The Team
Helen Walters
Manager
My name is Helen Walters and I have been the Manager of Weaverham Pre School for 20 years In addition to my managerial role I have qualifications and extensive experience in Makaton, Speech and Language and ELSA which is a Social and Emotional Literacy Support Programme and I am qualified Forest School Lead. I believe that play is an integral part of early learning through which children develop the cognitive, social and emotional skills they need to take them successfully into school and beyond. Our wonderful outdoor areas provide the opportunities to explore and learn through their own unique interests and ideas. In my spare time I like to go for walks, read and spend time with my family including my dog and taking day trips to the beach.
Rachel Oates
Deputy Manager & Forest School Lead
My name is Rachel, and I am the Deputy Manager and Room Leader in Butterflies, working with our 3-4 year olds. I have been working in Early Years for over 20 years and I am a qualified Forest School Lead. Since gaining my Level 3 Forest School Lead it has strengthen my passion for outdoor learning. I feel the outdoors creates an environment where children feel safe to take managed risks, build resilience and explore nature and above all I ensure that learning is always filled with fun and laughter. Our extensive woodland area is an excellent tool at supporting children’s personal, social and emotional development. I love to provide a rich tapestry of activities to enable the children to develop their own interests and find new and different ways of expressing themselves. My spare time is devoted to my family including my 2 children and we spend a lot of our time outdoors.
Lisa Kay
Early Years Practitioner
My name is Lisa and I have been working in childcare for over 30 years I love seeing children grow and develop and enjoy being part of their pre-school journey. I think that Weaverham Pre-School is a great place both for children and staff. I think that the outdoor provision is amazing and provides ample opportunity for children to develop in all areas of learning. Outside of Pre-School I enjoy spending time with my 2 daughters, going for walks and bike rides and going out for meals.
Beth Gittings
Early Years SEND Practitioner & SENCO
I’m Beth, and I have more than 15 years’ experience working with children in Early Years and primary school settings. I am especially interested in early years education and supporting children with Special Educational Needs. This led me to complete a degree in Early Years and gain my SENCO qualification. I believe early intervention is vital in helping children reach their full potential across all areas of learning. I enjoy spending time exploring the outdoors with the children and Weaverham Pre-School provides plenty of opportunities to do this. Outside of Pre-School I like going out with my friends, family and visiting new places.
Jenny Marshall
Qualified Teacher
I am a qualified Primary School teacher who specialised in Early Years. I have also been a Special Educational Needs Co-coordinator for over 20 years and supported a range of schools and children across Cheshire. During my teaching career I was approached by parents in the village of Weaverham to open a Pre-School as there was little provision available at the time. This is when ‘Weaverham Pre-School’ was born and has been operating for over 21 years. I continue to support the Pre School in a management capacity and supporting children with additional needs and inclusion. In my spare time I am an avid reader and enjoy gardening, walking my cocker spaniel and spending time with my family.
Siân White
Early Years Practitioner
Hi I'm Sian, I'm a qualified Level Three early years practitioner and the Caterpillar room leader. I have two young young children who are my pride and joy and inspired me to start a career in early years. It's very important to me that we offer a supportive and nurturing environment for both the children and their families. It's a privilege to become such a big part of a young child's journey and to support them to grow and develop through play and adventure. I particularly enjoy being outdoors with the children getting messy and exploring the natural environment. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, I am a keen reader and I like to go for walks and explore new places.
Ceri Carey
Early Years Practitioner
Hi, I’m Ceri and I work in the Caterpillar Room. I’m Level 4 qualified, Montessori trained, and currently completing my SEND qualification. I have over 12 years’ experience working with children in both South Africa and the UK. I love being part of each child’s journey and supporting them as they reach their milestones and develop their next steps. I especially enjoy getting messy and learning through play alongside the children! I have a particular passion for supporting children with SEND and love seeing their progress, celebrating their achievements, and helping them find ways to understand and navigate the world around them. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my two children and our pets, reading, and exploring new places.
Becca Birtwistle
Early Years Practitioner
My name is Becca and I have over 19 years experience working in Early Years with all ages 0-5. I enjoy observing children's curiosity and encouraging them to use this to further their development. As a parent of 2, who have both attended the Preschool, I have seen for myself both from a parent and staff point of view how incredible Weaverham Preschool is. Outside of Preschool I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, exploring, adventuring and making memories.
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