Meet the Committee

Committee Chairperson

Emma Courtney

Hi there, I’m Emma and have lived in Hanslope since 2013. My daughter currently attends the Preschool which is how I first got involved. I run a consultancy that operates Nationally and Internationally and specializes in research, evaluation, marketing and strategy for the arts and heritage and voluntary sectors. A significant part of this work involves children and young people and it’s been a bit terrifying to see how creativity and the arts in education has been eroded from the curriculum over the last decade. I’m also the Vice Chair of the Arts & Heritage Alliance in Milton Keynes. AHA-MK leads and manages MAKE, the Milton Keynes Cultural Education Partnership so everyday I see firsthand how creative activities empower and enable our young people to develop and thrive.

With such significant changes in the village over recent years through large scale development, a community asset and charity like Hanslope Preschool has never been more important. The early years children of Hanslope deserve to have the best start in their learning journeys. They deserve a setting that inspires them and gives them the belief, curiosity and courage to realise their potential at every stage of their lives. I sit on the committee to help in any way I can towards that goal. If you’d like to help contribute to this goal in any way please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re a friendly bunch and welcome everyone who wants Hanslope Preschool to be the best that it can be!

Committee Secretary

Vacant Position

Committee Treasurer

Vacant Positon

Committee Member

Claire Barnett

Hi, I'm Claire and I moved to the village just over three years ago along with my husband and two boys.

My youngest still goes to the preschool and my oldest used to attend but has just started at the primary school. My oldest loved going to preschool and my youngest is also really starting to develop within the setting and always tells me he had fun when I pick him up.

Before having my boys, I grew up in MK and studied for my degree in Criminology and Social Policy at the University of Sheffield. I then spent some time travelling around Australia and New Zealand doing some crazy things like sky diving, bungee jumping and night kayaking. I then returned to MK and started working in the public sector and am still working there today.

Having grown up with my mum working in a preschool I'm aware of the hard work involved as well as the love and passion in the profession and want to try and support the staff, children and parents for the preschool to continue to grow and develop.

Committee Member

Grace Maxey

Hi i’m Grace

I’ve lived in the village for 8 years with my partner and now 2 boys.

Both my boys have been to Hanslope pre-school and my youngest is still there until September, when he starts primary school. They have both loved their time at Hanslope pre-school because of the family feel it has, with approachable and friendly staff. (it was also the pre school my partner went to - many moons ago)!

I have seen first hand how important our village pre school is and the hard work that goes into running it.

The encouragement the children receive and the skills they learn to prepare them for primary school is invaluable.

I am excited to be apart of the pre school committee and to watch it grow and develop!

Committee Member

Paige Winkworth

Hi, I'm Paige. I've lived in Hanslope for 4 years and absolutely love our little village and community - I couldn't imagine living anywhere else in MK!

My eldest attended the pre-school from 2021-2023 and my youngest now attends. I trust the staff wholeheartedly and admire all they do to support the children with their development. My favourite thing about the pre-school is how included we have felt, as a family, in our boys' learning journeys and how much the staff helped prepare my eldest for starting school.

Having recently left an 11-year corporate career in Marketing to join the family business, I now have the time to focus on becoming a committee member and contributing to the ongoing success of this wonderful village asset.

Committee Member

Marie Elia

Hi,

I am Marie and I have lived in Hanslope since 2014 with my husband.

My daughter started at the pre-school in January 2024, and is really enjoying her time within the pre-school setting. The staff there so friendly, professional and supportive.

I joined the committee in 2024, and was surprised by how much work goes into making the pre-school so good. I am so pleased that the children and staff are now located within the primary school environment. This will help the children when they begin primary school full time.

I am thrilled to work with the team, and look forward to not only seeing the pre-school grow, but being part of that journey.

Committee Member

Vacant Position

Committee Member

Vacant Position