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. I run the Babes in the Woods Stay & Play and I work in the Nursery in Red Kite group. I am NVQ Level 3 qualified in Childcare and Education. Previously I worked in a marketing role for IKEA.
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 a Deputy Safeguarding Lead. I 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.
Hannah Smith
I joined Highmoor Nursery School in April 2023, having previously worked in another Early Years setting. I am NVQ Level 3 qualified in Childcare and Education. I work with the Woodpecker group.
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.
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.
Sarah Durrant
I joined Highmoor Nursery School in April 2023 having previously worked at Moulsford Prep School. I am the housekeeper.
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.
Aleksandra Lekszycka
I joined Highmoor Nursery School in March 2025. I hold an NCFE Cache Level 4 Early Years Advanced Practitioner Certificate. I am passionate about working with young children and helping them to build confidence in their ability to achieve, both academically and socially.
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.
Rachel Huckvale
I retrained as a Level 3 Forest School Leader and founded Bramblers Forest School in 2022, having been blessed with nearly ten years as a full-time mum. Bramblers aims to help children make time to play outside, enjoy being a part of the natural world all around us, and learn about plants and wildlife and how they work. I run sessions independently, as well as in nursery settings. My life happily revolves around my husband and two wonderful, beloved daughters.
Jack Renshaw
I run the SportyMinis sessions and I’m driven by a deep passion for early years physical education and its profound impact on a child's development. I firmly believe that physical activity plays a vital role in shaping young minds and bodies, and I'm committed to making a positive difference in the lives of children.
Michelle Taylor
I teach children's yoga in South East Oxfordshire. I am qualified to teach children yoga from 6 weeks old to 11 years old. I want to bring the joy of yoga to every child, as there are so many benefits to its holistic approach. And our fun yoga classes can support the development of a child's physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. I teach Tatty Bumpkin yoga in education settings, to 2 to 7 year olds. Every week we go on a fun adventure, exploring Tatty Bumpkin's world with yoga, learning a new yoga pose, and finishing with a moment to relax and reflect on the adventure. I have an Enhanced DBS Certificate, Level 2 Early Years Safeguarding Certificate, I am Paediatric First Aid Trained, and fully insured.