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.
Abbie Smith, Pre-Reception Lead
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 three years in Reception and Pre-Reception. I am now delighted to be the Pre-Reception Lead, working with the 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
Sarah King, Teaching Assistant
I am passionate about working with young children and seeing them thrive and grow and I’m especially excited to be working in pre-reception where the children take their first steps on their learning journey. I have joined St David’s this year and I love the family-friendly atmosphere of the school and the emphasis placed on outdoor learning as I feel children learn best when they are happy and settled. The emphasis on outdoor learning allows the children to flourish emotionally and socially as well as academically. I have four children of my own and I have enjoyed supporting them both at home and at their primary school where I regularly read with the classes, participated in maths games and went on school trips.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family outdoors going to National Trust properties as well as playing badminton, running and reading.
Suzanne Helps, Teaching Assistant
My love of Early Years began back in 2008 at a local Pre-School where I completed my Level 3 Diploma for Children and Young People. In 2016, I took on a new challenge as the Classroom Lead in a Lower Kindergarten Class and now I’m proud to be part of St David’s Prep. I joined in 2024 as a Teaching Assistant in Reception and I’m currently in Pre-Reception, the place where my experience lies. I genuinely love working in Early Years and feel incredibly lucky to be at the beginning of the children’s learning journey. I find it so rewarding to be part of building the foundations of a child’s love of learning and to witness their growth as they progress through school.
Lauren Weaver, EYFS Lead, Reception Teacher and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
I joined St David’s in 2020 having previously worked within another school teaching in both Reception and Year 1. Since joining the St David’s team, I have become Head of Early Years and Deputy DSL. What I love most about working at this school is the strong family feel and the caring, supportive environment. It truly feels like a community where every child is valued and encouraged to thrive.
As an EYFS teacher, I’m incredibly passionate about helping young children learn to read. I believe that early reading skills are the foundation for a lifelong love of learning, and I feel privileged to be part of that journey. Watching a child sound out their first word or fall in love with a story is still one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
Helen Burden, EYFS Teacher and Forest School Lead
After a career change and completing my PGCE in 2014, I have been teaching in Early Years and joined the St David’s Prep family 4 years ago, working with our younger learners in Reception. This is where my heart truly lies — in those magical moments when children begin their learning journey.
As Forest School Lead, I get to take learning outdoors — which is where the real fun begins! Whether it’s tying knots, building dens, lighting fires or spotting signs of wildlife, the forest gives children the chance to build independence, resilience and a love for nature.
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.
Scarlett Rose, EYFS Teaching Assistant
I joined the school 10 years ago, starting out as a midday supervisor. Four years ago, I moved into my current role as a Teaching Assistant in the Reception class, and I absolutely love it. Working in the Early Years Foundation Stage is incredibly rewarding. I especially enjoy seeing the amazing progress the children make throughout the year. It is a privilege to be part of their learning journey and to support them as they grow in confidence and independence.
Jessica Tickle, EYFS Teaching Assistant
I joined St David’s in September 2023 in Pre-Reception whilst completing my Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship. I am now part of the Reception team, where I love supporting our youngest learners as they begin their educational journey. I find it so rewarding to help children grow in confidence and curiosity each day.
I am also part of the school’s sports team, where I help deliver activities that build teamwork, resilience, and a love for being active. In my spare time I play football for Petts Wood ladies playing right back and occasionally in goal. I hope to bring a passion for girls’ football to St David’s Prep.
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.
Florence Sadler-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.
Sheelagh Irvine, Year 2 Teacher
I’ve had an eclectic career path, having worked in nursing, interior design, and as a Research Fellow, and each role naturally led me into mentoring and teaching. After my son was born in 2006, I became a school governor and regular school volunteer, which deepened my passion for education. I completed my PGCE at Goldsmiths in 2011, and have since taught in both state and independent schools.
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with children from Year 1 through to Year 8, and I continue to feel immensely privileged to be part of their learning journeys. I’m thrilled to have joined the St David’s Prep team, where I’ve received such a warm welcome and already feel at home.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, visiting art galleries, crafting, and catching up with friends.
Ellie McInerney, Year 2 Teacher and English Lead
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 two boys, one who has just started at nursery and one in school. When I do get any spare time, I enjoy running and playing netball, spending time with friends and family and visiting concerts and the theatre.
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.
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.
