becky wood – head teacher
Becky Wood has been Headteacher of Wingate Community Nursery School since 2014. Becky came to Wingate in 1998 where she worked alongside Paddy Beels, previous Headteacher, in leading this outstanding nursery school. Visits to Denmark and Northern Italy have influenced their perspective in early years.
Becky was instrumental in establishing Wingate Early Years Training Base, which she leads with drive and passion. She has created films, training packages and documentation based around children’s learning and the Wingate philosophy, aimed at supporting colleagues in exploring early years teaching and learning.
Becky is SENCO and Designated Safeguarding and Child Protection Lead in School.
nichola hesslewood – teacher
Nichola joined the Wingate team in January 2018 on a temporary supply basis, covering the teaching role in school, following the resignation of the previous Assistant Headteacher. However, because Nichola fitted in so well, doing a great job of leading the team and supporting Becky during the Spring and Summer terms, we offered her a contract to stay with us. As well as leading the team, Nichola is key person for the green group and is very much part of the Wingate family.
Nichola is Deputy Designated Safeguarding and Child Protection Lead.
adele chapman – early years educator (currently on maternity leave, sept 2020)
Adele Chapman has grown at Wingate, from a nursery child in 1989-90, to a student, and now a valued member of the team, first employed in 2005. Adele is a skillful key person for the red group, whose sensitive, calm, unassuming approach belies the effectiveness and influence that she has on the children’s learning. Adele completed the Foundation Degree in 2012, BA Honours. Adele is also a qualified Forest School Leader and Practice Level 3.
burcu mcghin – early years educator
Burcu joined the team in September 2020 for one year to cover Adele’s maternity leave and so is key person for the red group. She is originally from Turkey and compliments our staff team beautifully. She is really enjoying her time with us and loves many aspects of her work, especially reading stories and singing with children.
ange wilkinson – early years educator
Ange joined our team in autumn 2014 and soon became a much loved key person for yellow group. As a military wife, Ange has worked internationally in Early Years since qualifying. She has a real passion for animals, taking a lead role in the care of our Nursery chickens and guinea pig. Ange has a passion for working outdoors and is enthusiastic about our ‘In2Nature’ Project.
beata brzezianska – early years educator
Beata, originally from Poland, joined the team in spring 2019 and is key person for the orange group. She is passionate about working with young children and families and is enjoying her work with us. She has a love of outdoors and in particular is enjoying our nature days at the allotment with her orange group children.
mandi lynch – early years educator
Mandi joined the team in September 2020, to become the temporary key person for the blue group, after our lovely Glynis suddenly decided to retire after 28 years! Mandi has stepped brilliantly into Glynis’ shoes and is enjoying her time here as key person for blue group.
karen bell – early years educator – PPA cover
Karen joined the team in January 2018 and works part time, stepping into the key person role every afternoon to release staff out to do planning and learning journal work. Karen also supports the 30 hour lunches, sitting with children in our beautiful dining room.
vicky evans – early years educator – apprentice
We first met Vicky as a parent, who then became a school governor. When her youngest child went to primary school, she was so interested in our work, that she offered to work with us as a volunteer – full time! Vicky was encouraged to become an apprentice with us, studying level 3 Children’s and Young People’s Work Force, so that whilst working with us full time, she can gain a qualification and hopefully join the team as a ‘home grown’ employee one day.
nicola balfour – artist educator
Nicola has worked with us for many years as a creative practitioner. She is an inspirational pedagogue, supporting staff and children on our ‘In2Nature’ Project, on a weekly basis out in the wild. Nicola is full of energy, enthusiasm and passion for working with young children outdoors .. and indoors.
nicola nattress – becky’s PA / school administrator
Although Nicola’s job is that of School Secretary, her role as Becky’s PA is unquestionable. Very efficient in her quiet, unassuming way, Nicola organises and supports, not only Becky, but all the staff, parents, families and children in the nursery. She is invaluable to the running of the school!
pat crick – centre receptionist
Pat works as receptionist welcoming all visitors to the Centre. She doubles up as admin to our Childcare organisation and coordinator for the comings and goings of training facilities. Pat also enjoys supporting the children in nursery who stay for lunch. She has been working with us since 2001, working previously as caretaker/cleaner, but is now very much ‘the mother hen’ looking after people.
alan johnson – caretaker
Alan joined the team in 2020, as Caretaker. Not only is he Abbie’s dad, but he was instrumental in the development of the nursery allotment, heading up a small team of dads to help get the Lottie ship shape for the children to use every day. Alan has slotted beautifully into the team and takes great pride in looking after the School and Childcare spaces, working alongside Susan, our cleaner. Together they take good care of our beautiful building and work with sensitivity to the children’s needs, supporting the role of the educators and the work they do.
susan metcalfe – cleaner
Susan works alongside Ray, as part of the cleaning team. She joined the team in 2017 and is enjoying her work to help create a beautiful, clean environment. Susan has also formed positive relationships with parents, especially those coming to collect children from Childcare on an evening.
elaine gibson – cook
Elaine joined the team in September 2017, as nursery cook. She works alongside Lynn, the Childcare cook to prepare and make delicious, home cooked meals for babies, 2, 3 and 4 year old children who are here all day. Elaine was originally a parent and has stayed involved in the school ever since.
jen martindale – kitchen assistant and dinner nanny
Jen came to us as a cleaner, covering on occasions when our caretaker or cleaner were on holiday. She loved it so much, that she applied for the post as ‘dinner nanny’ and joined the team in September 2017, working alongside Lynn and Elaine, the cooks.
Last Updated: Sept 2020
