Meet the Staff

How long have you worked at the school:
I have been at the school since April 2022.

What you like best about the school:
There is so much to like! The friendly staff, hard-working children and our wonderful curriculum which values diversity, our local area, Christianity and outdoor learning, growing and environment to give us a learning which is special and needed for our children.

Favourite book: I loved sharing 'The Boy at the Back of the Class' with my children when I was teaching as it is such an emotive and important story in our current world. I also love Sci-fi books and I have read 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy many times!

How long have you worked at the school:
I have been working at Henshaw since September 2022.

What you like best about the school:
From the first moment I stepped through the door at Henshaw I felt welcomed by the staff and children. The atmosphere in Henshaw is friendly and inviting and I can't wait to find out what else I like about the school.

The area of learning you most enjoy:
I enjoy teaching all areas of the curriculum. I love to see that light bulb moment when children start to ask their own questions about topics and offer their own reasons why they feel events have occurred using research to back up their own opinion.

Favourite book:
My all time favourite children's book - The Owl Who's Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlison, this was the first book I ever read to my first class many, many, many moons ago.

Favourite place in school:
At the moment it has to be the yard and school field. Seeing the children interacting with each other and playing games with smiles on their faces.

How long have you worked at the school:
I have been at the school for 6 years, since 2016

What you like best about the school:
I find it fascinating how children learn and like to research and try different approaches to engage all children to develop a love of learning, independence and that 'can do' attitude. I enjoy all aspects of teaching, but I would say that the thing that makes me want to come into school every day is our wonderful young people. I also enjoy working with the community.

The area of learning you most enjoy:
I love to teach English, PSHE, Forest Schools, Music, Drama, Art and Science. I live a self-sufficient lifestyle outside of school and work to give back to the planet.

Favourite book:
I have many favourite books, but probably my most favourite children's book is 'There's a boy in the girls' bathroom' by Louis Sachar. It has a strong PSHE link and is about two boys - the new boy Jeff who everyone instantly likes and Bradley who no-one likes. The school counsellor helps Bradley make sense of his world with kindness and patience and helps him realise that even though he's different he can still belong. Bradley starts to believe in himself and his whole world changes. Children in the classes that I have shared this with have either shared an affinity with the characters and/or developed empathy and understanding through some of the issues tackled.

Favourite place in school:
My favourite places in school are our super outside areas with their beautiful views.

How long you have worked at the school:
I have worked at Henshaw since 2014

What you like best about the school:
There is so much to like about working at Henshaw. I do enjoy watching the children grow and develop as they progress through the school from Nursery into Year 6. Being part of a small school gives us the privilege to get to know all children individually. We are very fortunate to have supportive parents to work with and Henshaw is in a beautiful location.

The area of learning you most enjoy:
I love to teach many subjects, however I do love to teach the children phonics and reading. Hearing the children become fluent readers and become confident in their own abilities makes me immensely proud.

Favourite book:
I love to read a variety of books to the children.

Favourite place in school:
My favourite place in school is the field. The views from here are amazing. The children always have a fantastic time out there.

How long have you worked at the school?
I have worked at the school since January 2024

What do you like best about the school?
The amazing children and fantastic staff! It is a lovely, friendly working environment, where everyone is working hard for the children to succeed.

The area of learning you most enjoy?
I love teaching the children in all areas of learning, however I particularly enjoy teaching phonics and reading. I like to see the progress made over each term and watching each child's confidence grow.

What is your favourite book?
I enjoy reading Julia Donaldson books. 'Room on the Broom' is my favourite book to read with the children.

What is your favourite place in school?
My favourite place has to be the outdoor spaces. I enjoy being with the children during playtimes and when we take part in Forest School.

How long have you worked at the school: I started at Henshaw on placement for my childcare course 9 years ago and started working here 7 years ago.

What you like best about the school: Being a part of Henshaw Primary School is amazing, we get to watch the children develop as they move through the school from reception to year 6. Being part of a small school allows us to get to know all the children individually which is a great opportunity to have.

The area of learning you most enjoy: I enjoy seeing the children making an achievement however big or small, it's great to see them build in confidence and their face 'light up!'

Favourite book: My all time favourite book is Matilda! A childhood favourite which I still enjoy!

Favourite place in school: Out on the school field especially on a nice sunny day when the children are all playing. We sometimes enjoy doing learning out here for science or even some reading outdoors!

