Our Staff
Position |
Name |
---|---|
Co-Headteachers |
Sarah Cottle (Designated safeguarding lead for Child Protection) |
Assistant Headteacher | Val Thomas (Designated safeguarding lead for Child Protection) |
Teachers |
Christina King |
Nursery Nurses | Alex Crewe |
Early Years Practitioner |
Ellen Gray |
Office Manager | Liz Lofts |
Finance Officer | Sam Donaldson |
Additional Resources Coordinator | Karen Sorby |
Lunchtime Controllers |
Izabela Ljungstrom |
Find out more about our teaching staff...
Helen McHale – Headteacher
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.
Sarah cottle - headteacher
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.
VAL thomas - assistant headteacher
Qualifications:
1st 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 bosher - Early years practitioner
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 jones - teacher
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.
LINDA McFarlane - Early years practitioner
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 gray - early years Practitioner
Kam saggu - early years Practitioner
christina king - teacher
alex crewe - nursery nurse
Nadia el midaoui - early years Practitioner
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 HANN - early years Practitioner
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 turner - trainee teacher
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!