Meet our team

Pre-school Manager EYTS & DSL

​

Melanie Pitcher

Melanie is the Manager and Designated Safeguarding lead (DSL). She has been with the preschool over 25 years. Melanie has a BA in Early Years and is an Early Years Teacher (EYTS). Melanie is also the After School Club manager.

Deputy Manager DDSL & Lead SENCo

​

Paula Long

Paula is the Deputy Manager, the Deputy  Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) and the pre-school SEND co-ordinator. She has been with the preschool for over 15 years. Paula holds an NVQ Level 3 and a Level 4 Certificate.​​​​​​​

Senior Supervisor Butterflies Keyworker

​

Vicky Lund

Vicky is an experienced senior supervisor. She has been with the preschool for over 20 years. Vicky also works with the breakfast and after school club teams and holds a NVQ level 3. 

Senior Supervisor, Ladybirds Keyworker

Jessica Kirby

Jess is a senior supervisor having completed her level 2 and 3 Early Years Educator (EYE) qualifications at Hillside. Jess has been with the setting for over 12 years and takes a lead role in our 'Healthy Movers Programme'. She also works with the breakfast and after school team.

Ladybirds Keyworker

Jacqui Aller

Jacqui is an experienced early years educator who has worked in the Verwood community for a number of years. She holds an NVQ Level 3. Jacqui also works with our after school club team.

Butterflies Keyworker and SENDco

Marian Smith

Marian is an experienced supervisor who holds a NVQ. Level 3 and SEND co-ordinator. Marian has been at Hillside for over 20 years.

Ladybirds Keyworker

Cheryl Herridge

Cheryl holds an NVQ level 2 which she completed at Hillside almost 10 years ago! She has a wide range of knowledge from Preschool and from raising her own family.

Ladybirds Keyworker

Elisha Mills

Elisha has recently joined Hillside and is now studying for her Early Years Educator Level 3. She is a welcome addition to the team!

Butterflies Keyworker 

Lucy Teggin

Lucy had been working as a childminder in the local community before joining the team at Hillside. She holds a level 3 NVQ Her experience is very much an asset to us!

Group 2 - Butterflies Room

Chloe Liddy

Chloe holds a level 3 NVQ, and has become part of our team recently and we are very pleased to have her!

Butterflies Keyworker and SENDco

Edy Herridge

Edy has completed her level 2 and Level 3 Early Years Educator, she has also recently completed her Cache Level 3 SENDco. 

Butterflies Keyworker

Vicki Edwards

Vicki has recently rejoined Hillside, having raised a family of four children. Vicki has an NVQ Level 2 Qualification.

Butterflies Keyworker

Rebecca Garrett

Becky has recently completed her DEYP 2 at Hillside and is currently studying for her Level 3 Early Years Educator. 

Breakfast Club

Penny Johnson

Penny has an NVQ Level 3 qualification and works with our breakfast club team.

​

​

After School Club

Claire Buckley

Claire is an experienced member of our after school club team. She holds an NVQ Level 2 and helps at preschool when required.