Our People
RAFAKidz Board
The RAFAKidz Board determines strategic direction and monitors the performance and progress of our nurseries.
Nick Bunting OBE
Nick Bunting OBE
Nick Bunting, OBE, CDir, started his career with Cadbury’s, where he held several sales, production, marketing, management, and operational roles. He then went on to work for Guinness, Pepsico and Whitworths, before becoming part of a management buy-out of the dry dog food division of Dalgety. As the Sales and Marketing Director he helped create the largest supplier of own-label dry dog food in the UK.
Nick joined the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to lead the development of refereeing and was appointed as the northern hemisphere referee representative on the International Rugby Board. He spent 14 years, in a variety of roles, latterly as a member of the Executive Committee, as the Head of Public Affairs and Operations (COO). On leaving the RFU, Nick became Chief Executive of one of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales’ charities, creating over 2,000 new businesses and 3,000 jobs.
He was the Chief Executive of the Royal Automobile Club Motor Sports Association, where he led the organisation through a period of transformation and growth.
He has been the Secretary General and Group CEO of the Royal Air Forces Association since March 2014. Since joining, Nick has overseen the income of the Association grow by 84.4%, expenditure grow by 126.3% and its reserves increase by 38.4%. Some 85,500 members of the RAF community received support from the Association in 2019. Under his guidance the Association launched ‘RAFAKidz’ and now supports serving personnel on five RAF stations through the provision of early years care.
Outside work, Nick has held a Ministerial appointment, several non-executive directorships and acted as a trustee for a range of large charities, and is currently the lay member of the Independent Medical Expert Group (IMEG) appointed by the Minister for Defence People and Veterans. In 2020 he was awarded the OBE for Services to Serving Personnel and Veterans.
Nick lives in Northamptonshire with his beautiful wife Jayne.
Rachel Huxford MBE
Rachel Huxford MBE
Rachel was born in Gloucestershire and studied English Literature at University College, Durham, where she was also a member of Northumbrian Universities Air Squadron. After a holiday job as a wingwalker, Rachel began a public relations career with the team’s parent company, AeroSuperBatics Ltd. Rachel became Head of Corporate Communications for the Air Cadet Association before joining the Red Arrows, where she headed their PR and marketing team. She was responsible for overseas ambassadorial tours to over 20 countries on behalf of the UK government. Rachel’s subsequent fundraising career has included roles with the RAF Association, the RAF Benevolent Fund and the Woodland Trust. She rejoined the RAF Association as Director of Marketing, Fundraising and Trading in 2015 and was awarded MBE in 2021 on behalf of her team, for services to the RAF community during the COVID pandemic. Rachel lives in Leicestershire with her partner Ben (an aircraft engineer) and an assortment of horses, dog and other animals.
Rory O’Connor MBE
Rory O’Connor MBE
Rory joined the Royal Air Forces Association in May 2013 as the Director of Welfare and Policy. Rory came from SSAFA where he was responsible for all of the contracted SSAFA Health and Social Care services in Cyprus. He also managed the SSAFA volunteer teams.
Previous to Cyprus, Rory managed Primary and Community Health Care services in British Forces Germany. He has a wealth of experience within the Health and Social care sector. Rory resigned from the Royal Navy in 2004 having undertaken a number of tri-service postings and spending much of his service career attached to the Royal Marines.
Rory lives with his wife Alex and their 3 children in Northamptonshire.
Kristina Parkin
Kristina Parkin
With nearly two decades’ worth of finance experience within the charity sector, Kristina brings plenty of key working knowledge to the role of Chief Finance Officer for the Association, which she joined in 2021.
A graduate of Loughborough University with a BSc (Honours) in Accountancy and Financial Management, she is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and the Chartered Institute of Payroll and Pensions.
Kristina has previously worked for a professional membership organisation, and outside of accountancy she also performs the vital voluntary role of a magistrate for the criminal court system.
She is married to a retired firefighter, and has four grown-up children.
Rebecca Refell
Becky Reffell
As a Specialist Leader in Education (SLE), Becky has an extensive range of professional experience from a nursery nurse to senior leader, Becky’s experience includes leadership over the expansion of the biggest Early Years department in the UK where she managed a department of over 30 staff members, and 240+ EY children along with the school-based childcare provision. She currently works within the school improvement team for a Multi Academy Trust based in Dorset. Her role as Primary Standards Leader (encompassing leadership for Early Years) ensures strategic support and educational development of the schools within the MAT. Second to this, Becky has worked alongside Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Local Authority supporting aspects of school improvement across the conurbation. On a governance level, Becky is vice chair for Poole SCITT (School centred Initial Teacher Training) management board and is also a parent governor at her daughter’s school.
Alongside Becky’s rooted experiences and skills in education is her personal belief that children’s first years in any educational and care setting are to be filled with laughter, wonder and magic for all children.
