCHOOL DEPUTY SUPERVISOR
(NVQ3 trained and currently undertaking a Foundation Degree in Early Years Care and Education) 
Ellis joined Mulberry Corner in May 2016 from a special needs school in Southampton and also has had experience in an Early Years Centre as a learning support assistant. Ellis is suited to the preschool as she has a wide knowledge and interest in child development. Ellis is a confident and knowledgeable member of staff and prepares lovely adult led activities for the children.
SENIOR NURSERY NURSE
NVQ3 and SENCO trained
Kat joined Mulberry Corner in August 2006 and became supervisor of our main nursery in 2011. Kat returned to Mulberry Corner in January 2018 on a part time basis as a senior nursery nurse after the birth of her first child, Bobbi. Kat is fully SENCO trained and always ensures the children in her care are meeting their full potential. She is experienced with liaising with outside agencies to provide consistent care and attends many training courses to ensure her knowledge is up to date. Kat is a friendly and bubbly member of the team with lots of energy and a lovely caring nature.
SENIOR NURSERY NURSE
(CACHE level 3 trained)
Lauren joined Mulberry Corner in April 2005 as a nursery nurse and became deputy supervisor of the nursery before leaving to have her first child. Lauren has worked in both our main nursery and our preschool and now works within the nursery on a part time basis as a senior nursery nurse. Lauren is a very calm member of staff and is constantly coming up with new ideas for activities. Lauren is extremely artistic and enjoys creating exciting displays around the nursery for the children to look at. Lauren has two children of her own, Connor and Mia.
SENIOR NURSERY NURSE
(CACHE level 3 trained)
Michelle came to Mulberry Corner in 2008. Michelle has worked in both the nursery and the preschool, but is very much suited to our nursery setting due to her extremely compassionate and caring nature. Michelle works very hard settling her key children and builds lovely relationships with our children and their families.
SENIOR NURSERY NURSE
(CACHE level 3 trained)
Danielle joined us in October 2010 and currently works in our preschool. Danielle has a wide knowledge of child development and plans lovely activities for the children based on their needs and interests. She enjoys imaginary play with the children, as well as singing activities. Danielle is currently on maternity leave, following the birth of her second son.
NURSERY NURSE
(NVQ3 Trained)
Jasmine joined our team in May 2018, having previously trained and worked in another local nursery in their baby room. Jasmine has a lovely quiet and caring nature and is enjoying working in our busy routine.
NURSERY NURSE
(NVQ3 Trained)
Hannah joined Mulberry Corner in July 2018, having previously worked in another local nursery as supervisor of their baby room. Hannah is a confident, fun and bubbly member of staff and has a very natural, caring way with the children.
NURSERY NURSE
(CACHE level 3 trained) 
Chloe joined our preschool team in October 2016, straight from her role as Unit Leader in a summer camp in Massachusetts with Camp America. Chloe loves books (and writes her own blog on this subject) and also loves to bake. Chloe is a very bubbly, confident member of our team and is really enjoying getting to know all our preschoolers.
NURSERY NURSE
(NVQ3 Trained) 
Izzie joined our team in April 2017, having previously worked as supervisor of a local afterschool club. Izzie is currently working in our preschool but has also worked in our nursery, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Izzie has a natural caring and fun way with the children and builds lovely relationships with her key children and their families.
NURSERY NURSE
(CACHE level 3 trained) 
Gemma joined our nursery team in August 2018, straight from completing her childcare course at Eastleigh College. Gemma has a very caring, quiet nature and has already built up some lovely relationships with our little ones. Gemma is enjoying being part of a busy nursery team and is learning lots from our experienced team. Gemma also helps out each week at a local Rainbows group.
Please click on the button below to find out more about all the different indoor activities on offer at Mulberry Corner.
Please click on the button below to find out more about all the different outdoor activities on offer at Mulberry Corner.
