Staff

Amy Allen - SENCo

I started my Further Education with a degree in Psychology (BSc Hons London) following which I gained Qualified Teacher Status in the UK. After completing an MA in Primary Education – Special Needs (Leicester), a Diploma in Counselling, Youth Counselling and English as an Additional Language, I completed a qualification in SEN Coordination and I am currently working towards a Masters in Inclusive Education. Parallel to this, I became an Advanced Autism Specialist in July and am now working towards becoming an Applied Behaviour Analysist, to support children with Behavioural Difficulties and who have Autism Spectrum Disorders. Having worked in education for 18 years all of which have been with children with special educational needs aged 2-18, I have experience working with, supporting, advising and writing programmes for young people with a range of difficulties. These include dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and ADHD, global difficulties, autistic spectrum disorders, Speech and Language difficulties, Fine and Gross Motor Difficulties and numerous other conditions. As a mother of 4 children, I have first hand experience of the developmental stages and ages of children and as their ages range from 4 – 16, I am kept busy all the time. I enjoy travelling and experiencing life with them now we are back in UK after spending the past 17 years in Asia. I am looking forward to the next stage of my life being part of St Bartholomew’s and the wider community it is involved in.

Sarah Anderson - Class Teacher

I am a Foundation Stage teacher here at St Barts and I love it. I trained at Leeds Metropolitan University where I specialised in early years education. When I'm not at school I enjoy spending time with my family.

Michael Applewhite - Class Teacher

I am a member of the Key Stage One team, working in Year 2. I trained to be a teacher through the Schools Direct programme ran by Derby University and Ashmount Special School four years ago and have loved teaching ever since! I am also a swimming teacher and have been for nine years. Having the chance to teach children swimming, showed me the impact one individual can make and inspired me to become a primary school teacher. In my spare time, I enjoy socialising with my family and friends, swimming, cycling and spending many afternoons down at Welford Road watching the Leicester Tigers.

Janette Armstrong - Midday Supervisor

I have lived in Quorn since the age of 5 and am now married with 3 grown up sons and 1 daughter. The boys all attended St Bartholomew’s school although my daughter went to Sacred Hearts Primary School in Loughborough. I have worked with children in various capacities since 1977 and am currently also employed at a residential college for students with special needs. In my spare time I enjoy walking my dogs around our lovely countryside and looking after my 2 cats. I feel very privileged working at St Bartholomew’s, it is a beautiful place to work.

Jane Barrass – Class Teacher – Music Co-ordinator

I am a member of the Key Stage 1 team, teaching year 1. Each day is different and exciting! At home, I enjoy walking my dog (Nugget), cycling, and gardening. I also love to sing and play music. I have three children who are all growing up far too quickly for me!

Fiona Benson – Learning Support Assistant

I live in Quorn with my husband, two children and 2 rabbits. When I am not ferrying my children to their various activities, I like to play tennis, cycle and go for quiet walks. I also love to watch football which can be a little stressful as I am a lifelong Leicester City fan!

Steph Biggs – Learning Support Assistant

I have worked at St Bartholomew's Primary School for a number of years in various roles, most recently as Learning Support Assistant, which I love. I have lived in Quorn all my life and I attended St Bartholomew's Primary School, albeit a few years ago! I am married to Adrian and have two daughter who both attend the school. In my spare time I enjoy baking (which I am yet to perfect!), running, reading, holidays and spending time with my family and friends.

Shirley Bood – Class Teacher – Geography Co-ordinator

I've worked at St. Bartholomew's for 17 years teaching in years 1, 3 4 and Foundation Stage. Before coming to St. Bartholomew's, I taught in Leicester for 2 years. Before that, I taught in Newcastle for 3 years, and I began my teaching career in Liverpool, my home town - I taught there for 4 years. Good job I enjoy teaching Geography! I don't have alot of spare time with my 2 children, but any time I have is usually spent sewing costumes for dancing- since my daughter and I both enjoy our tap and modern dancing lessons, and performing in shows twice a year. I also spend alot of my spare time on football touchlines, not only supporting my son, but cheering on my favourite team, Liverpool.

