Jennie Lambert – Pre-School Leader
I’ve worked at North Holmwood Pre-School since 2010 and took over the Leader role in September 2017. I hold a Diploma in Leadership Early Years and Advanced Practice Level 5, am the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, and also hold a Paediatric First Aid certificate plus Level 2 certificate in Food Hygiene. I love to see and nurture the learning journey the children go on during their time with us, encouraging them to develop a curiosity about the natural world, asking questions of their peers and adults, whilst growing in self-confidence in preparation for their transition to school. I live locally with my husband and daughter; she attended the pre-school before I joined the staff team, and made friendships that are still going strong today.
Sue Cullinan – Deputy Pre-School Leader
I’ve worked at the Pre-school since 2012, and became the Deputy leader and SENCO in September 2017. I qualified in 1992 with a diploma in nursery nursing (NNEB) and as well as SENCO, I am the Designated Safeguard Lead and attend regular training and updates. I am Paediatric First Aid trained and hold a Level 2 certificate in food hygiene.
At Pre-school I like creating a fun and exciting environment for the children to learn and play in, joining in with their play, songs, dancing and games as much as possible…teachers can have fun too!I run a “Talking Time” programme during the spring term to support communication and language development, which is lots of fun with activities aimed at encouraging each child’s curiosity to want to join in…who wouldn’t want to play with shaving foam worms.
Stacy Spurdle – Pre-School Assistant (Special Needs)
I’ve worked at the Pre-School since 2015 and I hold a Level 3 childcare qualification. I have also trained in Paediatric First Aid, and hold a safeguarding certificate, and Level 2 certificate in Food Safety.
I joined preschool as a one to one support on a temporary basis. I supported several children, all with different needs, with their learning and development. I loved watching them develop and grow and help them to get ready for their next adventures on to big school! And in sept 2019 I was offered a position as a permanent member of the team. So now I get to help all the children. I really love supporting them in their learning and helping to overcome any challenges they may face. Helping them make friendships and watching their confidence grow and imaginations flourish as they get to know each other and the staff and become wonderful individuals.
I was born and lived in luton until I met my husband and moved to Surrey in 2000. We now have 4 children and a very chaotic household! But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Abbie Edwards – Pre-School Assistant
I have worked at the Pre-School since 2021, initially on a voluntary basis whilst I gained my Level 3 childcare qualification. I have also trained in Paediatric First Aid and have both a safeguarding certificate and Level 2 certificate in Food Safety. Both my children have attended the setting and thrived in the friendly and nurturing environment with the support from the fantastic team. I love watching all the children grow and achieve their goals as they ready themselves for school. Before having children I worked in the finance industry, but soon realised I needed a different home/work life balance. I can happily say changing my career to childcare was one of the best and rewarding decisions I have ever made.
Donna Williams – Pre-School Assistant
I have worked at the Pre-school since April 2024. I joined on a temporary basis initially, for the summer term and absolutely loved it! I hold a Level 2 Food Safety certificate, as well as certificates in Safeguarding and Paediatric First Aid. I am also completing my Level 3 qualifications in Childcare.
I am a Mum of four and I’ve had many years of experience as a childminder. I also took an active role in the children’s development in my community by setting up and running a local Cubs group. I run a weekly play group in a local church currently. All of my children attended the North Holmwood Pre-school and I was always very happy with how they were cared for and supported in their development. To now be part of the team helping the children on their growing journeys is very, very special to me.
Kate Szczypka – Pre-School Assistant
My connection with the North Holmwood Pre-school started in 2021 when my son began to attend the setting. Since then I volunteered there and got involved in the Committee. Once he left for school, I started my work as a teaching assistant in 2024 and haven’t looked back since.
It’s truly amazing to see children’s personalities develop and blossom in the early years. To help them navigate the social world, figure out emotions and gain confidence as their understanding of the world grows is very rewarding. I feel privileged that I can support them flourish and learn new skills at the start of their journeys.
My previous work experience includes customer service and marketing roles. I hold Level 2 certificate in Food Hygiene and Safety, as well as certificates in Safeguarding and Paediatric First Aid. I attended several other training courses dedicated to early years and I am working on obtaining Level 3 Early Years Educator qualifications.
Jo Baker – Pre-School Assistant
I’ve worked at the Preschool since 2023 when I joined in a temporary position to support a child with additional needs, however I currently get to help all the children learn and grow.
I’ve been involved with the setting in many forms since 2009! All of my own children attended the setting, as did I in the 80’s!
In that time, I’ve donned many hats such as Committee member, Treasurer and Mummy helper – it’s that role that made me realise how much fun it can be watching and helping children to play, learn and thrive.
I hold a level 2 certificate in Food Safety, certificates in Safeguarding and Paediatric First Aid, and I am hoping to continue my training by completing a Level 3 qualification in Childcare.
I love working with all the different characters, it’s very special to see them all develop.
North Holmwood Pre-school 