Gemma is Chestnuts Pre-school Manager and joined us in 2022 with experience since 1997. Gemma has level 3 qualifications in Early Years and management. She qualified in 1998 and has worked in a variety of settings during her career. Gemma is also SENDCo and joint DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead).

Chelle is Chestnuts Pre-school Deputy Manager and joined the setting in March 2023. Chelle qualified as a Level 3 practitioner in 2008 and her additional roles at Chestnuts include Deputy SENDCO, Deputy DSL and LLP (Lead Language Practitioner) – coordinating the enhancement of language development.

Amy is a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner. Amy joined us in September 2022. She qualified in 2009 and brings a wealth of experience from other settings.

Lindsey is a level 3 Early Years Practitioner, Third in Charge and DSL.  Lindsey joined us in April 2005, qualifying in 2006.

Administrator

Sandra has been our Administrator since September 2022 and will help every parent through the tour and registration process as well as dealing with the day to day administration of the pre-school.

Rachel first joined the Chestnuts team in 2009 and is a qualified Level 3 Early Years Practitioner.

Maz joined us as a Lunch Club Assistant and Bank Staff in November 2022, having previously had children at the Pre-school.

Sonia joined Chestnuts in 1998 as a Nursery Assistant. She supports the Early Years Practitioners in their roles as key people and forms strong relationships with all of the children, contributing to their learning and development.

Jisha joined Chestnuts in June 2023 as Lunch Support and Bank Staff providing staff cover when needed.

Sandra moved to Wokingham in 2021 and had joined us as our cleaner from January 2022.

Jen joined Chestnuts in July 2023 as a Lunch Assistant and Bank Staff covering for staff when required. Jen has a wealth of experience in early years and education; as well as an early years qualification and SEND training and experience.

Phyllis joined us in April 2020 as a level 4 Early Years Practitioner. Phyllis brings a wealth of experience, qualifying in 2005 and having worked in other early years settings including nurseries, nannying and managing her own setting for many years.

Abi joined us as a student helper in January 2022 and was appointed Bank Pre-School Assistant in September 2023. Abi is studying for her Early Years Level 3.

Helena joined us in September 2019 as our bookkeeper, she helps with the financial aspects of running Chestnuts.

Christina joined us in 2021 and now works as an unqualified Early Years Practitioner supporting her key children in their learning and development. She is currently studying for her Early Years Level 3 qualification.

Niamh joined us in October 2023. Niamh has had plenty of experience and enjoyment of working in early years, and is currently working towards a Child Psychology BSc degree with the aim to be a child psychologist or play therapist in the future.