Miss Zanabella Cadair-Idwal: Preschool Manager

I joined Pied Piper as manager in February 2025. I previously worked in large corporate chain day nurseries. I have managed a charity run preschool in Oxfordshire and also run my own very successful preschool setting; which was accredited by the Ican organisation as a Specialist setting. I have worked in the childcare profession for 29 years specialising in children with Special Educational Needs as well as also being a mum myself who has personal experience with SEN at home.

I hold Level 5 in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services, Level 5 Early Years Foundation Stage- teaching at higher level, a Certificate in Special Educational Needs Level 3, Level 3 Play Work, Level 3 Senco, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Domestic Abuse champion through Reducing the Risk, plus many more qualifications.

I am currently working towards my Early Years Qualified Teacher status and have just completed my Early Years Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO). In 2024 I was a finalist in the Genius Within; (Neurodiversity awards for the Inclusive Education Award).

Outside of preschool, my interests are photography, military aircrafts and tanks. I enjoy being outside; especially in the mountains and I also enjoy creating different art projects.

I have the drive and passion to improve children’s education, and work closely with families to support their child as a team.

I love to teach children about the world they live in, the environment, and about artists and their styles of work.

As Manager and colleague at Pied Piper, I am proud of the passion and determination that the staff have for our little people to give them the very best starts in their lives. It is very much a family!

Mrs Lenihan: Deputy Manager/ Fire Warden/ Phonics Lead

My first experience of Pied Piper was as a parent when my daughter started attending sessions and I thought it was a lovely preschool that provides great activities and experiences for the children. I joined Pied Pipers in April 2025 as bank staff and was appointed Deputy Manager in June 2025.

I have previously Qualified as a Level 3 Practitioner in both Health, Social Care & Early years and also Early Years learning and Development. Having gained my Early years Qualifications I wanted to explore working in a Special Educational Needs environment so found myself moving to a Special Educational Needs School in Reading. I worked there for 9 years; initially as a Support Assistant before taking promotion as a Teaching Assistant. I have taken part in a vast amount of training around SEN including Autism Awareness, ADHD Awareness and Behaviour that Challenges. In 2022 I qualified as a Level 2 Specialist in Behaviour that Challenges.

I feel that my experience working in a Special Educational Needs environment helps towards the inclusion provision at Pied Piper. It is nice to know that I can take all of the knowledge I have gained in the past and use it to support the children that attend the preschool.

I currently work on Tuesdays and Wednesdays but am also available to cover on Mondays and Thursdays if Miss Zanabella is absent.

Mrs Howes: Designated Safeguarding Lead

I have worked at Pied Piper Preschool since 2002, joining the team as 1-1 support for the children who have autism and other learning difficulties before becoming a full-time member of staff. I have previously worked in residential care for both children and adults with learning disabilities, as well as working as a Home Care Senior with West Berkshire Council.

I am a Qualified Level 3 educator and the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead at Pied Piper. Having worked at Pied Piper for so many years I have a wealth of experience as a preschool Educator as well as having had 2 children of my own.

My working days are Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

Mrs Chareun

I have worked in childcare for 42 years in total- first starting as a Nanny working with children all across Europe, and then after having my own children I joined the team at Pied Piper Preschool (23 years ago). Since being at Pied Piper I have Qualified as a Level 3 Educator.

I also have lots of personal experience in Special Educational Needs and spent a period of time working in a SEN school.

I work Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Mrs Down: Sustainability Champion

Having previously worked as a business administrator my interests changed when I became a mum to my two boys and I wanted to explore working in Childcare. I started working at Pied Piper 2 years ago as an Apprentice and have since Qualified as a Level 3 Educator. I am also the Sustainability Champion at the Preschool.

My work days are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Mrs Giles: 1-1 Special Educational Needs Practitioner

Having worked as a Teaching Assistant in a Primary School for over 22 years (working with all primary age groups); I started working at Pied Piper Preschool around 5 years ago as a SEN 1-1 support practitioner. I have worked as a 1-1 with 4 children through my time at Pied Piper whom all have had very specific development and learning needs. I have also previously been a childminder, and am a proud mum of 2, grandmother of 5 and great-grandmother of 3.

Mrs Farrow: ECaT Lead

I have been part of the pre-school since 2010 in various roles – parent, volunteer, staff cover, administrator for 10 years, one to one support worker; becoming a permanent Pre-school Assistant in September 2023. I am a Level 3 Early Years Educator, with a Level 3 in Supporting Children and Young People’s Speech, Language and Communication, and a Certificate in Early Years Inclusive Practice (through Dingley’s Promise).

My work days are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Our Staff

Miss Zanabella Cadair-Idwal: Preschool Manager