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 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.

• Tara Jeynes
  Assistant Head Teacher
  Tara Jeynes

  I have been at Westrop School for 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

 

 

 

 

• 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
  Key Stage 2 Lead
  Nicola Briggs

  I have been at Westrop for 10 years; I am Key Stage Two Leader and Teach Y5 with Mrs Christopherson. 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 guineapigs a crested gecko and lots of fish!

• Fiona Christopherson
  Key Stage 2 Lead
  Fiona Christopherson

  I have been at Westrop School for 20 years; I am the school's Key Stage Two Leader and teach Year 5 with Miss Briggs. 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.

• 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Safeguarding Team

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs Cindy Acres

Deputy Safeguarding Lead: Mrs Jane Greening

Teachers

 

 

 

 

• Tova Rowe
  Bumblebee Nursery Class
  Tova Rowe

  I have been at Westrop over 5 years. I started as a 1:1 TA, then became a Reception class TA and now I am the Room Leader in Bumblee Bee Class. At school I love to sing, dance and get covered in glitter with the children. At home I love to take my dog Rolo for walks, a spot of gardening, decorating my new home and dancing in my kitchen.

• Gemma Redgewell
  Ladybird Nursery Class
  Gemma Redgewell

  I am the Ladybird Class Teacher and love reading and sharing stories to the children in my class especially when they get engaged in the story and show their excitement!! I love Chinese food and reading in the bath when I get some spare time.

• Helen Hopwood
  Butterfly Class
  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.

• Tally Carr
  Butterfly Class
  Tally Carr

  I started working at Westrop School in 2015 and then moved to the south coast to teach but have come back to Westrop because I love it so much! I currently teach in Reception as a job share with Mrs Hopwood and Nursery. I love nature and being outdoors with my daughter. You can always find us in the mud kitchen making delicious muddy treats or exploring the ancient stones at Avebury!

• Emily Power
  Penguin Class
  Emily Power

  I have been at Westrop for 5 years teaching either Reception or KS1 and I am the lead for both PSHE and RE. 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!

• Kirsty Pimm
  Puffin Class
  Kirsty Pimm

  I have been at Westrop School for nearly 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!

• Clare Bridge
  Parrot 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
  Kingfisher Class
  Michelle Little

  I have been at Westrop for 12 years. I'm the Year 2/3 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 Missen
  Woodpecker Class
  Stephanie Missen

  I have been at Westrop over 5 years. I am the Year 3 class teacher of Woodpecker class. 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.

• Alexandra Corsan
  Koala Class
  Alexandra Corsan

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

• Rhiannon Jessopp
  Kangaroo Class
  Rhiannon Jessopp

  Hello! I have been teaching at Westrop for a few years. My favourite subjects to teach are Art and Maths. 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.

• Fiona Christopherson
  Owl Class
  Fiona Christopherson

  I have been at Westrop School for 20 years; I am the school's Key Stage Two Leader and teach Year 5 with Miss Briggs. 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.

• Nicola Briggs
  Owl Class
  Nicola Briggs

  I have been at Westrop for 10 years; I am Key Stage Two Leader and Teach Y5 with Mrs Christopherson. 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 guineapigs a crested gecko and lots of fish!

• Steven Gale
  Kite Class
  Steven Gale

  I have been a teacher for over 20 years and have taught Year 6 pupils at Westrop School for the past 5 years. I am the school's Key Stage Two English Leader. Outside of school, I am an avid reader and collector of music and, whenever I can, I enjoy drawing and painting with acrylics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teaching Assistants and Pupil Support

 

 

 

 

• Natasha Dillingham
  Teaching Assistant and ELSA
  Natasha Dillingham

  I have worked at Westrop over 5 years. I am a Teaching Assistant and a trained ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant), and I am currently working in The Den as part of the nurture team. I love to chat to the children and run races against them! Outside of school I love nature, walking, jogging, travelling and reading. 

• 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.

• Jenny Atkinson
  Teaching Assistant
  Jenny Atkinson

  I joined Westrop School in 2018 and have been a Teaching Assistant in different year groups. I am currently working in Reception and I am thoroughly enjoying being back in Early Years so I can be a part of their learning and development. During my spare time I love to go on mini adventures with my husband and 2 children, and you can also find me sitting behind my sewing machine creating a little something for friends and family.

