Our Staff
Mandy Smith
(Manager)
I hold a NVQ level 3 qualification and I have 22 years experience in childcare. Within that time I have worked in nurseries, been a Childminder from home and largely worked as a Nanny. I have been with preschool for 8 years. I started as a member of the bank staff team, I knew from very early on that this was the place for me. As soon as i walked through the door and observed the children free playing with the staff interacting and the children happily learning through play. i knew would be happy here.
I have two daughters aged 16 and 13, I enjoy cooking, going motor racing with my family and spending quality time with them.
Sonya
(SENCO & Forest School Lead)
I hold a NVQ level 3 certificate and have worked in childcare for all my working career and have gained lots of experience from working in a range of settings.
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I have worked at Padbury Preschool for ten years as a practitioner and I am now deputy manager at the preschool.
I live in Buckingham with my husband and two girls aged 18 & 20.
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My hobbies include running, cooking, sewing, card making & papercrafts.
Rachel
(Deputy Manager)
I hold an NVQ level 3 qualification and I have worked in childcare for 22 years. I have gained lots of experience from working in day nurseries and preschools.
I started working at Padbury Preschool 8 years ago, I had a break to support my own children and I am very happy to have returned.
My husband and our two daughters aged 15 and 12 live in Maids Moreton.
My hobbies are going to horse shows to watch our event horses compete, and going to the gym.
Sue
(Room Lead)
I am a qualified primary school teacher and have worked with children for over 30 years. I have worked in various primary schools and early years settings.
I live in Buckingham with my husband and 2 children.
My hobbies include running, bike riding and being outside.
Michael
(Apprentice)
I have recently left full time education. I now plan to do my NVQ 3 within childcare. I have younger siblings that I regularly care for and feel this has given me lots of experience within my role at Padbury Pre-school.
My hobbies include basketball, football and socializing with family and friends.
Vicky
I hold a Bachelor of Education Honours degree and have worked as a live-in nanny, a primary school teacher, air cabin crew and in administration at a secondary school.
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I live in the village with my husband and my three children who all attended Padbury Pre-School . I have been involved with the Pre-School from the very beginning and am also a PFA member and parish councillor.
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In my spare time I enjoy Pilates, gardening and countryside walks with my family and dog.
Debbie
I have worked as bank staff for Padbury Preschool since February 2023. I am Level 3 qualified in childcare.
I live in Padbury with my 4 year old son who has a walking disability, this has given me a big insight into children with special needs.
My hobbies include arts and crafts, especially cross stitching. I also enjoy gardening, reading and cooking.
Kathryn
Emma
I have always loved working with children, and started my career as an LSA in a primary school. This prompted me to go to university where I got a degree in educational development and special and inclusive education. Whilst at university I worked part time at the leisure centre which gave me the opportunity to train as a swim teacher. I love teaching swimming and have been doing it for 13 years. When I had my own children I gained my level 3 in child care and have worked in various childcare settings since.
I started at Padbury preschool as bank staff in January 2024. I really enjoy helping children to explore their environment and learning new things, I love to support people in situations where something is unfamiliar or new and watching children thrive and achieve new skills.
My children are now 11, 9 and 4 and keep me super busy, we love a games or movie night at the weekend altogether.