Meet the Team

I have the privilege of being the Proprietor of our family-run school which was founded by my mum, with the support of my dad, in 1978. I was in my mum’s class back in 1978, for one year before going on to Francis Holland School, Clarence Gate for secondary education and then on to drama school (LAMDA). I was a jobbing actor for many years and am a musician and singer-songwriter.

I have been involved in our school on and off in one way or another for most of my life; I would paint the walls and organise classrooms as a summer job in the early years of the School’s life, was a Teaching Assistant (in all age groups) between acting jobs in the ’90s, have been the Music Teacher, an Early Years Teacher, resident Songwriter, the Administrator and Bursar – supporting my mum to run our school in every way. Suffice to say, this school runs through my veins!

I am immensely enthused and proud of my role as the guardian of Dallington and its core founding values. I am involved in every aspect of our school, working closely with my Head and our loyal, experienced, outstanding staff to ensure that our unique setting continues to remain at the forefront of progressive, holistic, child-centred and creative educational practice. The best interests of our children are at the centre of every choice we make and everything we say we do, we actually do! We are honest and open and always true to our founding values. That will never change.

Celebrating childhood, allowing our children to discover their passions and flourish in their own time…that’s what we do and we shall continue to do that, unwaveringly, with conviction and passion despite the ever-mounting educational pressures that surround us.

My role is Head, which includes a bit of everything. From welcoming our wonderful children and their families to school in the mornings to running assemblies linked to our core values, such as relationships and empathy, to riding a tricycle during a game of imaginative play with our youngest children in our fantastic playground.

My philosophy of learning is that all children (and adults) are naturally curious with the ability to learn continuously. Our role as educators is to provide the space, freedom and autonomy along with the right tools, both physical and emotionaL, to enable learning to flow. This often looks like we are grappling with something difficult or failing several times over, but always feeling safe and supported, knowing that if we are resilient and persevere, we will succeed.

I love Dallington for the strong sense that you belong to something unique and special. We are a small, close-knit family, rich in creativity and compassion. I love how we celebrate individuality and understand that our differences are our strengths.

I play social netball all year round for a mixed team and I also enjoy tennis in the summer. My weekends normally involve a meal out with friends or a visit to the cinema.

I’ve been at Dallington for 3 years, and I love the philosophy of teaching here: learning starts and ends with the children. Dallington is such a wholesome environment where creativity and love of learning can flourish without pressure or restraints. Teachers here are trusted to teach in ways they feel best suit their children. I want to instil a love of learning and especially a love of literature in the children I teach. I love those lightbulb moments when children suddenly get what you have been teaching them.

For relaxation I am an avid reader but luckily I have a train commute where I can get a lot of this done.

Reading is a form of escapism for me and helps me switch off and relax at the end of the day. It actually helps my job as English lead as I love Children’s literature and seeing which books will best suit each class.

I’ve been at Dallington for 3 years, and every day is different. You need to be open-minded, happy, thoughtful, caring and nurturing, and see everyone as an individual here, and I love the unique nature of Dallington: a truly independent, non-selective, family-run school.

I am the SENCo.  Sometimes children need a little helping hand for a short or longer period of time and my role is to help facilitate this.  I work with children, teachers and parents to ensure that every child is getting the most out of their Dallington experience.

Children learn best when they believe in themselves.  I am a firm believer in the power of a growth mindset: I can’t do it…yet!

What I love about Dallington is that we are a close community here and we can really tailor the learning experience to the individuals.

My hobbies have been hijacked by my two young daughters: apparently my favourite things to do these days are finger painting and making garden mud soup ;-)

I have been working as a French teacher at Dallington for almost four years. My teaching philosophy revolves around making learning fun and engaging fro children. During French lessons, I try my best to surprise them with something new every day, using a variety of teaching aids, such as games, recordings, and theatre games.

At Dallington children have the freedom to ask questions in a safe environment, which I believe is essential for their learning. I love working at Dallington because it is a small school where everyone knows each other. It feels like a family and the environment is very conducive to learning.

In my free time I enjoy reading, especially science fiction, but only in French!. I am also an avid traveller and enjoy exploring different cultures and trying new cuisines.

My role at Dallington is PE/Sports Coordinator and as a qualified teacher, I sometimes find myself in class covering other teachers. I enjoy working outdoors and love to see children develop their gross motor skills as well as being given the opportunity to develop leadership and social skills.

I love working at Dallington because there is a great sense of togetherness and community. Additionally, I love how the parents of Dallington children are so supportive of what we do and how they continue to help promote and undertake ideas to help progress the school.

In my spare time, I like to visit my nephews, travel abroad and keep fit.

I’ve been at Dallington for 12 years, and I love the approach to children’s learning here. I want them to become self confident and grow into well-rounded individuals. You need a lot of empathy and a sense of humour to work at Dallington.

In my free time I love listening to music and trying different cuisines from around the world.

I’ve been working at Dallington for nearly 20 years. You need flexibility, creativity and above all, enjoy working with children to get the most out working at Dallington. It has a great ethos and we respect the children and give them a voice. I learn something new every day from them and am constantly inspired by their honesty, truthfulness and innocence.

In my free time I love to sew, weave and knit.

I’ve been at Dallington for at least 35 years, and what makes it unique is the people who work here. I love working with children and watching them develop in all areas. You need lots of patience, tolerance and understanding, and this helps to instil honesty and happiness in them.

My interests lie in Art and Music and I love to share my knowledge and ideas in these subjects with the children.

I’ve been an Early years educator and TA for many years.

My educational philosophy is that I believe children should be allowed to make choices and let their curiosity direct their own learning, and that they should be allowed the opportunity to practise skills in a safe and caring environment.

I love Dallington because of the community feeling, the creativity of our children and supportive parents.
In my spare time I like to spend time with my grandchildren and extended family, and going on holiday.

I have  been working at Dallington for many years; I trained as an early years practitioner but  have also worked with other year groups across the school.

I believe all children will learn if they are happy and secure; Dallington gives them the opportunities to express themselves, to celebrate who they are as unique individuals.

What I love about Dallington is the lovely family environment here.

My spare time is taken up with socialising, family time and lots of Rest and Recreation.

I’m a lunchtime assistant as well as helping  with the after school clubs.

My philosophy of learning is that all children are unique and have something special that they can bring to their own education. I believe they need to have a stimulating, educational environment,  where they can grow – physically,  mentally, emotionally and socially. It is my desire to create this type of atmosphere where children can meet their full potential,  and help to give them confidence in what they want to do and achieve.

I love Dallington and being with the children and interacting with them.  They are my motivation in getting up each morning! The parents are also supportive at Dallington and they appreciate the work and care that we provide for their children.

I don’t get much spare time because of care commitments to my elderly father,  but when I can, my father and I go out on day trips together.  I also like home decorating; painting & wallpapering. My father has trained me well and now I’m the DIY person at home!

My educational philosophy is that I believe children should be allowed to make choices and let their curiosity direct their own learning, and that they should be allowed the opportunity to practise skills in a safe and caring environment.

I love Dallington because of the community feeling, the creativity of our children and supportive parents.
In my spare time I like to spend time with my grandchildren and extended family, and going on holiday.

I’m a lunchtime assistant and I believe in teaching children with love, patience and kindness.

I love being with children, and I love the way that Dallington is run: we all work as a team.

My hobbies include cooking, walking, dancing and learning new things.

I’ve been working at Dallington for about 15 years, and what makes it unique are the children. I love working with children and hope that I help to instil good manners in them. You need to be understanding and above all listen to them, and then they give you their best.