Committee

Tilehouse Street Pre-school and Nursery is a charity, and managed by a committee of parent and community volunteers who are the trustees of the charity.

The Trustees are elected in September and receive training in safeguarding and the delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage and meet regularly to oversee the smooth running and development of the setting and its provision.  Many trustees serve for more than one year.

As well as looking after the management of the Pre-school and Nursery, they also collect feedback, raise funds and carry out marketing and publicity for the setting.

If you are interested in finding out more about the work of the trustees, please speak to the setting Manager.

 

 
Paul Smyth

Hi, my name is Paul Smyth, elected Chair of Trustees since 2022

I am father to daughter Emilia-Rose who attended Tilehouse Street 2019-2021 which she thoroughly enjoyed in readiness for her school journey.

I live and work in Hitchin specialising in retail compliance management, I am also involved with supporting the local community in the role as community lead. I am proud to be associated with the setting as the Chair of the committee where I once attended as child myself.

This gives me the opportunity to contribute and assist to the aims/future of the setting, acting in the best interest of the charity enhancing children education in a safe environment.

Lara Freeman
“I became a trustee because I wanted to support the setting where my son was being cared for and to have some influence on how it is run. 
 
“I have learnt a lot in my time, through training and meetings and it’s been a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Even though I no longer have a child in the setting I continue to provide support as a trustee and am happy to still be a part of this wonderful, nurturing place.”

I previously worked in PR and managed busy campaigns and media team. I haven’t worked since my first son was born. I am now the Secretary for committee.

Lucy Grimwood

I have had a daughter who attended the setting from 2022-2024 and attended both the Caterpillar and Butterfly classes. My son is now in the Caterpillar class.

I have really enjoyed being a trustee and being involved in the engaging, informative decision-making at this amazing and nurturing setting.

I have been a member of the committee since 2022 and am now the Vice Chair for the committee.

Lauren Thomas

‘I became a trustee to support the preschool now while my child is here, and also to maintain the charity for the future so children can keep benefitting from an early year’s education in a supportive and nurturing environment. I have been a member of the committee since 2024, and I am the treasurer.’

Claire Downes

“I became a trustee for my child’s preschool which allows me to directly influence their education, ensure high-quality learning, and give back to the community. It also provides opportunities for personal growth and helps advocate for the importance of early childhood education. I have particularly enjoyed fundraising which I am now the lead for within the setting.

Ines Alcala Baillie

Hello, my name is Inés.

I am the mother to a little girl who’s a 2024 Tilehouse graduate, and a little boy currently in Caterpillar class.

I decided to be a trustee because I wanted to help and support this wonderful nursery. I am looking forward to contributing and helping to create a nurturing and enriching environment for all children at Tilehouse Street.

Theresa MacDonald

My daughter has had a great year at Tilehouse Street Pre-school and Nursery. We have been so impressed with the care and support she has had and therefore I would like to play my part in supporting the setting going forward. I have also been a teacher for the past 13 years so hopefully I will be able to offer safeguarding and educational perspectives from a professional manner and viewpoint.

 

Stevan Tojagic