Key Stage 1 Team 

• Mrs Julie McMurrough
  Assistant Headteacher (Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3)
  Mrs Julie 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. Â 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 A Atkinson
  Calder Class Teacher
  Mrs A Atkinson

• Mrs A Lindop
  Calder Class Teacher
  Mrs A Lindop

  I started working in schools in 2011 and have been at Valley View since 2015.

  Everyday is different, which is always exciting and it keeps everyone on their toes. One of the best things about working in schools is definitely working with such dedicated staff and children. It is always such a pleasure to see children succeed and to watch their learning journeys throughout their years at school.

  So many funny things happen daily that it would be so hard to choose just one moment. I guess that is what makes this job so special! But one of the best things I love about working in schools is giving children opportunities. For example, seeing children on school trips is always so wonderful and seeing the big, beaming smiles on their faces says it all really!

  A word to describe me is 'dedicated'.

• Mrs M Richards
  Calder Class Teaching Assistant
  Mrs M Richards

• Mrs P Pickering (on maternity leave)
  Calder Class Teaching Assistant
  Mrs P Pickering (on maternity leave)

• Miss A Burdett-Smith
  Calder Class Teaching Assistant
  Miss A Burdett-Smith

• Miss M Joy
  Crimple Class Teacher
  Miss M Joy

  I began working in schools in 2025.

  What I love most about working in schools is being a part of so many children's learning journeys. Being part of a community that works together to make a positive difference to children's lives is very rewarding.

  It's hard to pinpoint just one funny moment, as the children make me laugh every day. However, one moment that stands out was during a PE lesson when I demonstrated a tuck jump off a bench. The children cheered so loudly you would believe that I was an Olympic gymnast! It was a positive reminder of how encouraging and positive the children are.

  A word to describe me is 'supportive'.

• 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'.

• Mrs J McMurrough
  Assistant Headteacher & Deepdale 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. Â 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'.

• Miss M Stirk
  Deepdale Class Teacher
  Miss M Stirk

  I have been teaching since 2016.

  I like my job 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 K Parsmehr
  Deepdale Class Teaching Asistant
  Mrs K Parsmehr

• Mrs J Flanagan
  Deepdale Class Teaching Assistant
  Mrs J Flanagan

  I have been working in schools since 2012.

  I like working with children as they are so energetic. I like working in schools because I like to be busy and have plenty to do.

  I love the things children say, for example a child once asked my age then when I told them said 'My mum's older than that and she looks much younger than you!'

  The word that describes me is 'Hard-working'.

• Mrs A Urmston
  Derwent Class Teacher
  Mrs A Urmston

  I have worked in schools since 2009.

  I like my job because of the children and their enthusiasm - you never know where a lesson may go because of their questions about a topic.

  One of best things that has happened since working in a school is watching my class perform Hamlet at the Carriageworks Theatre.

  The word that describes me as a professional: 'Committed'.

• Mr W Hendy
  Derwent Class Teacher
  Mr W Hendy

  I have been working in schools since 2007.

  I like it that every day is different. We work on so many different things, with so many different people: children, parents, colleagues and other adults. It's always a challenge, so gets your brain thinking about solving problems. I like working at Valley View because the children and staff are so friendly, willing to learn and progress.

  The best thing is watching pupils' confidence in their abilities grow... and the funniest (and scariest) moment was chasing a dog through classrooms, the hall and corridors. Every day is different!

  The word that describes me as a professional 'Active'.

• Mrs M Emordi
  Derwent Class Teaching Assistant
  Mrs M Emordi

• Mrs K McNiven
  Derwent Class Teaching Assistant
  Mrs K McNiven

  I have been working in schools since 2019.

  I like my job because every day is different. The staff and pupils are very friendly and supportive, which makes it a lovely environment to work in. I really enjoy watching the children grow and celebrating their personal achievements with them. Playground duty always makes me smile seeing the children use their imaginations and enjoy their freedom is a joy.

  I have so many memorable moments because every day is different, but one that really stands out was on a school trip to Filey. We were only supposed to be paddling in the water, but it turned into a full sit-down splash with lots of laughter and fun. I've definitely learned to take a spare change of clothes next time!

  A word to describe me is 'Patient'.

• Mrs J Bedford
  Higher Level 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'.

• Ms F Cunningham
  KS1 Teaching Assistant
  Ms F Cunningham

  I have been working in schools since 2002.

  It is wonderful to be in the moment with children and to be reminded how important that is. I love to learn and I learn so much from the children, young people and staff that I work with here. It's a joy to be part of a team helping children grow, learn and develop and especially to witness those times when children have mastered something and are truly proud of themselves.

  The best thing is when we're learning without realising. The funniest thing was when I fell flat, almost face down, in the mud during a race one sports day (but that was as a parent - so I'm not sure if it counts?)

  The word that best describes me as a professional is: Caring.