Judith Boston – Head Teacher

I began my teaching career in 1981, after gaining at 2:1 (Hons) degree in history from the University of Leeds, followed by a PGCE at the University of Leicester in primary education. Since then, I have taught in 6 different schools during my career with a break to bring up my two daughters. I became a head teacher in 2002, following NPQH and in 2009 the school was awarded an outstanding grading from Ofsted and similarly from the Diocese. The school became a national support school and as a National Leader of Education, the staff were able to support other schools. In 2013 I joined St Bart's and I continue to have immense passion to help children to maximise their potential through their educational experience at primary school. I believe that St Bart's is a wonderful environment in which to thrive and learn and central to this are the excellent relationships throughout the school. I have two daughters - one holds a Royal Academy of Engineering Fellowship for research at the University of Sheffield specialising in energy storage and nano-technology and my younger daughter has completed a Dphil in twelfth century legal history at Trinity College, Oxford. When not at work I enjoy being outdoors - cycling, running, gardening and I am a keen ornithologist. I am passionate about teaching and love being part of the school.

Stacey Buckby - Class Teacher

I chose teaching as a career after completing my Masters degree in Chemistry and realising that it was not the subject itself that I had loved most throughout my course; it was the joy I felt when I understood something new. I decided that the focus didn't have to be on my own learning and in 2005 I completed a Primary PGCE. Since then, I’ve taught KS2 children in several city and county schools and in 2016, I undertook further training as a Reading Recovery teacher, working with beginning readers in year 1. The following year, I received a ‘Highly Commended’ award at the National Reading Recovery Awards ceremony at the Institute of Education, University College London. I’m really enjoying my work at St Barts, teaching a year 4 class with Mrs Orr. When I’m not there, I love to read, go to exercise classes at my local gym and spend time with my family. I have two sons (aged 11 and 9) who keep me very busy, especially when it comes to swimming lessons, climbing club and football training and matches.

Colette Bujdoso – Learning Support Assistant

I have two children both of whom have been through St Bartholomew’s. My husband and I have been linked to the school for many years and I am lucky enough to have a rewarding role as a 'Learning Support Assistant' following completion of an NVQ3. In my spare time I attend various fitness classes in an attempt to keep up with the children at school and home. I enjoy cross stitch, reading and cooking but only when my mum/taxi role allows. Socialising with friends and family is important to me (another reason to exercise).

Alison Cherry – Learning Support Assistant

I live in Quorn with my husband and 2 children and have worked at St Barts since 2011. In my spare time I am a keen runner and leader with Barrow Running Club. I love to be outdoors and try to run, swim or cycle everyday. I am an avid reader and belong to a local book club.

Sonya Campbell – Assistant Head Teacher & Class Teacher

I have had the pleasure of being part of the St Bartholomew's team for many years. During this time, I have taught children ranging from Year 2 to Year 6 and have seen many changes as our school has grown and developed during the years. I studied for my PGCE at Loughborough University and also achieved the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) in 2008. I currently teach a Year 2 class for 3 days a week and support the wider management of the school for the other 2 days. Recently, I led the "Badger Trail" project consisting in the creation of a 300m track with various physical obstacles along its length. This has provided a significant boost to the general physical well-being of all the children within the school. I work closely with our PTA (FOSBA) to ensure their funds are used effectively to support all the children's learning experience. As the co-ordinator of educational visits, I believe in the positive impact that well-organised school visits have on children's learning and development. In my spare time, I work hard to keep myself fit doing a range of physical activities. These include indoor cycling, running, yoga and PT. I also enjoy gardening and growing things in my greenhouse.

Melanie Clarke - Learning Support Assistant

I am married with 3 children. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the theatre and being kept busy with the children's hobbies.

Wendy Cooper - Learning Support Assistant

I live in Quorn with my husband, my two young children (who both attend St Bartholomew’s) and our dog, Pippa. I have been working at St Bartholomew’s as a Learning Support Assistant since August 2015, and have been a keen member of FOSBA since 2009. In my spare time, which is too infrequent for my liking, I enjoy cooking (with the children) and long family walks around the Leicestershire countryside with my family and Pippa.

