Your child will encounter a number of faces throughout their time in the Nursery including day-to-day staff, Forest School leaders and support staff for activities such as dance. 

Below are a list of the key people your child will meet throughout their time here in the Nursery!

Kim Hardie, Head of EYFS

I began my career in childcare in 1999 working with children of different ages, starting at just six months, which taught me a lot about children and their varying needs. I then worked as an NVQ assessor and Internal Verifier for childcare qualifications, before returning to work with children in 2010.

Since then I have been at Rendcomb, advancing to my current position as Head of EYFS. I love teaching in the Nursery, and really enjoy seeing the benefits that a creative curriculum allows. In the EYFS, our children are free to learn the way that they choose, both inside and out in our amazing Forest School which really maximises our outdoor learning.

I connect with children and feel a great sense of accomplishment in helping children achieve and enjoy their time at the nursery. Working with children gives me much joy and happiness.

Valerie Bartlett, Nursery Staff

I am a Nursery Practitioner with over 25 years' experience working and caring for infants up to Year 6. I have worked in various child education related roles including 10 years as a Classroom Leader in a Montessori School and successfully launched my own childcare business for 5 years, before joining the team at Rendcomb.

Family life experiences gained from raising 3 daughters of my own gives me a hands-on appreciation of the challenges and rewards from seeing young ones develop and mature.

Outside of working hours, I am an active member of the Guide Association and was a Brown Owl for 20 years, where my love of outdoor activities, creative arts and ‘music and movement’ was born. I am now able to utilise these interests fulfilling my current role as Deputy of the Nursery.

I enjoy strengthening children to develop and grow in confidence, aiding and encouraging them to achieve their full potential. The facilities available at Rendcomb makes it easy to cover all areas of the EYFS curriculum especially our wonderful Forest School area. I love being a part of Rendcomb and watching the children progress through the School.

Louise Louisson, Nursery Staff and Forest School Leader

After completing a Drama and English degree, I went travelling around the world for 9 months. On my return in 2001 I became a Secretary at Rendcomb College Junior School and also helped out as a teaching assistant in the Reception class. During my time here I felt inspired to become a teacher. I completed a PGCE and landed my first teaching post with a Year 1 class at Cirencester Infant School where I stayed for 3 years before returning to Rendcomb in 2007 as a Year 1 Teacher. I have taught Years 1 and 2 since my return, in between having two children of my own.

After 7 years of helping at weekly Forest School sessions in Rendcomb’s beautiful woods, I decided I wanted to become a Forest School Leader. I spent a year training and qualified in 2014.

I feel so fortunate to be able to take the Nursery children out twice a week to inspire their learning and to engage in our natural environment. I help to run weekly sessions for the Reception and KS1 children and Forest School Activity camps here at Rendcomb during the school holidays. I have also set up and been running a Forest School club at Northleach Primary School for the last 2 years.