Bishop Cornish Preschool

I started working at Bishop Cornish Preschool in October 2016. I have always worked in child care since I qualified and spent some time as a Deputy and a Manager before I had my children. I decided to take some time off to spend time at home with my two children until they were both in full-time school. I’ve loved getting back into working with children and always knew this was the job I wanted to do.
I’m in preschool every day and have completed my Paediatric First Aid qualification and Food Hygiene. I have also been on a Makaton course which helps support my experience of working with children who need that extra support with speech, language and communication. I have experience in working closely with children who have Special Educational Needs ranging from speech to development.

I’m the longest serving member of the team! I’ve been working at the preschool since we opened in September 2009, all the way back when I was a Miss Bliss! I had the pleasure of helping to establish the preschool from the beginning and it’s been a joy to see it grow and develop over the years.
I am obsessed with penguins, the colour yellow and am creative and musical too! I play a range of instruments such as flute, Irish whistles, bass and guitar and love to incorporate these skills into preschool life.
I’ve a real interest and fascination with the emotional well-being of children and teaching children about love and kindness. I enjoy researching and creating resources and activities to help the children understand and manage their emotions in a fun way and to develop the skill of empathy. I have undertaken Emotional First Aid training which was really valuable in supporting my interest and what we do at preschool.
I have a Level 3 NVQ in Children’s Care Learning and Development and am very experienced, working for over 16 years in Early Years. I am Paediatric First Aid Trained, have completed Food Hygiene training and complete regular safeguarding training alongside my colleagues.

Hi, I’m Leanne Elford part of the preschool team, I have worked in the preschool for 7 years now and have loved every minute of it! I have been working in childcare for 22 years with an NVQ level 3 in childcare. I currently cover lunchtime every day in preschool in between my work in the primary school as a teaching assistant and every morning and evening at the Breakfast & Afterschool Club.

Both my children have come through our preschool and carried onto primary school and would never have wanted them to go anywhere else. In my spare time, around family time, I help look after the school animals and you will always find me pottering about with the chickens at the preschool end. Don’t be offended if you hear me call the children chickens as that’s the mother hen in me and you will always be able to spot me in my flip-flops all year round!

Hi! I’m Rachel Nash, the newest member of the Bishop Cornish Pre-school team! I will be joining full time every day so am looking forward to getting to know all the families. I have been in childcare since I began college in 2016 and have loved it. I have my childcare level 3 as well as an early years foundation degree. I have experience in different early years settings; such as pre-school and 1:1 special needs assistant in a primary school. In my spare time I love to bake and going to the beach, all year round even if it’s a bit chilly!

I've not long joined the team in pre-school but I've loved every minute so far! I have 2 children of my own and have a level 3 qualification in childcare. I used to work in a day nursery in the preschool room before starting my new adventure here.