Meet the Team
Gwen Pragnell
I have owned Highmoor Nursery School since September 2007. I am the Registered Person, Safeguarding Lead and Nursery Manager. I hold an NVQ3 Qualification in Childcare and Education and I am also an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers.
Helen Beville
I am a qualified Nursery Nurse with over 20 years of experience. I am the Deputy Manager and a Deputy Safeguarding Lead at Highmoor Nursery School and work with the Red Kite group. I have worked at various other preschool settings and also as a teaching assistant in reception at Kidmore End School. I also worked at Highmoor Nursery School for 18 months in 2008.
Eleanor Pragnell
I have been involved with Highmoor Nursery School for many years as my Mum has owned it since 2007. I run the Babes in the Woods Stay and Play and I work in the Nursery. I am currently studying for my NVQ Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education.
Chez Annetts
I joined Highmoor Nursery School in October 2014 to teach Music & French. I am qualified to NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Education and work with the Red Kite group. I am a Deputy Safeguarding Lead and can use Makaton sign language.
Juliette Batchelor
I have worked at Highmoor Nursery School since 2013 with the Red Kite group. I hold an NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing. I have nannied for various families and worked as a teaching assistant at Checkenden Primary School, prior to my current role.
Genna Lock
I started my working career at Mothercare then moved to work in a school before joining Highmoor Nursery School. I am NVQ Level 3 qualified and work with the Red Kite group.
Suzie Howe
I started working at Highmoor Nursery School in February 2015. I am NVQ Level 3 qualified in Early Years Education. I work with the Woodpecker group.
Katie Allen
I started working at Highmoor Nursery School in October 2019 and am NVQ Level 3 qualified in Children's Play, Learning and Development. I work with the Woodpecker group.
Sarah Darnell
I started working at Highmoor Nursery School in April 2021. I have worked in childcare for over 25 years and am qualified to NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Education. I work with the Woodpecker group.
Hannah Smith
I joined Highmoor Nursery School in April 2023, having previously worked in another Early Years setting. I am currently studying for my NVQ Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education. I work with the Woodpecker group.
Sally Cramphorn
I started working at Highmoor Nursery School in January 2018 having previously worked for Mothercare for 20 years. I am qualified to NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Education and I work with the Robins group.
Mary Sockett
I joined Highmoor Nursery School in January 2019 and I work with the Robins group. I hold an NVQ Level 2 in Childcare and Education.
Sharon Rumsey
I started working at Highmoor Nursery School in June 2018 after many years as the deputy manager at The Cabin Preschool in Woodcote. I hold an NVQ Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education and I am a Deputy Safeguarding Lead.
Sarah Durrant
I joined Highmoor Nursery School in April 2023 having previously worked at Moulsford Prep School. I am the housekeeper.
Aitch McRobbie
I joined Highmoor Nursery School in September 2017. I have a number of years experience in Early Years settings and I hold an NVQ Level 3 qualification in Child Development.
Kelly Hayden
I joined Highmoor Nursery School in February 2024. I have over 9 years experience in childcare. I am qualified to NVQ Level 2 in Childcare and Education.
Mrs Bun
I started to cook at Highmoor Nursery School with the Woodpecker and Red Kite groups in September 2017. I work with many settings and combine my qualification as an Early Years teacher with my love of cooking.
There are many benefits to children in engaging in cooking activities during their Early Years for example, learning to follow instructions, understanding cause and effect, developing fine motor skills, maths concepts and improving speech and language. It also provides children with the opportunity to learn important life skills.
Ollie Fry
I have been coaching tennis for many years and am the owner of Teach Me Tennis. I am a fully qualified and licensed LTA coach and have numerous other qualifications in tennis coaching. More recently I have started running Multisports sessions teaching a variety of gross motor skills in a fun and engaging way. I love the sense of achievement in helping participants reach their goals at all ability levels and the variation I see is such a fun and ever-changing challenge.
Sophie Telford
I am an experienced Early Years/Primary school teacher, as well as an accredited children's yoga teacher. I‘ve always had a huge passion for yoga and I have seen first-hand the benefits that practising yoga at a young age can have. Not only does it support children’s physical development, strength and coordination, but it can give children tools to help manage their emotions and feelings all through their lives.