Meet the EYFS and Pre-Prep team
Meet the Pre-Prep Team, the form teachers and subject specialists that provide such an engaging and exciting learning experience for our boys and girls.
Laura Saunders, Pre-Reception Teacher
I joined the fantastic St David’s Prep in September 2021. As soon as I entered the school, I was overwhelmed by the family feel and friendly atmosphere. I completed by teacher training in 2013 at Canterbury Christchurch University. Since then I have worked in a range of year groups including Nursery, Reception and Year 1. I am so excited for my future at St David’s.
Karen Jackson, EYFS Teaching Assistant
Karen is an experienced and dedicated early years teaching professional who reverted to her childhood passion for working with children following a period in the fashion industry. Since her own school days, Karen has worked with children of all ages – starting in the church creche at sixteen and then as a nanny during her college years. Having obtained a degree in fashion product development, she took a change in career path and went on to gain a Montessori Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching. Karen began working in London as a pre-school teaching in 2001. After having two children of her own she spent ten years working in a pre-school in Orpington where her role included support work for children with additional needs. Karen has been associated with St David’s since 2007 as both her son and daughter attended the school.
She says ‘working with young children is always interesting and challenging. It is work I am passionate about and I am delighted to be part of the wonderful teaching team at St David’s Prep.
Lauren Weaver, EYFS Lead, Reception Teacher and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Scarlett Clark, EYFS Teaching Assistant
I first joined St David’s in September 2016 in a small role helping out at lunchtime.
Helen Burden, EYFS Teacher
After a career change and completing my PGCE in 2014, I have been teaching in Early Years. I am passionate about engaging children early in their school life and teaching them the skills they need to build a life-long love of learning. I feel honoured to be able to teach at St David’s and to be part of the children’s formative years helping to support them to realise their full potential.
I have two girls and in my spare time enjoy travelling, eating out and I’ve just started learning to horse ride!
Abbie Smith, EYFS Teaching Assistant and Rainbow Club Co-ordinator
Susan Hills, Year 1 Teacher and School Eco Champion
All I ever wanted to do was teach and after completing a Primary Education Degree at Greenwich, I began teaching in a school in Bexleyheath. I then moved around the country with my husband’s job, so have taught in places from Ross on Wye to Frinton on Sea. I have been back in this, my home area, for eight years and before joining St David’s was teaching at a local outstanding state school.
During my spare time I love to spend time with my two girls and husband, we enjoy watching films and going for walks. I also love the arts, play the piano and guitar and have studied at Art college. I am passionate about seeing children develop in a holistic way so that they can reach their full potential.
When I came to visit St David’s, the amazing welcome, happy vibe and feeling of family was overwhelming. I’m thrilled and very proud to be part of the team and look forward to all the teaching to come!
Janey Jones, Year 1 Teacher, Geography Co-ordinator and ECT Mentor
Janey is the 5th generation of teachers in her family, and knew that this was the profession for her from an early age! She spent some time teaching in Kenya between leaving school and going to Roehampton University where she gained an Honours degree in Geography and environmental science with qualified teaching status. She graduated in 1997 and moved to Hertfordshire where she taught for over 20 years. She has taught every Year group in the primary age range, has the experience of being the head of Key Stage 2 and the Early Years team, as well as serving on senior leadership teams.
Janey has a passion for creativity, is musical and loves the arts. She enjoys travelling and loves to experience new places. Family time is very important to her, and she loves nothing more than spending time with her dog, 2 teenage children and husband, preferably in the sunshine!
Janey joined the St David’s team in January 2020 as a job share teacher in Year 1. She says, “The moment that I walked through the doors of St David’s there was an immediate feeling of warmth, love and drive for success. I knew it was a unique school family that I wanted to be part of.”
William Mayes, EYFS Teaching Assistant and Games Teacher
I first joined St David’s as a pupil in 2000 where I experienced, first-hand, the loving and caring atmosphere that the school offers, as well as the opportunities that the school provides in the future. I returned in February 2018 as a member of the games team and I was overjoyed that the atmosphere I loved, is even more prevalent.
