Our Team

Lara Kimble - Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Lara has been part of the team since 2017 having previously worked at Barton Kids Club and another nursery.  Lara has two children, plenty of experience in childcare and loves to have fun with the children in pre-school.  She is undertaking her Level 5 and enjoying her new role as Pre-School Manager.

Lara has the following qualifications:

NVQ Level 3 in Childcare
Paediatric First Aid

NCFE CACHE Level 2 in Understanding Autism

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Dawn Kelly - Team Leader

Dawn has worked at Pre-School since 2015, she loves arts and crafts and reading with the children.  Dawn has the following qualifications and is enjoying her new role as Team Leader.

Cache level 2 

Cache level 3 

Paediatric First Aid 

Level 3 Speech and Language

Lift off to Language and Sign Language

Level 2 Autism 

Diabetes Assistance Trained

Oral Health Training 

Sue Gordon – SENco Co-ordinator

Sue joined us in 2009 and completed her NVQ level 3 in July 2011. She then undertook her Special Education Needs Training in October of the same year.

Sue has the following qualifications:
NVQ Level 3 in Childcare
SENCo Training
Happy Handz Stage 2
Safeguarding 3a
Cache Level 3 in Speech and Development
Paediatric First Aid
Behaviour Management

Alison Denman – Forest School Leader

Alison was a parent helper before she applied for the position of Pre-School Assistant in 2005. Since joining the team Alison has taken on various positions and is now our Forest School leader.

Hannah Gentry - Early Years Educator

Hannah joined us initially as cover staff and has recently begun her NVQ Level 3.  Hannah used to be an Air Hostess and recently worked in a care home so has lots of experience to bring to the team.  She likes to walk her dog Benson, spend time with her friends and family and enjoys a spot of cooking and camping!

Natalie Kearney – Book Keeper

Natalie has been part of the team since 2010. Natalie was our treasurer on a voluntary basis and then joined as Book Keeper in 2012.  Natalie also enjoys working with the children in Pre-School on a Friday.

Natalie loves animals and being outdoors.

Natalie has many years of book keeping experience and trained in Paediatric First Aid.

Kathryn Jones - Early Years Educator - Shadowing SEN

Kathryn joined us initially as cover staff but has very quickly become a valuable member of the team.  Kathryn has recently completed her level 3 in Early Years and is shadowing Sue in her SEN role.

Kathryn has the following qualifications:

Understanding Autism

Sarah O'Toole - Early Years Educator

Sarah has previously helped as Cover staff and has now joined the team as a Pre-School Assistant.  Sarah is currently working towards her Level 3 in Early Years.

Sarah has the following qualifications:

Understanding Autism

Cathy Atkinson - Early Years Educator

Cathy started with us in September 2019 and has recently completed her Level 3.  Cathy has previously been involved with Cha Cha Chimps and so loves anything musical!

Rachel Bramley - Pre-School Administrator

Rachel was employed as our Administrator shortly after we moved in to our new building. She joined the team in 2011 and since then has taken over the administration of our waiting list in addition to the regular administration role.

Rachel really enjoys working at Pre-School, she says "the team are all very passionate and committed to what they do and I am proud and lucky to be part of such a fab team!"  Rachel and her husband have two glorious boys who both came to Pre-School and they enjoy adventures galore when they get the chance!

Rachel has attended the following Training:
Safeguarding
Paediatric First Aid
Early Years Pupil Premium Co-ordinator

Data Protection Officer

 Abi Denman - Cover