RAFAKidz Management team
Stacey Williams
Stacey Williams
I have been in the childcare sector for 24 years from secondary school I went on to do my CACHE diploma, then followed onto Leeds university completing a BA Hons in Childhood studies and Psychology. I worked in London Nurseries and completed my Early Years Professional status at Kingston university. Then moved to Switzerland for 3 years to teach English in Nurseries. I returned to Cambridge as Ops manager overseeing 12 nurseries, then went on to work for other big charities Early Years Alliance and Barnardo’s continuing with my experience as Operations before joining RAFA kidz in September 2025.
I have always been passionate about working with children and seeing the impact of how a positive start can have in their earliest education.
Samantha Richardson
& Thames Valley
Samantha Richardson
I am passionate about ensuring that every child has the best start in life.
Charlotte Sargent
Charlotte Sargent
My previous roles in both policing and education have given me extensive knowledge of a wide range of safeguarding situations and equipped me with the expertise and professional relations to effectively deal with concerns.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. At RAFAKidz we are proud of the safeguarding culture we have built. From our HQ team to our setting managers and every member of staff, we are committed to maintaining a culture where the safety, wellbeing and protection of every child is our highest priority.
Claire Linnett
Claire Linnett
I build and maintain strong partnerships with stakeholders across the Group to influence key business decisions and shape the future direction of RAFAKidz culture.
I work as part of the wider RAFA HR team to lead RAFAKidz organisational improvement and change initiatives to ensure high engagement and alignment with Group culture.
Judith Chinnery
Judith Chinnery
I am now the Quality Assurance Manager for RAFA Kidz. I’m responsible for the quality of the learning experiences that we provide for the children. I am involved in training our practitioners and ensuring they understand our ethos about our childcare provision. I work with each nursery to develop the environment so that all our children can access good quality resources. I also oversee practice and support managers in meeting all our legal requirements under the Early Years Statutory Framework.
Rupal Vagani
Rupal Vagani
A highly motivated individual with a keen interest in the financial industry. I have 12 years of experience with a focus on driving operational efficiency and enhancing financial performance. Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis. I have worked for non-profit organisations for many years, where I could support the organisation using my financial skills. I always feel privilege to work with organisations where I can contribute towards their goal. I have two grown up kids and I enjoy my weekend walking my dog and spending time with family.
Suzy Everitt
Suzy Everitt
Hi I am Suzy Everitt.
I have a passion for special education needs. I am a qualified teacher with over 25 years experience in SEND from portage and poorly babies, right through to early years, primary, secondary and post 16. I specialist in Early Years; Language and Communication.
I started out as a mainstream Nursery Nurse and am now an NPQH qualified ex Head Teacher for SEND schools for Autistic children with a variety of additional needs, including PDA and SEMH. I have successfully Ofsted registered and opened new schools, supporting the process for the right cohort of children and environment.
I have taught and supported children and young people with many different needs; from PMLD, Angelman Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, physical disabilities, ASD, PDA, speech and language communication impairments and co-morbid diagnosis of global delay; including social, emotional and mental health.
I have been to tribunals for families and schools to support the EHCP process and understand the challenges for both staff and families.
I am passionate about our children and young people and ensure they are at the heart of everything we do. To have a voice and be heard and involved in all decisions about them along with their families.
I am committed to our staff team, to support, empower and enable staff to feel confident in meeting the very unique and individual needs of all of our children and build upon existing expertise, working in partnership together with our families.
I am looking forward to working with you all and our journey together.
Nursery Managers
RAFAKidz Benson
Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams
Since achieving my NNEB qualification in 1989, I have built extensive experience across a range of early years settings, taking on diverse roles and responsibilities throughout my career. As a mature student, I completed my degree while continuing to develop my professional expertise, driven by a longstanding passion for early years education and the profound impact high-quality nursery provision can have on young children. Although I do not come from a military background, since 2014 I have proudly led a dedicated team of exceptional practitioners at RAF Benson, delivering outstanding support to military families and ensuring their children receive the best possible start in life.
RAFAKidz Boulmer
Katie Atkinson
Katie Atkinson
I became inspired to work with children and families following a nursery work placement here at RAF Boulmer. My career has developed over the last 11 years, from achieving my level 3 childcare qualification to progressing to room leader, to deputy manager and now nursery manager. Childcare has always been a passion, I love watching children grow, learn and flourish. I understand the challenges military families face and have seen first-hand the positive impact of delivering high quality childcare can have for children and their families in the community.
As a former child of our nursery, I am so proud to be the Nursery manager at RAFAKidz Boulmer. I love being part of the great team we have here, I feel very lucky to be being able to support children, parents, families and staff.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my children and family, going to the beach and socialising with friends.
RAFAKidz Brize Norton
Laura Bologna
Laura Bologna
I am passionate about creating safe, nurturing and stimulating environments where children feel valued and able to thrive. Our team are committed to making sure every child has the very best experience.
It is a real pleasure to be part of RAFAKidz that places such importance on children’s happiness, learning and well being.
RAFAKidz Brize Norton (Pre-school)
Laura Bologna
Laura Bologna
I am passionate about creating safe, nurturing and stimulating environments where children feel valued and able to thrive. Our team are committed to making sure every child has the very best experience.
It is a real pleasure to be part of RAFAKidz that places such importance on children’s happiness, learning and well being.
