Meet the Staff

Marie Winnett, Pre-School Manager and Forest school Lead,  Marie has worked in the Pre-School since 2015, when she returned to the role of Manager following a break to have her youngest son. Marie has a Level 3 Diploma for Children & Young People’s Workforce, as well as OCN Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification. Marie holds further qualifications to support her roles as a Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator, Paediatric First Aider, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and more. Marie has three children.

Becci Garner, Deputy Manager joined the pre-school in 2014. Becci has a BTEC National Diploma in Childhood Studies as well as Safeguarding Children Level 3 to support her role as Designated Safeguarding Lead, and Paediatric First Aid qualification. Becci has a wealth of experience, with children and animals, as she also works on her family farm. Becci has two children.

Annabel Forrest, Pre-School Practitioner and Forest School Leader joined the preschool in 2018 and has a Level 2 Certificate in the Children & Young People’s Workforce. Annabel is an inspiration outside, and is a Level 3 Forest School Lead. Annabel is also an experienced 1-2-1 SEN practitioner, and holds further qualifications to support her role, such as Paediatric First Aid and Safeguarding Level 3.

Claudia Thimbleby, Pre-School Practitioner joined the Pre-School as a volunteer in 2019 and has gone on to complete her Level 3 Certificate for the Children & Young People’s Workforce. Claudia has proven herself such an asset, she is now employed within the Pre-School, and is studying her Level 3 qualification. Claudia holds additional qualifications in Paediatric First Aid and Safeguarding Level 2. Claudia has two children.

Beth Gillan, 1-2-1 SEN Practitioner joined the Pre-School in October 2021, having previously been employed here in 2014-2015, and holds the qualification City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma as an early years educator and level 2 in safeguarding. Beth is an experienced practitioner, with many skills including British Sign Language. Beth is also a busy parent to Four children.

Lydia Redgrave, Play Assistant initially joined the pre-school in 2019, and returned to work again in 2023 following her maternity leave. Lydia is working towards her level 2 Certificate for the Children & Young Peoples Workforce, and has a certificate in level 2 safeguarding. Lydia has 2 children.

Imogen Hawkins, Pre-School Practitioner joined the Pre-School in summer term 2022, having completed her level 3 early years educator apprenticeship elsewhere. Imogen brings with her a few years of experience of working with in Early Years Settings. Imogen holds further qualifications to support her role such as Paediatric first aid and Safe guarding Level 3. Imogen is a mum to 2.

Kaci Symonds, Play Assistant joined us September 2023 as a local young person brings lots of interesting local information about the area.

All our staff members are dedicated to improving their knowledge, qualifications and practice, and regularly attend a wide range of appropriate courses.