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Meet Our Team
We're incredibly proud of our amazing team here at St Osmund's, find out a little more about them below.
Polly Swannell
Manager DSL
I have been working in Early years for over 13 years and have recently joined St Osmund’s Preschool.
I have a level 5 in leadership and management in the young person’s workforce and am a level 3 Forest School practitioner.
The Early years of a child’s life lays the foundations for the development of a lifelong love of learning and it is so rewarding to see the children enjoying their learning through the play opportunities’ offered to them.
Helen Evans
Office Manager & DDSL
My name is Helen Evans; I am the Office Manager. I have a BA Hons in Social Science and hold a certificate in TEFL. I have worked here at St Osmund's preschool for five years.
As a parent of a child who attended Preschool, I feel I benefit from having a true understanding of what information and communication parents/carers require.
My role is very varied and no two days are ever the same. I thoroughly enjoy working with all our families and I hope that I play a part in making everyone feel included in our preschool community.
Emily Cope
Assistant Manager
(currently on Maternity Leave)
Key Person L3 DDSL
My name is Emily, I have been working at the preschool for 9 years and I am passionate in encouraging and guiding the children to flourish to their full potential. I first joined the preschool in 2013 as an apprentice and later became a qualified early years practitioner. I hold a level 3 qualification in childcare and development and have carried out other various training courses to ensure the best start for our children. One of my favourite activities is to go on walks with the children to explore our community and unlock the children’s imagination and curiosity.
Barbara Buckingham
Key Person L3
Forest School Leader L3
After leaving the RAF in 1998 I started working as a childminder which then progressed to working in a crèche. By 2008 I was working in a Preschool having completed my NVQ level 3 this was followed by working in a school as a CA/TA for Nursery/Reception/Year 1 in an International School in Abu Dhabi.
I started working as a volunteer/bank staff at St Osmund’s Preschool in 2016. In 2020 I completed my Level 3 Forest School Leaders course. I enjoy being outside and messy play. I am also keen to promote healthy eating and Literacy.
Basia Strachurska-Rufino
Key Person L3 EAL
I have been working at St Osmund’s Preschool since 2014. I’m known in Pre-School as Miss Basia. I have a level 3 diploma for the children and young people’s workforce. As a bilingual practitioner my role is to support EAL children and provide communication between children’s parents and other professionals. My passion is language development.
I have completed various training courses related to special educational needs and speech and language development. I like to see the progress the children make over the time spent in our preschool and how they change into confident little people.
Renata Patora
Key Person L3 EAL
I have a level 3 Diploma for the early year’s workforce and understand the value of play in the early years. I love working with young children, seeing their happy faces and progress. I have gained lots of experience by working with a friendly and professional team, helping support EAL children and those with additional needs. I enjoy supporting the children’s emotional well-being and promoting physical development through exercise and dance.
Shannon Glover
Key Person L3
I began at St Osmund’s Preschool in Autumn 2018 as a work experience and qualified as a level 3 Early years’ educator in spring 2021 and have since become a key person. I am also trained in First Aid, food hygiene and safeguarding. I have keen interests in mental wellbeing, often incorporating yoga into my practice. I also enjoy baking and cooking at the preschool.
Katie Maguire
Key Person L2
Hello I’m Katie. I became part of St Osmund’s Preschool in 2013 when my children joined and became a team member in 2016. I have gained my level 2 and currently working towards my level 3 in Early years. I’m trained in BLAST, potty training and much more, I enjoy messy and imaginative play. I have a positive attitude and I believe this helps all the children I work with.
Tess Fitz
Key Person L2
As a child, I attended St Osmund’s Preschool. Since I have been working here I have achieved my Level 2 Early Years Educator and become a key person. My interests at preschool include messy play incorporating sensory discovery play into my practice. I also enjoy sports including rugby union which I play outside of preschool. I enjoy teaching the children to play various sports.
Emilia Weston
Level 3 Apprentice
I’m Miss Emilia, I am currently working towards my level 3 qualification in early years, after completing my level 2 in June 2022. I have been with St Osmund’s Preschool for over a year now. I enjoy encouraging the children to get involved with everything including crafts, getting muddy in the mud kitchen and many more activities.