Skip to main content

Our Team

A Message From Our Principal – Joanne Stewart-Nash

At Burgh Wood Montessori Nursery School, we understand that children learn more in their early years than they will at any other time in their lives. It is our aim, therefore, to provide the children with access to a variety of experiences, opportunities and stimulating environments to help them succeed in their learning. We encourage the children to be independent and to respect others and the environment around them.

Choosing a Nursery School for your child is not an easy task. My Team are first and foremost parents themselves and are an experienced and dedicated team who understand the value and importance of early years education. We work in partnership with families to help provide their child with the foundations to become confident, self-assured and eager to learn.

We hope you will enjoy looking at our website and look forward to welcoming you to The Burgh Wood Montessori Family.

Joanne Stewart-Nash

Principal | Manager

  • BA First Class Honours Education and  Early Childhood Studies
  • Montessori Diploma
  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
  • Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
  • First Aider

Jo holds the Montessori Diploma Qualification to compliment her BA (Hons) Degree and has worked with children and families in various establishments for many years.

Before taking over Burgh Wood Montessori Nursery School in November 2016, Jo worked for a charity focusing on vulnerable children and adults and was involved in delivering literacy, drama and parenting workshops. Jo’s career history prior to taking time out to raise her two children involved working in the City, being actively involved with various charities and running a Beaver group for girls and boys in London.

It has always been a dream of Jo’s to run her own Montessori school and to provide a stimulating and happy environment for children to learn and play.

Subagini Patrick Lucian

Montessori Directress | Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

  • International Montessori Diploma
  • Key Worker
  • German Language Teacher
  • First Aider

Subagini Patrick Lucian has over 25 years of experience working with young children. She graduated as a Montessori Directress in 1990, and she worked as a lecturer in the Institute of Nursery Studies, Montessori Centre in Sri Lanka.

Subagini has worked at Burgh Wood since 2007 and her particular focus is preparing the school leavers to transition to primary schools. She also teaches German and she has a diploma in cake decorations and flower arrangements.

Subagini has a calm nature and is able to channel her energy to helping children to learn essential skills needed, as well as having fun and building caring relationships. Subagini has also taken a particular interest in our woodland sessions which are held once a week.

Subagini is happily married and has two children. She enjoys decorating wedding cakes and making flower arrangements.

Sara Miles

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

  • First Aider
  • Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

I have worked in early years for around 20 years and honestly couldn’t think of anything thing else I would rather do. I love watching children develop and grow knowing that I played a part in helping that development. I did leave Early Years for 3 years to help my best friend in her coffee house but really missed being with the children so I returned!! I have an amazing family, my partner, 1 daughter, 2 boys and 2 dogs so most of my free time is spent running around after everyone or helping out in the coffee house.

Nichola Bradford

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

  • First Aider

I am married with 2 grown up girls now in their 20s! how time flies…

I worked in the bank for 10 years then left the banking world to stay home and raise our family. Once my girls went to school, I found an interest in child development and wanted to delve further. I completed my Diploma in pre-school practice and started working as a practitioner in a Montessori pre-school, I found the Montessori method fascinating and so rewarding to see the children gain so much independence and important life skills at such a young age, which will stay with them forever.

After a year I took over as Manager and stayed there for 13 years. I have also had some experience of working in Children Centres and in a nursery within a private school, I am now pleased to be back in a Montessori setting.

My hobbies include anything creative, party decorating, organising and spending time at the beach.

nichola bradford leve 3 early years practitioner

Natalie Herbert

Manager

  • NNEB (Level 3) Practitioner
  • BA Hons in Early Years Education & Leadership
  • Preliminary Certificate in Social Care (PCSC)

Originally from Northamptonshire, I have over 30 years’ experience in childcare, have worked in a variety of early year settings and schools and have held various roles and responsibilities. Prior to joining Burgh Wood Montessori, I worked as Head of Early Years in an independent school.

I have two daughters aged 23 and 18 who I enjoy spending my spare time with!

Louise

Deputy Manager and SENCO

  • NNEB (Level 3) Early Years Practitioner
  • Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
  • First Aider
  • Key Worker

I qualified in Early Years over 20 years ago and have always had a passion for working with children and helping them learn and grow. I’m married and mum to two gorgeous girls who keep me busy with their social calendars. We enjoy trips to the cinema and long walks in the park.

Donna

I have worked in childcare for over 20 years. Since leaving school it is all I wanted to do. I have worked in lots of different environments from looking after children in the home nannying to working in early years settings. I love being part of helping a child grow and develop, which is such joy.

I am married and have two children of my own who are both at school. We recently got a puppy so all of this keeps me busy at home.

Izabella Gabriel

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner

I am a Level 2 Practitioner, new to role, and my native language is Polish.

I am passionate about working with children, helping them learn and grow. Every child has a unique personality and I am here to help them thrive and enjoy their journey in our beautiful nursery.

I am married and have three children. I enjoy traveling with my family and creating lots of memories. I look forward to developing my career and am keen to start the Montessori Diploma.

Leigh

Early Years Assistant

I started working in Early Years approximately 8 years ago, when my two girls were very young.

I thoroughly enjoy nurturing the children to develop, thrive and grow in confidence and new skills, especially in outdoor play where their curiosity and imaginations are endless.

My spare time is family time, spent dog walking, cooking and keeping up with my girls!

Cintia

Early Years Assistant

I joined the Burgh wood nursery September 2022 and I am very happy to be part of their team.

Working as a family photographer in my spare time, I love watching how children develop and learn new things every day through play.

I have 3 children and we enjoy spending family time exploring new and local parks with friends and relatives on weekends and holidays.

Lovely staff...

"Highly recommended burgh wood Montessori. lovely staff. very friendly. great atmosphere and the children are happy. couldn’t ask for any more."