The Tiddlywinks management team brings a huge breadth of knowledge and experience to our nurseries, as well as dedication, empathy and a passion for early years education.

Experienced, hands-on leadership

Each setting has a manager and an assistant manager who all have an in-depth understanding of the nursery ethos, EYFS curriculum and the standards that are required for an outstanding, inspirational and family-centred nursery. The nursery management team ensure that inspirational, varied and stimulating activities and environments are constantly being experienced by the children in their care.

Alongside this we have an area manager who ensures that all the settings are up to date with any changes in legislation, policies and procedures. Our area manager has a huge enthusiasm for direction and vision. They also support the management team in providing the very best nursery experience for the children and families we care for.

The Tiddlywinks management team is constantly assessing its practice and is forward-thinking and reactive to any changes – thereby delivering consistently outstanding care and education.

Leading the way in nursery provision

Our company director, Tracey Roberts, is very hands-on in the running of the nurseries. Tracey sits on a number of boards both locally and nationally, as well as being a governor for York Learning. Tracey has been involved with the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) for more than 15 years, sitting as both the chair and vice chair. This gives her the privilege of being present when policies or new legislation are being made, and ensures any changes filter down very quickly into our settings. That means we are always prepared, up to date and at the forefront of nursery care.

Management Team

Tracey Roberts
Director and Founder

Tracey is a mum of three and set up the company in 2003 after a career in nursing and medical sales.

Following the birth of her first 2 children she decided that her career needed a new direction and her love of early years combined with a drive to run her own business led her to opening the first Tiddlywinks in 2004. Tracey has a passion for quality and education and that is clear throughout all the Tiddlywinks settings. Tracey sits on various boards at local authority level that look at sustainability, quality and education as well as being a governor for York learning which helps adults into education and training. Alongside this Tracey also sits at national level as a route panel member for The Institute for Apprentices and Technical Education ( IfATE). Tracey’s passion lies in the ability to help shape the future of early years and use her knowledge and experience in driving quality within the Tiddlywinks settings.

Tiddlywinks Area Manager Rowena
Rowena Jew
Area manager

Rowena joined Tiddlywinks in January 2016, having previously taught at the Mount School in York for ten years, across both the junior and secondary school.

Since joining Tiddlywinks, Rowena has gained a huge wealth of experience in early years education through training, research and professional development. She brings this expertise to the nursery on a daily basis, supporting the team in delivering outstanding activities using a variety of Pedagogies to ensure children thrive on their early year’s journey. Rowena is a highly motivated individual who strives to be the best that she can possibly be something that she instills in everyone else in the Tiddlywinks family. Rowena is responsible for the development and quality of all the Tiddlywinks Nurseries and is passionate about the education and depth of provision on offer and the outcomes for children and constantly looks for new ways to improve. She also has a love of outdoor learning, so much so she is currently undertaking her Forest School Qualification.

Rowena’s love for the outdoors is also very prominent in her personal life, spending much of her free time walking in the North Yorkshire countryside or standing on touchlines watching her children play sports!.

  • NPQ Early Years Leadership.
  • EYFS Teaching Diploma.
  • PGCE with QTS Secondary Education.
  • BA (Hons) Sports Studies and Physical Education.
  • Safeguarding Lead.
  • DBS Checked
  • Paediatric First Aid
  • Allergy Awareness
  • Food Hygiene
Molly Close
York Manager

Molly returns as our temporary Manager at York before moving across to Boroughbridge in 2025.

Molly has worked in the Early Years sector Since 2013 and first joined the Tiddlywinks team in August 2016. Molly joined the team as a Baby Room Supervisor before gaining promotions to SENCo and Assistant Manager during her 5 years at our York nursery. Molly has always had inclusivity and individuality at the heart of her provision and has spent the last 3 years as the Deputy SENCo at Fulford School, gaining further knowledge and experience in advocating and coordinating provision for young people with a range of special educational needs. We are delighted for Molly to be rejoining our team in September 2024 as a Nursery Manager.
Molly is a dog Mum to an energetic Labrador, Arthur, who she loves to take on long walks, with plenty of swimming alongside other four-legged friends. You can usually find Molly at a park run, spending time with friends and family or going to the theatre in her free time.
* BA Hons Leading Children’s Development and Learning
* SENCo Training
* Co-occurring ADHD and Autism
* Girls, Women and ADHD

* ElkLan Trained

Tiddlywinks team member Katy Bulleyment
Katy Bulleyment
Easingwold Manager

Katy is the Easingwold nursery Manager she joined us in October 2015 after working for the previous owners for many years.

Katy is highly organised, motivated and a fantastic support to the nursery team as well as the wider management team. She loves settling in new children and takes time and pride in getting to know families and providing support when needed. Katy enjoys helping staff  in creative and stimulating activities, and teaching the use of Makaton in the children’s daily routines as well as singing and storytime. In her spare time Katy loves spending time with her husband and  two boys………….. usually stood on the side of a football pitch!

  • Foundation Degree in Childcare (Level 5)
  • Level 3 Early Years Educator
  • Designated Safeguarding Lead
  • Level 1 Makaton
  • DBS Checked
  • Paediatric First Aid
  • Enhanced Safeguarding
  • Allergy Awareness
  • Food Hygiene
Sheelagh Massey
Finance Officer

Sheelagh had been part of the Tiddlywinks family since 2016.

Sheelagh oversees fee administration ensuring smooth financial operations and fostering positive relationships with families. A proud parent of adult children sheelagh understands the importance of a nurturing environment for families. She combines her part time role with a passion for cooking, walking her dog, gardening and travel.