About us
The people behind Happy Mindz
Small team. Big experience.
The people who will care for your child
Happy Mindz has a team of five highly trained professional Early Years practitioners, delivering quality care for children at our Wickham nursery and preschool, whilst empowering them to learn, experience, and become confident as they take their first steps into the wider world.
Your child is known by our small team
Familiar faces mean Happy Mindz
Your child will be known well by every grown-up and that means they'll always feel safe.
It means we'll know what makes your child laugh, what they're fascinated by, their favourite book, and when they're ready for something new.
That knowledge helps us shape learning around your child, not the other way around.
That's what makes Happy Mindz such a special place.
Meet our founders
Highly experienced Early Years specialist educators
Shane
Qualified Teacher | Co-Founder | Designated Safeguarding Lead
22 YEARS
in education before Happy Mindz
Shane spent 22 years in education, progressing from primary teacher, to deputy headteacher and headteacher.
He holds an Early Years Education degree and NPQH, and has continued to support schools through his leadership experience, including as a Chair of Governors.
But Early Years is where his heart lies. At Happy Mindz, Shane brings his specialist education, experience and passion for Early Years to every interaction with the children, encouraging them to explore, discover and invent, as they adventure together.
Claire
Qualified Teacher | Co-Founder | Designated Safeguarding Lead
20 YEARS
in education before Happy Mindz
Claire spent 20 years teaching, including Year 1 and Year 2, and holds a PGCE in Early Years Education.
She has always loved working with younger children.
At Happy Mindz, Claire brings her teaching experience into everyday nursery life, helping children grow in confidence, independence and a love of learning.
The Happy Mindz story
It started with one couple's shared lifelong ambition
Once upon a time, there were two teachers with a big dream.
Early Years specialist teachers Shane and Claire had always imagined creating a day nursery and pre-school where children could be cared for exceptionally well, while being encouraged to explore, discover and invent, through a Curriculum of Wonder.
A decision to move 'down South' in 2016, wanting to be closer to family, seemed like the perfect time to turn their dreams into a reality. Happy Mindz was created and now, 10 years later, they are still at the heart of it.
They have never looked back. With 40 years of teaching experience behind them, this is where they always wanted to be. Spending time with the children. Seeing them flourish and grow. They love their work, and it shows.
"Happy Mindz is my happy place. I love to discover with the children every day at our nursery and preschool in Wickham" (Shane)
While Shane and Claire have been leading Happy Mindz and preparing hundreds of children for life in the big wide world, they’ve been growing their own children up too!
With their younger daughter now working towards her GCSEs, and their older daughter currently studying Biomedical Science at university, it’s clear that their family love learning as much as Shane and Claire love teaching.
Shane has recently become a gramps (which he’s delighted about), and their family unit is completed by the family furball, a pampered pooch who prefers sofa surfing to wild walks.
Meet our practitioners
L3 Early Years Educator Trainee
The newest member of our team, Alisha loves her work. She says:
"I like to think I am flexible and have much to give to each child. I particularly enjoy supporting the children’s learning and development.
I began my Level Three training in September and have learned so much already.
I love working with the children. It's amazing to watch as they meet
milestones, are challenged onto the next, and supported along the journey.
I also love to see each of their individual personalities and watch them grow into their unique selves."
Alisha
L5 Early Years Educator
Emily has been at Happy Mindz for over three years. She says:
"I have a strength within SEND, due to having family members diagnosed with, and living with, Autism.
I enjoy Leadership and Management, with expertise developed through my Level Five qualification. I love mentoring and coaching new members of staff, students and trainees.
Working with children is very rewarding. No two days are ever the same and each day brings a new achievement or milestone for children. I feel privileged to be able to see them learn, grow and develop into their own people."
Emily
(L5 Early Years Educator)
Deputy Manager
Lauren has been working at Happy Mindz, from the beginning of her career in Early Years, for eight years. She says:
"My areas of expertise include caring for babies, and coaching other members of staff.
I began my Early Years Journey at Happy Mindz working through my Level Two up to my Level Five.
I enjoy seeing and helping children reach their milestones. I enjoy observing those first achievements - the first step, the first independent holding of a cup, those first words that emerge from a babble."
Lauren
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Shane and Claire are Level 4 Designated Safeguarding Leads
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Shane holds Level 3 Food Hygiene
Plus:
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Level 3 Safeguarding
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Level 3 First Aid training.
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Level 2 Food Hygiene
All our team hold:
Qualifications
