Meet the Management Team

Jo Gomersall, Managing Director

Prior to starting up Daisy Chain Childcare Ltd, Jo worked for blue chip companies in a sales capacity. She then gained people management experience in the Marketing Industry as a Senior Manager before setting up her own field marketing company gaining contracts from companies such as the English Tourist Board and Guinness. Jo had a total career change after starting her family and re-trained in childcare to open Daisy Chain Childcare.  Her current role is to lead the daily operation of the business and head up the human resources and marketing side of the business.

Helen Somers, Finance Director

Prior to starting up Daisy Chain Childcare Ltd, Helen worked for 12 years with Diageo PLC. Latterly working as a Senior Manager with responsibility for the management of a team of National Account Managers charged with the development of core business through third parties.  Becoming a working mother led to a career change and her current role within Daisy Chain is to lead the day-to-day financial operation of the company. Additionally, Helen leads all aspects of Health and Safety.

Denise Wilson, Company Secretary

Denise previously worked for TKL Ltd as an Area Manager responsible for managing 24 retail outlets including 50 staff in West Yorkshire and Northern Ireland. Her current role is Cash Management and Auditing.

Denise also helps us maintain our CSR and helps with local fundraising and networking for the business. She has helped the company raise thousands over the years. She is also our Managing Director’s Mum.

Julie Spalding, Nursery Manager, Lofthouse Nursery

01924 565466
julie@daisychainchildcare.com

BA Hons Early Childcare Studies

Julie started working in Childcare in 1980, her childcare background has been Educational, Social Services, home based, overseas and the private sector, which is where she has worked for more than 17 years now. Having made the decision from a young age that childcare was to be her chosen career path, she has been fortunate to have had the opportunity on fundamental skills, knowledge and experience through working in a variety of diverse and sometimes challenging working environments.

Throughout Julie’s career she has been able to take advantage of opportunities and experiences but it is here at Daisy Chain Childcare that she has been able to really put a stamp on developing the nurseries, ensuring that the best possible childcare is provided to children and families, which is why she loves her job.

Samantha Neal, Nursery Manager, Adel

0113 2857000
sam@daisychainchildcare.com

My name is Samantha Neal and the manager at Daisy Chain Childcare in Adel.

I started working with Daisy Chain in 2008 after I completed my Level 3 Childcare Qualification at college, Daisy Chain was my first employment as a casual member of staff which soon turned to permanent after 2 weeks. From then I worked my way up to being a room leader, working in all the childcare rooms over the years advancing my knowledge as well as becoming a deputy and covering maternity leave, within this time I also completed my Level 3 in Leadership & Management. I have a child myself who also attends the setting and loves exploring and engaging in the amazing activities provided by the staff.

Helen Baker, Pre-school Manager, Middleton Pre-School

0113 3451700
helen.baker@daisychainchildcare.com

Foundation Degree in Management and Children’s Care

Helen’s childcare career began in 2000 and gradually worked her way to becoming a manager in 2009. Helen holds a Foundation Degree in Management and Children’s Care. Helen joined us at Daisy Chain Childcare in February 2012, she finds her job in childcare very rewarding and is passionate about giving young children the best possible start in life and being able to make a differences no matter how small to their early education and development. Seeing children progress is one of the most rewarding aspects of her job. Helen finds working in a safe, stimulating and fun environment for children a real motivator. Her team at Daisy Chain all share a love of working with children and aim to give children the best possible start in life.

Helen Stoner, Nursery Manager, Rothwell Nursery

helenstoner@daisychainchildcare.com

Helen has worked in childcare for nearly 30 years starting as an apprentice and making her way up to management level. Helen started at Daisy Chain with the opening of its first nursery at Rothwell as Deputy Manager and has worked for the company ever since, taking on several roles since then, finally returning to Rothwell as Nursery Manager again. Helen qualified in 1998 under the apprenticeship route finally gaining a Level 4 qualification several years later and has undertaken numerous training courses along the way. Helen has 2 children that have previously attended Daisy Chain and is therefore passionate about providing the best environment for children whilst understanding the pressures working parents may feel. Helen continues to strive to make Daisy Chain the best nursery it can possibly be.

Jill Lynn, HR and Operations Manager

0113 2825766
jill@daisychainchildcare.com

Jill joined the team after working for one of the big 4 banks in their Risk Department. After 12 years of working for the bank she decided to take a bit of time out to spend some quality time with her children. Jill joined Daisy Chain Childcare in October 2011 and undertook the role of HR & Operations Administrator. Jill is now our HR & Operations Manager and deals with all aspects of staffing and recruitment, ensuring safeguarding children is at the forefront of everything we do. She also maintains all of the documentation used throughout the nursery ensuring it is up to date and fit for purpose.

Claire Dunwell, Accounts Manager

0113 2857014
claire@daisychainchildcare.com

Claire has a wide range of experience in accounts and sales including previous experience within educational settings. Claire has worked at Daisy Chain since 2012 and is responsible for the management of the accounts department. She is the first point of contact to parents with finance queries.