Sam Barnett-Legh

Manager

Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Foundation Degree in Early Years Care and Education.

Cache Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education.

Level 2 in Children and Young Peoples Mental Health.

 

Sam joined Fringford Pre-School in April 2005 after relocating from the Peak District.  Sam joined as a Pre-School Assistant and became Manager in 2010, she is also the Designated Safeguarding Lead.  Sam comes from an administrative background in the Pharmaceutical Industry, looking for a change undertook her Early Years qualifications.  Sam loves her job and confidently leads her energetic and committed team. 

Sam has 5 children and 7 grandchildren and is very experienced with the Early Years age group.  She loves to go walking with her dog, travelling and reading books when she has some spare time.

 

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Sharon Smythe

Deputy Manager.

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Cache Level 3 Children and Young Peoples Work Force.

Level 2 in Children and Young Peoples Mental Health.

 

 

Sharon joined Fringford Pre-School as a volunteer when her youngest son joined playgroup in 2010.  Having formerly worked in the property market for over 20 years she decided it was time for a change and undertook her Level 2 in Early Years.  In 2011 a vacancy arose in playgroup and she joined as a full time member of the team.  In 2012 Sharon undertook her Level 3 in Children & Young People’s Workforce and in 2021 a Level 2 in Children & Young People’s Mental Health, which is a subject she is really interested in.

Sharon is a Trustee of Pre-School and also the Treasurer, playing an active part in our Committee and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Sharon has three older boys and absolutely loves working in early years.  She enjoys  travel, gardening and walking in The Lake District and West Country.

 

 

Natasha Hart

Early Years Educator.

SENCO.

NNEB.

 

Natasha, informally known as Tash, joined Pre-School in 2011, after being a regular parent helper whilst her eldest daughter attended. Tash qualified as an NNEB in 1993 and had worked as a Deputy Manager of a day nursery in Oxford before having her own family. During this time Tash was the designated SENCO and was most happy to take up the role again in Setting and share her experience.

Tash has two children of her own and lives locally, which allows her to be involved within the village and the community.

Tash enjoys travel, being on the farm and the countyside life.

 

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Gina Stephens

Early Years Educator.

Cache Level 3 Diploma in Childcare & Education.

Level 2 in Children & Young Peoples Mental Health.

 

Gina joined playgroup as a member on the fundraising team when her eldest Jim started playgroup. Once her youngest Tom joined she started her studies in childcare and became a fully-fledged  member of staff. Gina has now been working here for 8 years.  Gina has studied her level 2 and 3 in childcare and education and recently completed her level 2 in mental health.  She works full time within the setting.  Gina particularly loves coming up with ideas for our displays, which she involves the children in.  This really contributes to the cheerful atmosphere in the building.

Gina resides in the next neighbouring village and loves country life and the outdoors. She enjoys reading and travels in her spare time.

 

 

Shirley King

Early Years Educator.

NNEB.

 

Shirley has been at Playgroup for 25 years, she was the Deputy Supervisor for much of that time, only recently stepping back a bit in semi-retirement.  However as a much loved member of staff we couldn’t let her go so she is still here three days a week in a more relaxed capacity.

 

Shirley loves the Early Years and is a very accomplished story teller and is always in demand for her board game playing skills.  She has two grown up daughters. 

 

 

Caroline Hook

Early Years Educator

Cache Level 3 Children and Young Peoples Work Force.

 

Caroline started working at playgroup 17 years ago and quickly proceeded to work towards her Cache level 2.  She followed on a few years later to complete a Cache level 3  Children and Young Peoples Work Force. She currently works part time in the setting.   Caroline has a great sense of humour and we all look forward to seeing her when she comes in.

 

Caroline lives in the nearby village of Stratton Audley and very much enjoys doing art, yoga and walking.

 

 

Anita Matthews

Early Years Educator

Level 2 Cambridge Open College in Child Care

 

Anita started working at playgroup about ten years ago as cover and has recently become a more permanent member of staff. She has worked at many different settings including schools, playgroups and children’s centres.

 

She lives in Bicester with her husband and three teenage boys, 15, and twins of 13, one with additional needs.

 

Anita enjoys family time, travel, reading and playing walking football!

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