Meet the team

Helen Smith, Pre-School Manager / SENCO / Deputy DSL

Saira Shahzad

I am a mum of three children, and my youngest attended St. Martin's preschool, where I decided to work with children.

I have a MA degree in Statistics from overseas. I am a qualified Early Years Educator and Teaching Assistant with a passion for working with early years children. I have recently completed my ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) training which gave me a wider picture to support children's emotional well-being.

Nancy Blaker

I enjoy the variety of my role at the Pre-School, dealing with finance, admissions, funding, staffing and the day to day running of the pre-school.

Samantha Manzambi, QTS

With over 17 years of experience as a qualified Primary school teacher, I have had the joy of guiding children as they learn and grow through their first experience of school. Most of my teaching has been in Reception and Year 1, where I’ve nurtured curiosity, confidence, and a love of discovery. Alongside my classroom work, I’ve gained valuable experience in a Nursery and children’s centre, deepening my understanding of early childhood development.

Now, as both a teacher and a mum living in Epsom, with two young children aged 4 and 6 attending St Martin’s school, I cherish the privilege of supporting your young children as they embark on their first steps of learning at St Martin’s pre-school. My passion lies in creating a safe, inspiring environment where every child feels valued and excited to explore the world around them.

Karon McKnight

Nia Owen

I joined St Martin's at the beginning of the new academic year in September 2020. I am a qualified Nursery Nurse and have worked with early years children for over 20 years!

Sandra Barrow

Jane Humphries, QTS

I live in Epsom, close to the pre-school, so love my short walk to work and time spent with the children. I have always worked within education and enjoy the variety of activities within sessions at pre-school. I love Makaton signing and sing in an inclusive choir.

Tina Fox

I have worked in education and childcare for over 30 years! Throughout that time I have worked in a variety of settings. I joined St Martin's Pre-School in 2020.

As a member of bank staff I very much enjoy working both one to one, and with small groups of children, to support their learning, through play-based activities.

Frankie Taylor

I have two sons, and both boys previously attended the pre-school. I am a qualified Early Years Educator and joined as a bank member in 2020. Over the years I have thoroughly enjoyed working at the Pre-School with such a fantastic team in this nurturing environment.

Aareka Phillips

Elaine Hutton, QTS

Before becoming a mum I was a primary school teacher, working mostly in EY and KS1. My child came to this pre-school and we both loved it. I’m delighted to be working here now.

Fay Todd

I'm Fay i am new to the early years sector after being a mum and a carer . I am enjoying something new. To be able to support the children in their learning journeys and caring for them as they grow and develop.

Emily Clarke

I have worked as a qualified early years educator for over 13 years. I recently joined St Martin's Pre-School team (November 2024) and find working with children rewarding, watching them learn, grow in independence and improve their social skills before transitioning to school!

Michele Roberts

My two girls, one of whom is in her 30's, attended St Martin's Pre-School many years ago and I have never left since! It is obvious that I thoroughly enjoy working at the Pre-School and my role helping the children to grow and develop to their best potential. I am the Health and Safety Officer and enjoy this additional part of my role.