Our Team

At Pony & Panda, we believe nursery should feel like a trusted extension of your family. Meet the caring educators who work closely with parents to support every child’s learning, wellbeing and confidence.

Ms Zoe

Founder

A pioneer in Mandarin education in the UK, she founded Real Chinese Academy and has authored books on education. She is also the grandmother of two children who attended Pony & Panda @ Petts Wood.

Ms Jing

Founder

An Oxford graduate fluent in Mandarin, Japanese and English. She is both a mother and a nursery leader, and watching her son grow at Pony & Panda has been deeply rewarding.

Petts Wood Nursery

Ms Melissa

Headteacher

Ms Melissa joined Pony & Panda in March 2026 with over 20 years' experience in early education and leadership roles across a number of nursery settings in Southeast London and Kent. As Nursery Manager, she has a key role to play in maintaining high standards of care, learning, and safeguarding and creating a warm, safe, and nurturing environment for all the children to feel supported and valued. She has an especially strong background in the EYFS framework and supporting children with additional needs, helping each child to make meaningful progress in their development. Under her leadership, the team provides a wide range of engaging and well-planned activities, creating a stimulating environment that supports children’s curiosity, confidence, and love of learning. She provides support to the directors for overall excellence across the settings.

Ms Cecilia

Deputy Headteacher

Born in Hong Kong and educated in Australia, she is an experienced SENCO and English curriculum lead. A Montessori practitioner, she encourages independence through hands-on learning.

Miss Peipei

Third in Charge

With a degree in art and a keen interest in animal care and children’s nutrition, she leads lively creative sessions, including cooking activities and caring for the nursery pets.

Mr Ziyang

Teacher

An Early Childhood Studies specialist with a PGCert from Roehampton University. He teaches reasoning and mathematics and leads the ONE ZERO ONE project to develop logical thinking and early digital skills.

Ms Jing

Teacher

With a degree in early music education and more than ten years’ teaching experience, she is a professional musician and dancer who brings warmth, musical storytelling and cultural expression to the classroom.

Wimbledon Nursery

Ms Alicia

Headteacher

With 20 years of nursery experience across South and West London, she leads Wimbledon with calm, friendly confidence. She is especially proud of the progress made by children who join with limited English.

Miss Anna

Teacher

A former secondary school teacher in China with a UK master’s degree in business. She has returned to teaching and brings a thoughtful blend of pedagogies and practical experience.

Miss Tina

Teacher

A music graduate who leads Wimbledon’s music curriculum, she uses songs and circle time to nurture routine, joy and expressive confidence for children aged one and above.

Kitchen

Ms Jenny

Chef

An experienced chef who brings her love of food to our children, creating healthy, delicious meals that are enjoyed in a warm, family-style atmosphere.

Ms Lili

Chef

With a passion for cooking for young children and a background in language teaching, she combines nutritious meals with warm, nurturing mealtime experiences.