What do you like best about the school?
I love that the schools within this Federation are small, meaning that it is easier to get to know the children individually and to build relationships with families too. The school is welcoming and friendly and as a new member of staff I feel other staff members are very supportive. The outdoor facilities for the children are also great and very important.

The area of learning you most enjoy:
I am looking forward to experiencing different aspects of learning and am passionate about ensuring the children enjoy learning. The excitement they show when recognising their own abilities and beginning to understand things is inspiring and encourages me to want to help them reach this point. Becoming part of a child's learning journey is a big step in building towards their future, which is a privilege to have.

Favourite book and why:
My favourite children's book is 'Snowball'. Although the story of the snowball starts as a disaster and many unfortunate things happen throughout, the story ends well, resulting in the snowball gaining lots of new friends. I feel this is a lovely way to show the children that not every bad situation has to have a bad ending, positives can come from all situations too.

Favourite place in school:
For me I think the outdoor space, playground, forest area and field will be my favourite places in school. Seeing the children happy, energetic, enjoying time with friends I guarantee will make me smile. Children aren't children for long so to see them investigating the outdoors, whilst enjoying social time with peers is great.

How long have you worked at the school:
I have worked as a kitchen assistant at Henshaw since 2016 .

What you like best about the school:
I enjoy the kitchen part of both schools as I enjoy working with Mrs Hancock at Henshaw Also I like getting to chat with children at dinner time.
Then the same at Greenhead although, I still get to chat with teachers and children when they come for dinners.

The area of learning you most enjoy:

Favourite book:
My favourite books are cook books.

Favourite place in school:

How long I have worked in the school:
I have worked in education for 44 years and I am very excited to have started my journey at Henshaw Primary school from September 2024.

What I like most about the school:
The thing I love most about this school is the friendly atmosphere and the teamwork amongst staff and my passion for education lies within early years.

Fabourite book:
My favourite author is Catherine Cookson and her book 'The Dwelling Place'.

Favourite place in school:
My favourite place in school is the Early Years unit and Forest School.

How long have you worked at the school:
I have been at Henshaw School for 25 years, since 1999.

What you like best about the school:
The fantastic children and amazing staff ....they make me laugh every day!

The area of learning you most enjoy:
Working together...from organising lovely educational visits for the children, to sorting out a paper jam in the photocopier!

Favourite children's book:
Black Beauty (I love horses!) but also all of the Harry Potter books.

Favourite place in school:
The school field...it is such a lovely space with beautiful views across the Tyne Valley. The children love being out there, running around and playing together - we are very lucky to have such a beautiful outdoor area.

How long have you worked at the school:
I have worked in Henshaw for 17 years, since 2004

What you like best about the school:
I love the school - the family ethos as we work so closely with one another and support each other! I enjoy working with the families as parents are the child's first educator and building those relationships are vital. With Managing the Nursery, I see children not just grow and develop but also flourish into happy, resilient young people.

The area of learning you most enjoy:
My subject is Early Years and I have EYTS and SENCO qualification, ensuring in depth child development is paramount.

Favourite book:
I love sharing Julia Donaldson books with the children.

Favourite place in school:
My favourite place around school is wherever the children are! I think we have a beautiful welcoming environment, indoors and outdoors! The forest area and the field are both amazing and when in these spaces, it allows you to relax more, the beautiful views are a bonus!

How long have you worked at the school:
I have worked within the federation for 7 years, since 2015

What you like best about the school:
I love working between the classrooms, it gives me a chance to see the children at different stages as they progress through school.

The area of learning you most enjoy:
I love teaching Religious Education. I find it fascinating to learn about people, beliefs and cultures. The world is huge place and it's good to broaden our understanding.

Favourite book:
Children's book - Mungo and the picture book pirates. I read all types of books from fantasy to horror.

Favourite place in school:
My favourite place in school is the main corridor as it's great to see all the children's work being celebrated on display.

How long have you worked at the school:
I have worked at Henshaw for almost 9 years, since 2013.

What you like best about the school:
That's a tricky one! There is so much to like and love at Henshaw.
If I was to choose , I would say having the flexibility to move around the school depending on the needs of the children. I have been fortunate to work in all of the classes over the past 9 years including Nursery and have watched the children grow into amazing, little people.

