Elizabeth Steinthal - Head Teacher
I am Elizabeth Steinthal B. Ed, M.A. Professional Development
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.
I have three children and eight grandchildren, two attend Educare. My husband Peter managed the financial side of Educare until 2017 and without him the school would not have survived. Peter and I own the freehold of the school building which we allow Educare to use free of charge, my son is now a trustee and my two daughters acknowledge and support their responsibility to keep the model of Educare sustainable into the future.

Sue Merry - Alexander Technique Teacher
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

Mel Delauney - Deputy Head, SENDCo and Starfins teacher
Hi! I’m Mel Delauney, Deputy Head, SENDCo and Starfins teacher. I’ve been at Educare since 2012, and in that time I’ve managed to get to know pretty much every stage of the school: I started as teacher of Butterflies and Dolphins, and I have been Early Years Leader and Safeguarding Lead. I have also previously taught all the Starfish, covering for Shannon’s maternity leave when Starfish was one big Key Stage 2 group. Teaching is my second career. I took an on-the-job route to Qualified Teacher Status, and worked at state primary schools in both Kingston and Surrey before joining Educare in 2012.
Before coming into teaching, I worked for Shell and for Unilever, both in the UK and overseas (Sydney and Shanghai).
I am the mother of 3 almost-grown-up children. I live locally in Kingston, and love walking and cycling in our beautiful local green spaces. I always have a book on the go, and I can’t wait to get back to the theatre!
I have a degree in History from Jesus College, Cambridge.
I believe the values of Educare embody everything education should be, and feel privileged to work with such a dedicated and curious team of professionals, and with all your amazing children.

Miriam Lopez - Starfish teacher and Safeguarding Lead
Hi! My name is Miriam and I’m the Starfish teacher and Safeguarding Lead at school. I started working at Educare in September 2018. I am from Spain and moved to London over 15 years ago when I was granted a scholarship to finish my BA in English Philology at the University of Roehampton. Since I graduated, I have worked in several primary schools across all year groups, from Nursery to Year 6. I love working at Educare as it gives me a chance to not only help the children learn but also focus on their emotional wellbeing and help them develop the best and most balanced version of themselves.
In my spare time, I love cooking and reading. Once upon a time, I used to do a lot of Cuban salsa dancing but that’s not happened for a long time... not outside my living room anyway!

Jessica Oxford - EYFS Lead and Kindergarten Teacher
My name is Jessica Oxford and I am the teacher in Kindergarten
as well as Early Years Leader. I have worked at Educare for just
over three years. However, I have been part of the Educare
Community for over twenty years as all three of my children attended Educare.
While my children were pupils at Educare, I became interested in education and how children learn and develop so I decided to become a mature student and study a degree in Education and Childhood and Society at Roehampton University. Here, I discovered how much I enjoyed researching - so much so that I managed to get an award for the top first class degree in the social science department! I went on to do a PGCE at Kingston University finishing with a distinction.
I love working at Educare and believe wholeheartedly in its ethos as it is a place where a child feels safe and secure allowing them to learn and develop at their own pace. They are treated as individuals and encouraged to be independent, creative thinkers with a growth mindset.

Chloe Long - Butterflies and Dolphins Teacher
I’m Chloe. I have been working at Educare for 10 years and have loved every single minute of it. It truly is home from home. I started off as a Teaching Assistant for the Starfish group & moved to Butterflies and Dolphins (KS1) alongside Mel where I found my passion for working with the younger children. I decided to go to university (Kingston University) to get my qualifications and now I am the proud teacher of the Butterflies and Dolphins group. My hobbies include long park walks, cooking, Netflix series and documentaries and spending too much money on children’s books!

Candice Smith - Teaching Assistant
I am Candice Smith. I am originally from South Africa and moved to the UK in 2004. I am a Teaching Assistant to Butterflies and Dolphins (Mon, Tues and Thurs) working alongside Chloe and Chantell. I have been working at Educare for 16 years. I love working at Educare as I feel it is such a unique school where you feel part of a very big family and you know each and every child individually.
I gained my OU Foundation Degree in 2013 and also hold an Educare Diploma from South Africa, which I completed and gained in 2000. I am also First Aid trained.
I live in Farnham with my husband and my daughter who joined Kindergarten in 2019.

Sian Greenhalf - Music Teacher
I am Sian Greenhalf, a Primary Music Specialist. I play the violin, viola and piano among other instruments and have been leading music in various capacities across Kingston and Surrey for the past 10 years. I believe passionately that every child should have access to high quality music instruction and explore the music that sparks their interest. It is my hope that every child under my instruction go on to love music in whatever capacity most interests them whether it be playing a musical instrument, singing or being an avid listener.

Rosie Swan - Teaching Assistant
I’m Rosie Swan, I started working at Educare Small School this year as the Teaching Assistant in Kindergarten. I finished college early last year, studying Health and Social care, Psychology and Sociology. I have been working with children with special educational needs for the past year with AFC, where I got my safeguarding level 3 and first aid training.

Aisling Botes - Teaching Assistant
I’m Aisling Botes, the Teaching Assistant for Starfish Monday-Thursday. I’ve been at Educare since March 2020 and I love it!!
I was a Nanny for almost 20 years and have worked with children from newborns to teenagers. I have an NVQ 3 in Early Years Care and Education and a foundation stage certificate in Makaton. I also have a paediatric first aid certificate. I have two children, one currently attends Educare and the other will when she’s old enough! I love reading, dancing, travelling and paper cutting. I’ve also just learnt to knit.

Chantell Frost - Teaching Assistant
I’m Chantell Frost and I have worked at Educare for 6 years. I am one of the teaching assistants in the Hall.
I work on Wednesdays and Thursdays with the Butterflies and Dolphins and on Fridays with the Starfins and Starfish for art. My specialist interest is Physical Education. I am the Deputy Safeguarding Officer for the school

Yasmin Fallah - Teaching Assistant
My name is Yasmin and I graduated from Roehampton University in 2019 with a degree in Primary Education with QTS. I have also had experience in a 0-5 nursery/ preschool, which allowed me to work with and understand children’s development at all ages.
I joined Educare in 2020 and have already got to know the school well, having had experience with all ages. I am currently a Teaching Assistant in Starfins and Butterflies and Dolphins and hope to soon have my own class! Educare is a warm, family oriented school where everyone is welcoming! I am known as the social butterfly and love interacting with the children.

Rosie Charman-Smith - Teaching Assistant
I am Rosie Charman-Smith. I've been at Educare on a Friday as a Teaching Assistant with the Starfish since September 2020. Having gained a Diploma in preschool practice and worked in a local preschool I decided to have a career change. Up until recently I have been an events chef. My son is in the Kindergarten.
My hobbies are cooking, football and adventures with my son and my dog.

Kyla Duff - Lunchtime Supervisor
I’m Kyla Duff and I am the Lunchtime Supervisor. I recently joined Educare in 2020. I find the atmosphere inspirational. The staff and children are a joy to work with. The children never cease to amaze me with their knowledge and confidence! I have two children who attend school locally. In addition to being part of the Educare team I also run Canbury Buttons Playgroup in Kingston. My background, education and passion is Art.

Ellie Rouse - Alexander Technique Teacher
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.