Mel Riches / Manager / Qualified Early Years Teacher / Level 6 Degree / SENCO / DSL
Hi! I'm Mel! One of the Managers at South Milford Preschool. I have worked in Early Years all my life starting off as an apprentice when i was 18! This was also when I first met Trudy! I then went on to gain a 1st Class Honors Degree in Early Years Education and Leadership before having my own children, Faye and Todd. We live in the next village and have two guinea pigs; Squeaky and Nugget, who have also made an appearance at preschool before! I love to bake and craft in my free time and have recently taught myself to crochet. My specialist skills include making a variety of playdoughs and slimes! Last year I took to studying again and recently graduated as an Early Years Teacher.
Trudy Saunders / Manager / Level 3 / Deputy DSL
Hi, Im Trudy, one of the managers at preschool. Having worked at preschool I was very excited to have the opportunity to take over. Me and Mel have worked with each other before in a private nursery but now make up the managment team at South Milford. I live in Sherburn with my Husband David and our two boys Jack 10 and Liam 8. We also have a lab called Duke.
Kirsty Bradder / Early Years Practitioner / Level 3
Hi. I'm Kirsty. I have worked at South Milford preschool now for 6 years. I qualified as a level 3 nursery nurse 26 years ago ( wow, that's making me feel old). I always knew that I wanted a career working with children and since qualifying, I have always worked with children of preschool age or younger. I live in Knottingley where I have lived for the past 16 years with my partner Jason and 2 children, Evie 15 and Spencer 10. I also have 2 step children who are both studying at university. In my spare time I enjoy baking and bike riding. I joined a kick boxing class just over a year ago, In my last grading I achieved my green belt. My son also attends kick boxing, he has been doing it 4 years. We have a 5 year old dog Mitzi who we enjoy taking for walks. We love camping, our favourite place to go in the summer is Cornwall. Look forward to seeing you all in September.
Claire Davies / Early Years Practitioner / Level 3
Hi. My name is Claire. I previously worked in a nursery for 20 years where I was the senior of the 2-3 year old room. I now own ARTventurers South Leeds so look out for some of my classes. I will still be running in the school holidays. I live with my husband and two children, Coby 16 and Poppy 9. I spend most weekends supporting Coby and the Cutsyke raiders and doing arts and crafts with Poppy. When I have some free time I like to be creative myself.
The team at South Milford all hold a Level 3 Pediatric First Aid certificate. 
