The pre-school has eight staff, all with Enhanced CRB clearance, and with substantial experience in child care and pre-school / nursery education and as parents. The staff have their 'specialist' subject areas and all contribute to planning the pre-school activities which are explained on the activities page.
The pre-school operates a Keyworker system where children are assigned to a specific member of staff, enabling the child to form a closer bond with one person. The Keyworker is responsible for ensuring the child's needs are met and planning appropriate activities. Keyworkers do not shadow the children throughout the session, but are always available. Children are free to interact with any of the staff.

Sue Bedford - Pre-school manager

Now qualified at N.V.Q. Level III in Early Years Childcare and Education, Sue joined the group as a parent helper before joining as a full-time member of staff in 1974. Her specialties include our regular music & movement sessions as well as focusing the teaching of mathematics. Sue also has experience of using the Makaton sign language. Sue is a trained First Aider. 		Sue Bedford
Judy Culver - Deputy Manager, Key Worker

Judy joined the group in 1996 and like Sue started as a parent helper. Judy is qualified at N.V.Q. Level III in Early Years Childcare and Education and has a particular specialty in music. Before becoming a full-time group assistant, Judy served on the committee as Chairperson and was the group’s special needs assistant for one year. As with all of our staff Judy continues to add value by attending regular training courses and updates. Judy is a trained First Aider. 		Judy Culver
Wendy Rapley - Group Assistant, Key Worker

With more than 20 years experience in child care, Wendy joined as a parent helper before becoming a full-time assistant undergoing Basic Pre-school training. One of Wendy’s many talents is needlework and she is responsible for creating our story sacks and producing other upholstery work for the group. Wendy is a trained First Aider. 		Wendy Rapley
Gill Marsh - Group Assistant, Key Worker

Gill’s involvement with the Pre-school began in 1996 when she served as Vice Chair on the committee and as a parent helper in the group sessions. Since then she has aided fundraising and been a volunteer helper before completing Basic Pre-school Training to become a paid Assistant offering general support. 		Gill Marsh
Sarah Binnie - Group Assistant, Key Worker

Sarah is an Experienced and qualified Teacher (BEd degree) who has been teaching infant school children since 1995, and has experience of working with children who have Special Educational Needs. Sarah is a trained First Aider. 		Sarah Binnie
Jane Sanders - Art Co-ordinator

Like many of our staff, Jane joined the Pre-school as a parent helper. After serving as Treasurer on the committee she took over responsibility for arts and crafts and is now a valued member of staff with more than 20 years experience. Jane is holds a Foundage Stage qualification in Early Years Childcare and Education. 		Jane Sanders
Jo Wrightman, Administrator

Jo started as a parent helper, joined the Committee and is now the Pre-School administrator responsible for managing applications, waiting lists, staff courses and all pre-school forms. Jo handles all Ofsted paperwork, and deals with the Government Nursery Grant process on behalf of parents. 		Jo Wrightman

As part of our ongoing commitment to training and improvement our staff attend regular courses and meetings to bring new ideas to the sessions.
These courses include, but are not limited to:
  • SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) - Meetings and training; methods for the inclusion of children with special needs
  • Early Years - Cluster group meetings with regional practitioners each term
  • Thomas training - Becoming aware of autism at an early age
  • Curriculum planning
  • Music training; ideas for introducing music into children lives
  • Record of Achievement; managing and keeping records of your child’s development which they carry throughout their school life