The Staff
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
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
Paula
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.
Sade
Doville
Nido
(Mean's nest in Italian)
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.
Marnie, Cache Level 3 in Childcare
Amy F
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.