Come and meet the staff at St Mary's Nursery, Finchley!
Nursery Manager & Qualified Teacher - Julie
I have a vast amount of experience working within early years and have developed a passion of assisting children’s learning by creating an environment that thrives to develop their individual independence. Working within nursery offers a chance for me to share some special moments and I am privileged to witness each child’s character develop. I also have a performing arts background and aim to bring this creative energy into the classroom. I am trained in MAKATON and believe this is a helpful tool to assist and support all children of an early age to communicate, especially EAL (English as Additional Language) children or those who have additional learning needs. I treasure working with the whole family of children within my care and from experience have seen that offering support and gaining parental engagement assists the child’s ongoing development, supporting the child to reach their individual milestones by working towards building a child, school and home teaching triangle.
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.
Early Years Professional - Mrs Diane Roberts
I have been working in Early Years for over 40 years, starting my career as a Nursery Nurse and then progressing to an Early Years Professional (EYP) with a Psychology Degree (Honours). During my career I have been a manager in three Early Years settings and I have played an integral part in setting up Early Years provisions and training childcare students.
My training has included advanced Makaton, Montessori, Phonics, Forest School, Early Years music and Storytelling. I work in Early Years because I am passionate about young children’s learning and feel privileged to be a part of it. My desire is for children to grow happily and confidently as they learn through play and independently record their own learning. I also work in the Reception Team providing a bridge for those children who continue their education at St Marys School.
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.
Mealtime Supervisor & Support Staff - Kelly
I am currently working within the Nursery as a mealtime supervisor and support staff. I am enthusiastic to help children to learn and settle into their new environment, where they feel secure and warmly welcomed. Most importantly, I relish contributing to the children’s on going happiness.