Meet the Team

Staff at Westrop Primary and Nursery School

Senior Leadership Team

 

• Cindy Acres
  Head Teacher
  Cindy Acres

  I have been at Westrop School for over 16 years and I am the Headteacher. I enjoy spending time with all the children across the school and I love to look at all the work they do in class. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and my two grandsons. I also enjoy going on walks with my dog Poppy.

• Helen Hopwood
  Deputy Head Teacher
  Helen Hopwood

  I have been at Westrop School since 2012 and I am the Deputy Head and Early Years Foundation Stage Lead. I currently teach in a Reception class and I enjoy watching the children grow in independence and being part of the wonderful learning journey. I enjoy spending time with my wonderful family, my husband and two grown up girls, travelling and caring for my ever growing house plants.

• Tara Jeynes
  Assistant Head Teacher
  Tara Jeynes

  I have been at Westrop School for over 15 Years. I am Westrop's Special Needs Co-ordinator and Assistant Head and I work in the school's nurture room The Den. My favourite thing to do in school is to support small groups of children with their learning and help them to make progress. I love to celebrate their successes and watch them grow in school, all our children are so unique, and I have the privilege of nurturing this. In my spare time I like to spend time with my two children and husband, I like to read and go for long walks in the countryside where I live.

 

 

Leadership Team

 

 

• Helen Hopwood
  Early Years Foundation Stage Lead
  Helen Hopwood

  I have been at Westrop School since 2012 and I am the Deputy Head and Early Years Foundation Stage Lead. I currently teach in the Reception class and I enjoy watching the children grow in independence and being part of the wonderful learning journey. I enjoy spending time with my wonderful family, my husband and two grown up girls, travelling and caring for my ever growing house plants.

• Clare Bridge
  Key Stage 1 Lead
  Clare Bridge

  I joined the school team in 2018 having also been a Westrop parent of 2 boys since 2013. I have over 20 years teaching experience and I'm currently KS1 Team Leader, Year 2 class teacher and English Subject Leader. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and running to keep fit. I'm a keen traveller and love planning trips to lots of exciting places around the world. This fuels my passion for teaching our children about the geography of our world, people and places.

• Nicola Briggs
  Lower Key Stage 2 Lead
  Nicola Briggs

  I have been at Westrop for 10 years; I am Key Stage Two Leader and Teach Y3. I Love to teach Art and Yoga (getting creative and being a pretzel are the best things ever!). At home I live in what sometimes feels like a zoo with 3 children, 2 cats, 2 guinea pigs a crested gecko and lots of fish!

• Fiona Christopherson
  Upper Key Stage 2 Lead
  Fiona Christopherson

  I have been at Westrop School for over 20 years; I am the school's Key Stage Two Leader and teach Year 5. I am the co-ordinator for science and global links. I really enjoy teaching science and running the school gardening club. At home, I like to look after my own garden, go for walks in the countryside and make greetings cards.

• Kim Stevenson
  Upper Key Stage 2 Lead
  Kim Stevenson

  I have been teaching for over 10 years. My favourite subjects to teach are reading, geography and art. Outside of school, I love to get stuck into a good book and trying lots of new crafts like pottery and crochet.

 

 

Safeguarding Team

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Mrs Cindy Acres

Deputy Safeguarding Lead School (D/DSL): Mrs Helen Hopwood

D/DSL: Mrs Tara Jeynes

D/DSL: Miss Gemma Redgewell

 

Teachers

 

• Laura Evans
  Wren Class
  Laura Evans

  I joined Westrop in 2021 I am very excited to be apart of such a great team and school. I've been teaching for 10 years across the Early Years Foundation Stage, Year 1 and Year 2. This year, I am teaching in Wren Class and I love teaching Phonics, Maths and being creative with my class. I am the Music coordinator and I teach bike ability. I love nature and being outdoors, exploring and riding my bike.

• Emily Power
  Wren Class
  Emily Power

  I have been at Westrop for over 5 years teaching either Reception or KS1 and I am the lead for PSHE. My favourite subject to teach at school is Phonics as I love teaching and singing all the songs for our sounds. At home I enjoy staying active by riding my bike and I enjoy a good Disney film!

• Dee Bialley
  Wren Class
  Dee Bialley

• Ellie Jones-King
  Robin Class
  Ellie Jones-King

• Kirsty Thompson
  Squirrel Class
  Kirsty Thompson

  I have been at Westrop School for over 5 years and I have spent my time here working in KS1. As well as being a class teacher, I am also the school's Maths Co-ordinator which is lucky as maths is my favourite thing to teach! In my spare time, I love taking my two dogs on adventures which often leads to a bath time when we get back home!

