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.

Colin Blake – Chair of Trustees

Having lived in Hitchin for over 40 years, I have always appreciated the values within the town.

I am very happy to be involved with Tilehouse Street Pre-school and Nursery where I am the Chair of Trustees, I have taken this role from September 2025.

I am a grandparent of a child who started in Caterpillar Class and has progressed to the Butterfly Class. The early years environment here is one where the children thrive. I wish to provide support necessary allowing the charity to succeed.

Ceri Sparrow – Secretary

With over 10 years of experience as a primary teacher, I strongly believe I can bring value as a trustee. I am passionate about children’s education, personal development and well-being and am happy to bring my knowledge and skills to contribute to Tilehouse street’s continuing success as a place where families are happy and confident to send their children.

Theresa MacDonald – Safeguarding Trustee

My daughter 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.

Claire Downes – Fundraising lead

“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.

Hannah Cattle – Fundraising

My eldest attended Tilehouse Street Pre-school and Nursery from September 2020 to July 2022, and during that time the warm and nurturing environment that the staff created helped him settled in straight away. They helped him grow in confidence and prepared him so well for school. My youngest has just started in the Caterpillar room, and it’s wonderful to see how much he is enjoying his time there too.

I became a trustee because I wanted to give something back and help ensure the setting continues to provide children with the best possible start. In my professional life, I specialise in marketing products to charities and I have seen first-hand the difference volunteers can make. I’m really looking forward to supporting the setting in any way I can.

Dave Brokenshire – Trustee

As a parent, I have been greatly impressed with the quality of care and education provided by Tilehouse Street Pre-school and Nursery. With my second child now attending, I am happy to have the opportunity to contribute back to the setting as a trustee.