Meet the Staff
Our staff make PreSchool the amazing place that it is. Their drive to provide the best Early Years experience relies upon them constantly reflecting, adapting and learning, never backing away from trying something new or challenging themselves.
Pre-School Leadership Team
Head Teacher - Emma Gagen
Our Head Teacher, Emma, has overall responsibility for Pre-School and the team that makes PreSchool the special place it is. As well as being a qualified teacher and early years specialist for over 20 years, Emma works with Ramsbury English Hub leading their Early Language Development course. She is committed to providing children with the most wonderful start to their education and works with parents to create a positive home-school partnership. Emma is used to life on the go with three sons, chickens, a dog and a mountain bike/basketball crazed family!!
Contact Emma on head@ramsburypreschool.org.uk
Deputy Head - Trish Pridding
Trish, our deputy and Emma’s right hand support, utilitises her qualified teacher status and experience from working across Key Stage 1 to fully support the children at Ramsbury PreSchool. Trish, as well as being a mum to two gorgeous girls, brings her enthusiasm for books, literacy and language. She can be relied upon for bringing a rainbow of colour and sparkle to the day, especially glitter!
Office Manager - Emma Egan
Affectionately known to the children as “mini Emma”, Emma is responsible for all the “behind the scenes” administration of PreSchool. Her 20 years’ experience in professional services and consulting equip her with the skillset to efficiently organise and smoothly manage enrolments, billing, funding and marketing. After having her son and moving back to the UK from Australia with her husband, Emma wanted to use her skillset for the good of the community so not only keeps us on track but also uses her love of gardening to care for all our plants and vegetables
Contact Emma on bursar@ramsburypreschool.org.uk
Our Qualified Pre-School Practitioners
Lisa Smith
As well as being a Level 3 qualified Early Years Practitioner, Lisa has combined her love of the outdoors with developing children and is a qualified Forest School Leader. If you cannot see Lisa, look a little closer and she will be down on the ground, actively supporting the children in their play. When not in Pre-School Lisa enjoys spending time with her ever growing two sons, husband and their dog, Saxon.
SENCO - Cheryl Orford
Cheryl, our SENCo, has a real desire to support and nuture each and every child, leading staff in supporting emotional regulation, behaviour management and speech and language input. Cheryl has recently qualified as a Forest School Leader and recognises how being among nature really supports children socially, emotionally and physically. Cheryl brings a wealth of experience as a mum to three young ladies and can often be seen running or walking with her dog around the village.
Ella Yates
Ella, having recently achieved a degree in Early Years Education, challenges the staff and children to ensure that our provision promotes risky play and enables children to challenge themselves; building resilience and confidence. Although the youngest member of the team, Ella brings years of early years experience working in a nursery environment before joining us. When not in Pre-School Ella loves to travel or get out and about with her husband and dog, Denby.
Chessy Wilson
Chessy, our resident chicken and egg expert, combines her recently acquired Forest School Leader knowledge with her love for enabling the younger children in the setting to have a secure and positive start to their learning journey. Chessy lives on her family farm with her husband and two girls, as well as having a thriving egg business – be sure to pick some up outside of PreSchool!
Laurie Roberts