The Best
Start in Life

From a young age I loved school and this stayed with me throughout my whole school career ultimately ending in achieving a BSc in Early Childhood Studies at Bristol University. Here I worked at and visited a broad range of educational settings and I knew teaching would be for me! Immediately afterwards I trained as a Montessori teacher at the International Centre in London before then going on to gain Qualified Teacher Status. At Headington I am very fortunate to be in the midst of the magical early years department. Here the foundations for life are set and it couldn’t be a more exciting place to work. The department is a constant buzz of activity indoors and outdoors. It is a real joy to work with my fantastic colleagues alongside the children and their families as they begin their exciting educational journey. Out of school I enjoy being active, growing flowers and spending time with friends and family.

Having studied English at Hull University where I met my husband, I moved to Oxford where I completed a PGCE at Westminster College. I decided to specialise in Early Years having volunteered at a reading assistance programme in Hull in some very deprived schools. I am originally from Northumberland, and as the first member of my family to attend university, I believe education is a privilege. The children we teach at Headington are incredibly fortunate to have so many varied, rich opportunities on offer every day.

Instilling a love of learning is one of my most important roles and I particularly enjoy being part of those first milestones, such as learning to read or the first Nativity. My own children are now young adults and when I am not spending time with them, my husband and I enjoy long walks, meals with friends and following his first love – Oxford United!

I began my career working in a bank, but I first found my love of teaching when working at a summer camp in America as a nanny during the summer. I studied at Kingston University for a BEd with English and Drama. I then spent several years working in a primary school in London, as a class teacher but specialising in the teaching of Reading Recovery. 

During my time at Headington Prep, I have taught most year groups and for many years I was Head of Key Stage One. Once my own three children left school I decided I wanted a change and I have now been in EYFS for two years. I love the excitement for the world and for learning which the youngest children have. Their honesty and sense of humour makes every day a joy. Outside of school, I love swimming, walking in the mountains and travelling. 

My name is Katie Nulty and I am the Learning Assistant in Nursery. I have worked at Headington Prep School since 2006. Most of my time here has been spent within the Early Years department. I have a keen interest in my job as I love being part of a child’s learning and development and seeing their progression throughout the School. Outside of Nursery, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and going for long walks with my husband. 

Working in different education and childcare settings for four years, and gaining much experience during the achievement of a level three childcare qualification, has given me the opportunity to explore different practices and ways of teaching. My favourite moments working with children are those when a child achieves something that they have been trying so hard to do.

Recently completing a foundation degree in early years, and now beginning a BA (Honours) degree, enriches regular ideas and concepts that contribute to effective practice. Although I have only joined Headington Prep very recently, I am really enjoying my experience here and all the girls and staff are very lovely!

In my own time, I enjoy playing Football and I am vice captain for my team. I love to spend time with family and friends and trying new foods and experiences. Which I did lots of in my recent trip to Asia!

Having grown up in Spain, I obtained my BA (Hons) in Education from the Complutense University of Madrid, which provided me with qualified teacher status. During my university years, I gained an extensive experience in this area through three different internships in a variety of settings, including a SEN school. 

I have always adored British literature, art and history – my favourite artists are Virginia Woolf and Charles Dickens. As a result, in 2018 I decided to move to England and explore the sights and places I always read about. Three years later, I joined Headington Prep School, an extraordinary workplace where I truly feel I can contribute to the education of our girls who, like Jane Austen or Christina Rossetti, have so many ideas to bring into our world in the future.