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. I am excited to see where the year takes us as we follow the children's interests and let their learning evolve.

Naomi Ponting
Deputy Practice Manager
I'm Naomi and I am a level 3 qualified Early Years Practitioner.
I have been working with children for over ten years in Oman, the UAE and England. I have also worked as an English tutor and an English as a Second Language teacher.
I live in Hanslope and have worked at Hanslope Pre-school for 3 years.
I have a gorgeous little boy who attends Hanslope school and who knows how to keep me on my toes.
I also teach yoga and love doing yoga with the little ones in Pre-school.

Serena Clark
Senior Early Years Practitioner
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.
For the last 10 years I have been working in a nursery.
I am trained in Forest School and therefore a qualified Forest School leader.
I am very much looking forward to getting outside, exploring, creating a natural environment and putting my skills into practice.
I am very excited to meet all the children that will be in my care, getting to know their personalities and requirements as well as getting involved in educational and fun activities.
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!

Lindsay Tucker
Early Years Practitioner
My name is Lindsay, and I will be your new familiar face when you start Pre-school.
I am really looking forward to meeting you all and making lots of fun memories.
I love arts & crafts, messy play, reading books and enjoy outdoor fun, I hope you do too?
I live in Hanslope and I have two boys aged 6 and 8.
I am very excited to be meeting you all soon.

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.

Alice Cresswell
Early Years Practitioner
Hello all, I’m Alice.
I am going to be a new face at Hanslope Pre-school as a relief Practitioner. I am really excited about this role and getting creative. I am currently an Education Studies student at the University of Northampton and have had experience working with children.
I love helping children to develop, playing games while allowing children to express themselves. I look forward to meeting you all soon.

Anna Everington
Early Years Practitioner
Hi my name is Anna, and for just under 10 years I have been running my own children’s entertainment business, working with children from birth up to school age.
Over the last 5yrs, I have had the pleasure
of working with Pre-school children and
young adults with SEND. During my time in this role I ran a bi-weekly session at
Hanslope Pre-school (pre-COVID) so I will know some of the children already and I cannot wait to meet the rest.
I have lived in the village for just over 8yrs
and have two children who are now both at Ousedale in Olney.
I love reading, music, watching films and spending time with my family and friends.
I love being around little ones and am so
glad to be part of the new Pre-school team
as emergency relief cover.
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 aged 11 and 5 who keep me very busy!
I am looking forward to getting to know all the children and families of
Hanslope Pre-school.