Becky came to Wingate Nursery in 1998, working as Deputy, alongside the previous Headteacher Paddy Beels, OBE. In 2014, Becky stepped into headship and has been instrumental in leading significant developments over the years, namely the opening of an Outdoor Nature School. Her passion and ambition is rooted in creating a culture and climate that respects and protects children and their childhood.      

Nichola joined the Wingate family in 2018 as an early tears teacher, before becoming deputy head in 2023. Her love of nature and the outdoors has been perfectly suited to influence the pedagogy at 'the cottage in the woods', our outdoor nature school. Nichola also delivers training to early years educators - both through our own professional development programme and also for EEF, the Education Endowment Foundation. 

Adele first came to Wingate Nursery School as a child herself! She then came back as a student, before receiving a full time contract in 2005. Adele is a prime example of a 'grow your own' employee! Adele is ambitious and always keen to further her professional development, so in addition to her foundation degree in early years education, she recently achieved qualified teacher status, EYT. Adele has many strings to her bow, utilising her forest school qualification to lead the learning at the cottage, but also relishes the opportunity to use her expertise in teaching at the school site. She currently takes responsibility for leading the learning with mixed aged children, 2-4 years. 

Beata came to Wingate in 2019 and has been the key person for orange group, until 2024 when she asked to step into the role of allotment lead. Beata is particularly skilful at enabling children's 'big thinking' through complex construction projects, so we are really excited about how she will transfer these skills to her work with children in residence at the allotment with her.  

Burcu joined the wingate family in 2020 and although was fairly startled by our ethos and pedagogy when she first started, has grown into the educator role with so much confidence. She takes her role very seriously and works incredibly hard as a key person, helping to raise strong, confident children who love learning. Burcu enjoys supporting children with research - looking into things they find interesting but want to know more about.  

Sophie came to us on supply, initially supporting children with additional needs, but it wasn't long before we offered her a contract to become a fully fledged member of the team as the key person for the red team. Sophie is from a farming background and as well as being physically strong and resilient, she has a lot of knowledge about outdoor life and is the first one to roll her sleeves up and "muck in!"  

Caroline was (and still is) a parent of 2 children, Alfie and Penny, often helping out with events and fundraising. Caroline was a primary school teacher for many years, until she joined the wingate family in January 2025. She brings many skills with her, including music, singing and creativity, which we are really excited about uncovering.  

Hannah joined the wingate family many years ago, in our childcare organisation. She was initially baby room lead, before stepping into the role of manager. She led the team for 3 years before stepping across into school to join the nursery school team - as key person for the blue group. Hannah's nurturing nature is a welcome gift in school, which we all admire in her and aim to replicate, especially with our youngest children.  

Rhiannon joined us in September 2024 and is the key person for blue group, covering Hannah's maternity leave. Rhiannon is originally from London, so is also discovering a very different way of working in early years, dipping her toe into 'the wingate way'.  

Jodie originally came to us from a supply agency, supporting some of our children with additional needs. She officially joined the team in September 2024, continuing to do the same work, but with more autonomy, as a fully fledged employee at wingate! Jodie is very skilled at supporting and enabling children to access our ordinarily available provision, giving all our children the best chance of success. 

We first met Amy as a parent, before she applied to work alongside Elaine in the kitchen, preparing meals and supporting the children with lunches. She also helped out with cleaning on occasions, too. Amy soon expressed an interest in working directly with children and so whilst undertaking a qualification in childcare, she did some voluntary work with us. Amy is now employed and has a mixed role, as key person to the January starters and an invaluable extra pair of hands during the autumn term. 

Eve is our youngest member of the team - also once here as a child, then a student and now employed to work with our 2 year olds in school.She's at the very beginning of her journey into teaching and learning 'the wingate way', so we have high hopes that whilst working alongside experienced staff, she will be a fast learner, keen and enthusiastic to learn.