Come and meet the staff at St Mary's Nursery, Finchley!

Nursery Manager & Qualified Teacher - Androulla

As Nursery Lead with 35 years of experience in Primary Education, I am passionate about nurturing young minds in a safe, inclusive and stimulating environment. I continuously integrate the latest educational developments into my teaching and leadership, ensuring that I provide the best possible environment for your child's growth and learning. My hands-on approach fosters a love of learning and a positive sense of self in each child, encouraging them to develop their confidence to embrace new experiences and become ambitious, determined and successful individuals. 

I aim to inspire curiosity in each child through engaging activities. I encourage critical thinking and exploration beyond the curriculum. My love for the arts allows children to express themselves and ignite their imagination through creative art sessions, while I also turn baking into fun and exciting projects that teach maths and teamwork. I believe that early childhood is a time for building not only knowledge but also lifelong memories that will help shape your child''s future. I look forward to working with you to support your child's growth and success. 

Senior Nursery Nurse - Alenka 

I have over 20 years’ experience working with children of various ages and it's been such a pleasure to see all the children mature and grow. During the five years that I worked as a Deputy Leader in preschool, I started my university course and I hold a BA Hons degree in Early Childhood. I am passionate about psychology, which I studied to some extent as part of my degree, including behaviour management and social and emotional aspects of learning (SEAL). In addition, I love music and art; I play piano and guitar and continually look for creative ways to complete tasks and encourage children within my care to do the same. Furthermore, I am Makaton trained and have a level 2 certificate in BSL (British Sign Language). I believe in a holistic approach when providing care and education for children in early years, which will serve as a precedent for their future education and quality of life.

Foundation Stage Practitioner - Mr Marios Eracleous

I have been part of St Mary's school for the last 26 years and have nearly 30 year's experience where I have been working mainly in Early Years Nursery, Reception and recently in Key Stage 1. 

I hold an Early Years Foundation Degree and NNEB. I also teach MFL Greek language for 3-5 year olds on Saturday at my local Greek school. I am also an author and have published short stories in anthologies and self-published novelettes in all genres. My aim is to see the children flourish and enjoy the love of learning within their environment. 

Teaching Assistant - Monika 

Over the past few years I have been working with children across various year groups. This has led to developing and broadening my knowledge, experience and passion in assisting children within their learning, growing in a safe and caring environment and supporting foster an atmosphere for learning through play.

During my formal studies I completed a BA Hons Degree in Care and Counselling Pedagogy and this only intensified my fascination and curiosity for further professional development in Early Childhood and Pre-school Teaching. Therefore, I undertook a MA Degree course in Pre-school Education with Speech Therapy as well as Pedagogical Therapy with Coaching. I have always been passionate about emotional psychology and communication and I studied this as a part of my degree. I have worked as a 1:1 support Teaching Assistant with children with additional SEN needs as well as a classroom Level 3 EYFS Teaching Assistant. It is a pure joy and privilege to see how the children learn, grow and thrive within the time in my care.

Teaching Assistant - Viktoriia

For fifteen years, I worked as a music teacher with children in different age groups. This teaching experience significantly enhanced my knowledge and skills in children's learning and development. I have recently completed a level 2 Early Years Practitioner course in Childcare. Currently I am studying towards gaining a level 3 in ‘Understanding Autism’ and during the last year I have gained further experience working with children with SEN needs. I believe that children’s safety, wellbeing, learning and development are crucial aspects of my work with children. I believe that every child is unique and so it is important to provide a suitably safe and positive environment in which children can learn and develop to the best of their ability.

Teaching Assistant - Katerina

I have worked in the Early Years Foundation for over 26 years. I first started as a nursery assistant and over the years I have gained the relevant experience and have worked my way up to achieve becoming a fully qualified nursery nurse. My experience allows me to assist children in early learning and enable growth within a safe and caring environment.

Mealtime Supervisor & Support Staff - Andriana

Having worked at St Mary’s as a Mealtime Supervisor since 2017 I have since moved to the Nursery as part of their MTS & Support Staff in October 2019, it is great to work with such a friendly team. I enjoy supporting the main core Nursery staff, whether it be settling the children in at the beginning of the year or helping them develop throughout the year with confidence. The greatest reward is seeing the children happy, especially after achieving a new developmental milestone.