Our Pre-School Staff

We are fortunate to have a fantastic team of caring and dedicated staff who are responsible for the day to day running of the Pre-School. All members of staff have Safeguarding, First Aid, Allergen and Food Hygiene Certification. Most of the team have been trained in British Sign Language and have received STEPs training (Hertfordshire’s Behaviour Strategy).

Our Pre-School Assistants help with planning and setting up various activities. They act as a key person to a group of children while liaising closely with their parents/carers to ensure that everyone is happy with their time at Pre-School.

Tina Downing – Pre-School Leader, SENCo & Designated Safeguarding Person

Tina has been our Pre-School Leader since 2008, she has a Foundation Degree in Early Years Practice. Tina is one of the Designated Persons for Safeguarding children. Tina is also an accredited Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator and our ‘Autism Lead’ for the local area. Tina initiates and organises the daily programme of activities at the Pre-School, monitoring the quality of teaching and charting the developmental progress of the children. She is responsible for the health, safety and wellbeing of the children, as well as our short and long-term planning. She also supervises all staff and liaises with Therfield First School and the Pre-School Committee.

Natalie Hunn – Deputy Leader

Natalie, is a highly valued and respected member of our local community as well as our team and has been working for the Pre-School since 2005, she has also completed her Cache Level 3 Diploma. Natalie is our ‘Narrowing The Gap’ lead ensuring high goals and aspirations for all children.
Natalie was proud to be a finalist in the Families First Awards 2023 as Key Worker of the Year – A huge achievement and very well deserved!

Sue Hamilton – Qualified Practitioner & SENCo

Sue was initially employed as Bank Staff but became a permanent member of staff in 2014. She is a former parent and committee member and an experienced foster carer. She successfully completed her Skills first Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People Workforce (QCF) and is now working hard towards her Level 3 qualification.  Sue is our SENCo and is responsible for assessing, planning and monitoring the progress of children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Dunja Starc – Pre-School Assistant, Health & Safety Representative

Dunja joined us in the Autumn of 2020, during the height of covid. But despite this she quickly proved to be a huge asset to Pre-School, and a huge hit with the children! Dunja is currently studying towards her Level 3 qualification.

Nic Drew

Nic works with the Pre-School team on an adhoc basis as part of the bank staff team. After joining us part time in 2021 she moved on to new pastures in 2023, but luckily for us, she still comes back to see us when she can. She has previously worked as a paediatric nurse and is passionate and committed to achieving the best for each and every child.

Harry Walsh

We are lucky to have Harry as part of the bank staff team. He is a firm favourite amongst the children, bringing a young and fresh dynamic whenever he is available to help. Harry is currently studying in the US and we very much enjoy cheering him on in his fantastic football career.

Sara Walker – Qualified Assistant