• Lauren Homewood,
  Squirrel Class
  Lauren Homewood,

  I have been part of the Westrop family for over 8 years, and currently work as a Year 1 teacher. What I enjoy most about teaching is seeing the pride children feel when they overcome challenges and achieve something they once found difficult. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our three children, exploring the woods and visiting family along the coast. I also enjoy reading in my spare time.,

• Sarah Thomson
  Squirrel Class
  Sarah Thomson

  I have been a teacher in EYFS and KS1 for 20 years and I am really excited to have joined the team at Westrop. I am happy to have also taken on the role of RE coordinator. I really enjoy learning about other religions and cultures and sharing this with the children. In my spare time I love spending time with my family and going for long walks, unless it is too cold then I will be curled up with a good book!

• Clare Bridge
  Otter Class
  Clare Bridge

  I joined the school team in 2018 having also been a Westrop parent of 2 boys since 2013. I have over 20 years teaching experience and I'm currently KS1 Team Leader, Year 2 class teacher and English Subject Leader. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and running to keep fit. I'm a keen traveller and love planning trips to lots of exciting places around the world. This fuels my passion for teaching our children about the geography of our world, people and places.

• Michelle Little
  Otter Class
  Michelle Little

  I have been at Westrop for over 12 years. I'm the Year 2 class teacher and have also been a teaching assistant for many years. I love to dance and keep fit. I'm very creative and one of my favourite things to do is produce 3D displays in my classroom. My favourite dinner is roast lamb.

• Stephanie Ball
  Rabbit Class
  Stephanie Ball

  I have been at Westrop for over 5 years. I am the Year 1 class teacher. I enjoy teaching Maths, Computing and anything creative. In my spare time, I like to go on long walks and try new foods. I especially enjoy experimenting with new recipes.

• Nicola Briggs
  Hedgehog Class
  Nicola Briggs

  I have been at Westrop for over 10 years; I am Lower Key Stage Two Leader and Teach Y3. I Love to teach Art and Yoga (getting creative and being a pretzel are the best things ever!). At home I live in what sometimes feels like a zoo with 3 children, 2 cats, 2 guinea pigs a crested gecko and lots of fish!

• Lucy Cheesley
  Badger Class
  Lucy Cheesley

  I have been at Westrop School for over 5 years first as Teaching Assistant, and I am now a teacher. I couldn't stay away, as when I was younger, I was a pupil! I love to sing with the children and listen to all of their funny stories. When I am at home, I enjoy walking my dog.

• Fiona Powell
  Badger Class
  Fiona Powell

• Alexandra Corsan
  Fox Class
  Alexandra Corsan

  I have taught at Westrop for over 5 years. I am the Spanish and OPAL coordinator. In school, I love teaching English and History. Outside of school, I enjoy swimming and seeing my friends.

• Fiona Christopherson
  Barn Owl Class
  Fiona Christopherson

  I have been at Westrop School for 20 years; I am the school's Upper Key Stage Two Leader and teach Year 5. I am the co-ordinator for science and global links. I really enjoy teaching science and running the school gardening club. At home, I like to look after my own garden, go for walks in the countryside and make greetings cards.

• Trudi Hibberd
  Barn Owl class
  Trudi Hibberd

• Kim Stevenson
  Kestrel Class
  Kim Stevenson

  ,

  I have been teaching for over 10 years. My favourite subjects to teach are reading, geography and art. Outside of school, I love to get stuck into a good book and trying lots of new crafts like pottery and crochet.

• Rhiannon Jessopp
  Kite Class
  Rhiannon Jessopp

  ,

  Hello! I have been teaching at Westrop for a few years. My favourite subjects to teach are Art and Maths. I am the co-ordinator for Computing and ICT. I also love discussing our class books during Guided Reading. When I'm not at school I like to spend time with my friends, watch films and bake.

 

 

Teaching Assistants and Pupil Support

 

• Jane Greening
  Higher Level Teaching Assistant
  Jane Greening

  I have been at Westrop for a long, long time and have enjoyed watching lots of children grow and learn. I am very lucky because I work in lots of different classes, so get to work with lots of children. When I am not at school I enjoy being with my family and friends and kayaking on the river.

• Terri Crimmin
  Teaching Assistant
  Terri Crimmin

  I am a member of the local community and both my sons have gone to school here at Westrop. My role is currently a Teaching Assistant and the best part is getting so much joy from seeing all the children thrive. I love to create and always have different painting and pottery projects on the go. In my spare time I go on adventures with my family and have climbed many mountains.

• Georgina Kivlin
  Teaching Assistant
  Georgina Kivlin

  I joined Westrop shortly after my two children. I work as a Teaching Assistant in Early Years and KS1 where the children know my favourite thing to do is read! (The funnier the book, the better!) I love cups of tea and in the holidays I enjoy going camping.

