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What A Hoot Nursery Blyth
What A Hoot Day Nursery Blyth opened its doors in April 2014. Located in the centre of Blyth, Northumberland, we have transformed a building from an old first school into a modern, purpose-built nursery, after-school & daycare provider. We cater for children from newborn up to twelve years of age.
About us
If you live in Blyth, Ashington, Cramlington, Bedlington, Seaton Delaval, Seaton Sluice or any of the surrounding North Tyneside or South East Northumberland areas, What A Hoot offers practical and affordable daycare services for parents looking to give their children the best possible start in life.
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National standards
As a registered childcare facility, we meet the national standards set by OFSTED our governing body and all of our staff have been suitably DBS-checked and gone through a rigorous recruitment procedure.
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7 rooms & growing
Our Blyth nursery consists of 7 spacious and vibrant rooms. We have 3 baby rooms (0-2 years), 2 rooms for 2-3 year olds (with a 3rd coming soon) and 2 rooms for pre-school/3-5 year olds (with a 3rd coming soon).
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Convenient location
Conveniently situated on Albion Way in Blyth town centre, What A Hoot is ideal for parents who live, work or travel through Blyth – we’re easily accessed by bus or on foot, with dedicated parking facilities for those travelling by car – and we’re just a short walk from the amenities of Albion Retail Park.
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Other facilities onsite
Alongside What A Hoot Day Nursery, we have other thriving businesses in the centre including, High Energy Martial Arts Academy, Cub café and Beautification & Nails. All of the companies within the Activity Centre operate with the same ethos: community-focused work celebrating a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
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Sensory Room
We also have an onsite Sensory Room in the centre, The Sensory Nest, which is run by the nursery. Our nursery children use the sensory room regularly, it is particularly beneficial for our children who have additional needs. The Sensory Room boasts; a soft play, bubble tubes, activity walls, a swing seat, a spinning plate a trampoline and an enclosed outdoor area.
Meet Our Dedicated Blyth Team
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Managing Director
Nichola Barnes
Nichola has a BA(hons) degree in Care and Education of Very Young Children and Professional Practice Studies with Early Years Professional status. She is now Managing Director of both our nurseries.
Deputy Manager Blyth
Briony Wilson
Briony holds a Level 4 qualification and is our Deputy Manager. Briony is incredibly organised and excellent at leading the team.
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Deputy Manager Blyth
Millie Roberts-Bee
Millie has a BA (Hons) in Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status and is our Deputy Manager. She is responsible for supporting the day-to-day running of the setting and ensuring high standards of care and education.
BLYTH SENIOR STAFF
Senior Nursery Staff / SENDCO
Shannon Cheetham
Shannon is a Level 3 qualified practitioner with numerous SENDCO qualifications and over nine years of experience supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities. She is our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENDCO) and the Room Lead for our Two-Year-Old Room, where she is passionate about creating an inclusive, nurturing environment that enables every child to thrive.
Senior Nursery Practitioner
Suzanne Wilson
Suzanne is a Level 3 qualified practitioner and the Room Lead for our Baby Room. She is dedicated to providing a warm, nurturing, and stimulating environment where our youngest children feel safe, secure, and supported as they begin their early years journey.
Senior Nursery Practitioner
Danielle Jackson
Danielle is our Preschool Lead at What a Hoot and plays an important role in supporting the day-to-day running of the preschool room. She is dedicated to providing high-quality care and learning experiences, helping to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children are supported and encouraged to reach their full potential in preparation for school.
Deputy Senior Nursery Practitioner
Chelsea White
Chelsea joined What a Hoot in January 2023 and holds a Level 3 qualification in Early Years. She is our Deputy Senior Room Lead in pre school and is passionate about supporting children’s learning and development, helping to create a caring, engaging, and positive environment where every child can flourish.
Deputy Senior Nursery Practitioner
Abby Errington
Abby is a Level 3 qualified Nursery Practitioner in our Two-Year-Old Room with extensive experience supporting children with profound additional needs. She is passionate about creating an inclusive, caring environment where every child is supported to reach their full potential.
Deputy Senior Nursery Practitioner
Tegan Hindmarsh
Tegan holds a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and is Deputy Senior in our Baby Room at What a Hoot, working with the non-walkers. She helps support the day-to-day running of the room and is dedicated to providing safe, nurturing care where every baby can grow in confidence and independence.
Deputy Senior Nursery Practitioner
Georgia Smith
Georgia is a Level 3 qualified Early Years Practitioner at What a Hoot and works in our Two-Year-Old Room. She has always enjoyed supporting young children as they learn and develop, and takes pride in helping them flourish through their early years in a caring and nurturing environment.
Deputy Senior Nursery Practitioner
Nicola Middleton
Nicola holds a Level 3 qualification in Early Years and is one of our Baby Room Seniors. She is dedicated to providing a warm, nurturing, and stimulating environment where babies feel safe, secure, and supported in their early development.
Deputy Senior Nursery Practitioner
Kacey Weatherby
Kacey is a Deputy Senior in our Preschool room at What a Hoot. She plays a key role in supporting the daily running of the room and is committed to providing high-quality care and learning experiences. Kacey helps create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children are supported to develop confidence and prepare for their next steps in learning.