The area of learning you most enjoy:
I would say my favourite subject is maths. I love supporting children in their learning. It so rewarding to see their faces when ' they get it '

Favourite book:
I have lots of favourite books. I love to share stories, which were my favourites when I was a child, with my daughters.

Favourite part of the school:
This would have to be the kitchen. Mrs Hancock makes an excellent jacket potato!

How long have you worked at the school:
I am so happy to return to Henshaw School...this time as an Early Years Teacher! The staff, children and parents have created the most welcoming environment. I feel very lucky to be surrounded by lots of wonderful people!

The area of learning you most enjoy:
I enjoy all subjects taught in school but especially love lessons that are practical and hands on. Seeing the children actively engaged in their own learning gives me real job satisfaction.

Favourite book:
My favourite children's book is Each Peach Pear Plum. I love that every time the book is read, there is always something new to observe and notice. The story provides so much to talk about and the illustrations are lovely.

Favourite place in scgool:
My favourite place in school is the corridor. I love that when I walk down it, I can see into each classroom, it gives the school a real feeling of togetherness.

How long have you worked at the school:
I have worked at Henshaw primary for a year and a half, originally working across the school within all the classes until I started working full time within reception.

What you like best about the school:
Seeing the progress the children make from their first day walking into our classroom to the day they leave for summer is definitely one of the reasons I love being in this class.
One of the things I love best about being at Henshaw is our togetherness. I love seeing the interactions between all the children within the school and the staff. The water fight at the end of summer term, children against staff springs to mind!

The area of learning you most enjoy:
The area of learning I enjoy the most is phonics, especially at a reception level. Being able to teach children letter sounds and have them being used to be able to form words and sentences within a short space of time always amazes me.

Favourite book:
I absolutely love reading and try to read books from a variety of genre however I do always find myself enjoying a crime/murder mystery book. Anything by Lisa Jewell or Linwood Barclay is definitely highly rated. I have also recently found a love for fantasy books. 'A court of thorns and roses by Sarah J Mass' has found a it's place at the top of my favourites list.

Favourite part of the school:
My favourite place in school is in our lovely forest school area. I enjoy seeing the children in their element learning about all things outdoors. I am definitely happy to get down in the mud and join the children digging for worms or to supply the water for a mud pie.

How long have you worked at the school:
I have worked at Henshaw since 2008.

What you like best about the school:
I like watching the children growing in confidence as they move through the school, coming in from Nursery as small 4 year olds and growing to young adults when they leave us after Year 6. I also like that people that started off as work colleagues have become friends that I enjoy spending time with outside of school.

The area of learning you most enjoy:
I don't have any one favourite book as I try to read every day and like both fiction and autobiographies. But I must confess to being a big Harry Potter fan and have read all the books, seen all the films and visited the Harry Potter Studios in the half term holidays.

Favourite place in school:
My favourite area in school has to be the field, The view in the morning as the sun is rising is amazing. In the summer, when the weather is good, I like to get the children outside for their lunch on a Friday and we have had some good times out there on sunny days and snowy days alike.

How long have you worked at the school:
I've worked at Henshaw since September 2021.

What you like best about the school:
The thing I like best about the school is the fact that everyone has been so welcoming to me.

The area of learning you most enjoy:
The thing I love most is how everybody works as a team, especially when someone has to be absent. Since I've started at the school, I've seen to staff continue to pull together so well as a team.

Favourite book:
For the past 7 years with being a mum I've been reading a lot of children books, So I must says I do love reading Julia Donaldson books to them.

Favourite place in school:
My favourite place in the school has got to be in the kitchen.

How long I have worked at the school:
I started working at Henshaw in September 2023

What I like best about school .
How welcoming and helpful everyone is. Everyone in school always has a big smile on their face. It's a great to be part of such an amazing team.

Favourite book.
I love all the Julia Donaldson collection. At home we love to read any of her books, especially at bedtime.

My favourite place in school.
My favourite place is the outdoor areas. It's lovely to watch all the children running around playing and having fun with their friends.

How long have I worked at the school:
I have worked at Henshaw Primary since Sept 2023

What I like best about the school:
The amazing children and fantastic, supportive staff. I get to watch the children grow and develop from nursery to year 6.

Favourite book:
I absolutely love reading. I particularly like crime and thriller series. My favourite children's books are the Hairy Maclary series. My daughter loved them