I am the Head Teacher and founder of Educare Small School. My 40+ years of teaching experience in London and Spain led me to two central beliefs about education; firstly, that school should be a happy, enjoyable and useful time and, secondly, that most causes of children’s failure at school lie within the inflexibility of school systems, teachers and parents, not within the child.
In 1997 I opened Educare Small School and put in place a philosophy and a curriculum that truly reflected my beliefs and values about education. At about the same time I joined with Sue Merry to make the Alexander Technique a key part of the curriculum at Educare Small School. When we started we were a staff of three covering everything, but for me it was the fulfilment of a long held vision.
 

Sue is an Alexander Technique teacher. She has been working with Liz since 1994 and is a founder member of Educare. Sue is recognised as a pioneer and world expert in creatively applying Alexander work to primary education. Along with her colleague Judith Kleinmen, Sue has created a certified training course for Alexander Teachers wishing to work in education. There are now over 100 graduates from this course world-wide.
Sue’s books “Alexander in Primary Education” and “The Labyrinth of Gar” are available from Amazon or from www.thedevelopingself.net

My name is Chloe, I am part of the Senior Leadership Team, the Safeguarding Lead and a KS1 Teacher. I joined Educare when I was just 18 years old as a Teaching Assistant, from the very beginning I knew Educare was a special place. I had the opportunity to work with every age group in the school, from Early Years right through to Starfish. As my passion for teaching grew, I decided to further my studies at Kingston University, where I completed a three-year BA (Hons) in Teaching and Learning in Primary Education. I was incredibly proud to then become the Butterflies and Dolphins teacher.

I enjoy working in KS1 because it is a truly magical stage of a child’s journey. These are the years when children begin to discover who they are as learners, build confidence in themselves, and develop a genuine love for learning. Their curiosity, honesty, and enthusiasm bring so much joy to each day, and being part of their early school memories is something I love.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of watching many children grow, learn, and develop into confident, kind, and wonderful young people. Educare is more than just a place I work - it truly feels like family. I feel proud and grateful to be part of a community where children are nurtured, supported, and encouraged to be the very best version of themselves.

I am one of Teacher’s in the Hall, Early Years Leader and the school’s SENCO. I have worked at Educare for over eight years, although my relationship with the school began much earlier, more than twenty years ago, when all three of my children attended Educare.

Being part of this community as a parent first sparked my curiosity about how children learn, develop and express themselves. This interest led me to retrain as a mature student, completing a degree in Education and Childhood and Society at Roehampton University. During my studies I discovered a strong love of research and was honoured to receive the award for the highest first-class degree in the Social Sciences department. I later completed my PGCE at Kingston University, graduating with a distinction.

Educare has always felt like a very special place to me. Its ethos, seeing each child as an individual, nurturing their emotional wellbeing and valuing their natural curiosity, is at the heart of everything we do. Children here are encouraged to explore, ask questions, play, and develop at a pace that is right for them. Our mixed-age, holistic approach creates a calm, family-like atmosphere where children feel safe, confident and willing to take risks in their learning.

I feel incredibly fortunate to work in a setting that celebrates independence, creativity and a growth mindset, and where the whole child is truly valued.

My name is Ellie Rouse and I am an Alexander Technique teacher at Educare Small School. During my training as an AT teacher it became very clear to me how much the Alexander Technique could help children with their learning at school (and in life!) My original intention was to teach actors as this was my background before I re trained as an AT teacher. I had no idea how to teach children the Technique, it seemed such a difficult concept even for me to understand!. Luckily Sue Merry and Judith Klienman ran their first Developing Self Course the year I graduated. This is where I discovered so many more things about the technique and how to approach teaching children. After completing the course I taught in a nursery school teaching 4 and 5 year olds as well as workshops at several primary schools. I now work with children and young adults both privately and in schools and colleges. When I’m not at Educare or teaching privately, I’m usually out walking my spaniel, Bobby.

I’m Chantell, a Senior Leader and KS2 Teacher, with responsibility for PE, Design and Food Technology. I have been part of the school community for the past ten years, and during that time I’ve had the privilege of watching our pupils grow, develop and thrive.
I am deeply committed to the ethos of our school and strongly believe in the balanced, inclusive curriculum we offer. It is designed to support the whole child — academically, physically and creatively — ensuring every pupil is given the opportunity to succeed, discover their strengths and develop a lifelong love of learning. 
“Creativity is as important now in education as literacy and we should treat it with the same status.” 
― Sir Ken Robinson