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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 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

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

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

Amanda Barber

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

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 (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 Addison
  • HLTA: Miss Holmes
  • ​TAs: Mrs Breaks, Miss Freeston. 
  • Playworkers: Mrs Groves, Mrs Fenna.

Reception

  • Class Teachers: Mrs Barber, Mrs Metcalfe.
  • TAs: Miss Walker, Miss Freeston, Miss McMinn.
  • Playworker: Mr Steele-Davidson.

Year 1

  • Class Teachers: Miss Ashworth, Mrs Foster.
  • TAs: Mrs Bennett, Mrs Domashenko.
  • Playworker:  Miss Beck. 

Year 2

  • Class teachers: Mrs C Hudson, Miss Wilson
  • TAs: Mrs Sam Wilkinson, Mrs Shelley Wilkinson.

Year 3

  • Class teachers: Mrs Corbett, Mrs Patrick.
  • TAs: Mrs S Hunter, Mrs Broomby, Mrs Chapman, Mrs Dyer.

Year 4

  • Class Teachers: Miss Watson, Mrs Dodd-Hemingway, Miss Fowell.
  • TAs: Miss Pinder, Mr Buxton, Mrs Waters, Mrs Little.

Year 5

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

Year 6

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

PPA cover: Mr Napper, Mrs Lawson.

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 Fenna  and Mr Steele-Davidson all work hard to facilitate happy lunchtimes for the children. TA's support groups and individual children over lunchtime and Mrs Little also runs a nurture lunchtime club daily.