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Meet the staff

We are the staff team of Stamfordham First School.

Staff

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 am mentor and guide to Newly Qualified Teachers ans Students.  Having gained my degree in Leeds, I've now been teaching for 19 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, nine year old daughter, six 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 nine 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 Tate

Hello. I am Mrs Tate and I am the reception class teacher.

 

I started teaching in 2009, and I love being a teacher. I think that the children in our school are all fantastic!

 

When I'm not teaching, I love to go for walks on the beech with my puppy Maggie, a cocker spaniel, and my husband Andrew.

 

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 Mrs Jeffrey and I work with the children of reception class.



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Teaching Assistant & Lunchtime Supervisor - Sam Bullerwell

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 Mrs Wills and I work with the children of class 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 Carter

Bonjour!  Je m'appelle Madame Carter.



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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 Assistant - Bella Halbert

My name is Bella and I work in Stampers Pre-School.



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Stampers Pre-School Deputy Leader - 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 18 and Jess is 13.  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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