Courtney Cronin - Class Teacher

I started working at St Bartholomew's in 2018 after completing a PGCE at Nottingham Trent University. I have joined the Key Stage 1 team and am looking forward to learning and exploring with the children. I enjoy baking for family and friends and going on long walks with my dog.

Suzy Crossley - Class Teacher

I am currently part of the Key Stage One team at St Bartholomew's and enjoy my role as class teacher in Year 2. I have three children and enjoy family time, running socialising and shopping!

Emma Davinson – Nursery Nurse

I have been a member of the support team since 2012. My Early Years background enabled me to move into the Foundation Stage to work with a fantastic team. I am now employed as a Nursery Nurse - every day is different and I absolutely love my job. I live in Quorn with my husband and have a son and daughter. I enjoy cooking, cleaning! eating and keeping fit.

Vicky Denmark - High Level Teaching Assistant

Having lived all my life in the South East of England, I recently moved to Quorn with my husband, daughter, dog, tortoise ( and don't forget the two fish). I have felt very welcomed by the Quorn community and am excited to have joined this fantastic school as a LSA. As with most parents, my daughter has a much more active social life than I, which can restrict free time. My favourite pastime is spending time with my family, but I also enjoy long walks with the dog, playing netball and watching athletics.

Rachel Eames - Learning Support Assistant

I have recently joined the Year 6 team at St. Bartholomew’s as a Learning Support Assistant and I am thoroughly enjoying my new role. I am married to Rich and we have two young children who keep me busy when I’m not at work. I enjoy spending quality time with my family, eating out, watching films and musicals and going on holiday in the UK and abroad.

Sophie Fielden - Class Teacher

I attended Leeds University, where I graduated with an English Literature and Language (Hons) degree. After graduation, I spent the next 18 months working abroad, returning to Leeds University to undertake my PGCE in primary education. Since completing my course in 2001, I have held full-time upper and lower Key Stage 2 class teacher positions in schools in Yorkshire and Devon. I moved to Quorn in 2016 and am loving living back in my home county of Leicestershire. I started working at St. Bartholomew’s in 2016 doing supply work, and am presently enjoying working in Year 6. My son is a pupil at St. Bart’s, which he really enjoys. When not at work, I enjoy cycling, running, reading and exploring the great outdoors with my boy.

Rebecca French – Class Teacher- IT Support & School Council Co-ordinator & Eco Schools Lead

Following a career break to look after my three children (who were all lucky enough to attend St Barts!), I began working in schools as a Creative Practitioner. After training as a teacher I have worked in Leicester City and County schools teaching in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. I am now part of the super year five teaching team! In my spare time, I enjoy watching films with my family and running or walking with friends and my energetic dog.

Sam Garland – Foundation Stage Teacher & Foundation Stage Co-ordinator

I have been teaching at St Barts since I qualified from Nottingham Trent University. I enjoy working with the youngest children in our school as no two days are ever the same! Outside of work I love to read, when I get the chance, spend time with family and friends and relax!

Louise Geary – Administration Assistant

I have been at St Bartholomew’s for the last ten years and enjoy working in the school’s busy office. I have two children, who both came to St. Bartholomew’s. My daughter now attends the University of Bristol and my son is graduating from the University of York. I have been involved with scouting in Quorn for over 10 years and my interests are cooking, cake decorating, silver smithing, going to the local gym and I have trained in Tae Kwon Do and achieved my 2nd degree black belt.

Laura Gray – Class Teacher- Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Co-ordinator & Inclusion Leader

Outside of teaching, I am also a swimming teacher and have been for ten years. It was through this experience, that I developed a desire to become a primary school teacher. I have a degree in French and Spanish and have lived in Bordeaux, France and Zaragoza Spain. I completed my PGCE in 2013, and spent a year teaching at a school in Ashby-de-la-Zouch. I then came to St Barts, and have loved being a part of this team ever since. I love animals and I have two dogs, a rabbit and a tortoise! I really enjoy spending time with my family and socialising with my friends. I love going to the theatre and the cinema, and I love visiting different countries on holiday!

