Our Highly Qualified, Caring Team

At North Duffield Under Fives, our greatest strength lies in the dedication, passion, and exceptional qualifications of our team members.

Our team are exceptionally qualified, surpassing the standard requirements and have a profound comprehension of each child's unique requirements and developmental necessities. They consider your child's interests, schemas, and existing abilities and use this to assist their development.

Due to our modest team size, we have the opportunity to truly get to know each child on a personal level. We’re familiar with their dietary restrictions, preferences, and, of course, their favourite superhero.

We’re committed to providing the highest quality learning experience for your child whilst supporting their individual needs and interests.

Meet the Team

  • Glenn Denny

    Nursery Manager

    BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies

  • Melissa Green

    Business Manager

    Level 3 Qualified

  • Katie Green

    Baby Room Leader

    Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

  • Sarah Zbadynski

    BA Hons in Education of Children and Young People

  • Bethany Duggan

    Playworker

  • Vicky Mitchell

    Playworker

    Level 3 Qualified

Melissa Green - Business Manager | Early Years Practitioner | Playworker | Qualified Level 3

I have always enjoyed working with children and believe that every child deserves the best possible start in life. The world is full of wonder and possibility when viewed through a child’s eyes.

Katie Green - Baby Room Leader | Early Years Practitioner | Keyworker | Qualified Level 3

I have enjoyed working with children for over 2 years and have been around childcare my whole life. My grandma was a childminder and from spending time with and seeing the children within her care grow and develop, I have always known from a young age that I too had a passion for working with children. What I love most about childcare and working with all the individual personalities is watching them grow and develop into independent young individuals.

I find the job very rewarding and love being able to support children and give them the best early education and as many opportunities as possible. I currently hold a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and I am now working towards my Level 5 in Early Years Education.

Bethany Duggan - Early Years Practitioner | Playworker

I like working with children because I love to see them develop & gain confidence. I like to get down to their level & have fun through play while learning. 

At North Duffield Under Fives, all of our staff members have undergone a thorough background check by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and hold a paediatric first aid certification. We understand the importance of entrusting your loved ones to individuals who are knowledgeable about current trends in childcare and early years education. As a result, we actively promote continuous training and development opportunities for our staff, allowing them to enhance their own abilities and assist your child in reaching their full potential.


Our Committee

North Duffield Under Fives is a registered charitable organisation overseen by a voluntary management committee, who work diligently behind the scenes.

Steph Duggan – Chairperson

After struggling to find the right setting for her son with additional needs before finding NDU5s, Steph was over the moon with how well he settled, and became involved in the Baby & Toddler Sessions. In July 2023, she took over the running of these sessions, and then joined the committee, before becoming the Chairperson. Steph oversees the committee as a whole. She loves being part of the preschool’s growth, supporting it and giving back, after the incredible love and care the team show for her children every day. Steph is highly experienced in running events, planning and fundraising. With boundless creativity and much experience in organising and managing her own teams at work, she is the perfect person for the job! Steph is dedicated to the success of NDU5 and is always happy to help.

Jane Philpott - Treasurer

Jane has a corporate commercial background which is integral to the continued success of the preschool. She takes care of the business side of the organisation and plays a key role in the ongoing strategy and preschool development. Great childcare in the heart of the community is especially important to Jane, since joining the committee Jane became a mother and has experienced first hand the quality of care and education, seeing her little girl go from strength to strength and become confident in all that she does. This continues to give Jane the drive to ensure our setting is the best it can be.

Lauren Power - Secretary

Lauren is a passionate advocate for our preschool and has personally witnessed the positive impact of the exceptional care we provide, as her two children currently attend our fantastic setting. Lauren is enthusiastic and committed to ensure the preschool is the best it can be to nurture the children’s growth and learning which will put them in good stead for their next learning journey.

We have a team of talented and enthusiastic committee members who are committed to organising fundraising events within the local community.

Rosie Bridgman

Sophie Lockwood

Monique Hodgson

Laura Tate

Amy Kilvington

As a small but innovative team, we are always on the lookout for new committee members to join us and help us maintain the success of our preschool. If you are interested in learning more, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are a friendly and welcoming group! For details on our upcoming events, please refer to the link provided below.