Key Stage 1 Team 

• Mrs J McMurrough
  Assistant Headteacher & Derwent Class Teacher
  Mrs J McMurrough

  I've been working in schools since 2006. This is the third school that I have worked in having previously taught in schools in both Leeds and Bolton.

  Every day in school is different so there is lots of variety in the job and that keeps it interesting. ￿ The children are so unique, entertaining and passionate about learning and this drives me to prepare and teach lessons that are fun and engaging for all pupils. Teaching allows me to use my creative skills and talents on a daily basis and I thoroughly enjoy each and every day in school.

  The word to describe me as a professional would be 'Dedicated'.

• Mrs H Fawcett
  Derwent Class Teacher
  Mrs H Fawcett

  I have been working in schools since 2010.

  One of my favourite things about being a teacher is the variety each day brings. No two days are the same and the inquisitive minds of children can take their learning in any direction! I really enjoy working with lots of different people and being part of a dedicated, enthusiastic team.

  There have been lots of funny things happen to me at school. Every day makes me smile! ￿ ￿The best moments are watching children learn, grow and develop into confident individuals. I am very proud of all the children I have taught and love my job.

  It's hard to choose one but I would describe myself as 'positive'.

• Miss S Loftus
  Deepdale Class Teacher
  Miss S Loftus

  I have been a teacher since 2016. I spent 3 of those years living and teaching in Dubai.

  I love making learning fun and interesting for the children that I teach. It really is the best job as there is nothing better than seeing your class flourish and knowing that you played an important part in that.

  There have been so many great moments but I loved taking my first class on a school trip to the seaside. For some of the children, this was their first time playing in the sand and dipping their toes in the sea. Seeing their faces light up makes everything worthwhile.

  The one word that describes me as a professional is 'Positive'.

• Mrs A Atkinson
  Calder Class Teacher
  Mrs A Atkinson

  I have been working in schools since.

  I love my job because I love working with children, everyday is different. I love watching children learn and grow, especially when they realise themselves they have learnt how to do something.

  I don't have one particular moment, funny things happen quite often when working with 5 year olds! But my favourite moments are watching things which the children have been practising for a while, such as assemblies and nativity productions. I really love seeing how confident they are and watching them show off what they have learnt to their parents.

  A word to describe me is 'Dependable'.

• Mrs K McNiven
  Teaching Assistant
  Mrs K McNiven

  I started working at Valley View in September 2019. This is the first school that I have worked at.

  I like my job because every day is different. I find this school very friendly and helpful.

  I am enjoying watching the children learn and achieve their goals. Playground duty makes me smile every day just by watching them use their imaginations.

  A word to describe me: 'Patient'.

• Mrs K Rhodes
  Deepdale Class Teaching Assistant
  Mrs K Rhodes

  Valley View is my first TA position I've been here since 2012. In a previous life I was a IT Product Manager.

  I love the fact that every day is different and that each child is an individual who I can help and support.

  The best thing is that a wet tissue can cure ALL ailments!

  A word to describe me would be 'Optimistic'.

• Miss B Rawlinson
  Teaching Assistant
  Miss B Rawlinson

  This is my first school I have worked in and I love it; I started at Valley View in 2020.
  
  

  I love the kindness and support the staff show others at Valley View as well as watching the children grow in their learning, whether that's in lessons or in things they find interest in/questions they ask.
  
  

  A funny thing that has happened to me in school is when it was coming up to my birthday and one of children guessed I was 104!!! I'm really not, I'm much much younger!
  
  

  The word to describe me best as a professional is 'Evolving'.

• Mrs T Wilson
  Calder Class Teaching Assistant
  Mrs T Wilson

  I have spent many years in education. I started teaching in Post-16 education in 1994 and then moved to primary schools in 2006.

  The best part of the job is watching the children grow and mature through their school life. Occasionally when they return to visit from high school I am amazed by the confident young adult in front of me.

  One of my best memories of Valley View is on a 'Snow Day' when we were able to go out and build snow castles and snowmen, then warming up with cups of hot chocolate when we came in. When I come to school I feel like part of an extended family and friends sharing lots of good times.

  A word to describe me: 'Patient'.

• Mrs J Bedford
  KS1 Senior Teaching Assistant
  Mrs J Bedford

  I have worked at Valley View since we opened in 2006.

  The best thing about my job is that no two days are the same.

  I have thought about my funniest moment and there are too many to recall as I laugh every day.

  A word to describe me would be 'Determined'.

• Mrs J Cousins
  Crimple Class Teaching Assistant
  Mrs J Cousins

  I have worked in schools since 2006 including voluntary/ employed.

  I enjoy making a difference, seeing children grow in confidence and enjoy learning.

  The best thing so far has been performing a 'Reach for the stars' song/ dance with a group of colleagues as a surprise leavers assembly for the Year 6 children and our Headteacher's retirement.

  I am 'Adaptable'.

• Miss M Stirk
  KS1 Teacher
  Miss M Stirk

  I have been teaching since 2016.

  I like my job in Early Years as I get to make a difference to young children's lives on a daily basis.

  The best thing that has happened to me whilst working in a school was seeing my first Reception class perform their Christmas Nativity.

  A word to describe me is 'Nurturing'.

• Mrs J Cullen
  Crimple Class Teacher
  Mrs J Cullen

  Since my two boys were in school I have volunteered on a regular basis. I passed my QTS and began my teaching career in September 2020.

  I like that every day is different and some days you have to think on your feet. I like this school as the staff are friendly, welcoming and make you feel included.

  The best thing is watching the children grow and develop and having the knowledge that I can contribute to it.

  One word to describe me is 'Committed'.

• Mrs S Wells
  Derwent Class Teaching Assistant
  Mrs S Wells

  I have worked in schools since 2013.

  What I like about working in schools is being challenged everyday and working with children of all ages.

  The reason why I like working at Valley View is the commitment and high standards the school has of all the staff and children.

  There have been many experiences I can smile at in my time working in schools. One being a Year 3 student had been struggling with their maths for weeks but still persevered; the moment they understood how to work the problem out and could do it again independently was fantastic. The student danced around the classroom telling everyone they knew how to do it, their face lit up. These to me are the best moments working in a school, seeing the children achieve, learn and being able to express themselves.