Executive Leadership team

Nadine Davis is an Early Years specialist with over a decade of experience in fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments for young children. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Primary Education, specialising in Early Years and Key Stage 1, from Middlesex University and maintains a track record of achieving and maintaining outstanding outcomes for children as a teacher in the UK, and as both a teacher and senior leader in the UAE. Nadine is currently undertaking her National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and is a trained facilitator for the National Professional Qualification for Early Years Leaders (NPQEYL).

A compassionate advocate for play-based learning, Nadine has undertaken and delivered numerous professional development courses, for both parents and professionals, focused on inclusive play-based teaching approaches and relational practice. Her approach to Early Years pedagogy, inspired by the Nicolette Sowder quote “If we want our children to move mountains, we first have to let them get out of their chairs!”, underpins her expertise in developing and adapting curricula that reflect the diverse needs and identities of children and provides support and resources for families to engage actively in their children’s education. Nadine’s commitment to diversity, language development, and inclusion was profoundly inspired by her extensive work with families from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds in inner London boroughs. Nadine has always believed that each child’s unique experiences and perspectives are assets that enrich the learning environment. She strives to create educational spaces where all children can thrive, leveraging their diverse cultural backgrounds to enhance their learning experiences.

Suzie Podesta is the Assistant Head at DBF, where she has had the pleasure of working for the past seven years. As the overseer of Inclusion and Wellbeing, she is deeply committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of their needs, feels included and supported in the school community. Her role allows her to create and implement strategies that promote inclusivity and provide tailored support to help all students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

In addition to her work with students, Suzie also supports the dedicated staff and the parents of students with their wellbeing. She believes that a nurturing and positive environment is essential for everyone in the school community. Through various programs and initiatives, she strives to promote mental and emotional health, offering resources and support to ensure that everyone feels valued and cared for. Her passion for inclusion and wellbeing drives her to continually improve practices and foster a supportive, inclusive atmosphere for all.