• Angel Tuck
  Teaching Assistant
  Angel Tuck

  I have been working at Westrop School for over 7 years as a teaching assistant and MDSA. I enjoy crafts, art, nature and learning about the world; so a school is the perfect place for me to work! I am an animal lover and I like to spend time outdoors, going for long walks with my dog & family.

• Becky Smith
  Teaching Assistant
  Becky Smith

  I have been at Westrop Primary School for over 5 years. I am the teaching assistant in a Year 6 class and the lead MDSA. I enjoy reading and listening to stories and I like singing with the children. In my spare time, I like to play darts with my sons!

• Mandy Dandy
  Teaching Assistant
  Mandy Dandy

  I am a relatively new TA to the Westrop School family but have been involved with Early Years Education for over 25 years. I love singing, dancing and reading with the children. In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering, hiking, going to the gym and the theatre ... and even more dancing whenever I can!

• Vikki Smith
  Teaching Assistant
  Vikki Smith

• Nina Head
  Teaching Assistant
  Nina Head

  I have been working in early years for over 5 years. I work in a reception class. I enjoy supporting children's curiosity and discovery of the World around them. I love reading at home and enjoy reading to the children, encouraging a love of books.

• Bernie Davies
  Teaching Assistant
  Bernie Davies

  I worked at Highworth Preschool for 23 years before joining Westrop. I first worked in Reception, and I have worked in Years 1, 2 and 4. Firstly as a 1 to 1 TA and now as a class TA. I help in the Den with Nurture Lunch and After School CLub.

  In my free time I walk my dog, help out at OAP lunches and visit my daughter.

• Alison Pritchard
  Teaching Assistant
  Alison Pritchard

• Liz Horton-Slade
  Teaching Assistant
  Liz Horton-Slade

  I work as a Year 3 Teaching Assistant. Being in class with all the children fills me with happiness, I love helping them with their learning and getting to know all their different personalities. Out of school, I like going for a run (that's a lie), taking my boys into London to do all the things I did growing up and going to the cinema to get lost in a film (cinema popcorn is the best: FACT!).

• Anne Clarke
  Teaching Assistant
  Anne Clarke

  I worked at Highworth Pre-School for 18 years with 3 & 4 year olds. I am currently working as a TA in Year 1

  I enjoy working with the children watching them grow, and being part of the exciting learning journey. I like walking, planning trips away in my motorhome and spending time with my family

• Poppy Nolan
  Teaching Assistant
  Poppy Nolan

  I thoroughly enjoy working as a TA in KS1. The children have me in giggles daily with their imaginations and little stories. Most days, at least 3 children call me Mrs No..... it's obviously a lot easier than Nolan! I find it very rewarding to help children achieve things that make them happy - that smile they have at that moment is like no other. Out of school I am a busy (and very proud) mum to 3 girls! Our time is filled with fun, laughter and lots of adventure - we love going on trips to the coast and visiting family back in London. Our new family hobby is roller skating!

• Holly Curtis
  Teaching Assistant
  Holly Curtis

  I have been working at Westrop as a TA in KS1 for a few years now. I love working with the children and seeing them learn new things about themselves and the world around them, I find it so rewarding when I see their pride as something tricky clicks into place. I also teach Dance club for year 5 and 6, it brings me so much joy getting to pass on my love for dance as a way to express yourself and learn new skills. When I am not at school you can find me with a camera in hand working as a photographer, dancing or spending time with my family.

• Stefanie Gannon
  Teaching Assistant,
  Stefanie Gannon

  I'm a MDSA and a Teaching assistant at Westrop. In my spare time I like going for family walks and being by the sea! I have a little Tortoise called Truffle and 2 cats called Daisy and Pumpkin.

• Victoria Brown
  Teaching Assistant
  Victoria Brown

• Sarah Osborne
  Forest School Leader
  Sarah Osborne

  I joined Westrop in 2017, I am Forest School Leader and recently trained as PE coach. I spend a lot of my time outside in nature, which is what I also enjoy when at home. I love growing flowers, fruit and vegetables in my garden.

• Tracey Davidson
  Teaching Assistant
  Tracey Davidson

• Bobby Badger
  Teaching Assistant
  Bobby Badger

• Laura Hayward
  Teaching Assistant
  Laura Hayward

• Claire Packer
  Teaching Assistant
  Claire Packer

 

Nursery Team

Meet the Nursery Team

 

Administration Team

 

• Martin Suter
  School Business Manager
  Martin Suter

  I have the role as the School's Business Manager having previously been the General Manager at Highworth Recreation Centre. My 3 children came to Westrop and I used to coach the School Football team so I knew what a great environment it is. In my spare time I like to walk my Labrador, play golf and attend or take fitness classes

• Mrs Claire Kruse
  Admin Officer
  Mrs Claire Kruse

  My children have been to Westrop and I enjoyed coming into school as a Parent Helper when they were small. I enjoy welcoming parents and children to Westrop. Either in person or over the phone. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, running with friends. I like to be creative, making cards as well as baking, crochet and sewing.

