Our Team

    • Viv Sargen
      Co-owner

      Viv Sargen

      Co-owner

      Hi I’m Viv. I have co-owned and co-managed the nursery since we took it on in 2020. I have always loved working with early years children since working as an au pair in France when I was 20. After working in various administrative positions including time as a bi-lingual administrator, in 2003 I retrained as an early years/KS1 teacher and have worked within Early Years ever since. Before moving to the Peak District in 2015 I managed a large nursery in Norwich during which time I completed my Masters in Early Childhood Education. Since then I have taught in Pilsley and Curbar Primary schools before we took over BEN. I have always understood the joy and importance of outdoor learning and in 2018 I gained my Forest School Level 3 leaders qualification. In all the years I have been working with young children I never cease to be amazed at how very different, fascinating and truly special each little one is.

    • Laura Middleton
      Co-owner

      Laura Middleton

      Co-owner

      I have worked in early years since leaving university after studying for my degree in Early Childhood Studies. I am still constantly fascinated with how our little ones learn and develop and not one day working with them is ever the same. I have two daughters who can often be seen calling in after school and love to be part of nursery life. My professional development has seen me in many different roles over the years, I started working at the nursery in 2017 and when the opportunity arose to purchase the nursery in partnership with Viv, I was excited to take the nursery into it’s next chapter. It has been lovely to see how the nursery has evolved and I am excited to continue with this process, welcoming lots of new littles ones aboard along the way. It is a very rewarding job and although it’s very sad to see the children going off to school at the end of their nursery journey it’s also lovely to see how they have blossomed and are confident for their next step. When I’m not at nursery you may have seen me being dragged up Curbar Gap by my very springy spaniel Ozzy!

    • Emma Collins

      Emma Collins

      My name is Emma. I am a Mum of two young children. I have a level 3 childcare qualification. I have worked with children from 0-14years as a Preschool Assistant and as a Nanny for the last 13years. As well as working here at Baslow Edge Nursery I work as a Teaching Assistant at St Anselms School.

    • Lucy

      Lucy

      Hi l’m Lucy. I have been working specifically with children for two years now at the nursery and before that at a local “wrap around ” kids club. My main career of 40 years has been nursing so l do have some relevant experience there too .I really enjoy working at the nursery even though part time it is a pleasure to see the children settling and flourishing.l was a working parent too and l know how hard that can be .l am a busy grandparent so still learning !! I have kept myself up to date with the relevant courses ie Paediatric First Aid , Safeguarding etc and will continue to do so .

    • Geraldine

      Geraldine

      I’ve been a student/employee at Baslow Edge Nursery for 17 months and enjoy working with the children; I will be finishing my Cache Level 3 Early Educator Course shortly which covers all aspects of early years including safeguarding.  Prior to this I helped out for 18 months at the local primary school with children in reception and year one for Forest school sessions.  I really enjoyed working with the young children which encouraged me to get qualified with the support of Baslow Edge Nursery starting back in April 2021.  I’ve been a working mum for 17 years and have two children so understand what it is like juggling work and childcare.  I am very much looking forward to becoming qualified and continuing my journey at Baslow Edge – Geraldine.