My name is Lotte and I have been with Building Blocks since it opened its doors on the 3^rd September 2001. Having just completed my BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies I was eager to put all my knowledge into practice. I started as a Nursery Assistant and worked my way up to become Nursery Manager in January 2004 of our new Kingston Rd site. In April 2008 I was promoted to Senior Manager for the company with the owners temporary move to America. This evolved into my current role of Operations Director as I took on more and more responsibility within the company. 

I have overall responsibility for the quality, care and education within the nurseries and Kids Clubs as well as all customer service aspects within the company. I work closely alongside Clare Ford, our Operations Manager, who directly oversees the Early Years Managers and ensures that day to day operations run smoothly and continue to meet the high standards that we strive for in our pursuit for excellence. It is extremely important to me that I continue to maintain a presence across both our Wimbledon and Teddington sites through formal observations and informal check-ins with the staff. Being able to see first-hand the level at which we are delivering our curriculum and offering my support and guidance when needed forms a crucial element of our reflective practice.

I live in Guildford with my husband and my two children. Oliver is in Primary School and Hattie attends Building Blocks Dundonald Rd. We love nothing more than long walks at the weekend and pub lunches. Building Blocks is where I grew up and is my second home and I am extremely fortunate to work with an incredible group of people that share my passion and vision for providing excellence in all that we do. 

My name is Clare and I am the Operations Manager for the company. I have over 15 years’ experience within the Early Years Sector, primarily based within nursery settings. I started as a Nursery Assistant back in 2002 and worked my way to the position I hold today! I have experience with all ages ranging from birth to 11 years. During this time I have obtained NVQ levels 3, 4 and 5 in Early Childhood Education, NVQ Levels 4 & 5 in management and have extensive training and experience in Special Educational Needs and Safeguarding. 

I have been with Building Blocks since it took over the Teddington site in 2006 and became manager of the setting in 2008. I am very proud to have been a part of our two consecutive Outstanding Ofsted inspections at Teddington and acquiring our most recent accolade of being named the NDNA Nursery of the Year for the South of England in 2017, such a personal and professional achievement. As Operations Manager I am responsible for the overall quality, care and education at the nurseries. I directly manage the Early Years Managers, Early Years HR and Early Years Administrator. I am a parent myself with two children that have attended from our baby room right the way through to our Kids Club. Both now attend our local primary and secondary schools.

I spend my time between the nurseries and the office so you will probably see me from time to time and I am always available via email or telephone should you need anything.

I started with Building Blocks in 2003 as the first Office Manager. In 2007 I realised that I had a real passion for the accounts and finance aspect of my role, so decided to take this further with a study contract with ACCA. In 2016 I had my daughter Elizabeth and was looking for part time work when I got a phone call from Phil, the owner of Building Blocks offering me a part time position in the finance department at central office and I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to come back to my roots! I produce a variety of management reports for the Directors and oversee and review the Early Years Managers budgets. I spend time analysing various cost centres and identify any process improvements or efficiencies for the business. I have always been a hands on person and like to support my colleagues in the office or at the nurseries, whether it be answering the phone or through my management of the cleaning and catering contracts for the business. My daughter Elizabeth started at Building Blocks in the Top Toddlers and is now at Primary School and attends our Holiday Club.

My Name is Philip Ashton. I am the owner and one of the founders of Building Blocks. Prior to Building Blocks I served for sixteen years as a police officer. As a Detective Sergeant I was responsible for running long term and complex operations. I obtained an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science, my studies in pursuit of this delineated to me the enormous importance in providing the highest quality childcare in the early years as possible. As a working parent I wanted the best for my children, it was this desire that resulted in the creation of Building Blocks Childcare.