We celebrate lots of different festivals with the children and all the Saints’ days. Some examples of festivals we have celebrated recently are Eid, Holi, Diwali, Easter, Christmas, Chinese New Year and Ramadan. We are happy to incorporate into our planning any festival a parent may wish to celebrate.
At Mulberry Corner we have a healthy eating policy. Staff are encouraged to eat their lunch with the children and to promote our healthy eating policy in their own lunch choices. All meal times at nursery are a social event. Groups are kept small to enable the staff to interact with the children and to encourage good manners at the table.
“Sad face day! Livie is no longer a pre-schooler! I would like to thank ALL the staff at Mulberry Corner for looking after my baby all these years. You’ve all made such a massive impact on her life, I can’t thank you enough. I’m so sad that she’s not going to part of such an amazing learning environment, however I’m sure the ethics and values you have taught her will stay with her for life. Thank you all so much”Parent, 2014
“Leadership is outstanding. Staff are extremely well deployed and work very effectively as a team to ensure children of all ages thrive in this stimulating, nurturing and very well resourced nursery.”Ofsted, 2015
“The staff at Mulberry Corner have a gift of pre-empting what the children need/want before they even realise it themselves!”Parent, 2017
“Both of our boys have been lucky to receive all the love, care and fun you have to offer. Mulberry Corner will hold a special place in our hearts.”Parent, 2016
“He has thoroughly enjoyed his time at Mulberry Corner and I know he’ll miss [Mulberry Corner] very much. Every staff member has been exceptional! I will definitely be recommending you all.”Parent, 2015
“Thank you to everyone at Mulberry Corner for the fantastic care that you provided for [my child]. People often moan about childcare costs but knowing that [my child] is safe and well cared for is worth every penny to us.”Parent, 2015
“This time last year Lucy didn’t want to leave me – this morning she said “I want to be four forever as I never want to leave Pips””Parent, 2017
“Parents and staff develop a highly collaborative approach to children’s care and learning.”Ofsted, 2015
“From the earliest days, staff encourage children to freely explore, experiment and discover. They skilfully develop children’s communication, language and thinking skills.” Ofsted, 2015
“I am always blown away by the staff’s energy and enthusiasm for what they do”Parent, 2017
“It feels like we are arriving at a friend’s house”Parent, 2015
“[Our daughter] is always coming home and surprising us with things we know we haven’t taught her”Parent, 2015
“Teaching is exceptional because the well-qualified and experienced staff provide a rich range of experiences that meet children’s individual learning needs.” Ofsted, 2015
The government has introduced funding for certain 2 year olds, which could help to reduce your nursery fees. You may be entitled to receive this funding if you claim certain welfare benefits or if your child is (a) adopted; (b) is a child in care or (c) has special needs and has an education health and care plan in place. If you wish to find out more about 2 year funding, please feel free to speak to us. We can provide you with the necessary paperwork for you to make a claim.
All preschool children are entitled to up to 15 hours of free funding per week as part of the Early Years Free Entitlement scheme (EYFE) from the term after their third birthday. We accept this funding (known as the universal funding) with no strings attached – you do not have to sign up for a minimum number of sessions and you can use this funding in term time only or stretched throughout the entire year.
We also accept the new additional preschool funding (sometimes called the 30 hours funding). This is available to all eligible families (visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk for further details of whether you are eligible). Our additional funding is available throughout the entire the year (not just in term time) and in conjunction with the universal funding can provide you with 1,140 hours of free childcare per year.
Unlike many nurseries, we do not charge a consumables fee as a condition of accepting either the universal or the additional funding.
The nursery and preschool are open from 8a.m. to 6p.m. The core of our sessions are 9a.m. to 1p.m. and 1p.m. to 5p.m, but we are able to offer variations to these hours to cater for work commitments.
The nursery accepts childcare vouchers as part or full settlement of childcare fees. Please speak to a member of staff for further details.
Mulberry Corner, 1 and 2 Castle Lane,
Chandlers Ford, Hampshire, SO53 4PW
Tel: 023 8025 5170
