Introducing our Staff 1

In thinking about what to write for this section, I have realised that I am in my 4th decade of teaching, which is scary as I am sure that it is only a year or so since I was starting out a few days after my 21st birthday! In that time I have taught every year group, except Year 1, coordinated every subject, except science, and held every management role, except SENCo. All of this background and experience helps me in my current role as headteacher. I love being the headteacher at St James’ and feel so proud of our community on so many occasions. It is my mission to provide our children with as many experiences as possible. I help Mrs Kinder with the Music in the school and work with Terri and Mr Partridge to make sure we enter as many sporting events as possible. Mrs Walker

My connection to St James’ began in 1974 when I started school. I left St James’ in 1982 when my family emigrated to South Africa. I returned to the UK in January 2000 and was fortunate enough to gain employment here in April 2004. My role at St James’ is office manager and consists of various duties … too many to mention! :) I am also staff governor and have held this role since 2014. St James’ is, and always has been, a wonderful community to be part of. Mrs Boyce

I have worked with children and families in a number of roles since 1998 and gained a Certificate in Supporting Children’s Learning (Primary) Open University.  My role as Learning Mentor at St James began in 2010 and this has grown over the years to include both safeguarding and parenting support.  This has included running parenting groups, promoting positive relationships and behaviours.  I love my role at St James as it is varied and no two days are the same but I can always be found early in the morning at Breakfast Club welcoming children to school.  I also enjoy encouraging children to engage in our Nurture Group activities in the afternoon and working with individuals and with small groups to help them understand and regulate their feelings and emotions.  St James school is a special place to work with both support for staff and children to grow (we do love a shared table)! Away from school, I enjoy spending time in the countryside walking my dog, gardening (in good weather) and visiting the theatre with friends.  I also love to read and am part of a Book Club where we read and discuss books each month. Mrs Duggan

I have been employed at St James as a special support assistant since 2001. After working in the engineering industry and raising my 3 boys, I developed an interest in children’s education and studied at night school to gain an NNEB and HND in Childhood Studies. I love my role supporting children throughout the school to realise their potential, nurture a love of learning and to grow in confidence. St James’ is a warm nurturing family community where everyone is valued and welcomed and I feel proud to be part of this family. When I am at home, I enjoy reading, walking, listening to music, supporting my football team (Manchester City) and spending time with my family and friends. Mrs Hallsworth

I joined St James’ in September 2014, initially in Year 5, but have taught in every year group since then. Currently I teach across the school providing my colleagues with PPA (Planning, Preparation and Assessment) time. I am History Co-ordinator along with Mrs Snarr and enjoy helping our children learn about the past. Miss Jowitt