  ,

• Mrs Zoe O'Hanlon
  Administration Assistant
  Mrs Zoe O'Hanlon

  I first joined the school as a classroom TA before moving into the office team. I now support the day to day running of our much-loved school and enjoy helping families with anything they need. Outside of school, I spend most of my time with my family, enjoying dog walks, hiking, and finding new places to eat.

 

MDSAs

 

• Becky Smith
  Senior MDSA
  Becky Smith

  I have been at Westrop Primary School for over 5 years. I am a teaching assistant in Year 6 and the lead MDSA. I enjoy reading and listening to stories and I like singing with the children. In my spare time, I like to play darts with my sons!

• Angel Tuck
  MDSA
  Angel Tuck

  I have been working at Westrop School for over 7 years as a teaching assistant and MDSA. I enjoy crafts, art, nature and learning about the world; so a school is the perfect place for me to work! I am an animal lover and I like to spend time outdoors, going for long walks with my dog & family.

• Sarah Osbourne
  MDSA
  Sarah Osbourne

  For over 5 years I've really enjoyed working at Westrop during lunchtimes. I especially enjoy helping out at forest school. When I'm at home I enjoy baking and growing fruit and veg in my garden.

• Lynette Bird
  MDSA
  Lynette Bird

  I have worked at Westrop for over 5 years as an MDSA. I love my job, everyone is so lovely. In my spare time I like to go for walks around Highworth.

• Louise Cater
  MDSA
  Louise Cater

  I have been at Westrop for over 15 years. I enjoy working with the other people as a team. In my spare time I like to cook and go for walks.

• Gemma Miller
  Cook
  Gemma Miller

  I have been working at Westrop for over 8 years. I enjoy it here working in the kitchen. In my free time I enjoy reading and to go on long walks with my dog.

• Michele Gibbs
  MDSA
  Michele Gibbs

  I have worked with pre-school age children for many years which I really enjoyed. I really enjoy working in the hall at lunchtimes.

• Kim Francis
  MDSA
  Kim Francis

• Bobby Badger
  MDSA
  Bobby Badger

• Sarah Green
  MDSA
  Sarah Green

• Tracey Davidson
  MDSA
  Tracey Davidson

• Alison Pritchard
  MDSA
  Alison Pritchard

• Clare Mapplethorpe
  Cook
  Clare Mapplethorpe

• Charlotte Head
  MDSA
  Charlotte Head

 

Site Staff

 

• Steven Lay
  Site Manager
  Steven Lay

  I have recently taken on the role of Site Manager. My whole career has been in the service industry in an operational capacity. I attend football matches with my two sons and also coach my youngest sons youth football team.

• Louise Cater
  Cleaner
  Louise Cater

  I have been at Westrop for over 15 years. I am a school cleaner and MDSA and I enjoy working with the other people as a team. In my spare time I like to cook and go for walks.

• Madeline Rogers
  Cleaner
  Madeline Rogers

  I am a cleaner at Westrop School. In my spare time I like to enjoy nature while walking my dog. I also enjoy listening to music and reading.

• Chris Cater
  Cleaner
  Chris Cater

• Sue Fisher
  Cleaner
  Sue Fisher

 

Wrap-Around Care

Breakfast Club: Mrs Angel Tuck, Mrs Sarah Osbourne, Mrs Tracey Davidson, Ms Alison Pritchard

After School Club: Mrs Bernie Davies, Mrs Sarah Osbourne, Mrs Angel Tuck, Mr Bobby Badger, Mrs Michele Gibbs

Subject Co-ordinators

Maths	Miss Rhiannon Jessopp, Mrs Kirsty Thompson
English	Mrs Clare Bridge, Miss Kim Stevenson
Science	Mrs Fiona Christopherson
Personal, Social & Health Education	Miss Emily Power
Physical Education	Miss Kim Stevenson
Computing & ICT	Miss Rhiannon Jessopp
Music	Miss Esme Humphreys, Miss Alexandra Corsan
Religious Education	Mrs Sarah Thomson
Global Links	Mrs Fiona Christopherson
Modern Foreign Languages	Miss Alexandra Corsan
History and Geography	Miss Nicola Briggs
Art & Design	Miss Nicola Briggs
Mental Health Lead	Mrs Tara Jeynes