Our Team
Our staff are the main resource for your children at Seahorse nursery therefore they are fully trained in their learning and development needs.
Management
Owner: Fiona Schulte – SVQ 4 CCLD
Hi after training as a “nursery nurse” My Mother and I both opened our first private nursery Rocking Horse in 1990. The nursery has always been a family run business and we have successfully owned and ran the nurseries between us Since Oct 1990. I went on to undertake Level 4 SVQ in Childcare and Education Practitioner/ Manager level to enable me to further my Education and development. I am a Qualified assessor in Childcare levels SVQ 2/3 and worked for the then Jewel and Esk Valley college assessing Childminders and students in other nurseries in Edinburgh and East Lothian.
I now use this experience solely at Seahorse with our students and trainees. I managed Rocking Horse until Sept 2001 when we opened Seahorse Nursery (present site), where I moved to being Manager of Seahorse. We have since sold Rocking Horse site. I have continued to work closely with appointed Managers from 2012 as Business Director.
Owner: Margaret Johnston
Margaret Johnston has successfully ran the business side of the nurseries since Oct 1990. A book keeper by trade and previously owning a gift shop in Portobello, Margaret thought bringing her business experience and Fiona’s training and experience in nurseries at that time together. An idea that has worked well for the last 30 years!. Margaret is involved in all aspects of the nursery , especially loving her time in the garden with the children or helping staff with ideas and resources. Her main duties are in finance and accounts, working to ensure the sustainability and future of the nursery.
Manager: Suzanne Mitchell – PDA level 9 Childhood Practice
Suzanne joined Seahorse nursery in 2007 and has worked in all our rooms. Suzanne has worked in our junior room as supervisor until 2018 when she stepped into the role of manager. Suzanne has her PDA level 9 in childhood practice. Suzanne holds certificates in First Aid and Child Protection level 2. Suzanne is also the child protection and Health and safety officer for the nursery.
Deputy Manager: Emma Orphant – SVQ 4 CCLD
Emma joined Seahorse nursery in 2003 and successfully gained her SVQ level 4 CCLD. Emma has a wealth of knowledge and experience with all age groups and shares this with all her colleagues. Emma is also the deputy child protection and heath and safety officer for the nursery.
Emma also trained with Forest school leaders and has adapted this knowledge to provide outdoor sessions for the children ‘Outdoor Adventures’ these take place in alternative sessions so that all children have an opportunity to access the outdoors, except from a Friday where she will be office based.
Staff members
Courtney Reid – Room Supervisor – SVQ 3 CCLD
Courtney Joined Seahorse Nursery in 2018 after she finished her exams at School. Courtney successfully completed her SVQ 3 in 2020. Courtney has started her SVQ4 this year.
Emma Brown – Room Supervisor – SVQ 3 CCLD
Emma came to join the seahorse team full-time in march 2005 as a support worker and over the years has successfully gained her SVQ 3 in childcare learning and development. Since having her first child Emma has dropped her hours to part time. Emma has supported and took lead roles in our 0-3 playrooms over the years.
Samantha Shaw – Room Supervisor – SVQ HNC Childcare and Education
Samantha has joined Seahorse nursery in August 2021. Samantha has previously worked in different nursery in Edinburgh. Samantha holds certificates in First Aid and Child Protection level 1
Caitlin Richie – Practitioner – SVQ 3 CCLD
Caitlin joined Seahorse nursery in 2018 as part of her work experience and became part of our team in 2019. Caitlin completed her SVQ level 3 in December 2020. Caitlin holds certificates in First Aid and Child Protection level 1
Deonne manders -Room Supervisor – SVQ 3 CCLD
Deonne joined Seahorse Nursery in 2008. During her time she has worked hard to work her away up to room supervisor. Deonne has completed her SVQ Level 3 and her nature nurture award. Deonne holds certificates in First Aid and Child Protection level 1
Holly Souness – Practitioner- HNC childhood Practice
Holly joined Seahorse in 2021 after working in an after school club in East Lothian.
Amanda Mitchell – BA childhood practice
Amanda has been working in childcare for over 24 years. Working in various settings including crèches, playgroups, after schools clubs and nurseries.
Amanda qualified as a practitioner in 2007, and then went on to complete SVQ level 4 in 2008. Studied BA childhood practice in 2019. Amanda has been working with Lothian childcare solution for 4 years which is how she came to work for Seahorse nursery.
Lindsey Reynolds SVQ 3 CCLD
Lindsey fully Qualified in November 2022. Having previously worked for another private nursery in Edinburgh, Lindsey wanted to feel nearer to home (living in Cockenzie) so moved to work here at Seahorse in April 2023. Before her nursery Training, Lindsey worked as a care assistant in a nursing home. While she enjoyed the care aspect of the job, Lindsey wanted to move to a nursery environment to have more of impact on those she was caring for in their early formative years.
Lisa Sked – NC Early Education and childcare
Lisa joined Seahorse in August 2022 and has her National certificate in Early Education and childcare.
Kitchen cook
Jemma Harper
Jemma joined Seahorse nursery in 2008 as part of the room teams, in 2015 Jemma became our nursery cook. Jemma enjoys making lots of yummy food for all the children and she also enjoys spending times within the rooms too.
Relief Staff
Baillie Schulte