We provide a low adult to child ratio and never exceed a 1:4 ratio for under threes or a 1:8 ratio for three to five year olds. We employ a mixture of permanent and temporary childcare professionals, to enable us to continually flex and adapt to demand for places. Our temporary staff are usually ex-permanent staff who continue to help out on an ad-hoc basis. Our permanent staff are:
Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead: Helen Morris manager@dorchesterpreschool.co.uk
“Over 15 years at this setting I have seen so many children grow up to young adults now, I love that each day is so different to the next. Watching them form friendships and working with a positive and enthusiastic team is great too!”.
Helen joined in 2008, she has over 20 years experience working with children, she loved meeting new children and parents, visiting new places with her teenage daughters and has a love for reading.
Qualifications: NVQ level 3 in Childcare, Early Years training in Early Learning Goals, Footsteps safety outside & proficiency in cycling, Wellcomm, Maths & Language Coordinator, Teeth Care, Food Hygiene, Designated Lead Safeguarding and Paediatric First Aid.
Deputy Manager and SENDCo Andrea Reich
“Over my 20 plus years in childcare, I have found it so rewarding to help each individual child grow and develop into their own person, creating learning opportunities sparked by their own interests and creating beautiful sparkly art work too! ”
Andrea joined us in September 2026, she loves working with each child individually helping them grow and develop and loves to let the kids explore through crafts.
Qualifications: NVQ 3 in Childcare, BA Hons in Early Childhood (level 6), Makaton level 1, PaeTdiatric First aid, Safeguarding, Prevent, Oliver McGowan autism training.
Pre-School Apprentice: Christina Murby
“I like helping the children learn new things and watching them grow”
Joining the team in September 2023, Christina is a mum of 4 and brings with her a passion for teaching and helping children flourish.
Qualifications: Studying for NVQ Level 3 Childcare, Level 1 Safeguarding, Level 2 Awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect, Neglect, Child Exploitation, Child Sexual Abuse, Prevent, FGM, Think Family, Spotlight on an unseen child, Teeth Cleaning, Paediatric First Aid
Pre-School Assistant: Jessica Morris
“Working at the preschool is brilliant and every day is different. Watching the children learn new skills and seeing them grow throughout their time with us really is heartwarming.”
Having been on the team as regular bank staff for the past few years, Jess has become a crucial member of our team and is joining us as Pre School assistant from September 2026, she has huge enthusiasm for helping the children grow and is always a hit with the children’s games.
Qualifications:
Understanding Child Development, Prevent, FGM, Safeguarding, Paediatric First Aid, Teeth Cleaning