Our Nursery Team

Cheryl Hmaied

My career began after completing my N.N.E.B course in 1982. I started work as nursery nurse on a post-natal ward at The Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.

I had always wanted to work abroad so I began working for Thompson Holidays as a children’s rep, I did this for 3 years.

When I moved back to England, I decided to further my career in childcare and worked as a nursery manager.

I then had 17 years living and working in Tunisia. I worked as a Hotel Rep and Airport Supervisor.

On my return to England in 2015 I followed my heart and went back into childcare. I joined Downham Montessori Nursery in January 2023 and I really love working with the 2-year-olds.

I have always wanted to work with young children and after qualifying in 1993 I went on to work as Children’s nanny for 6 years, before moving to a children’s Nursery in 2001.       

I Joined the Downham Preparatory School & Montessori Nursery in 2007 as the Nursery Supervisor. In 2009 I was given the opportunity to help set up the Downham Nursery School and was in charge of the day to day running of the Nursery as the Nursery Supervisor.  In 2013 I was promoted to the Nursery Manager in charge of both Downham Nursery and Stow Nursery.  During my time I have gone on to gain my Level 4 in Children’s Care Learning and Development in June 2011 and In September 2016 I completed my Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management in Early Years.

I have always wanted to make sure that the children have a fun start into education as I found it very hard and I didn’t enjoy my time at school.

I have now taken up a new challenge of working In the School office as the Nursery/School Administrator helping to run the School Office alongside the School Secretary.

I have worked at Downham Preparatory school for 25 years and I have never wished to teach elsewhere as teaching at Downham Preparatory school allows me to teach my specialist subject rather than having to teach a little of each subject. I believe subject teaching allows the children to receive a higher quality of teaching. I also believe the school provides an excellent environment for the children to grow and learn in, which is why I chose the school for my daughter. The skills and love of learning my daughter gained at Downham Preparatory helped to make her transition to secondary school a very smooth one and provided her with all the skills she needed. Working at Downham Preparatory school allows me to work together with the other staff to provide an interesting and stimulating learning environment for the children in a beautiful setting.