Qualifications:
BA Ed (Hons) Early Years with Science Specialism, NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship)

Helen originally trained as a Registered General Nurse. She developed an interest in Early Years Education when her children were young and this led her to re-train as a teacher. Since qualifying in September 1999 she has worked exclusively in the Foundation Stage. She worked at Wessex Primary School as Nursery Team Leader for  5 ½ years before taking up a Deputy Head post at an LA Nursery School in Slough. After gaining her NPQH she became Headteacher of Maidenhead Nursery School in September 2009. Helen is also the Designated Person for Child Protection and the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator.  Helen is deeply committed to Early Years Education and is particularly passionate about maximising the children’s learning potential in the outdoor environment.

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

Sarah 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. Sarah has taught all age ranges in the Primary years however fell in love with Early Years after having her own children. Sarah 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. Sarah is the designated person for safeguarding and SENco. Sarah loves developing the team to grow and be the best that they can be. She is very proud to be leading the Federation with her Co – Headteacher Helen McHale.

Qualifications:
1^st Class B’Ed (Hons) Primary Education, NNEB.

Val qualified as a Nursery Nurse in 1983 and then worked on the children’s ward at Wexham Park Hospital for a number of years. In 1992 she went on to qualify as a teacher graduating from Brighton University. Val enjoyed teaching in both KS1 and KS2 prior to specialising in the Early Years in 2000. She worked as a nursery teacher at Wessex Primary School for 12 years, and was the Foundation Stage Manager for 6 years. Val was excited to join the Cookham, Maidenhead and The Lawns Federation in 2012, spending a year as Assistant Headteacher at Maidenhead Nursery School. She then moved to The Lawns Nursery School in 2013, the nursery she attended as a four year old! As well as her role as Assistant Headteacher Val is a designated person for Child Protection. She provides support to other Early Years settings within the RBWM in her role as a Specialist Leader of Education. Val is passionate about Early Years education and outdoor learning. She works alongside the team to ensure that the children are free to learn through play in a stimulating, engaging, hands-on environment.

Qualifications: 
Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education

Kylie had always known that she wanted to work with children and study Childcare. She  applied to Langley College after leaving school and gained her qualification in July 2006.  She was fortunate to undertake a work experience placement at The Lawns Nursery School and then successfully applied for a Nursery Nurse role in September 2006.  Kylie works full time in the nursery and she prides herself on building positive relationships with the children.  Kylie is passionate about supporting children’s learning and curiosity, she enjoys seeing children make their own discoveries and learn through play

Sarah first became interested in early years education when she volunteered at a pre-school whilst still at school.

She originally trained as a Nursery Nurse and gained experience in various roles such as working as a nanny, running afterschool clubs and holiday schemes and working for many years in the nursery and reception classes. Whilst working as a nursery manager Sarah was encouraged to  continue her education further and train as a teacher.

Sarah joined the team at The Lawns in September 2013 where she completed her teaching training course.  She is committed to the ethos of the Federation and is passionate about early years education. Sarah believes that children learn through fun and engaging activities and opportunities, in an environment which encourages them to be independent and where they can develop a lifelong love of learning.

Niki has worked in education for a number of years in schools, nurseries and preschools. She soon decided that early years was the area that interested her the most and became a specialist early years teacher.  Since joining The Federation she has thoroughly enjoyed getting to know many of the local children and their families. Learning through play, having fun and letting children express themselves is very important to Niki. She loves being with the children outside and developing their involvement in nature. Niki is passionate about helping children become confident, unique individuals who are able to cope with whatever the future holds for them.

Ellen’s passion for Early Year’s education began while completing work experience as a student at Windsor Girls School. She then went on to study and gain her level 3 diploma in Early Years and Education at the Berkshire College of Agriculture, Maidenhead.  Since completing her studies Ellen has worked in various roles and settings from managing a private day nursery to working in a school environment.  Ellen started with the Federation in September 2014 at The Lawns Nursery School where she used to attend when she was 4! She believes that children learn through play and an enriched environment. Ellen has completed Level 3 Elkan course in developing children’s speech and language and communication.  She supports children with cooking in the nursery teaching them about healthy eating and encouraging them to learn new skills. Ellen is particularly interested in creative development, literacy activities and outdoor learning.

Kam has worked in Early Years for the last 22 years. She joined The Lawns Nursery in November 2015 having previously worked in Infant and Primary schools in Slough.  Kam has extensive experience in many early years settings and is passionate about children learning through play. She has a deep understanding and wide knowledge of early child development and is very  keen to implement ideas to improve practice underpinned by the ethos of The Lawns Nursery School and the Federation.

Christina has always been interested in working with pre-school children since leaving school .At college she chose the Early Years option in order to specialise in Nursery Education. She worked for several years in a Nursery class in Cambridge. She was then keen to extend her experience by working in a Nursery School and was very pleased to be offered a job working at The Lawns Nursery in Windsor. She has enjoyed working as part of the Federation and learning from all three nurseries. She believes that children learn through play, developing skills, independence and a love of learning whilst attending nursery provision.

Alex has been working in school environments for 25 years and has experience working with children with special educational needs. She has been a Nursery Nurse at The Lawns Nursery School for 15 years. Alex loves interacting with young children and has a particularly enthusiasm and interest in nurturing children's personal, social and emotional skills. She loves singing and reading with children to progress their communication and language development. Alex has enjoyed developing the Friday snack club which all the children love!

Becky completed her degree in Textile Design and during this time she began to work alongside studying in a crèche and has continued to work with children for over twenty years.  The skills and experiences working as an early years practitioner at The Lawns Nursery School soon led to Becky completing her teacher training.  Throughout her teacher training year Becky has become interested in risky play and has introduced the children to activities such as Woodwork.  Becky has a keen interest in the forest school adn outdoor learning and used her creative skills to share these interests with the children and families at The Lawns Nursery School.   

Mandy has worked in early years for the past 17 years.  Mandy has had a lot of experience working in a variety of nursery settings and is excited to join the team at The Lawns Nursery.  Mandy is passionate about children's learning and development.  She loves being creative and singing songs.