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.

Naomi has worked in education for the past five years and previously worked within a nursery school where she gained her Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education. She has recently joined the team and is thoroughly enjoying getting to know all of the children and their families. 

Naomi is passionate about the values and ethos which are upheld within the federation and is very committed to implementing them within her daily practice. She firmly believes that children thrive within enabling environments and values the importance of children learning through play. Naomi enjoys creative activities and is currently supporting the children with cooking, teaching them about healthy foods and encouraging them to learn new skills. 

Naomi is very keen to continue her professional development within the early years and is looking forward to her future within The Lawns Nursery School. 

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.

From an early age, Linda knew that she wanted to work with young children. On leaving school, she studied at Langley College for 2 years, gaining her NNEB Certificate and became a qualified Nursery Nurse.
She has worked in a variety of schools and nurseries - both maintained and private. Before joining The Lawns, Linda worked at a primary school in Maidenhead for 18 years where she gained experience in the Nursery class, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. 
Linda joined the team at The Lawns in September 2019. She already knew about the Nursery's ethos and excellent practice and was thrilled to become part of such an outstanding school. 
Being passionate about encouraging a life long love of learning, Linda understands the value of child initiated activities and learning through play. She enjoys any kind of creative activity- art, music, storytelling- and sharing her love of gardening and the natural world with the children.

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!

Nadia's passion for children began when she completed her work experience at school. Nadia gained her Level 3 qualification at Berkshire College of Agriculture in Maidenhead. During the 2 years, she completed her placement within the federation at Maidenhead Nursery School. Nadia joined The Lawns Nursery School in September 2019.

Nadia recognises the fundamental importance of learning through play. She believes that children thrive when given the freedom to learn through play in an enabling environment which follows their interests and ability.

Nadia understands the importance of having qualified teacher's within the early years' sector.  As a result Nadia will continue her education in September 2020 where she will be completing her Foundation Degree in children’s play and learning.
 

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. 

Izzie has a passion for the Early Years Education. She began working in the Early Years after completing her A-levels, where she developed a real interest in Child Psychology.  After a few years of working in Early Years, Izzie’s passion encouraged her to study Children’s Development and Learning at the University of Reading, alongside working at The Lawns Nursery School. Izzie achieved a First-Class Hons Degree in 2020.  Izzie is now embarking on her next journey of teacher training with the support of The Lawns Nursery School.

Izzie has experience in both The Lawns Pre-Nursery and The Lawns Nursery School and attended Cookham Nursery School as a child!

Izzie loves that the Early Years Framework encourages children to learn through play and by following their own interests.  This is when the children are most engaged and achieve the best learning outcomes!