Staff

Heron Hill School aims to be a happy, friendly place to work, where staff are valued and listened to. The school is led by the Headteacher, Mrs Patricia Merritt, and the Senior Leadership Team, with members drawn from across the school.

Class teachers are all supported by our excellent team of teaching assistants with staffing levels tailored to class size and requirements.

Senior Leadership Team

Mrs Patricia Merritt

Headteacher
Areas of special interest: Curriculum, early reading, SEND, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), pupils' personal, social and spiritual well-being.

I start my day running and end it gardening.

Declaration of Business Interests: Nil. Declaration made 23.02.2022

Michelle Wilkinson

Deputy Headteacher

Areas of special interest: Mathematics Specialist Leader in Education (SLE), Raising Attainment, Teaching and Learning, Key Stage 2 Team Leader, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

I taught in large schools in Newcastle and Liverpool before coming to Heron Hill. I have taught classes from Year 1 – Year 6 and love to be part of children’s development. We aim to have lots of fun learning!

I also love motorcycling, cooking, reading and spending time in the garden.

Declaration of Business Interests: See 'Governors'.

Debra Worthington

Business Manager

Areas of Special Interest: Finance/Budget Management, Human Resources and Payroll Management, SIMS (Schools Information Management System), Attendance Monitoring, Premises/Facilities Management.

Naomi Jones

Special Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and Year 2 Teacher.

Areas of special interest: Special Educational Needs, Additional Needs and English as an Additional Language, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

Prior to relocating to the Lake District in 2010, I started my teaching career in Nottingham and Derbyshire. I have been a class teacher in different year groups but always with a passion for Early Years; helping young children to play, communicate and thrive is a true joy.

I am dedicated to supporting every child I teach. As our SENDCO, I am eager to provide advice and support to every child and their family in order for school to be happy, enriching and positive.

Outside of school I love spending time with my husband and two young children, walking, biking and adventuring into the Lakes and further afield. I also love to read and practice yoga during quieter moments.

Declaration of Business Interests: Nil. Declaration made
4 February 2021

Amanda Barber

Foundation Stage Team Leader

Areas of special interest: Early years learning and development. Special Educational Needs and Outdoor Learning.

I taught in Nottingham and in a British International school in Egypt before returning home to Cumbria. I have taught various year groups as a class and PPA teacher and have been a SENCO.

I am passionate about child initiated learning and helping all children achieve their full potential.

Outside of school I enjoy watching and sometimes partaking in various sports! I also love reading and spending time with my husband, 2 boys, family and friends.

Declaration of Business Interests: Nil. Declaration made 28 February 2021

Christine Hudson

Key Stage 1 Team Leader

Areas of special interest: English Subject Leader,
Anti-Racism Ambassador.

I worked at Old Hutton School and Brantfield Nursery before joining Heron Hill in 2001. My role has developed over the years and I have progressed onto the Senior Leadership team. I thoroughly enjoy teaching, providing fun and stimulating activities and supporting children in achieving their full potential.
Outside of school, I have a love of the great outdoors and enjoy spending time on our family farm. Weekends are regularly spent with my family, in particular playing with our 4 grandchildren. I have various hobbies which include baking, walking and knitting.

Declaration of Business Interests: Nil. Declaration made 5 February 2021

Teaching Staff

Nursery

Class Teachers: Miss Addison, Mrs Moorhouse.

TAs: Mrs Breaks, Miss Freeston.

Reception

Class Teachers: Mrs Barber, Mrs Metcalfe, Mrs Patrick.
TAs: Miss Walker, Miss Freeston, Miss McMinn, Mrs Chapman, Mrs S Wilkinson, Mrs Bennett.

Year 1

Class Teachers: Miss Ashworth, Mrs Foster.

TAs: Mrs Bennett, Mrs Chapman, Mrs Broomby.

Year 2

Class teachers: Mrs C Hudson, Mrs Ladds, Mrs Jones, Mrs Lawson.
TAs: Mrs Taylor, Mrs Broomby

Year 3

Class teachers: Mrs Corbett, Mr Napper.

TAs: Mrs S Hunter, Miss Powell, Miss Pinder, Mrs Broomby.

Year 4

Class Teachers: Miss Watson, Mrs Dodd Hemingway, Mrs Harper.

Year 5

Class teachers: Mrs Altounyan, Mrs H Hunter, Mrs Towe.

TAs: Miss Wilson, Mrs Dyer, Miss McMinn.

Year 6

Class teachers: Mrs H Hudson, Miss Hildrew, Mrs Osborne.
TA: Mrs Smith.

Support Staff

Office: Mrs Lehane and Mrs Roberts will greet you when you come into school and our Admin Team are always happy to help. Mrs Dowker is our Finance Assistant/Hive Administrator.
Mid-Day Supervisors: We have a fantastic team of experienced, enthusiastic staff who look after the pupils at lunchtime come rain, come shine.