Cuckoo Meadow Pre-School staff are all committed to providing the best care for your child. We are a highly qualified, experienced and professional team, we all have full Paediatric First Aid training and Enhanced DBS certificates.

When each child starts at Cuckoo Meadow, they are joined up to a ‘key person’ from our team who will work closely with you and your child to help them settle in, ensuring your child feels content and happy in our setting and their individual needs are met.

Below is a bit about each of our team members. Please do sit down with your child so they can familiarise themselves with the friendly faces that await them…there’s lots of interesting things to learn about each of them!

FIONA COTTERELL – JOINT MANAGER

I have over 28 years’ experience in childcare and have co-managed Cuckoo Meadow Pre-School for over 20 years. I have a Foundation degree in Early Years Education to Level 5, plus further qualifications including paediatric first aid, safeguarding and behaviour training. I am mum to Emily and Grandmother to little Isaac.

GETTING TO KNOW ME… I’m known as ‘the joke-teller’ and the ‘Dec’ to Mr’s Harman’s ‘Ant!’

What is your favourite thing to do at pre-school? I love ‘Show & Tell’ when I get to hear about something the children have brought in from home to show us all. I also love doing lots of craft activities.

What is your favourite food? I enjoy eating Chinese food with my family.

Do you have any pets? A cat called Dougie, he is very soft and snuggly.

What is your favourite book at pre-school? ‘Mole’s Bedtime Story’

What hobbies do you have? When I’m not having fun with the children at pre-school I still like to keep busy by reading, knitting and gardening. I also love spending time with my grandson

JO HARMAN – JOINT MANAGER

I have over 30 years’ experience in childcare and I have co-managed Cuckoo Meadow Pre-School with Mrs Cotterell for over 20 years.  I am qualified with a Foundation degree in Early Years Education to level 5. I have paediatric first aid, safeguarding, and behaviour training.

I have a family including my little grandson George who keeps me very busy outside school.

Mrs Cotterell and I have been friends since we were aged 5 in Primary school!

GETTING TO KNOW ME … I’m known as ‘the story-teller’ and the ‘Ant’ to Mrs Cotterell’s ‘Dec!’

What is your favourite country you have visited? I’ve travelled a long way to a place called Antigua in the Caribbean. It’s so beautiful there and usually hot and sunny!

What is your favourite toy or activity at pre-school? I love doing craft activities but my favourite time of the day is ‘story time.’

Do you have any pets? I have a cat called Sweep. He loves to be stroked and purrs alot.

What is your favourite book at pre-school? ‘A Squash and a Squeeze’

KAT ANDREWS EARLY YEARS TEACHER AND SENDCO

I have been involved with Cuckoo Meadow for over 12 years, previously as Chair of the pre-school and a parent.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Educational Studies and Sociology and a post graduate degree in Early Years. I am a qualified Early Years Teacher (L6), and my specialism is Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. I have full Paediatric First Aid, and trained in Safeguarding, Role Play, Yoga for Children, Behaviour Management, Mental Health in the Early Years and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

GETTING TO KNOW ME … If I lived in Happyland, I’d be Miss Adventurous!

What is your favourite country you have visited? I have been fortunate to travel to some amazing countries, it’s hard to pick a favourite. NewZealand is stunning, so is Slovenia. Switzerland and France bring back childhood memories. My heart however, belongs to Africa where I was born and grew up.

What is your favourite toy or activity at pre-school? I love teaching yoga and sharing a unique approach by weaving in our everyday learning into the postures and meditation. I also enjoy sharing stories with the children. In Africa, stories are passed down from generation to generation, I try hard to create the awe, wonder and excitement that I remember feeling as a child when I listened to stories.

Do you have any pets? We have two chickens; Cheesy and Plumpy.

What are your favourite foods? Avocados and chocolate…not necessarily together!

MRS EMMA YAU – PRE-SCHOOL ASSISTANT

Before joining Cuckoo Meadow in 2023, I taught music and movement classes for five years. I have a Diploma in Vocals, a Higher Diploma in Music Production and Safeguarding training. I have two children, the youngest of which attended the pre-school too.

GETTING TO KNOW ME … If I lived in happyland, I’d be Little Miss Chatterbox!

What is your favourite activity to do at pre-school? Singing and dancing. I love how the children interact and how quickly they pick up the songs and dance moves.

What is your favourite meal? Scrambled eggs on toast.

Do you have any pets? We have a hamster called Nugget.

What is your favourite book at pre-school? The Snail and the Whale.

SAM KNIGHT – PRE-SCHOOL ASSISTANT

I have 15 years experience and am qualified in Early Years Education to Level 3. I have paediatric first aid and safeguarding training. I have a family; my daughter is 19 and we have a Cocker Spaniel called Rocco who keeps me walking for miles! I take an active part in village life and have lots of wonderful friends, I enjoy baking and have been told my chocolate cake is legendary. I support the team as bank staff when needed.