About Us: Who We are
Herons' Preschool Waterbeach is located in a newly refurbished building at the entrance to the former army barracks in the heart of Waterbeach. It is a community based charitable preschool which previously operated as Waterbeach Toddler Playgroup from a portacabin on the grounds of Hatley Court, a residential care home for the elderly. After many years of searching and hard work from numerous committees and staff members we finally secured a building on the former army barracks which, thanks to the developers Urban and Civic and the County Council, together with a number of grants, has been transformed into a fantastic preschool facility with two large rooms, modern facilities and a wonderful outside space.
We are run by a highly experienced team of staff. The staff team comprises:
Wayne Badcock - Preschool Manager
Wayne has worked at the setting since 2003, taking on the role of Playgroup Leader since September 2004. He also has a number of roles within in the setting, including: ENCo (Equalities Named Co-ordinator), SENCo (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator), Safeguarding lead, PANCo (Physical Activity and Nutrition Co-ordinator) and Behaviour Management. Wayne holds a Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education (NNEB) and Level 4 NVQ in Children's Care, Learning and Development.
Angela Impey - Deputy Preschool Manager
Angela joined us in September 2020. Angela has a Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education (NNEB) and has over 20 years experience of working in Early Years and is also one of our Safeguarding leads.
Diane Hurst - Early Years Practitioner
Diane joined the team in 2017. Diane holds an NVQ Level 2 and is also one of our Safeguarding leads.
Keri Walsh - Early Years Practitioner
Keri joined the team in February 2018. Keri holds a NVQ Level 2.
Hannah Cons - Early Years Practitioner
Hannah joined the team in January 2022 and was a previous chairperson of the management committee. Hannah has a degree in early years.
Gabriella Savino - Early Years Practitioner
Gabriella joined the team in July 2021. Gabriella holds a Level 2 Diploma.
Lisa Broad - Early Years Practitioner
Lisa joined the team in January 2022. Lisa holds a Level 2 and Level 3 qualification.
Julie Wentworth - Financial Administrator
Julie is a chartered accountant and has been looking after our finances since 2008, first as treasurer and now as financial administrator.
The Preschool is managed by a committee of volunteer trustees.
On 7 March 2022 we formally completed our transition away from Waterbeach Toddler Playgroup to Herons' Preschool Waterbeach when we became operational as Herons' Preschool Waterbeach Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Our new charity number is 1195255 and Ofsted registration number 2674417.
Our trustee body comprises the following, all of whom will stand for a period of at least 2 years:
Co-Chairpersons: Joanna Hall and Diane Kagoyire
Secretary: Diane Kagoyire
Treasurer: Fernanda Cathcart
General Trustees:
Beth Pettit
Pamela Trebilcock
Sheila Burke
Sezen Dursun
The Trustees meet at least twice a term and are responsible for the management of the Preschool, setting fee levels and Fundraising. It is a great way to get involved in your child's Preschool experience and meet other parents. The trustees are re-elected each year at the AGM, however new parent members are welcome to join at any time during the year.
Please contact any of us, or the staff, if you would like to become a trustee of the charity. You do not have to be a parent of a child attending the setting and we welcome volunteers with a wide range of experience.