THE BLYTH TEAM
Nursery Practitioner
Becca Hills
Becca is a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner in our Baby Room. She is caring and patient in her approach, helping babies feel safe, settled, and happy throughout their day.
Nursery Practitioner
Emma Morton
Emma is a Nursery Practitioner in our Two-Year-Old Room at Blyth and has been part of the team since August 2018. She is a calm, patient practitioner who builds strong, respectful relationships with children, always supporting their choices and encouraging their independence.
Nursery Practitioner
Jade Crowson
Jade is a Level 3 qualified Early Years Practitioner in our Baby Room. She has had a passion for working with children from a young age and brings warmth and enthusiasm to her role, helping to create a happy and supportive environment for our youngest children.
Nursery practitioner
Lauren Dickson
Lauren is a Level 3 qualified Early Years Practitioner in our Two-Year-Old Room. She is a caring and dedicated practitioner who enjoys supporting children as they grow in confidence and develop their early learning skills through play and exploration.
Nursery Practitioner
Michelle Todd
Michelle joined us in Spring 2025 and is an Early Years Apprentice working towards her Level 3 qualification. She is based in our Two-Year-Old Room, where she is developing her skills and enjoys supporting children’s learning through play and positive interactions.
Nursery Practitioner
Stephanie Robe
This is Steph, she is qualified at Level 3. (We need to chase Stephanie for a photo)
Nursery Practitioner
Kim Cowie
Kim holds a Level 3 qualification in the Early Years Workforce. She is always smiling, caring and positive, and enjoys supporting children in their learning and development. Kim brings a friendly and enthusiastic approach to the setting and helps create a happy, engaging environment for all children.
Nursery Practitioner
Serina Griffin
Serina holds a Level 2 in Childcare and is currently working towards her Level 3 qualification. She is passionate about supporting children's learning and development and enjoys creating a fun, caring and nurturing environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Nursery Practitioner
Nicole Barnes
Nicole is currently completing her Level 3 Children and Young People's Workforce qualification. She is enthusiastic, caring and enjoys supporting children as they learn, grow and develop. Nicole is passionate about creating a fun, safe and nurturing environment where every child can thrive.
Nursery Practitioner
Megan Gates
Megan has a BA (Hons) in Childhood, Youth and Family Studies. She enjoys creating fun, engaging learning experiences for children and especially loves leading Hartbeeps sessions and messy play activities. Megan is passionate about supporting every child's development in a nurturing and stimulating environment.
Nursery Practitioner
Danielle Little
Danielle is qualified at Level 3 in Children and Young People's Workforce. She is a proud mum to two little boys and loves spending quality time with her family, especially on days out and trips together. Danielle also enjoys shopping and brings a warm, caring approach to supporting every child in her care.
Nursery Practitioner
Linzi Turnbull
Linzi is friendly, bubbly and always the first to offer a helping hand. She enjoys supporting both children and her colleagues, creating a warm, positive environment where every child feels happy, safe and encouraged to learn through play.
Nursery Practitioner
Nichole Raisbeck
Nichole has previous experience working in a primary school and is now beginning her nursery adventure. She is excited to support children's early learning and development, building positive relationships and helping them grow in a happy, nurturing environment.
Nursery Practitioner
Elsie Morse
Elsie is qualified in Level 3 Children's Play, Learning and Development and has previous experience as an After School Club Manager. She is passionate about supporting children's learning and development through fun, engaging activities and enjoys building positive relationships with every child and their family.
Nursery Practitioner
Abby Gardner
Abby is qualified in Level 3 Childcare. She is ambitious, creative and bubbly, and enjoys planning fun, engaging activities that support children's learning and development. Abby is passionate about creating a positive, nurturing environment where every child can thrive.
Nursery Practitioner
Nicola Cleverly
Nicola holds a Level 5 qualification in Children and Young People. She loves singing and messy play and enjoys creating fun, engaging experiences that encourage children's learning, creativity and confidence. Nicola is passionate about providing a happy, nurturing environment where every child can flourish.
Nursery Practitioner
Aimee Watson
Aimee is a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner and joined us in the Spring of 2025
Nursery Practitioner
Chloe Saul
Chloe joined us as an apprentice in January 2017 and is now fully qualified to Level 3. Chloe is a fantastic practitioner and we are so proud she is part of our team.
Nursery Practitioner
Charleigh Proctor
This is Charleigh, she is one of our nursery apprentices. She is working towards her Level 3 qualification.
OTHER ROLES
Cleaning Supervisor
Tracey Hindmarsh
Tracey is our fabulous domestic lead, she keeps our nursery fresh and hygienic everyday. Tracey works so hard to enable the staff to focus on planning and creating unique learning opportunities for our children.
Nursery Cook
Lorraine Wilson
Loraine is our Nursery Chef, preparing fresh, nutritious meals for the children each day. She takes great pride in ensuring every meal is well-balanced, delicious and caters to children's individual dietary requirements and allergies. Loraine plays an important role in supporting healthy eating and creating positive mealtime experiences for all of the children.