Eton End School

I am the very proud Headteacher of Eton End Nursery and School and have been a qualified teacher for over 30 years. In that time I have worked in maintained schools and the independent sector as well as a local authority advisory teacher for a period of time.

I have a degree in History and Politics from the University of Warwick, a Post-Graduate teaching qualification from the University of Reading, a Masters in Educational Leadership and Management from the University of Buckingham and also hold Fellow status at the Chartered College of Teaching and the Chartered Institute of Management.

Over the years, I have taught every age group from age 4 to 14 and feel incredibly privileged to have played a small part in the lives of so many children. Outside of school, I have 3 daughters who fill my time, even though they are grown up now, and I am a member of Rotary. I love to read and visit the theatre when time allows.

The early years lay the foundations for the adults our children become. The importance of play and discovery cannot be underestimated in an environment which is rich in language and full of care, empathy and compassion. Watching our youngest children blossom and grow in independence is magical. Everyday they acquire new knowledge and skills which are equipping them for the years ahead.

Our Nursery has been designed to enable your child to flourish emotionally and mentally as well as academically and socially. Children at Eton End have space to roam and room to grow, they are nurtured and supported to become confident young people who are ready to make positive contributions to our community.

I am the Director of Safeguarding here at Eton End School and the Named Nursery Manager of our lovely Nursery, called The Nest. For the past 30 years, I have been part of this thriving community, working across the Nursery and School in different year groups and various roles; some of the pupils I have taught are parents themselves now! I have seen lots of changes but what remains the same is the ‘family feel’ of the place and the drive and passion of our staff; the children are at the heart of everything we do.

No matter how long you have been working with children they always surprise you; this is one of the many aspects of working in Early Years I love so much. Reading stories (dramatically of course!) and Sounds-Write Phonics are activities I particularly enjoy; being a Mystery Reader is such fun! However, my main role in The Nest is to support the Deputy Nursery Manager and EYFS Phase Leader with the overview of practice; it is very much a team-spirited Nursery crew here. Together we provide a warm and calm space for our Woodpeckers, Starlings and Sparrows to enable them to be curious, explore ideas, and investigate what works and what does not work alongside qualified staff facilitating and extending their learning. I am always inspired by the quote of one of our Sparrows, “I know stuff and I’m not full yet!”

I am a mathematician at heart and enjoyed my teaching training in both the UK and America. Learning to be in a classroom, whether inside or outside, does not stop after a university; pedagogical training has been ongoing with an MA in the pipeline.

On a more personal note, the children love finding out about my dogs and the many adventures we like to take at the weekend. As far as they are concerned, I am over a hundred years old and doing well to be able to walk the dogs!

I've had over 20 years of experience working with children in the Early Years, both in public and private education.

I love teaching Early Years as it's so rewarding because I have the privilege of teaching young minds children and watching them grow with confidence day by day.

I became a parent volunteer at my son's nursery 25 years ago, which inspired me to pick it up as a profession my first job was as an Early Years Assistant.
I then completed my CACHE Level 3 within a year and became a supervisor.

I then went on to work in the private sector at a Nursery attached to a school. My role was a Room Leader for 2 years olds, I was also named Senco and Early Years Lead Language Practitioner.

I was at the school for over 10 years and became the Deputy Nursery Manager and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

I went on to do a Level 4 in Nursery Management and also ran 'mother and toddler's groups' 1 afternoon a week.

I thoroughly my role at Eton End as I work with a great team of practitioners committed to the care, well-being and education of the children.

I enjoy cooking, baking, and travelling.

I tend to my garden and enjoy catching up for coffee with friends.

I'm NNEB qualified and have been working in childcare for over 20 years in a variety of roles including nannying and day nurseries. I have completed various courses over the years.

I now work as a one-to-one support assistant to a pupil which I enjoy and find very rewarding.

I enjoy working in the Nursery as every day is different in the designated rooms, being creative in craft activities, joining in with the imaginative play, reading stories, being in the amazing outdoor spaces, playing down in the dens and woodlands or the Music room with our children!

I am a mum to a teenage boy. We like to watch basketball at Surrey Sports Park. He plays for the local cricket team so I like to support him and cheer him on!

I go to the gym regularly and I like to socialise with friends and family.

I have worked with young children for nearly ten years and find being around them to be joyous and energising. I especially enjoy being invited to view the world through their eyes and curiosity. There is never a dull moment!

Having the opportunity to shape and build on children’s skills to ready for the next part of their learning journey is a privilege and so rewarding.

The Nursery at Eton End is a hive of constant activity; our children are secure and safe in their designated space and are very much part of the whole school. They love their creative activities, small world play and calm classrooms with engaging, stimulating educational resources as well as their outside space where they can play in the outdoor classroom, ride on the scooters and have wild messy play in the mud kitchen!

I attended university and gained a BA Honours in Early Years Practise one of my proudest moments!

My hobbies include yoga, cycling and going on walks with my family.

I have worked in Nursery settings for over 30 years.

I find working with young children very rewarding, watching them grow and thrive, building new skills, and gaining independence and confidence whilst feeling safe and happy within their setting.

I gained City and Guilds level 2 in Childcare at the start of my career.

Soon after I progressed to Level 3 Diploma in Pre-School Practices.

I have completed many other courses throughout my career during ongoing staff training days in the school setting.

I really enjoy spending time with my family, reading, baking and yoga for relaxation.

I am level 3 qualified.

I have worked in the childcare profession for 7 years. I started as an apprentice which I was for two years, to then becoming a nursery practitioner working with children between the ages of 3-4 and 4-5.

I enjoy working within the setting as it's a rewarding job.
In the nursery, I enjoy getting involved in the messy play. I also love the calm approach of the classroom environment.

In my spare time, I enjoy keeping fit, going swimming, taking my dog on walks and spending quality time with my family.

I am the Head of Music at Eton End and have the great privilege of teaching music to all pupils From Nursery to Year 6. It is wonderful to regularly welcome the Nursery children to the music room and spend time having fun moving and listening to music, singing songs and introducing children to the joy of learning how to play a range of instruments. Every session is very practical and lots of fun. We often go out and about around the school to play our music too.

I have been a primary school teacher for 25 years, training in both teaching and music. I have been a Co-Ordinator for Music at the schools I have taught at as well as my other interest in ICT, often enjoying opportunities to combine these subjects.

I enjoy my own music interests singing in the local Semi-Professional Choral Group, Quire Voices, along with a local Choral Society and am a member of the Choir of The Chapel, Great Windsor Park. During school holidays I often sing with other choirs at different cathedrals across the country when their own choirs are on holiday. I am gradually working my way around the country and hope to one day have sung at every cathedral in England. Over 30 are already ticked off the list!

I also enjoy playing and collecting unusual instruments and composing music, often writing pieces for school choirs and the school percussion band as well as for fun.