At Dodleston Pre-School, we have a dedicated team whose passions are education and teaching young children. Although a small team, we certainly are a mighty one!

Lyndsey: Early Years Manager

Jude: Business Manager

Jude, Dodleston Ore-School's Business Manager

Hi, I’m Jude – although most of us have never met, I’m the one who sends all those annoying emails asking for forms and/or money! My role at Dodleston Pre-School is to ensure the office runs smoothly so the wonderful ladies can concentrate on looking after your children.

My role is admin based but I actually started out (many years ago) as a childcare practitioner (L3 Childcare & Education and D32/33 Assessor), then pre-school manager, before having children of my own and doing my part on their pre-school committee. So over the years I have worn all hats!

As much as I may seem to be always emailing to ask about sessions and forms or fees and funding, it is a necessary part of the bigger picture to help make Dodleston Pre-School a unique, fun, stimulating environment, where the children can thrive and reach their individual potential.

Heather: Deputy Manager

A selfie of Heather, deputy manager at the pre-school

Hello – I might need a new photo in the winter months! I know a good many of you through Pre-School already, and I’m looking forward to meeting those of you who are yet to arrive.

I have been involved with Pre-School for roughly 12 years, long enough for me to feel that it has become a part of me, and I am passionate about all that we have to offer in our wonderful setting and surrounding village. My own children (now 18, 15 and 10) have all been through Pre-School and have many happy memories of their times in the village hall and they still keep in touch with the friends they made here.

I have the Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification, Early Years Teacher Status, PGCert in Early Years Practice, and I’m just about to start my dissertation year for an MA in Early Childhood at Chester University.

My main interest is play! I am a firm believer in the power of play on children’s learning and am particularly passionate about child-led play. We provide rich opportunities for children to be curious, to explore, to follow their own interests, to wonder at their discoveries. When adults know how and when to interact because they are in tune with each child, that’s when the learning magic happens, and that is the very best part of my role.

Away from Pre-School, I love to walk our dogs, Dolly and Gracie, and visit our elderly pony Breeze. Mud seems to be quite a feature in my life and those amongst you who are ’old hands’ will be aware of the wonderful muddy experiences that we love to create at Dodleston Pre-School too.

Natalie: Acting Deputy Manager

Picture of Natalie, worker at Dodleston Pre-School

Hello everyone, my name is Natalie and I have worked in the early years sector for 15 years and have been with Dodleston Pre-School since April 2019. I have Level 3 Childcare Learning and Development and a Level 3 in play work. This year, I am hoping to study my Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner. Early Years is something I am passionate about. Being there to support children, making them feel safe and ensuring they have a fabulous and fun time when they are at the setting is what makes me happy.

Most of all, I love being there for the children when they need support, and being able to see them achieve what they want, celebrating with them. There is nothing better than seeing the children run into the setting with big smiles on their faces. I love being outdoors and that is how I spend most of my time with my family, my two children, my partner and my dog. I really look forward to seeing you all soon.

Pre-School Committee

Our Pre-School relies on volunteers to form our committee. The current committee members are:

  • Co-Chairs –  Emma Hutt/Catrin Williams
  • Vice Chair – Jenny Bowle
  • Treasurer – Sarah Macklin
  • Secretary – Melanie Hughes
  • Committee members – Anne Tunnicliffe, Chris Ward, Laura Brierley