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 16 years ago! 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 Pancake, who have also made an appearance at preschool before! I love to bake and craft in my free time, mainly using acrylics and vinyl. 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 8 and Liam 6. We also have a lab called Duke. The boys enjoy kickboxing. Jack is a green belt and Liam orange. They had so much fun me and Dave decided we would join in too. We dont grade though, its just for fun!
Kirsty Bradder / Early Years Practitioner / Level 3
Hi. I'm Kirsty. I have worked at South Milford preschool now for 5 years. I qualified as a level 3 nursery nurse 25 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 15 years with my partner Jason and 2 children, Evie 14 and Spencer 9. 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 3 years. We have a 4 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 15 and Poppy 8. 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.
Dee Qareqare / Early Years Assistant
Hiya, Im Dee. I started working at the nursery where my husband used to serve in the Army based in Thirsk in 2012. After Sam left the Army in 2014 we moved to Sherburn in Elmet and i started to volunteer at South Milford Preschool in 2016 and i'm still here now. I also work at Time Out after-school club. I have 4 children. Jason 20, Marcus 17, Sam Junior 12 and Elizabeth 10. I am a rugby mum so most of my time is spent driving my boys to rugby training and games. I love watching them play and my other leisure times is spent in the kitchen cooking.
The team at South Milford all hold a Level 3 Pediatric First Aid certificate. 
