Meet the team

Louise Heaton- Nursery Teacher & Early Years Phase Leader

I’m the Early Years Lead at Hillcroft Primary School, and I have the pleasure of teaching in our Nursery. 

With 13 years of experience in both Reception and Nursery, I believe that a fantastic Early Years experience is crucial for a child’s school journey. 

I aim to create a vibrant Early Years filled with songs, stories, and activities that make learning feel magical. It’s a true privilege to support our youngest learners as they begin their educational adventures because, as far as I'm concerned, it's the most important stage of a child's education and we must get it right!

Currently, I’m pursuing an NPQSL in Senior Leadership, to develop my understanding and knowledge of leadership. I wish to bring positive learning experiences to more children                                                                              and ensure that the magic of Early Years transcends all year groups. 

                                                                    I look forward to meeting you and your children very soon!

Cornelia Cooper-Beirne- Early Years Practitioner 

Early Years has been a lifelong passion of mine and I firmly believe that excellent early education supports children to achieve their own personal best, not just in the early years, but throughout their school career and beyond. I completed my NNEB diploma in 1997. As part of my Nursery Nurse training I spent a year at Hillcroft, before then going on to work in a variety of different settings. I was very excited to return to Hillcroft in 2007, and I have been happily here ever since.

In 2020 I was fortunate enough to start my Thrive training, and becoming a licensed Thrive Practitioner has supported my passion for nurturing and developing the mental wellbeing of all children.

Hillcroft is a really special community and it's one I feel privileged to be a part of.

Vicky Mitchell- Early Years Practitioner

"If you can dream it,  you can do it." Walt Disney. For years I always wanted to work with children, but when is a good time to change your career? I had my son and decided to take the plunge and throw myself into an Early Years qualification.

Here I am nearly 5 years later as a level 3 Early Years Educator. I started working in a private Nursery as an apprentice and have been working in Hillcroft’s Nursery since 2022. I'm very lucky to be surrounded by amazing colleagues who have so much experience between them. I am proud to be part of the Team that achieved Outstanding in our Ofsted visit last year and am privileged to be part of our children’s learning journey here at Hillcroft.