Our Staff

Meet the Team

Mahila Samarbakhsh

Principal

Mahila has always wanted to open her own nursery since her own children attended one several years ago. She trained to be able to acheive her dream, and in 2005 Lexden Lodge was open to the public. She in hands-on at every opportunity, and is very passionate about her role as Principal, winning a coveted Award as Businesswoman of the year in Essex in 2010, for her drive and vision in business.

Linda Cranny

Manager

Linda has been in childcare for over 25 years. She has managed pre-schools while studying to be an Early Years Teacher. For the past 12 years she has been a nursery manager and took the role of manager at Lexden Lodge in 2022 following a move to the area. Linda is passionate about early childhood education and giving children the best possible start in life. She is also very proud of the team of staff here at Lexden Lodge who all share her passion of working with young children.

Carrie Chapman

Deputy Manager

Carrie has been in the Early Years sector for many years. She has several years' experience as both a Practitioner and Deputy Manager, having worked at another nursery prior to joining the Lexden Lodge team.

Fay Hendon

Early Years Practice Manager

Fay holds a Level 4 qualification in Early years practice, has been in childcare for 33 years, her career includes childminding, private nannying and many more years in various roles including the management of day nursery settings.

Amanda Smith

Early Years Practice Manager

Amanda holds a Level 4 qualification in Early years practice and has worked in childcare for 32 years, 18 of which have been in a senior role here at Lexden lodge, working with all ages of children, she has a special interest in working with children who have additional needs.

In the Rooms

Staff employed by Lexden Lodge are those which show their dedication, commitment and attention to their role.
They have responsibilities in:

Safeguarding, to ensure that children benefit from an environment in which they are safe and secure
Providing the children with appropriate levels of stimulation, making observations and assessments that inform planning so that each child is working towards their optimum development
Working in a non-discriminatory way, supporting the ideals of equal opportunities and respecting cultures and traditions

Our Aim is provide the best care possible for children who attend our setting.