Wendy Gray - Midday Supervisor

Having been a volunteer for some time at St. Bartholomew’s, reading with the year 4 children, I really built a great bond with the children and the school which was so enjoyable. It was great therefore, to become more involved with this role. I have 2 children, Maddie & Lydia, both pupils at St. Barts… although Lydia has now made the move up to Rawlins. In my spare time (and outside of ferrying the girls to their various clubs, groups and dance classes!), I love to read a good book and when time allows, I really enjoy baking. Other pastimes include enjoying time with friends, eating out, holidaying both here in the UK and far afield and spending time with my family.

Tracey Harrison- Administration Assistant

I have worked at St Bartholomew’s since 2006 as a lunchtime supervisor and administration assistant. I have lived in Quorn since 1993 and have one son Daniel. My interests include natural history and art.

Anna Holland - Bursar

I have been working at St Bartholomew's Primary School since October 2003 and enjoy my role as Bursar.

Paula Hunter – Higher Level Teaching Assistant

I started working at St Bartholomew’s in August 2005 as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant. I am lucky enough to teach children throughout the school and love my role. I have two children and enjoy walking and cycling.

Marie Inder - Learning Support Assistant

I live in Quorn with my husband and three children. Most of my time is spent organising their social calendars but I also enjoy running, yoga and exploring new places with family and friends.

Judith Kee - Learning Support Assistant

I have 3 children, Sam 20, Maddie 16 and Freddie aged 7. I am a qualified nursery nurse and currently work as a Learning Support Assistant within St Bartholomew’s. In my spare time I enjoy walking my dog, gardening and meeting up with friends.

Emma Kirkby - Learning Support Assistant

I grew up in Quorn and attended St Bartholomew's myself, a few years ago! I am now very happy to be working at St Barts as a Learning Support Assistant. I have two children one of whom is still at St Barts and one who is now at Rawlins.

Kelly Lawrence – Class Teacher - English Co-ordinator

After graduating from the University of Glasgow with a MA in English Language and Literature, I went to complete a PGCE at the University of Exeter. My first teaching post was at Ash Green Primary School in Stoke-on-Trent where I taught for six years in year 4 and year 5. This if my first year at St Bartholomew’s and I’m very happy to be part of the staff here. In my spare time, I love playing the piano, singing and going to the theatre. I also enjoy reading and swimming, as well as walking and cycling in the countryside. I love to bake too!

Bev Locke - Secretary

I have been a member of staff at St. Bartholomew's since 1995, during which time I have worked as Midday Supervisor, Learning Support Assistant and School Secretary. I have also served as a Staff Governor and have been an active member of F.O.S.B.A. I am the mother of two children, both of whom attended St. Bartholomew's and although it is some time since they left, they still maintain links with the school. My main interests are reading, jewellery making, baking, gardening and walking.

Lucy Marriott - Class Teacher

I live in Quorn with my husband and two daughters, one of which attends the school. I have been teaching for the past seventeen years at schools in Burton on Trent, having trained at Loughborough University previously. Over the years, I have taught across both key stage 1 and key stage 2 and I am now part of the fantastic Year 5 team. In my spare time I enjoy eating chocolate, running (occasionally!), family days out and keeping up with my two year old daughter.

Rachel Marshall - Learning Support Assistant

I have worked in Early Years for nine years in which time I have gained NVQ level 2 and 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development along with speech and language training. I am very happy to be part of the Foundation Stage team and find it very rewarding. I live with my husband and two sons, age 11 and 16. We enjoy spending time together as a family, we love going on holidays and watching musicals in London. I also enjoy walking in the countryside.

Rebecca Moody - Learning Support Assistant

I began working as a Learning Support Assistant in January 2017, having been around school for several years in my other capacity as Manager of Superstars the before and after school club. I’m a qualified Nursery Nurse and previously worked in Foundation Stage at Holywell Primary School. In my spare time I enjoy walking my dogs, my garden and knitting. I have 2 boys aged 9 and 21 who also keep me busy.

Amanda Moxon – Class Teacher- RE & Collective Worship Co-ordinator

I have taught at St Bartholomew's for 15 years, which includes teaching Foundation Stage, Year One, Year Six and I am currently teaching Year Three with Mrs Bood. I am the RE co-ordinator and Collective Worship co-ordinator at St Bartholomew's - a role which I really enjoy. My three children, grandchild and husband take up most of my leisure time. However, when I do get a moment I love the theatre and I sing a local choir with Mrs Barrass. We all really enjoy going for long walks with our black Labrador Gracie.