• Terri Crimmin
  1 to 1 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 child specific Teaching Assistant in EYFS 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.

• Kerrie-Anne Buttery
  1 to 1 Teaching Assistant
  Kerrie-Anne Buttery

  I started working at Westrop School in November 2020 and my current role is a one-to-one Teaching Assistant. In my spare time I love to study and can always be found with a pen or piece of paper in my hand! I love having DVD nights with my two daughters and eating lots of popcorn, Oreos and M&Ms. I also enjoy going on bike rides but only when the weather is nice!

• 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 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.

• Lucy Cheesley
  Teaching Assistant
  Lucy Cheesley

  I have been at Westrop School for nearly 5 years as Teaching Assistant. 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.

• Georgia Eaton
  Teaching Assistant
  Georgia Eaton

  I am a teaching assistant at Westrop. When I am in class I get great enjoyment out of reading stories with the children or even one of them reading one to me! In my spare time, I love to have fun, spending time with my friends and family!

• Kerry Little
  Teaching Assistant
  Kerry Little

  I have been at Westrop School since September 2020, I am a Teaching Assistant and enjoy reading with the children and arts and craft activities.
  In my spare time I like to bake delicious cakes and also love being out in nature and walking.

• Becky Smith
  Teaching Assistant
  Becky Smith

  I have been at Westrop Primary School for over 5 years. I am the teaching assistant in Woodpecker 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!

• Chloe Sawyer
  Teaching Assistant
  Chloe Sawyer

  I have worked at Westrop as a Teaching Assistant for over 5 years. At school I love to join in with arts and crafts and PE. In my spare time I enjoy seeing my friends and family. I also enjoy getting a Costa coffee.

• Carole Cottrell
  Teaching Assistant
  Carole Cottrell

  I began working at Westrop Primary School in 1990. I began in the reception class where I was able to develop my particular strengths and interest in early years. I was given my own teaching space where I was able to develop my skills. I completed an Open University specialised Teaching Assistant course where this gave me an in depth understanding of child development and ways to support children with SEN. I am currently assisting the SEN coordinator where I give individual support to those who need specialised help with their learning and communication skills, enabling them to reach their full potential.

• Tracey Simpson
  Teaching Assistant
  Tracey Simpson

  I have been a Teaching Assistant for over 5 years. I am a TA, MDSA and play leader. My favourite food is a roast dinner. In my spare time I like to spend time with my family.

• Joe Hale
  Teaching Assistant
  Joe Hale

  My roles at Westrop are Sports Coach and Teaching Assistant and I am now in my third year at the school. My favourite aspect of my role is observing the children thrive, particularly within the PE curriculum. Outside of the school environment, you can find me playing or watching the sports I coach!

• Fiona Powell
  Teaching Assistant and Forest School Leader
  Fiona Powell

  I have been at Westrop School for 10 years. I am the Year 6 teaching assistant and also the Forest School Leader. During Forest School sessions I enjoy teaching the skills to enable children to use tools safely, such as the bow saw to cut wood to create dens and knives to whittle wooden objects. At home I love reading crime fiction novels and baking cakes.

• Lauren Homewood
  Teaching Assistant
  Lauren Homewood

  I work within the school's nursery as a teaching assistant. I love learning and exploring outside with the children, especially going on welly walks in the forest school area. At home I love being around nature.

• 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!

• Hollie Reid
  Apprentice Teaching Assistant
  Hollie Reid

  This is my first year working as an apprentice TA. I like doing arts and crafts with the children. In my spare time I like to read and draw.

• Clare Smith
  Teaching Assistant
  Clare Smith

  I have been at Westrop School for over a year now, I work with the school's smallest children in the Nursery, where we enjoy getting very messy and creative. At home, I enjoy spending time with my family and 2 dogs, trying to teach them new tricks!

• Gemma Robey
  Teaching Assistant
  Gemma Robey

  I joined Westrop in 2019 and I am currently a 1:1 TA in the nursery room. I totally love working within early years, and I enjoy singing and dancing with the children and making them laugh! In my spare time I enjoy running, although not in the rain and I also enjoy going on long walks with my family. I also love chocolate a little too much.

 

 

 

 

 

 

School Administration Team

 

 

 

 

• Paula Curtis
  School Business Manager
  Paula Curtis

  I have been at Westrop for a few years, I like to see the children's happy faces at Westrop. At home, I like to sew, play Animal Crossing and go walking with my dog, not all at the same time!! In the Summer I like going to music festivals and travelling in my campervan.

