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

Rebecca Bouttell

Rebecca joined the Hillside team in 2022. She is a qualified Early Years Educator (EYE) having completed her level 2 & 3 qualifications at Hillside.

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 & SENDCo

Abbie Waters

Abbie is a qualified Early Years Educator (EYE) and SEND co-ordinator. She takes a lead role in supporting Speech and Language in the classroom.

Group 3 - Butterflies Room

Lorna I'Anson

Lorna has been with Hillside for over 4 years. Lorna has the best memory which supports her colleagues! Lorna has an NVQ Level 3.

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.