We have a wonderful team here at the Preschool, with many staff having been with us for a very long time. Please see a little bit of information on each of our amazing staff members below.
Jackie Hampson – Manager
Jackie has worked at Brize Norton Village Preschool for the past 18 years. She lives in the village and has two children, both of whom previously attended the preschool. Jackie holds NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Children’s Care, Learning & Development and is fully Paediatric First Aid trained.
As the preschool’s Lead Safeguarding Officer, Jackie plays a key role in promoting children’s safety and wellbeing. She is also trained in Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disability in the Early Years, and she is the preschool’s SENCo.
Jackie has completed Promoting Positive Behaviour training and has taken part in outdoor learning training at Hill End. She strongly believes in giving every child the opportunity to be active, healthy, and curious – encouraging them to explore, experiment, and learn in the natural world around them.
Jackie’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that young children learn best through meaningful, hands‑on experiences supported by trusted adults who truly know them. She values child‑led exploration, recognising that curiosity is a powerful driver of learning. Jackie prioritises building warm, nurturing relationships that help children feel secure, confident, and ready to take on new challenges.
She views each child as a unique individual and is committed to adapting learning opportunities to meet their developmental needs, interests, and emerging abilities. Jackie champions outdoor learning as a key part of early education, believing that nature provides limitless opportunities for discovery, imagination, and growth. Her practice encourages independence, resilience, kindness, and a lifelong love of learning.
Jane Hornsby – Deputy Manager
Jane holds a Cache Level 3 in Early Years Education and brings a wealth of experience to her role as Deputy Manager. She is Paediatric First Aid trained and serves as our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. Jane is also trained in Makaton and special educational needs, enabling her to support children with a wide range of communication and developmental needs.
Having lived in Brize Norton for many years, Jane is deeply rooted in the local community. Her strong connection to the preschool began when her own son attended our setting, and she later contributed her time as a valued member of the parent committee. Jane previously worked at Brize Norton Village Preschool in 2014, where she developed a strong understanding of our ethos, outdoor learning approach, and child-centred practice.
Beyond her formal qualifications, Jane brings over 9 years of hands-on early years’ experience at preschool. She has supported children with varying abilities, worked closely with families, and contributed to tailored learning plans that promote confidence, independence, and curiosity. Jane is passionate about creating inclusive, nurturing spaces where children feel secure, supported, and inspired in their daily learning.
Julie Jewell – Practitioner
Julie is a much‑loved member of our preschool team and has been with us for 17 years. She holds a CACHE Level 2 qualification in Children and Young People’s Development, demonstrating a solid understanding of early childhood learning, development, and care. Julie has also completed Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding, and Food Hygiene training, ensuring she meets essential health, safety, and wellbeing standards for young children.
In addition to these core qualifications, Julie’s extensive experience has enabled her to develop strong practical skills in supporting early communication, promoting independence, managing routines, and creating nurturing learning environments. Her long service at our preschool reflects her deep commitment to professional growth and high‑quality early years practice.
Living locally in Carterton and with two children of her own, Julie brings warmth, patience, and a personal understanding of family life to her role. She truly believes that every child is unique, and she carefully adapts each child’s learning journey to suit their individual needs. Her nurturing approach helps children grow in confidence as they prepare for their transition to primary school and beyond.
Charlotte Leroux – Practitioner / Artist Director
Charlotte brings a strong foundation of early years’ experience to her role as Practitioner and Artistic Director. Holding a Cache Level 2 qualification in Childcare and Education, she has worked with children from birth to preschool age, giving her valuable insight into developmental milestones, individual learning styles, and the importance of responsive, nurturing early education.
In addition to her childcare qualification, Charlotte is trained in safeguarding and paediatric first aid, ensuring she is well prepared to support children’s safety and wellbeing. Her background includes hands‑on experience in both structured early years settings and creative learning environments, where she has supported children in developing communication, independence, social skills, and early problem‑solving.
As Artist Director, Charlotte incorporates creativity into daily learning, helping children build confidence through expressive arts, imaginative play, and sensory exploration. Her approach blends artistic activities with child‑led learning, supporting curiosity, fine motor development, and emotional expression.
Charlotte is a passionate advocate for outdoor learning. She believes strongly in the benefits of nature‑based exploration, encouraging children to observe, investigate, and engage with the world around them. Her enthusiasm helps create a playful, stimulating outdoor environment where children can develop resilience, confidence, and a sense of adventure.