• Sam Humphreys
  Senior Administrator
  Sam Humphreys

  I am the Senior Administrator at Westrop and have been working here for 15 years. My spare time is taken up by singing in the Kentwood show choir which I have been a member for 38 years. I love taking Westrop's weekly singing assemblies and the school choirs plus organising children's trips to music events for the Infant Music Festival and Voice in a Million at Wembley

• Claire Kruse
  Admin Assistant
  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 card making as well as baking, crochet and sewing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MDSAs

 

 

 

 

• Becky Smith
  Senior MDSA
  Becky Smith

  I have been at Westrop Primary School for over 5 years. I am the teaching assistant in Woodpecker 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!

• Jane Ansell
  MDSA
  Jane Ansell

  I've been involved with the school for over 30 years. Firstly as a parent and mum helper and also an active member of the PTA and briefly as a TA. I've been a dinner lady for over 28 years and am currently working in the nursery.

• Tracey Simpson
  MDSA
  Tracey Simpson

  I have been at Westrop over 5 years. I am a TA, MDSA and Play Leader. My favourite thing to eat is a roast dinner. I like spending time with my family in my spare time.

• Angel Tuck
  MDSA
  Angel Tuck

  I have been working at Westrop School for 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.

• Lisa Mitchell
  MDSA
  Lisa Mitchell

  I'm an MDSA. I enjoy spending an hour a day with the children over their lunch break. Outside of school I'm a keen recycler and I read a lot of books.

• Sarah Osbourne
  MDSA
  Sarah Osbourne

  For the past 4 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

• Janet Heath
  MDSA
  Janet Heath

  I have worked at Westrop for over 5 years. I enjoy working with our great team of people at Westrop. In my spare time I enjoy reading and walking my dogs.

• Jenny Atkinson
  MDSA
  Jenny Atkinson

• Harriet Gray
  Cook
  Harriet Gray

  I have worked at Westrop for over 10 years. In my role in the kitchen I provide  lunches for the children & work as a Playleader at our much needed After School Club. My spare time is taken up with my children and walking my dogs.

• Gemma Miller
  Assistant Cook
  Gemma Miller

  I have been working at Westrop for over 8 years. I enjoy it here so much I have 2 jobs. One in the kitchen and the other in After School Club. In my free time I enjoy reading and to go on long walks with my dog.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Site Staff

 

 

 

 

• Nick Parker-Ellis
  Site Manager
  Nick Parker-Ellis

  I am the Site Manager here at Westrop and I have been in the role since August 2020. I like seeing all the wonderful work that the children produce when I am doing my site rounds.

  When I am not at work, I enjoy gardening, going for long walks and playing the saxophone.

• Louise Cater
  Cleaner
  Louise Cater

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

• Janet Heath
  Cleaner
  Janet Heath

  I have been a cleaner at Westrop for over 5 years. I enjoy working with our great team of people at Westrop. In my spare time I enjoy reading and walking my dogs.

• Gemma Clark
  Cleaner
  Gemma Clark

  I have been a school cleaner for over 3 years. The staff at Westrop are very friendly and lovely to talk to. In my spare time I like to read and do colouring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wrap-Around Care

Breakfast Club: Mrs Carole Cottrell, Mrs Fiona Powell, Miss Lucy Cheesley, Miss Georgia Eaton, Mrs Lauren Homewood

After School Club: Mrs Harriet Gray, Mrs Gemma Miller, Miss Chloe Sawyer, Miss Tracey Simpson, Mrs Angel Tuck 

Subject Co-ordinators

Maths	Mrs Cindy Acres, Miss Kirsty Pimm
English	Mr Steven Gale, Mrs Clare Bridge
Science	Mrs Fiona Christopherson
Personal, Social & Health Education	Miss Emily Power
Physical Education	Miss Alexandra Corsan
Computing & ICT	Miss Rhiannon Jessopp
Music	Mrs Sam Humphreys, Miss Tally Carr
Religious Education	Miss Emily Power
Global Links	Mrs Fiona Christopherson
Modern Foreign Languages	Miss Alexandra Corsan
Topic	Miss Nicola Briggs
Art & Design	Miss Nicola Briggs
Well-Being	Miss Nicola Briggs