Staff

In order to provide the highest levels of care and education for your children, Duxford Preschool employs a team of professional, well-qualified and experienced early years staff. As a setting, we positively encourage all staff to attend regular training to keep up-to-date with best practice and wherever possible, support staff in studying for additional qualifications.

Katie Draper

Katie Draper Preschool Manager

Katie is our Preschool Manager, with over 16 years experience working with children. In her spare time Katie and her family enjoy exploring National Trust sites.

  •  Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies
  • NVQ 2 and 3 in Childcare and Education
  • Basic Food Hygiene
  • Level 2 Children and Young Peoples Mental Health
  • Introduction to Forest School
  • Basic Child Protection
  • Paediatric First Aid
  • Makaton Level 1
Carrie Darlington

Carrie Darlington Deputy Manager

Carrie returned to the childcare sector after taking a break to have her two children. She has been a private nanny and was also previously employed at an after school club. Carrie loves to be outdoors, whatever the weather. Getting messy and seeing the children enjoying themselves, is the best part of her day.

  • Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education
  • Food Hygiene Level 3
  • Basic Child Protection
  • Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo)
  • 12 hour Paediatric First Aid
  • Level 2 Forest School Assistant
  • Makaton Level 1
Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams Deputy Manager

Michelle is one of our deputy managers, currently working 4 days per week.  She has over 23 years' experience in childcare, including 15 years in a Reception class and almost 7 years in a Nursery Preschool classroom. Supporting and encouraging young children to become as independent in their learning and development as they can, is her passion. Michelle's favourite part of working with little people is to witness their delight in their own success. Interest outside of childcare include running (crazy events!) and making celebration cakes.

  • Level 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning
  • Designated Person for Child Protection
  • Food Hygiene Level 2
  • Paediatric First Aid
  • Supporting Young Children's Mental Health
  • Level 3 Elkan Speech and Language
Gail Farr

Gail Farr Preschool Practitioner

Gail has worked in childcare for over 10 years and joined the Preschool from a large day nursery, but has also worked as a nanny. She loves getting messy and likes trying out new activities with the children. In her spare time she enjoys reading, baking and spending time with friends and family, especially her young son.

  • Level 3 Certificate in Children's Care, Learning and Development
  • CACHE Level 3 Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators in Early Years Settings
  • 12 hour Paediatric First Aid
  • Basic Child Protection
  • Food Hygiene Level 2
  • Level 1 Forest School Assistant
  • Makaton Level 1
Georgina Hamilton

Georgina Hamilton Preschool Practitioner

Georgina has over ten years experience working within childcare, and currently works Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesday. Georgina is a L2 practitioner, but is looking forward to furthering her knowledge and understanding of early years development as she studies towards her Level 3 this year. She has two young boys and as both a mother and a professional she is very passionate about creating new and exciting experiences for children to learn and grow. 

  • CACHE Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce
  • Food Hygiene L2
  • Basic Child Protection
  • 12 hour Paediatric First Aid
Carrie Marsh

Carrie Marsh Preschool Practitioner

  • CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education
  • Food Hygiene Level 2
  • Basic Child Protection
  • 12 hour Paediatric First Aid
  • CACHE Level 3 Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators in Early Years Settings
Natalie Hanlon

Natalie Hanlon Business Manager

Natalie is our Business Manager and is responsible for making sure the staff and parents have everything they need. Natalie has a degree in Business Management, and has spent the last two years prior to joining us in 2019, as the Administrator for another local Preschool as well as being the Treasurer of the Duxford Preschool Management Committee. In her spare time, Natalie loves ballroom dancing and regularly competes in competitions around the UK. You will find Natalie in the office on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and contactable via emails at other times.

  • BA(Hons) International Hospitality Management
  • AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting - Level 3
  • Basic Child Protection
  • Safer Recruitment
  • First Steps in Leading a Team
  • Designated Person for Child Protection
  • Maintaining Good & Outstanding Ofsted Judgements