Living locally in Carterton with her three children, Charlotte brings warmth, empathy, and community‑centred values to her work, helping create a welcoming, supportive environment for all families
Tracey Richens – Practitioner
Tracey is an experienced and dedicated Preschool Practitioner who holds a CACHE Level 2 qualification in Children’s Learning and Development and is currently working towards her Level 3. She is trained in Safeguarding Children, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and children’s mental health, giving her a strong foundation for supporting young learners.
With many years of practical preschool experience, Tracey is passionate about being part of each child’s early development—helping them thrive, grow in confidence, and discover the world around them. Her nurturing approach and commitment to children’s wellbeing shine through in her daily practice.
Tracey believes that young children learn best when they feel safe, valued, and empowered to explore the world at their own pace. She places great importance on nurturing warm, trusting relationships, recognising that secure attachments help children develop confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging
Tracey lives in Carterton and is a parent herself, with three children of her own. Her personal and professional experience enables her to bring empathy, understanding, and warmth to her role within the preschool community.
Jodie Haining – Practitioner
Jodie holds a Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Childcare and Education and a degree in Healthcare Play Specialism. Her background includes extensive experience supporting children in hospital settings, where she used therapeutic play to reduce anxiety, build confidence, and help children understand medical procedures in a child‑friendly way. This experience has given her strong skills in emotional support, communication, and adapting activities for children with a wide range of needs.
Alongside her hospital work, Jodie has also gained valuable experience as a childminder, providing personalised care and supporting children’s learning within a home‑based environment. Her combined experience in both structured and flexible settings enables her to create nurturing, responsive learning opportunities that meet children exactly where they are.
Jodie is passionate about watching children grow in confidence, independence, and curiosity through play. She lives locally with her two children and is trained in safeguarding, paediatric first aid, and British Sign Language.
“I believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. Play opens the door to confidence—and I love being part of that journey.”
Kelly Adams – Practitioner
Kelly brings an impressive 24 years of childcare experience, gained across a wide variety of nursery environments as well as through providing personalised, home‑based care as a childminder. Her long and diverse career has allowed her to build a deep and intuitive understanding of early childhood development, including how young children learn, communicate, and express themselves. Through these experiences, Kelly has developed a strong appreciation for the importance of nurturing relationships, responsive teaching, and creating environments where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired.
As a qualified Level 3 childcare practitioner, Kelly is highly skilled in supporting children’s learning and wellbeing. She is trained in safeguarding and paediatric first aid, enabling her to respond confidently and appropriately to children’s physical and emotional needs. Over the years, she has honed her ability to promote independence, encourage positive social interactions, and recognise the unique learning styles and temperaments of the children she supports. Kelly is particularly adept at creating calm, purposeful, and engaging learning spaces where children can explore at their own pace and deepen their natural curiosity.
Kelly’s approach to early years education is firmly rooted in the belief that children thrive when they feel understood, encouraged, and empowered. She takes pride in getting to know each child as an individual – celebrating their achievements, supporting them through challenges, and helping them develop confidence in their own abilities. Whether she is guiding a child’s early communication, supporting their social development, or extending their play through thoughtful interactions, Kelly strives to ensure every child experiences joy, discovery, and a sense of belonging each day.
Living in Bampton with her own child, Kelly brings a warm, family-centred outlook to her work. She understands the importance of strong partnerships with parents and values the trust they place in her. Her genuine passion for early years education shines through in her daily practice. Whether indoors or outdoors, Kelly creates opportunities that nurture enthusiasm, creativity, and resilience—helping every child take meaningful steps on their learning journey. She takes great pride in playing a role in shaping confident, curious young learners and remains deeply committed to supporting each child’s growth, development, and happiness.
Sophie Holcombe – Practitioner
Sophie has worked in nurseries for over eight years and brings a deep passion for early years education to her role at our preschool. She believes wholeheartedly in the importance of forming strong, positive relationships with the children she cares for, recognising that these trusted bonds lay the foundation for confident, happy learners. Sophie is committed to ensuring every interaction she has with a child is meaningful, supportive, and helps to shape their development in a positive way.
Her extensive experience includes working within a special school, where she supported children with a wide range of additional needs. This experience has given her a strong understanding of how to adapt activities, communication styles, and learning environments to ensure that all children can participate fully and feel valued. Sophie approaches her work with empathy, patience, and a calm, reassuring manner that helps children feel safe and understood.
As a Level 3 qualified practitioner trained in safeguarding and paediatric first aid, Sophie is well equipped to support children’s wellbeing and safety. She is passionate about creating inclusive learning experiences and takes great care to observe each child’s unique strengths, interests, and needs so she can help them grow with confidence.
