Nursery

Qualifications & Expertise: Montessori Trained, over 30 years of global Early Years experience. About Sian: Sian brings a wealth of international expertise to Westhill, having spent three decades directing early childhood education in London and Sydney, Australia. After settling on the Isle of Wight a decade ago, she taught at the Bembridge Montessori Pre-School, helped establish the St Helens Montessori Nursery, and worked as a specialised SEND support educator at St Helens Primary. Both of Sian’s own children attended Ryde School, giving her a deep, personal appreciation for our school community.

Qualifications & Expertise: Diploma in Pre-School Practice, 27 years at Ryde School. About Penny: Penny is a cornerstone of the Ryde School family, having dedicated 26 of her 27 years at the school to nurturing our nursery children. Before relocating to the Island (where her daughter also attended Ryde School) Penny built a rich international portfolio teaching at the British Association Playschool and the Lock Road Kindergarten, both prestigious British nurseries in Singapore.

Qualifications & Expertise: 16 years at Ryde School across Early Years and Key Stage 1. About Amy: After a successful career in retail, discovering the joys of motherhood sparked Amy’s true passion for nurturing and guiding young minds. While the majority of her 16 years at Ryde School have been spent in the Nursery, Amy also spent four rewarding years as a Teaching Assistant in Year 1. She considers it a great honour to shape our children’s learning journeys from their very first day, and loves watching them continue to grow and flourish as they progress through the main school.

Qualifications & Expertise: Level 3 Early Years Educator, 22 years as a Senior Pediatric Staff Nurse. About Emma: Emma spent 22 years caring for sick and injured children as a Senior Staff Nurse on the Children’s Ward before transitioning her profound medical and nurturing skills to education. She joined Ryde School five years ago, working initially as a 1:1 support specialist before joining Upper Nursery. Emma loves discovering each child’s unique personality, building deep bonds of trust, and preparing them to take their next confident steps into Reception.

Qualifications & Expertise: Over 30 years of Early Years experience, Specialist Ballet & Dance Instructor. About Anna: Anna has spent over three decades dedicated to the development of young children. She began her career as a teaching assistant before establishing her own successful dance school and teaching Ballet right here at Ryde School. For Anna, it is a privilege to blend her love for creative movement with early years education, helping children celebrate daily milestones, build physical confidence, and grow into happy, curious individuals.