Staff Profile

Hi my name is Alison, and I am thrilled to a co-head at Brougham Street Nursery School. I am always looking forward to lots of learning, play and adventures and can't wait to learn all about you, but first I'll tell you a little about me.

I grew up on a dairy farm in a tiny hamlet called Eagland Hill, Lancashire, so I spent my childhood outdoors, playing for hours with my sister Sara in the surrounding fields, building dens and climbing trees. I have always had a passion for nature and initially pursued a career in marine biology, ultimately working as a post doctoral fellow researching fish health at the Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling.

In 2009 I changed career and followed my then 3 year old son into nursery. Initially I volunteered, but loved the atmosphere so much that I soon became employed first as an Early Years Educator and then as Manager of Red Kite Community Nursery in Doune, Perthshire. Alongside my work I completed  a SVQ3 in Childcare Learning and Development and subsequently my M.Ed in Childhood Practice at Glasgow University. This was then followed by an Assessor and Verifier Award through Stirling Council Children's Services.

In 2015, my family moved to England from Scotland and I actually worked as a Special Educational Needs Learning Support Assistant here at Brougham Street Community Nursery School. I left to do my PGCE in secondary science and taught at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School before the opportunity arose to return as Class Teacher at Brougham Street, and it was too good to miss! Since joining the team at Brougham Street in January 2019 we have accomplished so much, we have achieved Level 4 in the RHS School Gardening Scheme, taken part in the RSPB Bird watch and have developed links with schools around the world through our participation in the British Council's eTwinning program. I have completed the Level 3 Forest School's Leader training and we have run a successful Forest School in the Wilderness Community Woodland since September 2019. I  have recently completed the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination and aim to shape an ethos and culture based upon person-centred, inclusive, practice in which the interests and needs of children and young people pupils with SEN and/or disabilities are at the heart of all that takes place at Brougham Street Community Nursery School. 

I live in Skipton with my husband Gordon, children Finlay, Gregor and Teighan, dog Boots, cat Oreo and of course I have a fish - called Kepple! My family and I love living in Skipton,  it is a very family friendly town with lots of possibilities for adventures. I am also a member of the 'Friends of the Wilderness' community group. I retain my connections in Scotland, supporting the development of eLearning opportunities in training centres based in Stirling and Glasgow, specifically for practitioners who work in the early years and playwork sectors. 

We look forward to welcoming you into Brougham Street Community Nursery School. Michael and I lead a fantastic team of highly experienced and qualified early years practitioners. We are all approachable and welcome conversations with parents/carers throughout the year. Please get in touch if you have any questions or concerns. I want to partner with you in order to best support your child; every day I am striving to learn what I can do to make a difference in children’s lives.

Best Wishes

Dr. Alison Stewart