Living in Brize Norton with her three children, Sophie brings a warm, family‑centred perspective to her role. Her connection to the local community and her understanding of life as a parent enrich her work and help her build strong relationships with families. Sophie is dedicated to ensuring every child feels welcome, supported, and inspired as they explore, play, and learn within our preschool environment.
Kristina Painting – Preschool Practitioner
Kristina joined our preschool team in September 2026. Kristina brings over 20 years of experience in Early Years settings and a wealth of knowledge, care, and dedication to supporting young children in their learning and development. Throughout her career, she has developed a strong understanding of how children learn through play, exploration, positive relationships, and carefully planned experiences that reflect their individual interests. She holds a Level 3 qualification in Early Years and is fully Paediatric First Aid trained, giving her a strong professional foundation to support children’s safety, wellbeing, and progress. Her extensive experience also enables her to observe children thoughtfully, recognise the next steps in their development, and provide encouragement that helps them become increasingly confident, independent, and resilient learners.
She is passionate about building strong, trusting relationships with children and families, recognising that these positive connections play a vital role in helping children feel secure, valued, and ready to learn. Kristina believes that every child deserves a nurturing environment where their individuality is respected and their confidence can grow. Her warm and thoughtful approach helps children develop a sense of belonging, while her experience enables her to support a wide range of needs with patience, understanding, and care. She takes time to get to know each child’s personality, interests, strengths, and preferred ways of learning, using this knowledge to create meaningful experiences that encourage curiosity and participation. Kristina values child-led play and understands the importance of giving children time and space to investigate ideas, make choices, solve problems, and celebrate their achievements. She is committed to inclusive practice and to adapting activities, routines, and communication so that every child can take part and experience success. She also appreciates how important clear, respectful communication with parents and carers is, particularly when children are settling in or preparing for their next stage. By working closely with families and colleagues, Kristina aims to provide consistent support that helps children feel understood and reassured. We are very pleased to be welcoming Kristina to Brize Norton Village Preschool and know that her experience, kindness, and enthusiasm will make her a valued member of our team.
Elena Ringland Mendez – Preschool Practitioner
Elena holds a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies and brings seven years of experience working in nursery settings to her role as a Preschool Practitioner. Her academic background, together with her practical experience, has given her excellent knowledge of child development and a strong understanding of how young children learn through play, exploration, positive relationships, and carefully planned experiences. She uses this knowledge to recognise each child’s individual stage of development, respond to their interests and needs, and provide appropriate encouragement as they build confidence, independence, communication skills, and curiosity.
Elena is trained in safeguarding and paediatric first aid, enabling her to support children’s safety, health, and wellbeing with confidence. She understands the importance of being attentive to children’s physical and emotional needs, maintaining a secure environment, and responding calmly and appropriately when support is required. Her professional knowledge helps her create consistent routines and thoughtful learning opportunities in which children feel reassured, included, and ready to take part.
Living in Brize Norton with her two children, both of whom attended our preschool, Elena has a strong personal connection to the setting and the local community. Her experience as both a parent and an Early Years Professional gives her a valuable understanding of the trust families place in preschool staff and the importance of clear, supportive partnerships with parents and carers. Elena believes every child should feel safe, valued, and happy in their early years setting. Her warm, child-centred approach focuses on building secure relationships, celebrating individuality, and creating a nurturing environment where children feel confident to explore, make choices, develop new skills, and thrive at their own pace.
Helen Townsend – Preschool Assistant
Helen is a highly valued member of our preschool team, bringing warmth, dedication, and a naturally nurturing approach to her role as Preschool Assistant. She has completed a comprehensive range of training, including Early Years Safeguarding, Paediatric First Aid, Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Food Hygiene, and Prevent training. This strong professional foundation ensures she is fully equipped to support children’s safety, wellbeing, and early learning.
Helen has three children of her own, all of whom have attended our preschool, giving her an in-depth understanding of the experiences, needs, and emotions of families joining our setting. As both a parent and preschool assistant, she appreciates the importance of building trust, supporting smooth transitions, and creating a genuinely welcoming environment where children feel secure.
Living in the village of Brize Norton, Helen is closely connected to the local community and brings a thoughtful, grounded approach to her work. She is known for her extremely kind, calming, and approachable nature—qualities that help children feel at ease from the moment they arrive. Whether she is supporting a child who needs reassurance, engaging them in play, or encouraging new friendships, Helen’s compassionate presence plays an important role in helping children develop confidence and a sense of belonging.
Her gentle manner, combined with her commitment to high-quality early years practice, makes Helen an invaluable part of our team and perfectly suited to the role of Preschool Assistant