From 2019, I have supported teaching staff in the classroom, after witnessing the compassion and enthusiasm of the teachers it has led me to undertake an Open University course in Education Studies where I am looking forward to taking my career further.
Ellie McInerney, Year 1 Class Teacher and English Co-ordinator (currently on maternity leave)
I thoroughly enjoy being in a school environment surrounded by the consistent positive energy and love of learning from staff and children.
I have a particular passion for teaching English and am delighted therefore to be leading this subject across the whole school. I love reading and I understand the huge importance excellent teaching of reading has on children’s confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing. I aim to ensure the strong tradition of teaching English at St David’s continues as well as introducing some fresh ideas to develop the pupils’ love of the subject.
I have a son who has just started nursery and when I do get any spare time I enjoy running and playing netball, spending time with friends and family and visits to concerts and the theatre.
Florence Clark, Year 1 Teacher
I first arrived at St David’s Prep in 2021 after leaving a career in nursing. I immediately fell in love with the community and the environment and knew I had found my dream job. When I was asked to officially join the team in September 2021 as a teaching apprentice, I couldn’t have felt luckier. I learnt so much during my time of study and working alongside experienced teachers in the school and was delighted to be awarded my PGCE with QTS qualification.
My aim as a teacher is to create a positive environment in which to nurture happy, curious learners who believe in their own ability to succeed. Each day at St David’s I am inspired by the incredible team mentality that drives the school and I can honestly say I feel excited to come in every morning.
Brooke O’Sullivan, Teaching Assistant Year 1 and MFL Teacher
I joined the St David’s team in the Autumn Term 2016 initially helping out with school trips and Sunset Club. I started working here full time as a Teaching Assistant in the Spring Term of 2019. I have worked with so many amazing teachers and other members of staff since being here, and have learned so much from all of them. I love the ‘family feel’ that I get from the staff, children and parents of St David’s and I look forward to coming to work every day.
I have helped in almost every year group in my time at St David’s and could not even begin to pick a favourite as they are all so amazing!
Amber O’Sullivan, Year 2 Teacher, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Head of KS1
After doing her degree in Primary Education and working in a school for two years, Amber was ready for a change. She spent seven months on a round-the-world trip, giving her a wealth of knowledge and experience to bring back into the classroom. On her return, she began working at St David’s.
She says: I feel extremely grateful to be able to work at St David’s and cannot wait for the years ahead of me!
Gemma Hughes, Year 2 Teaching Assistant and Games Teacher
I joined St David’s in September 2019, alongside my son and two daughters who all love the experience! As a qualified swimming coach, I have previously coached many St David’s children to be successful swimmers. I have also coached gymnastics for over 20 years! I have recently completed my ‘higher level teaching assistant’ qualifications and am incredibly excited to work in Year 2 and to be part of the sports team at St David’s.
Gemma says, “in the short time I’ve been at St David’s, I realise it is the dream job for me. The strong nurturing culture within the school means that every teacher is passionate about providing the highest teaching standards and care for each and every child”.
Laura Saunders, Year 2 Teacher and Science Co-ordinator
I joined the fantastic St David’s Prep in September 2021. As soon as I entered the school, I was overwhelmed by the family feel and friendly atmosphere. I completed by teacher training in 2013 at Canterbury Christchurch University. Since then I have worked in a range of year groups including Nursery, Reception and Year 1.
I am so excited for my future at St David’s.
Tierney Gibb, Year 2 Teaching Assistant
I first joined St David’s in September 2019 in a small role helping out at before school club. The St David’s team welcomed me with open arms and I soon took on more roles helping out with the early years children. Working in a school environment, I soon realised that this is a passion of mine and a career path I’d love to take. I am now learning to be a teacher through the Open University. I feel very privileged to be part of such a brilliant team and I look forward to gaining many more fantastic experiences at St David’s.
