Staff Team

All staff have undergone extended checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service as a condition of their employment at the setting, and each qualification is checked against the Government’s qualification register Ofqual.

The Staff

Lisa Burkett

Lisa joined the team at St Mary’s Pre-school in 2003, became the Leader/Manager in 2007, and the Owner Leader/Manager in 2018. She has a CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Pre-School Practice. She ensures we meet all our statutory requirements, takes responsibility for Health and Safety and Behaviour Management, and is our lead designated person for Safeguarding. Lisa completes regular training in many different areas within Early Years in addition to the statutory Paediatric First Aid, Child Protection, Prevent Training, Food Hygiene and Special Educational Needs. She is our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo).

Claire Beck

Claire joined us in 2015 and is the Deputy Leader of the Pre-school, she has a NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for The Children and Young People’s Workforce and over 10 years experience working with children.  She is our deputy designated person for Safeguarding and is also trained in Paediatric First Aid, Child Protection, Prevent Training and Food Hygiene. Claire has also completed a CACHE Level 2 qualification in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health. Prior to joining us, Claire ran The Creche Company Ltd for 5 years.  She has a BSc (Hons) Degree in Hospitality Management.

Dink Milton

Dink has been with us since 2009, she holds a NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.  She is trained in Paediatric First Aid, Child Protection and Prevent Training. Dink has a BSc Degree in Nursing Studies, she was previously a registered nurse and midwife, and has a MSc Degree in Midwifery. Dink formerly worked in the Nursery and Reception classes at St Mary’s Primary school, providing a seamless transition from morning to afternoon sessions. Although Dink has now moved to the Foundation stage at Bridgewater Primary school she remains on our cover staff list in case of staff absences.

Susie Alderson

Susie joined us in 2008, she holds a NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Pre-school Practice and a CACHE Level 2 in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health.     She is trained in Paediatric First Aid, Child Protection, Prevent Training and Food Hygiene. Susie has a BSc (Hons) Degree in Psychology and a MSc Degree in Occupational Psychology. She also has a Diploma in both Reflexology and Nutritional Therapy and has her own business practising both. In May 2019 Susie qualified as a Personal Trainer and runs regular Paracise(TM) exercise classes as well as health and well-being workshops. She can be found on Facebook at Susie Alderson – Healthy4life.

Vicky Drury

Vicky joined us in January 2018, she is a Level 6 qualified teacher with a BA Degree in Music and postgraduate Certificate in Education. She is trained in Child Protection, Prevent Training and Food Hygiene. She is also a private piano tutor offering tuition to both adults and children. Vicky was previously the Deputy Manager of the Berkhamsted Baptist Church Pre-school until it’s closure in July 2017.

Nicola McDonald

Nicola is our newest recruit, joining us in March 2021 for one afternoon per week and to provide additional cover support when required. She has recently gained an NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Childcare and Education, she is trained in Child Protection and Prevent training, and is due to undertake her paediatric first aid training at the end of May 2021.                      Nicola was a member of the Metropolitan Police Service for 30 years, retiring in September 2019. Nicola provides additional staffing during the busier summer term and is available to cover any staff absences.

Summary

We are very proud of our happy, dedicated, well qualified team. We have a wealth of experience in childcare and education between us, and we thoroughly enjoy what we do. We are also able to draw from other skills and attributes to offer experiences, support and knowledge to children and their families in other areas, providing a fabulous level of support to the families and not just the children in our care.