Qualifications:
BSc degree in Sociology
PGCE Primary
NPQH ( National Professional Qualification for Headship)

Mrs Cottle decided to train as a teacher after gaining her degree and went on to study for a PGCE. Most of her career has been spent in Infant and Primary schools in Hillingdon, Bucks and Berkshire. Mrs Cottle has taught all age ranges in the primary years however fell in love with Early Years  after having her own children. Mrs Cottle was appointed as Headteacher at Cookham Nursery School in 2010 after gaining her NPQH and later became Co – Headteacher for the Cookham, Maidenhead and The Lawns Federation in May 2012. Mrs Cottle is the designated person for safeguarding. Mrs Cottle loves developing the team to grow and be the best that they can be. She is very proud to be leading the Federation as Executive Headteacher from September 2022.

Qualifications: BA (Hons) Primary Education with Early Years Specialism 
AptEd Level 3 Award in Speech and Language Support

Hannah has wanted to be a teacher since she can remember. She completed her degree in primary education at King Alfred's College in Winchester and then moved back home to Maidenhead to start work at a large primary school in Slough. During her time there she worked with children of all ages as key stage one team leader and literacy coordinator for the whole school. Her time as lead teacher in the nursery and reception developed her real passion for Early Years education. In 2012 she started work at The Lawns in Windsor as a nursery teacher and absolutely loved the working environment of a nursery school. When Maidenhead, Cookham and The Lawns Nursery Schools federated she enjoyed working between all the nurseries and sharing good practice. She was excited to develop her career and become Assistant Headteacher at Maidenhead Nursery where she used to attend when she was four! She believes that children thrive and learn through fun and wants to create an environment where children become independent and develop a life long love of learning.

Qualifications:  BA (Hons) Working in Integrated Services with Children and Young People, PGCE and QTS(Primary specialising in Early Years)  

Áine began her career working with children as a childminder before taking on a role as a nursery nurse in Eton Wick Primary school.  She used the knowledge she acquired in her job to help her achieve her degree and then went on to complete her teacher training at Cookham Nursery. The experience she has gained of teaching both Year 1 and Reception have affirmed her belief of the important role Early Years plays in creating a curiosity and passion for learning, which are fundamental to ensuring children reach their potential.

Rachael began working with children while living overseas in Singapore where she volunteered as a primary year’s classroom helper in international schools. She also supported mums and toddlers as a room leader for the 0–18-month babies which supported both baby/child development and mother’s wellbeing during their transition to motherhood.  

She relocated to Switzerland in 2018 where she gained a position as nursery assistant in the international school as a key worker supporting children 0-3 years old. Upon returning to the UK in 2020 she joined the Federation as an Early Years teaching assistant at Cookham Nursery School and is this year undertaking her teacher training at Maidenhead Nursery School. Rachael is passionate about building positive relationships with children while supporting children’s learning and inspiring curiosity and creativity. She enjoys watching children achieve ‘wow moments’ of discovery as they gain answers or create new ideas concerning a curiosity or concept they have been exploring. She is excited to join the children at Maidenhead Nursery in their adventures and discoveries while exploring the outdoor environment, animals and allotment. 

Qualifications: Foundation Degree in Supporting Early Years Development and Learning

Bev is an original ‘grow your own’ nursery nurse. She volunteered as a parent helper at Maidenhead Nursery School when her youngest child attended the setting in 1997.  Her potential was realised by the Headteacher at that time and she soon became ‘lunch club lady’ and was then asked to support children with additional needs in the nursery. She gained a Nursery Nurse qualification, DCE Level 3 in 2000. In 2008, she graduated from Reading University with a Foundation Degree in Early Years Education and Development.  Bev believes that children should have the freedom to learn through play in an enabling free flow environment.

Tracy qualified as a Nursery Nurse in 1982 and initially worked as a nanny. She switched careers for a while after getting married and then after having her second child became a full time mum. In 2007 when her youngest child attended the setting she became a lunch time assistant at Maidenhead Nursery School. As her confidence grew she became an increasingly valued member of staff. She now works everyday as a part time Nursery Nurse and her flexibility in working hours contributes to the smooth running of the setting and continuity for the children. Tracy is committed to an inclusive learning environment where every child has the opportunity to flourish regardless of their age, ability or background.  

Nazeah is an experienced Early Years Practitioner with a passion for Early Childhood development.  She embarked on her journey in 1999, earning her NNEB diploma level 3 qualification in 1996, and beginning her career in Oxfordshire at her children’s nursery school.
In pursuit of her professional growth and a desire for new experiences, Nazeah joined the team in 2017.  Her commitment to providing a safe and enriching environment for children, along with her extensive knowledge in child development, continues to make her an invaluable asset to the Maidenhead community.

Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma in Pre-School Practice

AptEd Level 4 Award in Speech and Language Support

Ulfat gained a degree in Business Administration in the late nineties and worked at the UK Passport office before getting married and having her family. Her children inspired her to embark on a career in Early Years Education. She initially worked as a volunteer at Alwyn Infant and Nursery School in Maidenhead whilst she completed a Level 2 course to gain a bilingual teaching assistant qualification. She joined Maidenhead Nursery School in 2009 and has since completed a Level 3 Diploma in Pre-School Practice. Ulfat is dedicated and committed to Early Years education and believes that a loving and stimulating environment is the key to young children’s development.

I first became interested in working with children when completing my work experience back in 2009. Since then, I have developed my knowledge considerably by supporting a range of children’s development gaining my Cache Level 3 in childcare in 2014. I have worked in a range of nurseries with the ages 9 months to 5 years learning a range of approaches to support each child’s individual needs. Whilst building my knowledge and understanding over the years led me to complete my BA (Honours) in Childhood and youth in 2020 and this year completing my Early Years Teacher Training. I believe all children can flourish they just need the right learning approach and support that is unique to them. I believe it isn’t just about the physical element but the mental element too which encouraged me to complete Cache Level 2 in Mental Health in the Early Years in 2022.