Staff

Headteacher: Mrs Cansdale

A strong partnership between school staff and children’s families is key for supporting learning and helping children feel safe and happy at school.  We operate an ‘open door’ policy at Christ Church and welcome parents and families into school as part of our community.  There are regular opportunities for you to hear about your child’s progress and to give your views about school.

The Headteacher is available at the beginning and the end of the day on the playground for informal chats, if there is something you need to tell us.  Appointments are always available should the matter need more time.  Class teachers too are always happy to talk to you and will make mutually convenient appointments if you need a longer time to discuss a matter, than a quick chat after school.

When a new family joins our school you will be offered a Home Visit by the Acorn Class teacher and will be told who is working in your child’s class.  As your child moves through the school you will be given opportunities to meet their new teacher.  As we are a small school the staff quickly get to know every child in school and we work as a team.  Each class is led by a teacher and your child will also work with teaching assistants who work with individuals and groups, as directed by the teacher.

Our current staffing structure is:

Headteacher, SENCo and Designated Safeguarding Lead:  Mrs Tracey Cansdale

Acorn Class:  Mrs Amy Martin (Teacher) & Miss Aja Richards (TA), Miss Vicky Taylor (TA), Ms Susie Brown (TA), Miss Mandy Thompson (TA), Miss Rosie Chase (Apprentice TA) and Miss Carla Brassington (Nursery TA)

Maple Class: Miss Rachael Fortune (Teacher), Mrs Jeanette McLoughlin (TA), Miss Vicky Taylor (TA) and Mrs Bev Brown (TA)

Holly Class: Mrs Lindsay Douch (Teacher & Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead) & Mrs Rachel Crout (TA)

Willow Class: Mr Will Brotherton (Teacher), Mrs Rachel Denholm (TA) & Ms Zoe Crabtree (TA)

Oak Class: Mrs Emma Clarke (Teacher), Mrs Tisha Wood (TA) & Mrs Cathy Oakley (TA)

In addition: Mrs Lucy Walton (TA) leads Forest School groups and outdoor learning.

Teaching Assistants are sometimes working with children with additional needs, or providing specialist interventions and at other times are working with the general class.  All teaching assistants, administrators, lunchtime supervisors and most teachers have first aid qualifications.

School Administrator: Mrs Wendy Partridge

Administrative Assistant: Miss Charlie Griffiths

During lunchtime, Mrs Beverly Baker,  and Mrs Mandy Chatfield provide care and supervision, alongside a rota of teaching assistants so that there is continuity between the playground and classroom.

Food is prepared by Mrs Heather Jolly and Miss Vicky Taylor (Senior Cooks)

Mr Dave McElvaine is our Caretaker, assisted by Mrs Jackie Thomas and Mrs Lyn McElvaine.

Our Staff Photo Board is opposite the Children’s Entrance and has photos and details of who to approach for safeguarding concerns and who can assist with First Aid.