Meet the EYFS and Pre-Prep team

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 my teacher training in 2013 at Canterbury Christchurch University. Since then I have worked in a range of year groups including Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2.

I am delighted to be working back in Pre-Reception which is the age of children that I thoroughly enjoy.

Abbie Smith, EYS Teaching Assistant

I first joined St David’s in January 2022 as a teaching assistant in Reception and overseeing the running of Rainbow Club in the holidays. Having done nearly two years in Reception, I am currently working with our youngest children in Pre-Reception.  

I have worked in childcare since 2016. I began by completing work experience in my primary school and loved it so much that I stayed on as a volunteer! I completed my Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) and became Room Leader, in a local nursery. I then took a 9-month career break to go travelling around Australia and Bali, something I absolutely loved! During that time, I worked as an au pair and did 88 days farming, where I packed apples and pears – all great experience! 

Back to my passion and happy place – the Early Years classroom. I love being able to make the children feel safe and putting a smile on their face

Jessica Tickle, EYFS Teaching Assistant

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!

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!

Brooke O’Sullivan, Year 1 Co-Teacher 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.

This year I am progressing further into my teaching career as I am part of a job-share as class teacher in Year 1 alongside studying remotely to complete my teacher training. I also enjoy being a part of the Sports Team at St David’s, something I absolutely love as it is such a thrill to see children reaching their full potential in the many different sports that we cover.  

Keziah Bones, Year 1 Teaching Assistant

I joined St David’s in January 2022, initially part-time in a supporting role in Sunset Club. Since then, a real joy and love for working with children has been growing within me. My role has seen me go from supporting in Sunset Club, to leading the club and taking on the lunch hall supervisor role. When offered the opportunity of becoming a full-time Teaching Assistant, I jumped at the chance!  I am now waiting to start a Teaching Assistant Level 3 Apprenticeship. I’m excited to see myself grow in this role and I am so grateful for the support and care I have received at St David’s. I look forward to settling into my new role supporting the Reception team. 

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. 

Karen Jackson, Year 1 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.  Having obtained a degree in fashion product development, she took a change in career path and 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.

Simon Hunter, Year 2 Teacher

Simon Hunter joined St David’s a year after leaving school in 2009. He joined us as a student and has progressed throughout his years here in a number of different roles. Mr Hunter is now a co-teacher in Year 2. He has enjoyed passing on his knowledge of sport to all the pupils from Reception to Year 6. He has taught to Science to most year groups  He has just completed his ‘Primary Education’ Open University degree.

He says: The family atmosphere and happy faces attracted me to the school. I have always enjoyed watching the children progress all the way through the school and I like to think I have helped in their progression. I feel very lucky to be a part of such a caring and happy school!

Nicola Saunders, Year 2 Teaching Assistant

I joined St David’s in September 2022 as Lunchtime and Sunset Club Supervisor. It’s been a lovely way to get to know all the children across the school, talking to them about their day, reading stories, playing games and helping them with their homework. In September 2024 I was offered the chance to take up the role of Teaching Assistant in Year 2  and I jumped at the opportunity. 

St David’s is a wonderful school, everyone is so lovely, friendly and caring. There is a real family feel throughout the school and it’s a privilege to work here. In my spare time I run my own online vintage shop, specialising in selling 80s and 90s items. I also enjoy camping, travelling and going for long walks. 

Bev Haffenden, Year 2 Teacher

I started out in teaching, several years (and more) ago. I started in a Prep School as a Teaching Assistant and moved on to qualifying as a Teacher. During that time,  I came to look round at St David’s and decided that it was where I wanted to work in the future. Fast forward 10 years and here I am – working in my dream school.

I have experience teaching in Year 1, Year 2 and Year 5 but my heart lies in Year 2 and having completed my first term, I remember why. The team within in Year 2 are fantastic but that can be said about the whole of St David’s Staff – It is an amazing place to work, where the staff are valued and the children given the best opportunities in their learning.

Louise Gubb, Year 2 Teaching Assistant

I joined St David’s in November 2022, starting as a Teaching Assistant in Pre Reception and since September 2023 working as a Teaching Assistant in Year 2.  I have always had a passion for working with children and previously worked as a childminder but wanted to transition into a school setting. I was so pleased when I was offered the opportunity to work at St David’s.  I have learnt so much from the amazing teachers and staff, they are so supportive and kind and I can honestly say I love my job! I am looking forward to starting a Teaching Assistant Level 3 Apprenticeship in January and continuing to support the fantastic teaching staff and children at St David’s.