Little VIPs Day care at Lowther Endowed School is a governor-led nursery. Our registration number is: 2791518.  Mihelle Clark, our headteacher, is the person registered for Ofsted for Little VIPs Nursery at Lowther Endowed School.   You can find the rest of our Governors by clicking here.

• Michelle Clark is our Headteacher as well as the Designated Safeguarding Lead across the School and Little VIPs
• Hayley Fassam is the Nursery Manager covering all age groups and is the SENCo and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead for Little VIPs
• Hayley Greenhow is our Assistant Manager for the under 2's in the School House with the Butterflies and Busy Bees.
• Chrissy Byrne is our Pre-school Play Leader & Assistant Manager, and will usually be found in the Red Squirrels Classroom.

Michelle Clark

Headteacher

I am delighted to be joining as headteacher and working closely with the whole community. I previously spent six years as headteacher of Asby Endowed School, and before that had the privilege of teaching in Cyprus, Naples, and the Midlands, mainly in small schools. I am passionate about ensuring every child has a positive and enriching experience in school, and I enjoy creating opportunities that inspire both learning and personal growth. I also have a daughter in Key Stage 2 who attends Lowther, so I share the perspective of being both a teacher and a parent within the school community. Before my teaching career, I studied archaeology at university and served in the Intelligence Corps of the Army in my early twenties, experiences that shaped my curiosity, resilience, and commitment to working with others. Outside of school, I love spending time outdoors and taking part in activities that keep me connected to nature.

Hayley Fassam

Nursery Manager

I am delighted to be the Nursery Manager at Little VIPs and to be part of such a caring and ambitious community. I have been teaching for 14 years, mainly in the Early Years, and especially enjoyed leading on maths and nurture. My career has taken me to schools of all sizes across the UK, and two years ago my family and I relocated to Cumbria, where I worked with Children’s Services before joining Little VIPs.

With the nursery and school working together, we have a wonderful opportunity to build strong foundations for learning and create a supportive community for all. Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and exploring the outdoors.

Chrissy Bryne

Nursery Assistant Manager

I live in Penrith with my husband, Liam, and our two grown-up children. Our daughter still lives at home, while our son is away at university studying music. I have always loved animals, birds, and nature, and at home I share my life with two cats. I am especially passionate about supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing, and I believe in creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive. In my spare time, I enjoy walking, exploring hedgerows to see what’s growing, watching the birds, and relaxing with a good book.

 

Hayley Greenhow

Nursery Assistant Manager

I have cared for our Little VIPs for 17 years in the baby room. I started as a student and progressed to assistant manager. I adore the early years and being part of each child's learning and development, helping and supporting them grow and blossom. I'm passionate about creating safe and secure bonds with children and their families to make little VIPs a home-from-home environment. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, and I keep active through regular fitness classes, running and walking in our beautiful surroundings. I enjoy the great outdoors. 

Becci Cook

Little VIPs Administrator & Finance Officer

I have been in finance and admin roles for many years and joined Little VIPs in January 2025. I was familiar with Little VIPs before I took on my role, as my eldest daughter used to be a child here! In my spare time I love being with my family and friends, making memories, travelling and being in the outdoors.

 

Abi Westhorpe

Level 6 Childcare Practitioner 

I have worked in childcare for around 8 years in a variety of settings, including hospitals, kids' clubs abroad, schools and nurseries. I have a degree in childhood development and playwork and recently completed my early years initial teacher training. I believe that children learn through play with the support from adult-led activities and a safe and stimulating environment. I love sensory/messy and outdoor play and feel that children should be able to explore freely. In my spare time, I enjoy walking up fells, lake swimming, attending exercise classes and meeting up with friends.

Emily Dust

Level 3 Childcare Practitioner

 

 

 

 

Vicki Wordsworth

Level 3 Childcare Practitioner

I am a single parent to two girls. We live in Penrith with my parents as well. I joined Little VIPs in June 2025 after spending time in different environments, from nurseries to schools. I have a level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification as well as my Level 3 in Childcare. In my spare time, I spend time with my children exploring the surrounding outdoors. 

 

Erin Moore

Level 3 Childcare Practitioner

I have worked at Little VIPs since I qualified straight from college in 2022 and cannot imagine myself anywhere else. I live in Shap with my parents and cockapoo, Nala. In my spare time I enjoy going on walks, spending time with my family and meeting up with friends. I believe children learn through play and enjoy making the environment homely and comforting for them as a home away from home.

 

Becky Armistead

Apprentice Level 3 Childcare Practitioner

I moved to this area in 2009 and have since developed a real love for both nature and childcare. I enjoy being outdoors and watching the children explore, learn, and discover the world around them.

 

 

Mirren Pinkerton
Apprentice Level 3 Childcare Practitioner
After School Club

After completing my teaching assistant placement at Lowther, I am now delighted to be a permanent part of this lovely team. In both being the After School Club Supervisor, and an Apprentice Little VIPs Nursery Practitioner as I study towards my Level 3 EYEs qualification. I enjoy working throughout the setting with all ages and seeing the positive impact we have on their development. 

Sarah McNeil

Level 1 Childcare Practitioner

I can be found in ‘Red Squirrels’ class in Little VIPs daycare. One of the things I enjoy most about my role is watching the children thrive and grow in a safe and happy environment and eventually starting school with confidence. At any opportunity, I love to encourage the children to learn more about nature and wildlife, which we are blessed to have right here on the doorstep in Lowther.  This year I took on the role of caring for the nursery garden and there’s been a lot of good ‘before and after’ jobs as I thrive to create a wildlife habitat and a space for children and staff to enjoy. Before my role in VIPs I worked in a wide variety of jobs, all rewarding, but I do not think you can beat the sound of belly laughs from children to brighten up your day and there’s plenty of daily laughter from the Little VIP’s. Outside of work, my family absolutely comes first.  My hobbies include red squirrel conservation, photography, gardening, exploring beautiful places and being creative. 

Our established team are all trained to deliver Paediatric First Aid