Meet our team
Preschool Manager & DSL
Early Years Assessor
Elaine Ford
Elaine is the Preschool manager and designated safeguarding lead (DSL). She has been with the preschool over 30 years. Elaine has a Foundation Degree in Early Years and is also a qualified Early Years assessor.
Deputy Manager EYTS & DDSL
Group 1 - Ladybirds Room
Melanie Pitcher
Melanie is the deputy manager and deputy safeguarding lead (DDSL). She has been with the preschool over 20 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 & Lead SENCo
Group 3 - Butterflies Room
Paula Long
Paula is a deputy manager and the preschool SEND co-ordinator. She has been with the preschool for over 15 years.
Paula holds an NVQ Level 3 and a Level 4 Certificate.
Group 1 - Ladybirds Room
Jacqui Aller
Jacqui joined the Hillside team in 2024. She holds an NVQ 3 qualification.
Butterflies Room & 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.
Group 2 - Butterflies Room
Vicky Lund
Vicky is an experienced senior supervisor. She has been with the preschool for over 15 years. Vicky also works with the breakfast and after school clubs and holds a NVQ level 3.
Group 2 - Butterflies Room
Jessica Kirby
Jess is a qualified Early Years Educator (EYE) having completed her level 2 and 3 qualifications at Hillside. Jess has been with the setting for over 10 years and takes a lead role in our 'Healthy Movers Programme'.
Group 2 - Butterflies Room
Vicki Edwards
Vicki has recently rejoined Hillside, having raised a family of four children. Vicki has an NVQ Level 2 Qualification.
Group 3 - Butterflies Room
Rebecca Garrett
Becky has recently joined Hillside as a DEYP 2 student. She is already feeling at home!
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.
* 11 Members of staff hold a First Aid Qualification.
* All staff have received training in Safeguarding and Food Hygiene.
Our Key-Person Approach
When your child starts pre-school they will be able to build a secure bond with their key-person.
The EYFS (2021) recognises the importance of building key relationships so that children feel safe and secure.
Our staff work in partnership with parents and carers to ensure that their child feels happy, confident and cherished.
