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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 Lucy Middleton 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

Lucy Middleton 

Mrs Lucy Middleton
Headteacher 

Areas of special interest: School leadership, school improvement, community, professional learning and development, curriculum and safeguarding. 

I have recently relocated to Kendal with my family to take up the post of Headteacher at Heron Hill Primary. Prior to this, I spent most of my teaching and school leadership career in Birmingham.  I have had the pleasure of teaching every year group from Nursery to Year 6 during my career. Before moving to Kendal, I was Head of School at a successful Multi-Academy Trust and proudly led a school out of special measures to a 'Good' OFSTED rating in all inspection areas over a five year period. 

Outside of school, I am the proud mother of an almost 8-year-old daughter and love nothing more than spending time outdoors with her, my husband and our Miniature Goldendoodle, Reggie. 

Declaration of Business Interests: See 'Governors'.

Michelle Wilkinson

Michelle Wilkinson

Deputy Headteacher

Areas of special interest: Mathematics (Maths Associate Consultant), Raising Attainment, Assessment, 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'.

Mike Corrie

Mike Corrie

Assistant Headteacher

Areas of special interest: Teaching and Learning, Outdoor Education and Reading in KS2.

Before joining Heron Hill in January 2024, I taught for nearly 14 years at St Martin & St Mary CE Primary School where I began my role as a new teacher in 2010. Throughout my time there, I taught across KS2 and moved into more leadership roles, alongside teaching Year 6. I am excited and enthusiastic in my role at Heron Hill, where I am passionate about helping the children reach their full potential on their learning journey.

Outside of school, I love making the most of the outdoors in this fantastic part of the country with my wife and two young children. I also have a passion for all sports (rugby in particular) and enjoy fell running and cycling.

Carmen Roberts

Carmen Roberts

Acting Business Manager 

Areas of special interest:

Finance, school improvement, transition arrangements. 

Naomi Jones

Naomi Jones
Special Needs Coordinator (SENCO) 

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

Rebecca Storey

Miss Rebecca Storey

Foundation Stage Team Leader (Nursery and Reception)

Areas of special interest: 

After developing a love for Early Years during my time teaching in Cambridgeshire, I was lucky enough to move to Cumbria in 2021. Since relocating, I have been a teacher and phase leader across EYFS and KS1. Most recently, this was at Langdale Primary School. Outdoor learning is absolutely central to my practice and I enjoy leading Forest School sessions across the Early Years at Heron Hill. I am thrilled to be part of the forward thinking, passionate and experienced Senior Leadership Team here and work hard to offer a bespoke, enriching and fun experience to our youngest learners.

When I leave the classroom, I love to spend time in the fells when I can fit this around house renovations! I am also a lover of the performing arts and enjoy singing and performing in musicals across Cumbria and Lancashire.

Declaration of Business Interests: tbc

Christine Hudson

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

Hannah Little

Hannah Little
Pastoral Learning Mentor and Deputy Safeguarding Lead (Deputy DSL)

My role as Pastoral Learning Mentor gives me the opportunity to work with children across the school, supporting their social and emotional needs and ensuring they are happy and thriving at school. I have recently been trained by Educational Psychologists to become an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant. This will allow me to further support children with a range of topics including managing emotions, building resilience and self-esteem, social and friendship skills, and loss and bereavement. I work closely with Mrs Jones (SENCO) and class teachers to identify children who need a little extra help and sessions are offered on a 1:1 or small group basis, depending on the needs of the children. Please do talk to me if you have any concerns about your child.

Teaching Staff

Nursery

  • Class Teachers: Miss Storey
  • HLTA: Mrs Groves
  • ​TAs: Mrs Breaks
  • Playworker: Mrs Fenna

Reception

  • Class Teachers: Miss Ashworth and Mrs Metcalfe
  • TAs: Miss Walker, Miss McMinn

Year 1

  • Class Teachers: Mrs Foster, Mrs C Hudson
  • HLTA: Miss Pinder
  • TAs: Mrs Bennett, Miss Pinder, Mr Steele-Davidson

Year 2

  • Class teachers: Miss Wilson, Mr Napper
  • TAs: Mrs Shelley Wilkinson, Mrs S Hunter 

Year 3

  • Class teachers: Mrs Patrick, Miss Watson, Mrs Lawson
  • TA: Mrs Broomby, Mrs Dyer

Year 4

  • Class Teachers: Mrs Corbett, Mrs Dodd-Hemingway, Mrs Moorhouse
  • TAs: Mrs Waters, Miss Beck, Mrs Chapman

Year 5

  • Class teachers: Mrs Altounyan, Mrs H Hunter.
  • TA: Miss Powell, Mrs Domashenko, Mr Buxton

Year 6

  • Class teachers: Mr M Corrie (Assistant Headteacher), Miss Hildrew, Mrs Osborne
  • TA: Mrs Smith

PPA cover: Mr Napper, Mrs Lawson, Miss Hildrew, Mrs Little, Mrs Jones (SENCO), Mrs Wilkinson (Deputy Head), Mrs Little, Mrs Groves.

Support Staff

Office: Mrs Lehane and Mrs A 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 & Holiday Club Administrator.

Mid-Day Supervisors: We have a fantastic team of experienced, enthusiastic staff who look after the pupils at lunchtime, come rain, come shine. Miss Beck, Mrs Buckley, Mrs L. Jones, Mrs Groves, Mrs Johnson, Mrs Gospodinova, Mrs Almond-Marples, Mrs Hooton, Mrs Shirkoubian, Mrs Curtis, Mrs Fenna and Mr Steele-Davidson all work hard to facilitate happy lunchtimes for the children. 

Our fantastic TA's support groups and individual children during lunchtimes and Mrs Little also runs a nurture lunchtime club daily.