Emma McKinlay - Learning Support Assistant

Since September 2014 I have been working as a part time Learning Support Assistant having previously volunteered on a regular basis in Foundation Stage. I am a mum of 3 who all now attend St Bartholomew's (so I can still keep an eye on them!). My family keep me busy but when I get chance I enjoy eating out, meeting up with friends for coffee and or lunch, going to the theatre, cycling and running having recently ran the 5K Race for Life event in Loughborough.

Wendy McVey - Cleaner

I have worked as a cleaner at St Bartholomew’s since 2002. I am married with one lovely daughter and one wonderful granddaughter. I enjoy spending time with my family.

Jeanette Nocton – Learning Support Assistant

I am a qualified Nursery Nurse and love working in Foundation Stage. I am a mum to three beautiful grown up daughters and a Mammar to an amazing granddaughter. My family are my world. My hobbies include walking my two chocolate labs, especially in the Lake District and gardening.

Sarah Oakland - Assistant Head Teacher, Class Teacher - PSHE Co-ordinator

I've been at St Bartholomew's since 2006 and still thoroughly enjoy working with the children both in my class and others throughout school. I am married and we have two daughters - Daisy and Florence. Both my daughters are at St Barts and we enjoy being a part of the school community. We enjoy travelling, exploring Beacon Hill or Bradgate Park and spending time with our family and friends.

Dorothy Orr – Class Teacher

I was born and lived in Cyprus until 1979 when I came to Loughborough University where I trained to be a PE teacher. I initially taught in a number of local secondary schools and after having 3 children and moving to Scotland for 4 years, our family returned to Loughborough where I did a conversion course to primary teaching. As well as teaching in primary and secondary schools, I have been a play leader, and FE college lecturer and I have also worked for NW Leicestershire Schools Sports Partnership. But my favourite place to work is definitely in primary schools and I was thrilled when I was appointed to work at St Bartholomew’s in 2013. I love teaching all the different subjects in primary school and especially enjoy encouraging children to develop their PE, Art and Mathematical skills. When I am not teaching , I enjoy being active both indoors and out, spending time with my family, working on art and craft projects, singing dancing and generally enjoying life to the full.

Trish Osborne – Higher Level Teaching Assistant

I have been working with children ever since my oldest child was born in 1991. I have worked as a Mums and Toddler group leader, playgroup helper/governor and Brownies co leader. From this I started helping at my daughter's school which gave me the bug for working with children. I was then employed at a Loughborough Primary School for 9 years before starting work at St Barts. I started working at St Barts in 2008 and whilst being here I have passed my High Level Teaching Assistant status training and now work as a full time HLTA, a role which I am throughly enjoying. In my spare time I enjoy reading, walking the family husky and anything Harry Potter!

Smita Patel - Midday Supervisor

I have been a midday supervisor at St Bartholomew's School since December 2016 and find the interaction with the children rewarding. There is nothing better than a child's smile and the satisfaction that I have helped make their lunchtime play fun and safe.

Vicky Price - Class Teacher

After spending two years teaching in Key Stage One at St Barts, I am thoroughly enjoying my new adventure in Foundation Stage. I love spending each and every day working hard and learning alongside my class, whilst having a lot of fun doing so! Outside of school I often take trips to the Curve theatre, spending time with my friends and family and watch the Great British Bake Off!

Chanchal Rajput - Learning Support Assistant

My name is Chanchal Rajput. I have been working with children for about 22 years in various educational settings. I specialise in working with children that have special needs. I can speak 5 languages as well as a use Makaton signs and a program called PEC'S (picture exchange communication system).

Wendy Roberts - Lunchtime Supervisor

I moved to Quorn in 2007 and have worked at St Barts since 2013. I am married with 2 children and a cat called Molly. My eldest child Jacob attended St Barts but has now moved on to secondary school. My youngest child Libbi is currently in Key Stage 2. I enjoy watching my son play football for Quorn Juniors and my daughter in her swimming lessons. In my spare time I enjoy going for days out with my family, often to our favourite place, Chester Zoo.

