Meet the Team

Sophia Sikora

Practice Manager

My name is Sophia and I am the Practice Manager at Hanslope Pre-school. I have worked in Education since 2005 where I started my career as a Year 2 class teacher in a local Primary school. After a few years there I decided to make a huge change and I moved a few thousand miles away to the Middle East. This is where my love for Early Years grew. I was fortunate to progress in my career and I became Assistant Head of Early Years and Key stage 1. During this time, I successfully led a large team of amazing teachers and teaching assistants in an international British Curriculum school.

After a slight career break to have my beautiful babies and a few part-time posts I joined Hanslope Pre-school Committee as the Committee Secretary. I absolutely love working at Hanslope Pre-school, we have a wonderful team of talented staff, fantastic children who are keen to learn through play and a super setting to explore. After a wonderful first year as the Practice Manager, I am excited to see where the second year takes us as we follow the children's interests, develop our setting further and let their learning evolve.

Serena Clark

Deputy Practice Manager

Hello my name is Serena, and I am a level 3 qualified Early Years Practitioner.

I have 20 years experience working in childcare and have worked closely with children from age 0-5, in a variety of different settings such as nannying and nurseries.

I have been working at the Pre-school since November 2020.

I am a qualified Forest School Leader and am very much looking forward to getting outside, exploring, creating a natural environment and putting my skills into practice.

I am really looking forward to welcoming all the children back to Pre-school and getting to know the new children starting. I can’t wait to get to know you all and enjoy being part of your journey this year.

I live in Milton Keynes and have a young son who keeps me busy and active. Being active is something that is very important to me, hopefully I can encourage and inspire the children to get moving!

Kim Vernon

Senior Early Years Practitioner

My name is Kim.

I’m a very passionate, dedicated and enthusiastic person, who is very much about developing children.

I have 16 years’ experience in childcare.

Along with my extensive experience I am also a fully qualified practitioner holding a level 4 NVQ.

I’ve spent a lot of time working with children with Down syndrome and autism.

The age range I have worked with is between 0-12 years and I love to involve and engage children in my unique small world and creative activities.

Personally, I like long walks, cycling and generally exploring nature.

I can’t wait to share my knowledge and fun activities with the children.

Lindsay Tucker

Early Years Practitioner

Hi, my name is Lindsay and I have been working in childcare for the past 8 years, working as a childminders assistant and helping run crèches. This will be my 2nd year at Hanslope Pre-school.

I am currently working towards my Level 3 NVQ Qualification.

I thoroughly enjoy my job and love seeing the children develop into confident, independent individuals.

I enjoy arts and crafts, messy play, baking, reading books and outdoor fun.

I live in Hanslope and have 2 boys aged 7 and 9 with another little one arriving in December.

I look forward to starting the new term, seeing lots of new and familiar faces again.

Heidi D'ippolito

Early Years Practitioner

Hello my name is Heidi, I’ve been working in the childcare industry for 6 years now. I am a Level 3 Qualified Practitioner and have experience working with babies up to pre-schooler age, helping them be school ready.

I love all things crafty and messy, which is great for planning fun activities for your little ones to help their imagination and creative skills thrive.

In my spare time I like to do fun activities at home with my own children and go exploring in the woods and making dens with them.

I can’t wait to meet and get to know all of the children and families at Hanslope Pre-school.

Caroline Marshall

Early Years Practitioner

I'm Caroline and I have just re-joined the Hanslope Pre-school team, having previously held a part-time position and provided emergency relief cover during the previous 4 years. I'm excited to be back and meet all the new children and see some little faces I remember!

I've lived in Hanslope for 20 years and have two daughters, aged 10 and 12.

I particularly enjoy reading and singing activities but am looking forward to getting stuck-in with, and supporting, all the children's interests.

Samantha Brooker

Early Years Practitioner

Hi, my name is Sam and I am a level 3 qualified Early Years Practitioner with 17 years childcare experience.

I have worked in a range of settings with children aged 0-10 years including a nursery, creche and a childminding provision.

Working with children has always been my passion, helping children to learn and develop in a friendly and happy environment.

I live in Milton Keynes and have two children, who keep me very busy!

I am very excited to continue my time with Hanslope Preschool as an emergency relief worker.

Colette Wright

Early Years Practitioner

Hello, my name is Colette

I’m very privileged and looking forward to be working at Hanslope Pre-school. I have worked in childcare for around 12 years and have a wide range of experiences.

I have a boy and little girl myself so can relate to parents / carers wishes, worries and views.

I can’t wait to meet you all and your little ones.

Abby Moss

Early Years Practitioner

Hello, my name is Abby.

I have been working in childcare for the past 15 years. I am level 2 qualified in childcare, working with babies right up to Pre-school aged children.

I have two children of my own aged 7 and 2, one of which is autistic, giving me first-hand experience and knowledge of autism.

I also have the Level 2 Qualification in Understanding Autism.

Childcare is a passion of mine, and always has been, since a young age.

I can’t wait to bring my enthusiasm to the Pre-school

In my spare time, I love to take my children out for walks, to the park, and on bike rides

to explore new places.

Gemma Maxted

Emergency Helper

Hi, I’m Gemma

After eight years at home with my children, I am currently working towards a degree in psychology.

I have a huge passion for the first years of life and the importance they hold in setting the children up for the future. Working with young children and helping them is really exciting for me!

I enjoy arts and crafts and anything messy, I will encourage the children to join in the fun!

I absolutely love animals. In my spare time I am an avid reader and enjoy spending time outdoors.

I also love to bake.

I have three children, a dog, cat and a bunny so I have a handful at home to support.

We moved to Hanslope a year and a half ago and absolutely love the village. I cannot wait to work with the children at Hanslope Pre-school.

Carole Scott

Administrator

Hello, I'm Carole, the Administrator for Hanslope Pre-school.

I have worked for the Pre-school for nine and a half years as their administrator.

I previously worked at the Pre-school as an emergency helper.

I also work at Hanslope Primary School as a Teaching Assistant in year 6.

I really enjoy both my jobs and love being involved with children's education.

I have lived in Hanslope with my husband for 17 and a half years. We have two children, 16 and 15 years old, who attended Hanslope

Pre-school many years ago!

You might not see me much at the

Pre-school setting but you'll hear from

me via emails and post!