Our Staff
Our staff team have been carefully selected to support children's learning, development and care. We are a safer recruitment employer and follow strict recruitment procedures to ensure staff suitability to work with children. > Safer Recruitment
Management
Karen, Head of Nursery
Montessori Diploma 0-3 (AMI).
Karen is trained at level AMI 0-3 Montessori Assistants to Infancy at the Maria Montessori Institute St. Petersburg, Russia. Karen also holds an Early Years level Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for the Children and Young People's Workforce (Early Years Advanced Practice). paediatric first aid trained.
Karen leads the delivery of Montessori education in the Infant Community and Nido classrooms.
"Through observation I guide each child to activities and materials that drive their interest, allowing the child not only to fill their desire but also gain new skills and further their development and understanding. This sensorial approach of true life experience allows a child to develop their whole self."
(T) +44 01223 301047 Email: office@smithschildren.co.uk
Guides and Assistants
These are the people who will be working closely with you and your child.
Children's House
(Casa Dei Bambini)
Natalie, Montessori 3 - 6 Diploma (AMI).
Natalie trained at the level Montessori 3-6 (under Maria Roth in Munich, Germany. She also holds a PGCE in primary teaching and is responsible for the provision of Montessori education within the Children's House.
Natalie leads the delivery of Montessori education in the Children's House.
Lana, Cache Level 3 in Childcare
Alexandra, Montessori Assistance 3 - 6 (AMI)
Alex trained in AMI Assistance course, 3 - 6yrs under Vicky Taylor at MMI London. She has level 2 in Advanced childhood experiences, a level 3 in counselling and a level 5 in Psychology. Alex is fluent in English, Romanian and Dutch
Paula, Montessori 3-6 Diploma (AMI)
Paula has also completed Cache level 3 Early Years Educator.
Infant Community
Josipa, (Msc)
Holds a Masters Degree (Msc) in Class Teacher Studies (Primary Education). Fluent in both English and Croatian. She has also undertaken additional training in; autism awareness Level 3, Safeguarding children awareness, Art therapy, DO-IT project online course Making Young Social Innovators.
Josipa is currently enrolled on the AMI 0 to 3 Assistants to Infancy Diploma course at the Maria Montessori Training Centre in London. Training under AMI Trainers Heidi Philippart, Sara Brady.
Doville
Holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood education. Following the completion of academic studies, she embarked on a practical journey in Spain (Erasmus+) immersing herself in the vibrant childcare landscape of the country. Fluent in Lithuanian, English and Italian.
Virma
Virma has taught in Japanese primary schools and international schools in Tokyo for 15 years and has worked in the Early Years since coming to the UK. She enjoys working with children and young people, and she is currently studying Education.
Nido (Nest)
Naomi, Cache Level 3 in Childcare
Naomi has worked with children for almost 11 years and leads the Nido environment. She is also qualified in paediatric first aid and is currently training towards becoming an ENCO. Naomi works closely with Karen who leads Montessori Education in both the Nido and Infant Community.
Amy
Training in cache L2 Early Years Education
Joyce
Joyce has worked in many primary schools, and has a wide skill set, she has worked primarily with children with additional needs.
Catering
Designated Roles (Ofsted Specific):
Senco (Special Education Needs Coordinators)
Karen
Enco (Equalities named Coordinator)
Naomi
Child Protection
Ecat
tbc
Fire Officer
PPE, Designated Covid Training
Natalie, Karen
Other Roles (Smiths Children specific):
Behaviour Management Co-ordinator
Health and Safety
Basic Montessori Principles
We have a few basic principles that ensure everyone is safe and can feel confident in their work.
1. Our staff will intervene if something is hurtful, harmful or dangerous. If not, we will observe to see if the children can resolve it by themselves.
2. The staff are role models for behaviour, language and how to use the activities.
3. The children are free to choose one activity at a time and use it for as long as they like without interruptions by other people.
4. We help the children learn how to complete a whole cycle of activity (choose work, use it and replace it on the shelf for the next person).
5. Our staff make time to carefully observe each child’s individual interests so we can tailor activities to suit their current stage of development.