Our team

We have a wonderful, caring team of practitioners who are experienced and trained to nurture, care and inspire every child, providing the best start and education for your little ones.

The team

All out staff are either qualified or studying to become qualified

  • Steph - Level 3 (Acting Manager)

  • Sue - Level 3 (Second in charge)

  • Letesha - Level 3

  • Chloe - Apprentice, due to qualify as Level 3 in Summer 2025

  • Laura - Level 3 (Also our SEN Support Worker)

Our onboarding

When a new staff member or Trustee joins us, they undergo the checks required by Ofsted including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal records check.

Staff are also be required to provide references and take part in a six month induction. As a minimum they must hold or be working towards a full Level 3 childcare qualification.

The knowledge of our staff is paramount, and we provide the opportunity for all staff to attend training provided both within the preschool and with the Local Authority.

We are an equal opportunities employer, which means we provide genuine equality of opportunity for all employees, regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, marriage, religion, sexual orientation or disability.

How we operate

Blackdown Preschool is led by a board of trustees and is registered with the UK Charity Commission - Charity number 1199782.

Our first Trustee is Nathan, he’s the Headteacher of a Severe Learning Difficulties School and has extensive experience of Strategic Planning for Educational Settings.

Our second Trustee is Debbie, a retired children’s social worker. She has extensive Safeguarding experience and is also Level 6 Qualified.

Claire is our third Trustee, she was a Product Director for one of the UK’s largest energy companies. Last year she stepped out of the corporate world to run her own small businesses.

The board is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Preschool, and is legally responsible for the setting. This includes ensuring we comply with regulations (for example from Ofsted) and ensuring the charity activities benefit the surrounding community. The Preschool has a manager who oversees the day to day operations including lesson and activity planning.

Come & say hello

We’d love to have your child join us at Blackdown Preschool.
If you’d like to book in a visit, please get in touch.