As the Head of Nursery, Lana manages the daily operations and educational oversight of our setting, and also serves as the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) Lead and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). She is a qualified Early Years Educator, holding a CACHE Level 3 in Childcare and Education, alongside a Bachelor's Honours Degree in Music Therapy. Prior to taking on this role, she spent five years working in Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools. To further her professional development, Lana is currently studying the AMI Montessori 0-6 Assistants course and the AMI Montessori Leadership course. Her training and background provide a foundation in child development, varied pedagogical practices, and safeguarding protocols. In her role, Lana supports the staff team, maintains standards of care, and ensures a positive, stimulating environment for the children, focusing on the delivery of the nursery's educational vision during their foundational years. 

(T) +44 01223 301047   Enquiries: office@smithschildren.co.uk 

Natalie is the dedicated Lead Educator responsible for the Montessori provision within the Children's House. Her expertise is founded on rigorous training, including the highly regarded Montessori 3-6 Diploma, earned under the tutelage of Maria Roth in Munich, Germany. She further complements this specialist knowledge with a PGCE in Primary Teaching, giving her a comprehensive understanding of early childhood and primary education continuity. Natalie guides the daily delivery of the Montessori curriculum, ensuring a high-quality, authentic experience for all children. 

Line of Direct Transmission: I (The Founder) Maria Montessori Developed the Montessori Method starting in 1907 with the opening of the first Casa dei Bambini (Children's House) in Rome >.  II (The Collaborator) Mario Montessori Maria Montessori's son and closest collaborator. He received his formal Montessori Diploma (3-6) in London in 1925 and spent his life working with his mother, assisting in her training courses, translating her work, and continuing the mission by leading the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) after her death in 1952. > III (The Trainer) Maria Roth A highly respected trainer who received her authentic training from Mario Montessori. IV Natalie Trained under Maria Roth in Munich, Germany, receiving her Montessori 3-6 Level qualification. Natalies training provides direct pedagogical lineage back to the founder. 

She completed her Montessori 0-3 Diploma at the renowned Maria Montessori Institute (MMI) in London, under the direct mentorship of AMI Trainers Heidi Philippart and Sara Brady. This rigorous training ensures her ability to create a genuine prepared environment where children are encouraged to learn at their own pace, develop critical thinking skills, and grow holistically.

Further enhancing her pedagogical expertise, Josipa holds a Master's Degree (MSc) in Class Teacher Studies (Primary Education). Throughout her studies, Josipa conducted observations and examined milestones, analysing influences like nature and nurture to see how they affect behavior and thinking. Her goal was to understand the processes behind lifelong growth and challenges." She also holds a Master's Degree in Developmental Psychology. This combination of specialist Montessori training and advanced primary education knowledge reinforced with her expertise in understanding and identifying how we develop cognitively, emotionally and socially, particularly during infancy, childhood and adolescence allows for exceptional support across the early years continuum. I also serve as a Mental Health First Aider in the workplace, supporting wellbeing with empathy and evidence-informed care.

Josipa is fluent in both English and Croatian. Lately she built her skills in advanced understanding and speaking Italian. She also has basic understanding of Spanish. Josipa has studied German for 4 years during her past studies. She and continually expands her skills through specialist courses, including Autism Awareness (Level 3), Safeguarding Children Awareness, Art Therapy, and the DO-IT Project online course for Making Young Social Innovators. These diverse specialisms enrich her understanding of child development and individual learning needs.

She is deeply interested in nature-based activities, the arts, and exploring child psychology through research. I practice martial arts, yoga, and spiritual disciplines, and I value a holistic investment in mental, physical, and emotional well-being. I’m also passionate about travel, music, and cooking as meaningful ways to connect with cultures, creativity, and a balanced life.

Amy is a dedicated Early Years Practitioner who has channeled her lifelong passion for working with children into a rewarding career. She holds the CACHE Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification, providing her with the fundamental skills and knowledge in child development and early years practice. Amy's approach is defined by her genuine commitment to the children's success and happiness. She is motivated by the opportunity to guide and support children as they explore, learn, and achieve their developmental milestones. Amy strives to ensure every child feels encouraged and supported to reach their goals, bringing the biggest smiles to their faces through positive and engaging early years experiences.

Doville is a highly qualified Early Childhood Educator whose practice is informed by advanced academic study and valuable international experience.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of child development theory, pedagogical strategies, and educational best practices.

Following the completion of her academic studies, Doville embarked on a practical journey through the Erasmus+ programme in Spain. This experience allowed her to immerse herself in a diverse childcare landscape, gaining valuable hands-on skills and enriching her perspective on international early years methodologies.

As a multi-lingual asset to the team, Doville is fluent in Lithuanian, English, and Italian, enabling her to communicate effectively and provide exceptional support to a broad range of children and families within our community.

Marcia is a highly experienced Early Years Practitioner dedicated to providing nurturing and high-quality care, with 15 years of continuous service in childcare and education.

She holds both CACHE Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in Early Years and Childcare, ensuring she maintains a strong foundational knowledge in child development and educational practice.

Further enriching her professional insight, Marcia is a mother to three children, providing her with a valuable parent's perspective on the needs, milestones, and joys of family life. She is a familiar and trusted colleague, committed to fostering a supportive and stimulating environment for all children under her care.

Sniha is a highly motivated Early Years Assistant who is demonstrating a strong commitment to professional growth by actively studying towards the CACHE Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification. She already possesses a robust foundational understanding of child welfare and development, holding a Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care with a specific focus on early years. This background provides valuable insight into the holistic well-being and support needs of young children. Sniha brings practical experience to the role, having worked effectively with children under the age of eight. She is dedicated to applying both her academic knowledge and hands-on skills to create a nurturing and supportive environment where children feel secure and motivated to explore and learn.

Rebecca is a motivated Early Years Assistant who is actively studying for the Level 3 qualification in Childcare, having already accumulated two years of practical experience within the sector.

She is dedicated to creating an engaging and joyful environment, and particularly enjoys playing games and singing with the children to support their cognitive development and social interaction.

Uniquely, Rebecca holds a Level 3 qualification in Games Development. This specific background provides a creative and analytical perspective on structure, problem-solving, and engagement, enabling her to design and implement highly stimulating, educational activities that capture the children’s imagination and foster early critical thinking skills.