Meet the Nursery and Pre-school Team
Hayley Compton
Hayley has been working with Early Years children since 2000 and has experience of all ages from 0 -5 years old. She started her career as a Nursery Nurse and has gradually worked towards achieving her degree and EYP status in 2007, working in a variety of roles.
“I really enjoy leading the Nursery Team at Banstead Prep and welcoming families, so we can work together to achieve the best start in your children’s educational journey. In the Nursery it is paramount for children to gain independence through learning and having a supportive team will enable them to be confident and active learners.”
Charlotte Bailey
Charlotte has been working with children since 2014. During this time, she has worked with children aged from birth to five years in a variety of settings, one of which was a Forest School and has gained much knowledge about the benefits of outdoor learning. She completed her BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education in June 2019 and achieved Early Years Teacher Status in 2022. She has a high level of enthusiasm and knowledge to be able to support the children within the Early Years, academically, socially and with their emotional well-being and overall holistic development.
“I am passionate about play-based learning which is a huge part of the Early Years Foundation Stage. I look forward in continuing my work in partnership with parents and children at Banstead Prep, alongside Hayley and the team.”
Rajia Begum
Rajia has been an Early Years Educator since 2010 and is qualified with a Level 3 Diploma. She has experience working with children aged from 0-7 in a variety of different settings.
“I have always been passionate about education and enjoy working to develop children to the best of their abilities, giving children the confidence they need and ensuring they are cared for in a happy, safe and stimulating environment.”
Jennifer Cruickshank
July 2019 marked Jennifer’s 30th year of working in childcare. During that time, she has completed a range of qualifications including her EYPS and she became a Childcare Tutor and Assessor. She has worked in a range of settings including eight happy years at another local prep school.
“No two school days are the same and I enjoy supporting the children in their learning and development, in their foundation years.”
Claire Elliot-Square
Claire took a career break to start a family and during this time became involved in a playgroup which developed her interest in children’s education. She then qualified as a level three Nursery Practitioner and has worked in early years settings since 2011.
“Working with children is hugely rewarding and no two days are the same. I enjoy helping children develop self confidence in their abilities and particularly enjoy using role play resources to develop their communication, imagination and social interaction with both adults and their peers.”
Cara Elliott-Shorey
Coming from a big family, many of whom worked in the education sector, I always knew that I wanted to work with children. So when I finished school, I first completed a Caring BTEC and then went on to the study for the NNEB.
I spent 9 happy years working in various childcare settings until I had my own children, when I decided to focus my energy and experience on them. Now they are older and more independent it’s lovely to return to a nursery setting. Combining my previous experience with all I have learned as a parent, I am enjoying being part of the team at BPS and helping the children have the best possible start to their school life.
Lucy Richens
I began working with children in 2009, starting out as a private nanny before working in a school with children ranging from nursery to -Year 4. I took a break to start a family and now with 3 young children of my own the new experience I’ve gained, I’m excited to be a part of the nursery team. I have always had a passion for working with young children and enjoy seeing them develop and grow in their learning environment.
Evie Rigg
Evie has worked with children for over 3 years and says she has loved every second of it! She’s worked with a range of ages, from Reception to year 6 and is enjoying the new challenge of supporting the children in Nursery. Evie is studying for a foundation degree in Early Years with Early Years Educator qualification. “I have always been very passionate about supporting children to achieve their best possible outcome and play-based learning as the most effective approach for the early years.”
Lucy Robins
Lucy completed her BA Hons in Graphic Design with Illustration and then spent eight years working as a designer of children’s books for a publisher in London. She has two children who are both now in full time education and has worked with Early Years children in several different roles.
“I love about being part of the Nursery team at Banstead Prep and enjoy utilising my creative skills as a designer to plan exciting and engaging activities where children can reach their full potential and learn through play.”
Vanessa Vickers
My passion for working with children started when I had my own two children. I started working as a childminder and went on to do my Level 3 Diploma. I have worked with children aged 1 / 7.
10 years later and I am still as enthusiastic as I was when I started. Working together with families to achieve the best start to their children’s development is my main goal. I look forward to continuing to share this passion with my team and see how the children develop each day.
Claire Williams
Claire has always had a passion to work with children from an early age and spent many of her school holidays working in crèches or at play schemes. She went to college and completed a NNEB Diploma, in 1993, then spent 13 years being a Private Nanny. She took a break from working in 2006 when she started a family of her own. She’s been working with Miss Compton since 2014!
“When I am not chauffeuring my children to various after school activities I like to read, cook and shop!”