1)
What draws you to Nursery teaching?
Firstly, I should point out I love working with children full stop. Children are so refreshingly honest and open it is a joy to be with them. But why Nursery? Well, I feel this is where it all begins really. Children at that age are like sponges, they take it all on board. We begin French with specialist teachers, we introduce music in our music tower, the children begin swimming, and of course there is everything else we do in between. It is a responsible role, and that’s why I feel it’s so important we get it just right. It’s our role to set them off on the right path.
2)
What makes St George’s so special?
Well, I’ll try and explain, although really it’s best parents come and see for themselves. We believe passionately each child has the right to learn to the best of their personal ability to allow them to reach their full potential. We feel we are quite unique in that we run an academic nursery, which means we aim to teach the children as much as we can. But thechildren don’t always realise they’re learning! We have ways in which we ’disguise’ our learning targets! We want the children to have fun and feel happy, secure and safe in our nursery. Meanwhile, with every activity, we have learning in mind. Learning in all areas, academically and socially. We also feel passionate about teaching children good manners, respect and how to become confident individuals. We will in turn show them the respect that they deserve, as they really are all individuals.
3)
If you had a magic wand, what will the Nursery look like in 5 years time?
That’s not an easy question as we have so much at the moment! The caring and nurturing environment that every parent wishes for their little one, the dedicated team looking after the children, a wonderful setting and environment to play and work in and we believe we have the right balance between learning and play. Would I like more room? Yes, I would. Would I like perhaps more new resources? Yes, that too. All these things do play on our minds, and we are constantly looking for opportunities to enhance the children’s experience. We need to think ahead, as it is essential to keep up to date with changes in educational developments and consider their merit and possible introduction into School life. But I am confident that we have the right core principles and philosophies.
4)
Describe a sparkling moment?
Just the one? Every day is full of sparking moments! I have to say I particularly enjoy Sports Day. Last year was my first one at St George’s and I was overwhelmed by the really special atmosphere. Our PE teachers prepare for this day in the most fantastic way, so the children know and feel confident in what they need to do on the day. Siblings are thoughtfully put in the same team, so it’s easy for the parents to follow their children around the sports field. The older children in the team look after the little ones;- it is such great fun, hard to beat!
5)
Play or work?
How can I choose? Work often feels like play! It seems to roll into one, the children see to that. Even though our day is very structured and we have our routines carefully planned, there is always room for spontaneity and unexpected fun! And why not? What is more fun than a spur of the moment situation where you have to improvise? When we’re out for a walk in our woods we may well be asked something we hadn’t thought of. ’Mrs O’Neill, what are trees made of?’ Before you know it you find yourself planting seeds, explaining weather, oxygen, rainforests etc!
6)
What do you like doing when you are not at School?
I can never sit still! I live in St Brelade’s Bay with my husband and two boys (9 & 12) and my Springer Spaniel, Poppy. My husband runs a hotel in this wonderful spot and we are fortunate enough to live right next door! We live between woods and the beach and I love nothing more than taking the dog for walks, playing on the beach with my boys and pottering in my garden. We have quite an outdoors lifestyle, but how could I not with the view I have from my kitchen window? On the other hand, on rainy days I love settling down with the family to watch a good movie. If there is any time left (I am a mum after all!) I enjoy reading and crafting. I try and keep fit by going to the gym, swimming and mostly running, as that takes the dog out at the same time, practising the multi-tasking skills that females are renowned for!