Songbirds Management Team

Katylee Stevenson

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Hi I'm Katy, I am The CEO of Songbirds day nurseries

I began working in Early Years sector in 2007

after a complete career change.

I have vast experience in the Early Years Industry.

I have managed settings as well as

worked in local primary schools.

I am extremely proud to say that within one of my past managerial roles I was graded Outstanding.

Working with young children is not my job it is my passion.

I have children of my own and I would like my

nurseries to have a home from home feeling.

Your children will be cared for as I care for my own.

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Lydia Roberts

Senior Manager

Hi I’m Lydia, I am the Senior Manager

of Songbirds day nurseries.

I have a BA Hons Degree in Education and Early Years.

I joined Songbirds in 2019.

I started my journey in the Early Years sector in 2015

my passion is working closely with children

and families to meet every child’s needs.

I love to see children learn and explore through their own interests and that is something we strive

to do here at Songbirds.

Jess Duffin

Hedon Manager

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Hi I’m Jess, I am the Hedon setting Manager.

I joined Songbirds back in 2017

I have a BA Hons Degree in Early Childhood Studies.

I have been the Hedon setting Manager since 2019

I enjoy helping to create a home from home

setting which the children feel comfortable

in and enjoy learning in too.

I joined the early years sector in 2011

I have a passion for creating strong bonds with the

children and their families and watching them

grow from being young babies to confident

learners heading off to school.

Claire McPherson

Preston Manager / Sendco

Hi I’m Claire, I am the Preston setting Manager,

I have a BA Hons degree, I joined Songbirds in 2018.

I’m also the SENCO for both the Preston and Hedon settings working closely with families and other professionals to meet each individual child’s needs.

I love to join in and be apart of the children’s learning and experiences whilst also working together with the staff members to provide an environment for children to thrive in.

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Sarah Freer

Finance Manager

Hi I’m Sarah, I began my journey in the

early years sector in 1995. I joined Songbirds in 2011

I am the finance manager across both settings,

prior to becoming the finance manager

I spent many happy years as a Deputy manager.

As part of my role, I deal with invoicing, accounts, staff management and children’s funding.

Alice Terry

Preston Deputy Manager

Hi, I’m Alice and I am the Preston deputy manager. I joined Songbirds in 2016 as an apprentice, and have worked my way up to a room supervisor and now deputy. Having two little boys of my own, I will always understand from a parent’s perspective and answer any queries you may have. I have a huge interest in supporting and helping each child develop and flourish into their own individual self, and love to watch them grow throughout their journey at Songbirds.

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Lucy Biglin

Preston Deputy Manager

Hi I’m Lucy, the deputy manager at Songbirds Preston setting, I have worked in child care since 2016 and have experience with all age groups. I started here at Songbirds back in 2021, and in 2023 I officially qualified with my level 3 forest school lead qualification. I enjoy working with children as it’s rewarding and I’m passionate to help them develop into their own unique individual. I like to create bonds with the children and their families, making their nursery experience memorable and enjoyable.

Gabby Butter

Hedon Deputy Manager

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Hi I’m Gabby, I am the Hedon Setting Deputy Manager.

I have a Level 5 Qualification in Early Years and Education and joined Songbirds in July 2024. I thrive in working with children and working closely with their families.

I started my journey in Early Years in 2019, and love to see children learn and explore in the outdoors, which is something we strive in at Songbirds. I believe it is an important sector in promoting children’s independence, curiosity and language skills.

Kayleigh Hyam

Employee Mentor

Hi, I’m Kayleigh and I’m the Employee Mentor for new staff and Apprentices at both our Hedon and Preston settings.

I have a BA Hons degree in Young Children’s Learning and Development and have over 10 years’ experience working in the Early Years sector. As part of my role as Employee Mentor I spend the first 6 weeks of employment with all new starters to ensure they receive a thorough induction period and support completion of mandatory training.

I am here to support staff, answer any questions and offer guidance during their first weeks working for Songbirds. Additional to my role I support and guide all of our Apprentices right through to gaining their

qualifications and securing their position as a

qualified practitioner with Songbirds.