Kirsty Rowntree – Class Teacher –Key Stage 1 Co-ordinator & Assistant SENCo

After I began a career in Youth and Children's work, I decided to undertake a PGCE at Nottingham Trent University. I have been teaching at St Bartholomew's since 2009 and I am very happy to be part of the staff here. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, swimming and going for long walks.

Suzy Saddington - Learning Support Assistant

I live in Quorn with my husband, and 2 children. I have a BSc (Hons) degree in Human Psychology and a Level 3 diploma for the Early Years Educator. I feel very privileged to have such a rewarding role working at St Barts school. In my free time I enjoy exercising regularly and spending lots of time with my family and friends.

Allison Spray – Class Teacher – Upper Key Stage 2 Co-ordinator - PE Co-ordinator

Having qualified as a teacher sixteen years ago and taught in various schools as far South as East Sussex, I now find myself teaching year 6 at St Bartholomew's. I have also undertaken the role of QCA examiner for Key Stage Two Maths. Both my daughters are at Rawlins Academy, and their brother attends St. Barts. When I'm not teaching, most of my spare time (like all busy mothers) is spent taxiing my children to parties, clubs or friend's houses.

Lesley Stafford – Learning Support Assistant

I started working as a Learning Support Assistant in 2002 after previously being a parent helper. I am married and have 2 teenage daughters. In my spare time I enjoy gardening and going for long walks with my family. I also have a love for baking – much to the delight of my family!

Hannah Taylor - Class Teacher

I am a member of the KS2 team and this year I am a class teacher in Year 3, having previously taught Year 2 at a school in Loughborough. In 2012 I graduated from Lancaster University with an honours degree in Psychology during which I developed a keen interest in education and child development. Before completing my PGCE in primary teaching at Nottingham Trent University I worked and volunteered in a range of mainstream and special needs schools. In my spare time I enjoy volunteering with Girlguiding as an assistant Brownie leader and playing several musical instruments. I currently play the violin with Charnwood Orchestra and look forward to sharing my love of music with the children at St Bart’s.

Jacqueline Taylor – Midday Supervisor

I have worked at St Bartholomew's for four years now and I work alongside some amazing people. I have four children and two grandchildren. Kezia attended St Barts and Erynna is entering year 5 in Autumn 2018. Erynna loves school and is a complete bookworm who could read simple books at the age of 3. Kezia is now 16 and just completing G.C.S.E exams in order to go to Loughborough College in Autumn 2018 and ultimately to University where she wants to undertake a Paramedic Degree. We live with Casper a cat who owns us and who is definitely the Boss!

Izzy Teke - Class Teacher

Since gaining my degree in Education & Psychology, I have been enjoying exploring Leicestershire. I have now been teaching at St. Bartholomew's for 3 years and each day has been full of hard work, and most importantly, fun. I have enjoyed teaching Year 5 and Year 3, alongside settling in as a staff member. If my class were asked about my favourite subject, I'm sure they would say maths, as I'm keen to develop confidence and passion in this crucial subject. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, baking and attending gym classes. I regularly return to London to visit my family and do some shopping. I am also teaching myself the art of calligraphy as I appreciate handmade touches on gifts. I look forward to seeing what the future at St. Bartholomew's holds.

Kathy Voce - Learning Support Assistant & Mid-day Supervisor

I am married with 2 children, 2 dogs, 3 guinea pigs, a rabbit and a hamster. I spend a lot of my time walking my dogs. I play badminton, enjoy swimming and like watching most sports.

Kate Waller – Midday Supervisor

I am married with 3 grown up sons who all attended St Bartholomew’s I enjoy daily walks with my dog and belong to a large competitive Ladies Barbershop Chorus. We have been UK Champions 4 times and compete around the world.

Heather Wilson – High Level Teaching Assistant

In August 2003 I started working at St Bartholomew's as a Learning Support Assistant in Foundation Stage and I am now a High Level Teaching Assistant and work throughout the school. I enjoy drawing, painting, cycling and walking.

Heather Worn – Nursery Nurse

I started worked at St Bartholomew's in 2009 and really enjoy my role as a Nursery Nurse in Foundation Stage. In my spare time I enjoy going shopping, eating out and spending time with my family.