We are very proud to introduce you to our Highgate Montessori family.
We currently have staff at the school setting consisting of our teaching, administration/HR and kitchen teams. Our teaching team consists of qualified teachers and Early Years Educators, but also those staff that are starting out their careers and beginning qualifications with our training provider.
All of our staff have an enhanced DBS check and are fully trained in safeguarding as part of their induction process. All of our team hold Paediatric First Aid and Food Safety qualifications, as well as a First Aid at Work certificate.
Find out more about each valued member of our team below…
Carole
Head of School
Highgate Montessori is led by myself and I am a holder of FDA (Foundation Degree in Early Years), and The Early Years Educator Diploma in Montessori Pedagogy. I studied at the Open University and gained a diploma in Business Management.
I am the owner and principal of Highgate Montessori with over 20 years of educational work, including international experience gained in Thailand, China, Singapore and Laos. I have worked in a range of settings from large international schools to rural schools with minimal resources. I have taken this wealth of knowledge and created a unique educational environment that delivers an exceptional experience to all pupils and their families. I am passionate about delivering a true Montessori education and celebrating the uniqueness of each child enabling them to reach their full potential. I have recently completed a Spiritual Mentor course and am currently studying MBSR (Mindful Based Stress Reduction) for children.
I am fortunate to be supported by a loyal and experienced team of Montessori professionals, including specialist teachers for PE, French, Mandarin and Ballet.
I have successfully completed many courses over the years including:
- Intro to Safeguarding (Level 1)
- Advanced Health and Safety (Level 2)
- Designated Persons Safeguarding Lead (Level 3)
- Leadership and Management (Level 3)
- COVID-19 and Child Mental Health
- Safeguarding Children in Education
- Effective Leadership
- COVID-19 Essential Training
- COVID-19 Infection, Prevention and PPE
- COVID-19 and Children’s Mental Health Training
- Disciplinary Procedures
- Conducting Appraisals Effectively
Angel
Deputy Manager
Hi, my name is Angel, and what a pleasure it is for me to be able to join Highgate Montessori.
My husband and I relocated from Hong Kong in 2021, and we are loving every moment of our new life back in the U.K.
Despite being born and raised in Hong Kong, I went to a boarding school in Bristol, UK, when I was eleven. I spent some of my childhood, and most of my teenage years, in the UK, so I experienced first-hand the differences between the Chinese and western styles of education.
This influenced me later on to study Childhood, Culture and Education at the University of Birmingham, where I first discovered Montessori and decided to do the AMI training in London after my degree. I went back to Hong Kong in 2009, and have been a Montessori teacher ever since.
In a Montessori setting, what really amazes me is to see how it nurtures children differently compared to a traditional school setting. I have seen many children flourish in a Montessori classroom, and I cannot wait to witness more.
I feel so fortunate to be in this community, and I look forward to walking on this new journey with you all.
Since joining Highgate Montessori I have completed the following courses:
- Intro to Safeguarding (Level 1)
- Advanced Health and Safety (Level 2)
- Designated Persons Safeguarding Lead (Level 3)
- Leadership and Management (Level 3)
- COVID-19 and Child Mental Health
- Safeguarding Children in Education
- Effective Leadership
- COVID-19 Essential Training
- COVID-19 Infection, Prevention and PPE
- COVID-19 and Children’s Mental Health Training
Hayley
Montessori Guardian
Hello, my name is Hayley I grew up in Hertfordshire and am currently living in North London with my fiancé and stepson. I am a nature lover and love walking and exploring the beautiful scenery around the UK.
I have been working with children since 2012 and have a large amount of experience working with children of all ages. After working in state schools for a number of years I became disheartened by traditional educational methods and looked to explore alternatives.
I embarked on my Montessori course at the Maria Montessori Institute in London in September 2020 and despite the intense workload and a global pandemic I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it and successfully graduated in June 2021. I now have a firmer understanding of the Montessori pedagogy, a child’s developmental needs and how we as adults can support them to become confident, socially aware and independent children with the best chance to succeed throughout their educational journey.
I look forward to getting to know each and every family and sharing in the joys of your children’s achievements.
Since joining Highgate Montessori I have completed the following courses:
- AMI International Diploma
- Introduction to Safeguarding (Level 1)
- Advance Safeguarding (Level 3)
- COVID-19 Essentials Training
- COVID-19 Infection, Prevention and PPE
- COVID-19 and Mental Health for Children
Anais
Housekeeper / Support Staff
Hi, my name is Anais Kmayal and I am the Housekeeper at Highgate Montessori although I also help to support the teachers and guardians with the children when needed.
Before joining the team I worked at a nursing home where I supported looking after the elderly. Over the past few years, I have taken a keen interest in Early Years and children’s development. I think that it’s important for children to be well looked after and supported in the early years of development.
I hope that my time at Highgate Montessori is one filled with the joys of education. As Maria Montessori has taught us, we have a lot to learn from children as we educate them about the world around us.
Since joining Highgate Montessori I have completed the following courses:
- COVID-19 Essential Training
- COVID-19 Infection, Prevention and PPE