Our Staff

Penina Efune

Manager & Head Teacher

I have been in Education for 35 years and am passionate about maintaining high standards of quality provision and excellence. I particularly like to focus on cultivating positive values, such as gratitude and kindness, and make a point of noticing and celebrating children’s good deeds every day. I also love to give children an awareness of something higher than themselves and teach the richness of Judaism through songs, music, art projects, drama and first-hand experiences.

Jillian Stark

Cook

I have been at Torah for 28 years and I love it! As well as developing healthy dietary options, learning about Kosher catering has been a good education and I have made lots of friends.

Our Governors

Raquel Margo

I am a parent governor who has worked with youth, the arts, and play work. More recently I teach road safety to primary-age children in schools in Brighton and Hove. My son Ori attended the Torah Montessori nursery for 2½ years and just left this July to go to primary school. Ori thoroughly enjoyed his time at nursery and left very well equipped to start school. I highly value this nursery and want to see it thrive.

Norina Duke

I was manager of Ralli Hall, a community centre, for 27 years. When I retired—and after a number of different invitations—I chose to be a governor at the Torah Montessori Nursery. I totally support their commitment to provide a warm Jewish environment for children in their care.

Janet Smith

As a retired teacher of over 40 years, I feel strongly about quality education. My role on the board of JeMs Nursery Brighton has given me the opportunity to see first-hand how amazing a caring, loving, rich environment can be, and how the children in our care really thrive.

Andrea Diskin

I am a learning mentor in a local state primary school and have worked with children with special educational needs for 25 years. I have always been passionate about children of all backgrounds achieving their full potential and believe that the holistic approach of the Montessori system provides the perfect start in a child’s educational life. I have supported the Torah Montessori Nursery for many years because I know how nurtured and valued the children are in their care.