Meet the Staff

We are so lucky to have such an experienced, dedicated & caring team here at Merry Go Round!

Alison Pope

Manager

After leaving college with a National Diploma in early childhood studies, Alison became a private Nanny for 6 years, working with two families over this time. It was whilst doing this that she was approached to join a preschool as their supervisor, during which time she achieved her NVQ level 4 and trained as a Thrive Practitioner. This training gave her the skills to support the emotional health and wellbeing of children so that they are ready to engage with life and learning, something that she’s particularly passionate about in her role of Manager at Merry Go Round. Having worked solidly in Early Years for 18 years, she can confidently say she’s doing a job she truly loves – every day is an learning adventure and never a dull journey! Alison is a mum of two, and when she’s not working she’s out and about with her little family – a firm favourite is walking to the beach almost on her doorstep with a picnic. She enjoys reading, music, meals with friends and family and going to the cinema… She’s a complete Marvel nut!

Sarah Aubery

Deputy Manager

When Sarah was a child she was always told she was great with children and that when she grows up she should work with them! She soon realised that she loved being around young children as they always put a smile on her face. She has two of her own children and two stepchildren, all teenagers now! When her children were younger Sarah completed her NVQ level 3 in Childcare whilst working at a preschool, where she loved working with a team and watching children grow and transform into their own little characters. In her spare time Sarah likes to read, listen to music, spend time with friends, walk her dog to the beach and enjoy quality time with her husband!

Moira Laidlaw

Forest School Leader

Moira has worked with Merry Go Round for an impressive 25 years, the last 12 of which has been as our Forest School Leader. She initially started as a parent volunteer, but quickly realised how much she enjoyed the challenges of working with young children, and how she would like to build a career from this. She completed a Level 3 NVQ in Early Years, then proceeded to train as a Forest School practitioner, and then a Beach School practitioner. All 4 of Moira’s children attended Merry Go Round and although she has seen many changes over the years in how childcare is provided, she feels the MGR ethos and core values remain the same now as they have always been. She enjoys working for an independent preschool which allows the staff to keep their high levels of aspiration. “I love being in Forest School with the children, as I feel some really important learning happens there. Every day is different but central is allowing the children time and space to find their voices and place in the world. The children develop a lot of resilience being out for a full day in all weathers.”