We welcomed Mrs Smart earlier this year as the new Head of EYFS at our Secret Garden site! We asked her a few light-hearted and thoughtful questions to get to know her a little better … from what inspired her to join St Christopher’s Prep to which superpower she’d choose (and why)!
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How long have you been in teaching?
I’ve been teaching for 15 years. I started out in a Pupil Referral Unit, which was incredibly rewarding, before coming to Brighton University to complete my teaching degree. Since then, I’ve worked in a state school and now feel very lucky to be part of the community at St Christopher’s
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What do you love most about teaching?
What I love most about teaching and especially working with younger children—is their boundless curiosity and the fresh perspective they bring to every day. No two days are ever the same!
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What made you want to join St Christopher’s Prep?
When I first visited St Christopher’s I instantly fell in love with it’s strong sense of family, there’s such a genuine warmth to the school—you can really feel it as you walk through the doors. The children, staff, and families have all been so welcoming.
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What are you looking forward to in your role?
I’m really looking forward to continuing to build new connections with our wonderful families and staff. Growing up in Cornwall gave me a deep love of nature, which is what drew me to St Christopher’s—the Glebe site feels truly magical and full of possibilities for our youngest learners. I’m excited to help nurture that sense of wonder and continue building on the fantastic opportunities the school already offers.
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What was your favourite book as a child?
I’ve always been a big fan of stories, so it’s hard to pick just one favourite—but as a child, I absolutely loved Winnie the Pooh. The adventures and friendships in the Hundred Acre Wood really captured my imagination and stayed with me.
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What is one of your favourite quotes?
One of my favourite quotes is from Emerson: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” It’s a reminder that passion and energy are key to accomplishing something meaningful.
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If you had a superpower what would it be?
If I were a superhero, my power would definitely be time travel! As a child, I was fascinated by history and often wished I could visit different time periods to experience life back then and meet some of the incredible people who shaped the world.
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What did you want to be when you were 5?
When I was 5, I was absolutely certain I’d grow up to be a teddy bear maker! My dog, Honey, had a habit of biting the noses off my soft toys, so I’d spend hours trying to fix them. I even pretended I had a Bear Factory right in my bedroom!
Stay tuned for more quick fire Q&As with our staff!