Our staff

Mrs Southey

Headteacher and Class 2 Teacher

As a child I found reading a real challenge, I was not the best reader in the class and when I was asked to read I would try every tactic to get out of doing it. When I started teaching this is one feeling I wanted to make sure that no child in my class felt, I wanted to make sure they gained the real passion for reading that I never had as a child. As I have grown up I have found out the real importance of reading and of how it can make a difference to your imagination. I love to read to the children in my schools now, and I feel there are so many wonderful books out there. My favourite books to read are the classic Roald Dahl as there are so many wonderful collections that he has written and children are able to become completely engrossed in the books he writes. I am also a massive fan of David Walliams, especially ‘The World’s Worst Children’.


Mrs Drew

Class 1 Teacher

I’ve always enjoyed reading and getting lost in a good book. Roald Dahl has been a favourite author of mine since one of my teachers read the book ‘The Witches’ to our class when I was in primary school. Roald Dahl uses such amazing vocabulary to describe the characters and really brings them to life in his books, the way he describes the disgusting, ugly witches is so funny. I found the bravery of the little boy so inspiring as he overcame his fears and saved his friends from the witches. Roald Dahl has written so many wonderful books and I have enjoyed sharing some of them with my class.


Miss Munro

Class 1 Teaching Assistant

As a child I loved to read The Chronicles of Narnia, especially The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Nowadays, I spend my time reading Tom Fletcher or David Walliams books to my daughter, as they engage both us of with their adventurous and hilarious story lines, whilst also having brilliant illustrations!


Mrs Fox

Class 1 Teaching Aid



Mr Bennetts

Class 2 Teacher 



Mrs Bayes

Class 2 Teaching Assistant

My favourite book is ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee. I love this book because I read it when I was a young teenager and it explored the themes of racial prejudice and injustices within society. I enjoy all types of genres of books but courtroom dramas, like this one, are great to read!


Miss Prisk

Class 3 Teacher



Miss Walters

Class 3 Teaching Assistant

Milly Molly Mandy stories are set in the 1920s-1930s and follow a little girl and her adventures as a young child. I enjoy reading these stories (especially to my three children) as it surrounds the character's view on a historic village life where strong interactions with people, animals and nature are a huge part of her adventures. As these stories are gentle but interesting, it makes me reflect on how my great grandparents' life may have differed to mine today. I enjoy reading historical fiction, especially those books set around the wars, as it is still a very poignant and emotive time from history, even today.









Miss Ellis

Class 3 Teaching Assistant



Mrs Joseph

Class 4 Teacher

I have always loved reading and have learned so much from simply picking up a book. Reading allows you to escape from reality and into an imaginary world that can excite, terrify, calm and humour you. I absolutely adore the Harry Potter series of books and have read them several times. I really enjoy fantasy fiction like the Lord of the Rings and His Dark Materials trilogies, as well as historical fiction, particularly around the Tudor period. The Hunger Games series of books are another favourite and stories like War Horse and The Kite Runner are emotionally a challenge but a brilliant read! When I was younger, I loved Roald Dahl books - my favourite was Matilda! I love reading at bedtime as it helps me unwind after a busy day. It is a very special treat to read on the sofa during the day or on the beach on a sunny day!


Miss Whittaker

Class 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant

I am an animal lover and I particularly enjoy reading books by James Herriot which describe his life as a vet. I also enjoy reading crime and mystery fiction by authors such as Agatha Christie as they always keep me guessing right to the end! One of my other favourite authors is Daphne Du Maurier - I enjoy reading her books because many of them are based in Cornwall.


Mrs Jemma Shields

SENDco

I have always had a love of reading since I was a child. I still find it amazing how a book can take you to another land or time without you leaving the room, just by the power of your imagination! These days I enjoy reading with my children at home as well as with children at school. One of my favourite series of books has always been the Elmer stories. I think that the stories are a great example in showing how important it is to appreciate, celebrate and consider everyone's differences and abilities. Something which I always encourage others to do and is something I feel passionate about in my role as SENDCO. 



Mrs Cudlipp

School Secretary 

My favourite books are the Harry Potter books written by JK Rowling, I have read them lots of times! I have always loved reading and find it a good way to relax after a busy day. I really like reading romantic fiction and books based around historic events such as WW1 and WW2, they offer a glimpse into life as it was then which I find very interesting as it is so different to how we live now.


If you would like to visit one of our schools we would love to show you round. You can contact the school direct or email win.head@stbarnabasmat.com or call 01208 872 665