Staff Spotlight Series 7 – Mrs Hibberd (Head of EYFS and Reception Teacher)

Mrs Hibberd is the Head of EYFS and a beloved Reception teacher, known for her warmth, kindness and nurturing approach. It’s no surprise she leads our Early Years team with such passion! Originally from South Africa, Mrs Hibberd moved to the UK at short notice in 2016 and quickly became an integral part of The Mead family. From day one, she’s created a welcoming, supportive environment where countless children have flourished under her care and begun their Mead journey. In this spotlight, discover her life advice, tips on preparing your child for Reception, favourite Mead moments and much more.

Tell us a bit about yourself—where did you grow up and how did you start working at The Mead?

As many people know, I’m originally from South Africa! I grew up in Johannesburg and attended a private school called St Dunstan’s in Benoni. After finishing my schooling, I studied for my teaching degree in Pretoria.

My journey to the UK began when my husband was headhunted for a graphic design job. We sold everything we owned in just a month, packed up (okay, I may have brought two bags!), and moved to the UK. While I had to wait for the right visa before I could work, I didn’t waste time. One morning I sent my CV to The Mead, and the very next day, I got a call from Miss Winter inviting me for an interview. The rest, as they say, is history!

What inspired you to become a teacher?

My mum is a psychologist who worked in play therapy, so I spent a lot of my childhood in her therapy room, surrounded by games and resources designed to help children. Over time, I became fascinated by how these tools supported children in overcoming challenges. It was clear to me that working with young children would be my passion, and what better way to make a difference than by becoming an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) teacher?

What’s the most rewarding part of your role?

For me, the most rewarding part is witnessing the incredible progress that a child makes in just one year. It’s amazing to see our Reception children grow from little ones who are just starting to read and write, to confident learners who can tackle basic maths and even stand on stage for our summer show! They may be small, but they are mighty—and being part of their journey is simply remarkable.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

Oh, I wanted to be a marine biologist—who didn’t, right? Haha!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Any hobbies?

I’m a bit of a tree hugger—I love spending time outdoors and being in nature. It’s such a great way to stay grounded and remember what’s truly important. In this fast-paced life, taking time to breathe is crucial. I also enjoy mountain biking and playing sports like netball. I’ll admit, I’m just a little bit competitive when it comes to netball

What’s one thing about working in a school that surprised you?

Teachers will find any excuse to eat cake or chocolate. Seriously, we’ve mastered it!

Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know?

This one is a bit embarrassing, but here it goes: as a child, I made up my own language that only my older sister could understand. I was obsessed with Ninja Turtles and called them “Boras”! Eventually, I needed speech and language therapy, which really helped me out. Because of that, I’m a huge advocate for speech and language development in children.

What’s your favourite memory or moment working here?

My first experience of Trinity Show Week was unforgettable! I got goosebumps watching the production. It’s next level amazing! I was blown away by what we were able to achieve with such young children. The West End had better watch out—we’ve got some future stars here!

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself?

I would tell myself that everything will work out the way it should. When we first moved to the UK, it was a huge leap of faith and really nerve-wracking, but in the end, everything fell into place in the best possible way.

Do you have any advice for parents to help get their children ready for Reception?

Encourage your child to be as independent as possible. They might be small, but they are incredibly capable! You’ll be amazed at what they can accomplish when we give them the space to try. Trust in their abilities, and they’ll surprise you!