Greenbank Pre School is located in the purpose-built nursery hall in Greenbank Church under the leadership of Manager Kyra Okoth. Our experienced staff are committed to quality provision for the individual child. There are 30 places available morning and afternoon with at least three staff and one parent helper on a rota system.
Meet Our Staff
Kyra Okoth – Manager/HeadteacherI knew I wanted to work with children at the age of 16 years when I spent 2 weeks supporting in a reception class as part of a school project.
Over 40 years later I am still in the same profession having worked overseas as an Early Years Consultant and Head Teacher/ Manager in Spain, Kenya and the Middle East. My career developed in London where I worked in Merton for 6 years as a leader in early years.
My passion for the expressive arts, upcycling, global and multicultural projects and creating beautiful spaces for children shines through everything I do. There isn’t a day goes by where I don’t learn something from the children and the work I do with them!
Apart from managing the professional development of all staff at Greenbank, I also lead the ECO/Outdoor areas of the curriculum, Additional Support for Learning, Planning and Policy review, Risk Assessments and Inservice training.
Over 40 years later I am still in the same profession having worked overseas as an Early Years Consultant and Head Teacher/ Manager in Spain, Kenya and the Middle East. My career developed in London where I worked in Merton for 6 years as a leader in early years.
My passion for the expressive arts, upcycling, global and multicultural projects and creating beautiful spaces for children shines through everything I do. There isn’t a day goes by where I don’t learn something from the children and the work I do with them!
Apart from managing the professional development of all staff at Greenbank, I also lead the ECO/Outdoor areas of the curriculum, Additional Support for Learning, Planning and Policy review, Risk Assessments and Inservice training.
Julie French – Deputy ManagerI have worked with children for over 30 years and have been at Greenbank since 2001. I am Deputy Manager and coordinate Numeracy, Admissions, Additional Support Needs, and am a Mentor to staff.
I love to see children blossom in their learning by being inquisitive through discovery and challenge in their play.
They are a constant inspiration to me.
I love to see children blossom in their learning by being inquisitive through discovery and challenge in their play.
They are a constant inspiration to me.
Ahn Um – Early Years PractitionerI am an Early Years Practitioner and I work on Monday and Friday. My area of coordination is STEM.
I love working with children because they are a bunch of creative, imaginative and inspiring little people and they are non-judgemental and can absorb the silly side of me!
I love working with children because they are a bunch of creative, imaginative and inspiring little people and they are non-judgemental and can absorb the silly side of me!
Debi Allan – Early Years Practitioner
I work as an Early Years Practitioner at Greenbank Pre School. I am passionate about the natural world and love sharing my knowledge with the children. I enjoy doing yoga with the children where we have lots of fun 🙏
Krisha Macdonald- Early Years PractitionerHi, I’m an Early Years Practitioner at Greenbank Preschool and this year I will be coordinating P.E (physical education) & Wellbeing.
I have a passion for early years education & love being able to support children & watch them grow and develop in their formative years.
I have two lovely children, I love the outdoors, to travel & to see the world and you might have already guessed I’m from Australia.
I have a passion for early years education & love being able to support children & watch them grow and develop in their formative years.
I have two lovely children, I love the outdoors, to travel & to see the world and you might have already guessed I’m from Australia.
Victoria Melville – Early Years PractitionerI am an EYP and I coordinate the area of ‘loose parts’ play. I am passionate about providing experiences where the children can engage with a sense of wonder and excitement.
Andrea Balzarini – Learning Support AssistantHi I am Andrea and I work at Greenbank as a Learning Support Assistant for children with Additional Support Needs.
I am from Switzerland and I have two teenage daughters.
I am interested in the way different children develop and learn. I believe in building secure attachments and responding to individual needs and the promotion of inclusion.
I am from Switzerland and I have two teenage daughters.
I am interested in the way different children develop and learn. I believe in building secure attachments and responding to individual needs and the promotion of inclusion.
Kirsten McIlwraith – Lunch Time Supervisor
I am the lunch time supervisor & work alongside Marion Monday-Friday. I also work EYP supply which I absolutely love! I have a great interest in all things creative and enjoy working in all areas of the pre school
Marion Dickie – Lunchtime SupervisorI am a Lunchtime Supervisor. Along with Kirsten, I co-ordinate all aspects of lunch service in preschool. I am passionate about food and nutrition as it relates to children. ……🤷🏻♀️
Joan Ritchie – Management Committee ChairI am a retired Community Paediatrician, with many years’ experience with children with a range of additional support needs. As an elder of Greenbank Church, I was aware of the work of Greenbank Pre School for many years before I became Chair of the Management Committee in 2013.