The Team

Meet Our Team

Laura Brewer - Pre-School Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead

Hi, I'm Laura and I live in Chepstow with my husband and two young children.

I've a foundation degree in Childhood Studies and have been working in childcare for over 10 years, within Early Education. I have a passion for supporting children and their families.

I love spending time with my friends and family walking in the forest, parks, days out, swimming and generally having fun! I also love musicals and singing!

Kirsty Carruthers-Watt - Pre-School Practitioner

Kirsty joined Tutshill Community Pre-School in April 2023, bringing with her many years of experience in a variety of Early Years settings.

Beckie McCarthy - Deputy Manager and Special Educational Needs Coordinator

I’m Beckie McCarthy and I’m delighted to have joined the team after 14 years as an Early Years and KS1 teacher and prior to that 7 years as a Nursery Nurse. I’ve worked in schools, nurseries and as a nanny and children’s holiday rep abroad.

I hold a degree in education as well as a PGCE Primary (Early Years and KS1).

I’m a busy Mum with three children. I love baking, especially birthday cakes! I enjoy art and crafts, spotting wildlife, especially foxes and I love to have adventures in the beautiful Wye Valley with my family.

Jo Jones - Pre-school Practioner

Jo joined Tutshill Community Pre-School as bank staff and became a permanent member of the team in September 2021.

Emma Rickards - Pre-School Practitioner

Hi, my name's Emma. I've worked at the Pre-School for a few years as 'bank' staff but was lucky enough to become a full-time member of the team in September 2019.

I love working with young children, each of them unique and individual in their own way, making each and every day full of challenges, laughter and fun!

In my spare time I love walking in our beautiful surroundings and spending time with my family caravanning and on our boat in Dartmouth.

Karen Canavan - Pre-School Practioner

Hi, I am Karen Canavan and I live in Tutshill with my husband, daughter and dog. We love
holidaying in West Wales in our caravan, dog walking on the beaches and Welsh Coastal Path, as well as exploring the countryside.

I have a passion for working with young children and their families. I have enjoyed my time in school and early years settings and this is definitely where we have the most fun!

When I am not at work or in West Wales, I like to spend time riding my bicycle and in my garden where I am learning new skills and finding out new things about plants, flowers, vegetables and weeds!

Charlie Hignell - Pre-School Practitioner

Charlie joined Tutshill Community Pre-School in March 2023.

Sue Reid - Finance Administrator

Sue has many financial duties including claiming the government funding on behalf of our families.

Her qualifications include LCCI Office Practise, LCCI Background to Business and courses on End of Year Returns and Focus on Finance.

Tutshill Community Pre-School is run by a voluntary management committee. We will always welcome new members, so if you'd like to be involved, please let us know!

For 2023/24 the committee is:

Chair and Safeguarding Contact: Emily van der Heijden tutshillpreschoolchair@gmail.com
Treasurer: Sarah Batchelor tutshillpreschooltreasurer@gmail.com
Secretary: Leah Meehill
Committee Member: Manju Seju
Committee Member: Melissa O'Leary
Committee Member: Olivia Andrews-Nicholas