Introducing the Lynton Team

Management Team

Nursery Directors – Emma Ward & Gary Ward

Emma and Gary originally set up Chiltern Nursery in Sutton in 2002 as they were unable to find a nursery that they liked for their own son. Fast forward a few years later they are now the directors of three nurseries.

Emma and Gary are very hands on, and spend time at all the settings during the week.

Nursery Manager – Alisha Blanchard

Alisha has worked for Chiltern Nurseries LTD for the last 12 years, her journey began at Chiltern our Sutton nursery. Joining as a member of the bank team Alisha quickly worked her way up the leadership ladder to become a room leader, deputy manager, then nursery manager.

In 2020 Alisha moved to Lynton House as the deputy manager as she wanted to gain experience within a larger team and within a larger setting. Durning this time Alisha worked hard to gain a BA Hons in Early Years Leadership and Management.

In August 2022 Alisha and the team gained an outstanding judgment awarded by Ofsted. In February 2023 Alisha became the Nursery Manager of Lynton House.

Alisha is Lynton’s designated safeguarding lead and special educational needs and disability Coordinator. She also holds a Level 3 certificate in food safety and is first aid trained.

Deputy Manager  –  Hannah Thomas

Hannah has been working for the company since February 2012 where she began her journey as bank staff at Glaisdale Day Nursery.

Whilst working for the company, Hannah gained her Level 3 in Childcare, as well as a First-Class Degree in Sociology and Criminology at the University of Southampton.

During her time with us, Hannah has worked with all age groups, finding her passion for the Pre-Schoolers. In October 2019, Hannah came over to Lynton where she became Deputy Room Leader of our Oak Room Pre-School, and then Room Leader shortly afterwards.

Hannah demonstrated her willingness to learn and progress, and is now Deputy Manager at Lynton House.

Hannah absolutely loves managing the day to day running of the nursery alongside Alisha, and together, they were part of an outstanding OFSTED inspection in August 2022.