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
(Deputy Manager & 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.
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.
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
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
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 Preschool.
My hobbies include basketball, football and socializing with family and friends.
Fiona
(SENCO)
I hold a N.N.E.B qualification. I have had many years of experience working in childcare.
My previous positions are leader of Thornborough Preschool,and leader at Great Horwood Preschool.
Before this I worked for 10 years as a Nursery Nurse at Wexham Park Hospital in the Surgical and medical wards.Leading on from here I worked as the Deputy in the 40 placement day Nursery attached to the hospital .
Debbie
(Apprentice)
I have worked as bank staff for Padbury Preschool since February 2023. Now, I am doing an apprenticeship at the Preschool to gain a level 3 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.
Claire
I am a qualified primary school teacher with over 25 years experience. I have taught children from a variety of key stages but particularly enjoyed the Early Years.
I decided to leave teaching in 2020 when my youngest daughter was born. I have a passion for early literacy skills and have my own business, designing and creating phonics resources for 2-7 year olds.
I grew up in Padbury and now live here with my family. I started working within Preschool delivering phonics classes and now I'm sharing my knowledge as part of the team.
My hobbies include walking and being outside, spending time with friends and family, going to the cinema and travelling.