About us
Meet the teachers
Jill Pearce - Owner and Joint Principal
Early Years Professional Status, BA Hons (Early Years Childcare and Education), Montessori Diploma
Jill has over 23 years’ Early Years experience and is professionally trained in Traditional and Montessori methods. She and Katka take pride in taking a ‘best of both’ approach to create 345’s bespoke, child-centric provision. Having brought up her own four children in Wandsworth, Jill has close relationships with the best schools in the area and actively engages with our parents to help them choose the right next step for their child.
Favourite event: The Squirrels Leavers Concert!
Katka Goodbody - Owner and Joint Principal
BA Hons (Childhood Youth Studies), NVQ3
Katka has 20 Early Years’ teaching experience and has been at 345 Balham since January 2013. She has an honours degree in Childhood and Youth Studies, and an NVQ level 3 in Early-Years Childcare and Education. A mother of two, Katka is passionate about making learning fun for children, and leads on the creative activities for both years, including the musical events, Sports day and Easter Parade. She also developed our comprehensive online learning programme in 2020.
Favourite event: Nativity!
Miss Ruth - Deputy Head, SENDCO and Head of Squirrels
BA (Hons) Psychology and Early Childhood, QTS, Makaton Trained. Designated SENDCO Lead
Miss Ruth recently moved to 345 Balham from our sister pre-school, 345 Wandsworth. Having previously taught up to Year 2 in a school, she is strong advocate for holistic learning, and believes there is no ceiling on a child’s potential to learn. She is 345 Balham’s SENDCO lead and previously taught in a SEN school. She uses a range of Special Educational Needs techniques to help children where needed, and ensures seamless coordination between staff, parents and external support for any SEND needs.
Favourite event: Our ‘next schools’ role play day!
Miss Aneta - Squirrels Assistant
NVQ Level 3
Miss Aneta has a Master’s Degree in Pedagogy and has worked with children in the Early Years for six years.
Favourite event: Dance with Miss Jade. Joining in with the children in moving to the music and keeping active.
Miss Becca - Kits Teacher
NVQ Level 3
Miss Becca has joined 345 Balham from 345 Hurlingham where she worked since 2022. She joined the Kits team in 2025 and is loving supporting the new starters as they transition to nursery life.
Favourite Event: Nothing warms the heart quite like the Nativity Performance - watching the children sing with joy and seeing the pride on their parent’s faces. It’s truly the highlight of the season.
Miss Ana - Kits Teaching Assistant
Advanced Certificate in Special Needs
As well as being qualified to help children with special needs, Miss Ana has completed her CACHE Level 3 Early Years Educator Qualifications.
Favourite event: Music Lessons with Miss Leisa!
Miss Maria - Mini Oaks Teacher
CACHE level 3
Miss Maria supports the learning of the Kits two days per week.
Favourite event: Weekly library visits!
Miss Grace - Mini Oaks Teacher
Warm, patient and fun loving, Miss Grace has been with the nursery for over 18 years.
Favourite event: World Book Day!
Miss Kirsty - Kits Teacher
NNEB Level 3
A former Oaktree parent, Miss Kirsty joined 345 Balham in 2020. Before that, she was a qualified nanny with over 28 years’ experience.
Favourite event: Outdoor Learning Days!