RAFAKidz Cosford
Rachael Roden
Rachael Roden
I have worked in childcare for over 30 years and have a great passion for Early Years. My main priorities are ensuring that children have a safe and enriched environment where they can develop their curiosity and knowledge of the world around them. Also to support my staff team and all the families that we work in partnership with.
RAFAKidz Digby
Katie Tatton
Katie Tatton
I’ve been working with children for over 10 years, nine of which have been at this very nursery! I have a level three qualification in childcare as well as being a trained mental health first aider and trained in SENCO. Keen to develop even further, I’m currently working towards my level five. I have two boys of my own keeping me on my toes.
RAFAKidz High Wycombe
Tina Brindley
Tina Brindley
Tina brings over 30 years of dedicated experience in childcare, holding a BA Hon’s in Early Years and Forest School education. As a passionate Nursery Manager, she is committed to inspiring her team to deliver exceptional early years provision, with a strong emphasis on creating outstanding environments and enriching outdoor play experiences. Tina is thrilled to be part of the RAFAKidz community, where she continues to champion high-quality care and learning for early years children.
RAFAKidz Kinloss
Penny Wilkinson
Penny Wilkinson
I have worked in children’s services for around 25 years in a whole variety of settings, including residential services, schools and family homes.
I have an MSc in Assessment and Intervention in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, a Post Graduate Diploma in Autism, a BA in Childhood Studies and a BSc in Social Psychology and Social Policy. I am a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst / Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner.
I have managed early years settings for the last 5 years. I am passionate about children leading their learning through play, especially in an outdoor environment.
RAFAKidz Leeming
Lisa Mowforth
Lisa Mowforth
Lisa Mowforth started at Leeming in October 2021. I started in childcare when I became a child minder for three years whilst living in Scotland so I could be there for my son. I moved to Oxfordshire and started working in a nursery as bank staff and kitchen assistant. I did my Level 3 and worked my way up to being deputy manager. I moved home to Yorkshire and started working at the nursery at RAF Leeming just before RAFAKidz took over. I am now the setting manager. I love seeing how children learn and develop, being there for a child’s ‘Wow’ moment when they learn something new is so special.
It is a privilege to work in a unique nursery supporting the forces families using my professional knowledge and drawing on my experiences as a RAF wife and mother.
RAFAKidz Medmenham
Amanda Brown
Amanda Brown
I have been working in childcare for over 10 years. My background is in restaurant management, and I started as a kitchen assistant at the nursery when my son started school. I then completed my Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in early years, progressed to Deputy Manager, before taking on the Manager role in 2015.
As my husband is serving in the RAF, I have been part of the RAF community for over 35 years. This has given me an understanding of needs and a passion to help service families.
My number one priority is running a nurturing and exciting environment in the nursery, ensuring all the children, parents and staff feel supported.
RAFAKidz Odiham
Kate Richards
Kate Richards
I’ve worked in early years since having children of my own, many years ago! I started work in a Children’s Centre whilst studying for my Level 3 and then my ‘Early Years Professional Status’ qualification. From there, I joined a day nursery where I felt privileged to support and teach children through all the moments of their day.
I love the magic and wonder of childhood and believe in the value and importance of high quality early years experiences, especially opportunities for children to learn outside.
RAFAKidz Shawbury
Jo Parry
Jo Parry
I have been part of the Nursery for 16 years and have loved every moment of helping children learn, grow, and discover the world around them.
During my time around here, I’ve had the privilege of working with children of all ages and supporting countless families through their early years journey.
RAFAKidz Walter’s Ash
Annabel Maguire
Annabel Maguire
My name is Annabel Maguire, and I am the manager at RAFAKidz Walter’s Ash.
I have been in Early Years supporting both military and civilian families for over 20 years. I am very passionate about giving our children the best start in life by giving them as many opportunities and experiences as possible to help with their development and learning.
RAFAKidz Worthy Down
Jo Sadler
Jo Sadler
I always wanted to work with children in some way, so I studied for my level three in college and then went to work in one of the settings I had done some work experience in. This was the start of my early year’s journey. I’ve worked my way up from being a practitioner to now being a manager and I have recently completed my level five. I have a passion for supporting children with additional needs, so I was so keen to take on the role of special educational needs coordinator for the setting. It is a real pleasure to be able to work with children and watch them grow and to know you have played a part in shaping their futures.
RAFAKidz Wyton
Nicola Chapman
Nicola Chapman
I’ve worked in childcare for over 20 years, starting out as a practitioner and gradually progressing to my current role as a Nursery Manager. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about developing my skills and knowledge. I completed my Level 3 qualification early on, then went on to earn a BA in Early Childhood Studies and achieved Early Years Professional Status. Most recently, I’ve completed an Operations and Departmental Manager qualification to strengthen my leadership and management abilities.
I absolutely love working with children. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them grow, discover what they enjoy, and see their unique personalities shine through. Every day brings something new, and I feel privileged to be part of their early years journey.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my own children, going on holidays, and making the most of family days out. I also play musical instruments and love to unwind with a good book.
