The Full Story
About
We are proud to offer affordable, professional childcare in the heart of St John's Wood, London.
Our Story
Our little nursery opened over 25 years ago. It began as a mother and toddler group, run by local parents.
Now we run pre-school/nursery part time sessions, as well as full time sessions, term time only. We are a small nurturing environment.
The nursery is very special to us, as the manager and staff members own children attended the setting when they were young.
Barrow hill pre-school is part of the Early Year’s Alliance and we proudly adhere to all of their policies, procedures and guidelines. As a non-profit organisation, we hold a charity status. We are named on the charity commission and are an incorporated company on companies’ house.
Our Ethos
Our ethos is learning through play.
Supporting your child’s learning and development
We aim to work together with you to best meet your child’s individual needs.
The children and families that attend our setting form very close bonds with all members of staff as well as each other.
Our Mission
Our Mission is to deliver high quality, professional child care, at affordable costs to our local community and surrounding areas.
We are committed to empowering, teaching and caring for all children.
Meet the Team
Our team at Barrow Hill Preschool
Meet the team
Read about our staff here
At Barrow Hill Pre-School, we have a small team of professionals, who all share the same passion for great childcare. We have a high retention of staff, who are all qualified level 3 practitioners. We ensure all staff are first aid trained as well as being trained in child protection and safeguarding. Every member of our team is DBS checked. We ensure all staff access up-date training, continuous professional development, every term on/offsite and electronically.
Read more about each member of our team individually.
Manager / Childcare Pracitioner
Amanda Rogan
“I was born to work with children, It’s who I am. My calling, My passion, My World."
Amanda was a parent whose children attended the setting many years ago.
Amanda began working at Barrow Hill over 20 years ago when she began as a student. She then became a pre-school practitioner, working her way up to deputy manager then manager.
Deputy Manager / Childcare practitioner
Kelly Shailer
“I enjoy watching children develop and learn new skills, which help shape their future lives, build confidence and have fun."
Kelly has over 19 years of experience working in a professional childcare setting and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in this field. She came to Barrow Hill Pre-school in September 2021 after previously managing her own nursery in Maida vale. She has a good understanding of pre-school management and how our setting runs as well as the policies and procedures we adhere to.
SEN Coordinator / Childcare practitioner
Karen McKenna
"I love working at Barrow Hill Pre-School because every day brings the opportunity to support children as they learn, grow, and explore the world around them. Being part of their early development and helping them build confidence and new skills is very special to me.
I enjoy creating a warm, supportive environment where children feel happy and safe to learn. Watching them grow and become ready for the next stages of their journey through life is incredibly rewarding."
Karen has worked as a pre-school assistant, then promoted to a childcare practitioner and is now our SEN coordinator, with roughly 9 years experience, she is a very valued member of the team.
Childcare Practitioner
Aicha Adoumi
“Working with children and watching them develop and flourish in all aspects of life, made me who I am today: a loving, caring and inspiring person."
Aicha has over 14 years of childcare experience and has been working as part of the team at Barrow Hill Pre-school as a permanent member of staff since April 2024 after previously working with us as a temp.
She speaks Arabic, English and French, which helps children with EAL settle much more quickly into the setting.
Childcare Practitioner
Begona Arenas
“Working with children gives me a sense of purpose. I love to make a difference to their lives by helping children to grow, learn and develop while being a positive influence."
Begona has over 15 years experience working in the childcare sector. She began at Barrow Hill Pre-School after covering staff shortage as a temp. She has been working as a permanent member of staff since September 2023.
Begona is dual language and speaks both Spanish and English.