Meet the staff
We are the staff team of Stamfordham First School.
Staff- Headteacher - Claire McKinney
- Senior Class Teacher (Yrs 3&4) - Katrina Gilbert
- Year 1&2 Teacher - Carolyn Davenport
- Reception Class Teacher - Rebecca Young
- Teaching staff - Aileen Duncan
- Teaching Assistant & Lunchtime Supervisor - Julie Jeffrey
- Teaching Assistant & Lunchtime Supervisor - Sam Brooks
- Teaching Assistant & Lunchtime Supervisor - Murray Wills
- Music Teacher - Justin Radford
- Peripatetic Music Teacher - Christine Bull
- French Teacher - Madame Boudenoodt
- School Secretary - Dawn Hill
- School Secretary - Jill Drew
- Stampers Pre-School Leader - Sarah Dodgson
- Stampers Deputy Leader - Lynne Scott
- Stampers Pre School Assistant - Cathy Hall
- School Caretaker - Sean McWilliams
- Catering Unit Manager - Pam McWilliams
- KidZone Leader - Sheena Carr
- KidZone Breakfast and After School Club - Janice Scott
Staff
Headteacher - Claire McKinney
My name is Claire McKinney and I am the Headteacher of Stamfordham First.
I teach in Years 3 and 4 where you will find me from lunchtime on Wednesday when Mrs Gilbert and I switch roles.
I first started teaching in 1995 - yes that long ago! I worked in a small school in Durham for 6 years, teaching the Year 3 children, moving up the school to the OAPs in Year 6 in 1998. After 6 years learning my trade and developing my own teaching style,I moved to Newcastle as a Deputy Head.
I came to Stamfordham in 2006 and very much enjoy my teaching-headteacher role. I like most things about school, especially the children because you are all so very different. This was the main reason I wanted to come here, to be able to wear two hats, school leader and class teacher - although it is indeed a challenging role!
I love having fun in classroom, and really enjoy being Head at SFS. When I am not wearing my HT hat, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, watching my football team, well someone has to support Sunderland! I also enjoy reading and time permitting, relaxing in the garden - this can prove to be a rather damp experience!
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Senior Class Teacher (Yrs 3&4) - Katrina Gilbert
I am Mrs Gilbert and I'm the Senior Teacher at Stamfordham First School. I am one of the Year 3 and 4 class teachers, and have taught at Stamfordham since 2003.
I coordinate Literacy and RE, and am mentor and guide to Newly Qualified Teachers. Having gained my degree in Leeds, I've now been teaching for 16 years. Life in school is ever busy, but equally stimulating and rewarding. Early in my career, I spent 4 years teaching in Nottingham before returning to the north east, as many say, Geordie girls are on elastic bands, and always come home again!
I live in a beautiful Northumberland village with my husband, eight year old daughter, five year old twin boys and golden retriever. Needless to say, life is never dull or quiet!
I love walking, reading, going to the theatre and cinema not to mention the occasional trip to the shops for a top-up of retail therapy!
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Year 1&2 Teacher - Carolyn Davenport
Hello, my name is Mrs Davenport. I love my work at Stamfordham, and of course my wonderful family at home: husband, Andy, and 3 daughters. My eldest, who is now eight years old, was desperate for a brother or sister when she was younger but was amazed when she found out that Mummy was expecting not one but two babies! Family life is very busy but we all enjoy the outdoors and swimming (usually when it’s raining!) so it’s not all work and no play. Although I have lived away from the region, I am from the North East originally and I feel very lucky that we have such a lovely area to enjoy from exploring historic sites to days at the coast.
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Reception Class Teacher - Rebecca Young
Hello, I am Miss Young, and this is my first year in teaching. I am the reception class teacher and work closely with the staff of the Early Years Unit.
I lived in York for 4 years where I studied for my degree, but moved back home to Alnwick last year.
In my spare time, I enjoy yoga and walking, especially on the beach and hills. I love to spend time with my family and other special people in my life.
A fascinating fact about me...my thumbs are very bendy!
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Teaching staff - Aileen Duncan
My name is Mrs Duncan and I teach at SFS every Monday. I run the weekly art club as well as being a regular supply teacher for the school.
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Teaching Assistant & Lunchtime Supervisor - Julie Jeffrey

Hello! My name is Julie Jeffrey and I work with the children of reception class.
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Teaching Assistant & Lunchtime Supervisor - Sam Brooks
I work with Mrs Davenport and the children of Class 2.
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Teaching Assistant & Lunchtime Supervisor - Murray Wills

Hello. My name is Murray Wills and I work with the children of classes 2 and 3.
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Music Teacher - Justin Radford
I am Mr Radford and I teach the clarinet, flute, saxophone, keyboard and guitar to the children at Stamfordham First School. That's quite a list, but they're a very talented bunch at Stamfordham!
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Peripatetic Music Teacher - Christine Bull
Hi, my name is Christine Bull. I teach music at Stamfordham First School, and help with other musical activities too.
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French Teacher - Madame Boudenoodt
Bonjour! Je m'appelle Madame Boudenoodt.
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School Secretary - Dawn Hill
Hello. My name is Dawn Hill and I am the Secretary at Stamfordham First. You will find me in the school office.
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School Secretary - Jill Drew
My name is Jill Drew and I am a part-time Secretary at Stamfordham First. You will find me in school each Thursday.
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Stampers Pre-School Leader - Sarah Dodgson
I am a mother of 2 boys, both of whom went to Stamfordham First. I spent much of my time as a parent helper and Friend of Stamfordham First, before beginning an Open University Degree in the Early Years. I work as part of the Early Years team in my role as pre-school leader.
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Stampers Deputy Leader - Lynne Scott
I am Lynne Scott and I am the Deputy Pre-School Leader in Stampers. I have been here for 16 years, first coming as a parent helper - beware! I have 2 children who have also been through the SFS system.
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Stampers Pre School Assistant - Cathy Hall
I am Cathy Hall and I have always been heavily involved with SFS, well for as long as I can remember - both children attended SFS and loved it!
I was an active member of the Friends Committee and joined Stampers 3 years ago - a career change to fit in with school holidays. I have worked hard to achieve my qualififcation in Childcare, Learning and Development at Level 3 NVQ. This enables me to work with children aged 0-16 years old.
I have 2 children. Stephen is 15 and Jess is 10. I love spending my time outside, with my family and my friends - especially in the summer!
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School Caretaker - Sean McWilliams
I am Mr McWilliams and I am the school caretaker.
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Catering Unit Manager - Pam McWilliams
I am Pam McWilliams and I am the school cook.
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KidZone Leader - Sheena Carr
My name is Sheena and I work in KidZone.
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KidZone Breakfast and After School Club - Janice Scott
My name is Janice and I work in KidZone, both before and after school.
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