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 began my Thrive training and became a licensed Thrive Practitioner, which has deepened my commitment to nurturing children’s mental wellbeing. I joined the Hillcroft safeguarding team in 2024, further supporting our shared responsibility to keep every child safe, seen, and supported.

In 2025, I became the room leader for our very first cohort of two-year-olds. I feel privileged to lead this provision and help shape a warm, welcoming space where our youngest learners begin their journey with us.

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 and licensed Early Years Thrive practitioner. 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 last Ofsted visit and I am privileged to be part of our children’s learning journey here at Hillcroft.

Mandy Jay - Nursery Practitioner

I'm an experienced and fully qualified childcare professional, holding the NVQ Level 3 in Childcare which I achieved in 2006. Throughout my career, I've had the pleasure of working with children two to five in variety of wonderful settings, including both nurseries and schools. I am deeply passionate about early childhood development, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a child's understanding flourish and celebrating their daily progress. I thrive in environments where I can support these formative years , and I'm genuinely looking forward to bringing my skills snd enthusiasm to the team at Hillcroft.

Megan Coppard - Nursery Practitioner

I have over 10 years of experience working in Early Years education, supporting children from birth to five years old during their most important developmental stages. I am passionate about creating a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment where children can explore, learn, and grow. As a mother to a young son myself, I understand the trust families place in us and strive to provide the same kindness, care, and consistency I would want for my own child. I am committed to helping every child feel valued, confident, and excited about their learning journey.