Sarah Wood – Lead – Early Years Educator
I’m Sarah Wood and I’ve been working at Hillview Early Years since October 2014. I started working in Early Years in 2008 after having my own children and becoming the Chair of the local playgroup and felt that working with children was the career path I wanted to pursue. I am qualified level 3 in Children, learning and Paediatric First Aid and have trained as a Petit Acting Academy Tutor, teaching storytelling and role play with preschool children. I am currently completing my Early Years Lead practitioner Level 5 Qualification. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, walking, reading and being creative.
Gemma May – Early Years Educator – SENDco
My name is Gemma. I qualified as a level 3 Early Years Practitioner in 2019. I was offered the amazing opportunity to do an apprenticeship in HEY and have been here ever since. I am thoroughly enjoying my time here in HEY and feel privileged to be apart of the children’s first step into education. I have 1 daughter whom attended Hillview Early Years from the age of 2 years 9 months and really thrived during her time here, she now attends Hillview Primary and is continuing to blossom. During my free time I enjoy going on long walks with my family and our pet dog Molly, baking cakes and decorating.
Bryony Barnley – Early Years Educator
Hi I’m Bryony, I have been at HEY since November 2020 and have always wanted to work with children from a young age. I’m qualified to level 3 in early years and have worked in childcare for 16 years. Most recently I’ve worked as a Nanny but after having my own two children, I was keen to get back into a childcare setting. HEY has been the perfect place for me to do this, as I love caring for children at this important time of their lives in the lead up to starting their school journey. In my spare time I love baking, walking our Labrador (Buddy) and camping (when the weather allows!!)
Claire Ellery – Early Years Educator
Hi, my name is Claire. I have been in childcare for over 21 years. I have spent most of those years in Early Years as a nursery manager and working in pre school. I have also worked in a school as a class TA for 4 years before returning for my love of Early Years. I love watching children grow, develop and shine and preparing them before they start school. My daughter attended HEY for her pre school and thrived and I feel lucky to be able to work here with such a lovely team dedicated to the children and families. I live locally with my husband and daughter, so I may see some of you when we go out for walks in the neighbourhood.
Emilie Hardcastle
Hello, my name is Emilie and I joined HEY in January 2024. For the past ten years, I have been working as a Reception class teacher, including as EYFS Lead, so working with young children has always been a great interest of mine. I have two children of my own – a 5 year old daughter and a 3 year old son – and since starting our family I have become more interested in working with children of pre-primary age. I am absolutely thrilled to join the wonderful team and amazing setting here at HEY. I am really excited about my role within the preschool team and I am loving getting to know all of the gorgeous little people in our care! I look forward to supporting them to develop and enhance opportunities for them to learn. In my spare time; I enjoy reading, Pilates, country walks, and spending quality time with my family.