Miss Gurdip Kaur- Headteacher

My role in our school is Headteacher, and what an awesome role this is!

I hold overall responsibility for the school and ensure the vision of ‘Inspiring the learning journey’ is central in everything we do. I am extremely proud of South End Junior and feel privileged to lead such a wonderful and skilled team. However, most of all I absolutely love the children in our school. They are simply awesome and take pride in being part of SEJ.

I am the Designated Lead person for Safeguarding and monitor the attendance of all pupils. I am regularly on duty first thing to catch up with our parents and carers. I enjoy celebrating successes during VIP assemblies and FaB Fridays

See you at the gate!

Mrs Jo Simmons- School Business Manager

My name is Jo Simmons and I am the School Business Manager here at South End Junior School. My role involves Finance, Personnel, Health & Safety and Premises. On a day to day basis you will find me setting and monitoring the school budget to ensure that we can afford all the wonderful things within our school, recruiting new staff and making sure they are paid properly!

I work closely with the Site Manager to ensure that our site and building are not only safe but also well maintained. I aim to ensure that the school makes the best use of all its resources and behind the scenes I make sure that the school complies with various statutory obligations.

Mrs Lisa Gibbs-Deputy Head Teacher

I am privileged to lead and support dedicated and highly-skilled teaching and support staff with the shared aim of raising achievement for all. I strongly believe that providing children with the life skills to think, learn and problem solve independently are of great importance while upholding core values; therefore, these are at the heart of all decisions I make.

I lead across the school on data and assessment, the curriculum, pupil premium and oversee the leadership of the other year groups. Above all, ensuring the safety of our pupils and staff is of paramount importance and being the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead helps me to fulfil this responsibility.

Mrs Suzanne Lewis-Year 4 Lead

I am the team leader for year 4 and the teacher for Lewis class. I continue to love my job as each new day brings new challenges, new learning (for myself and the pupils), and no two days are ever the same!

As the leader of the Communication and Arts POD team I am looking forward to promoting art. I will be focussing on developing the curriculum, and the use of sketchbooks to collect and experiment with different ideas and techniques.

In my spare time, I embrace any creative opportunity from learning new art or craft skills to singing and dancing. Inspiring learners to be creative is always at the heart of my teaching as in the words of Albert Einstein, ‘Creativity is intelligence having fun!’

Mrs Beki Roberts - Teacher 

Maternity Leave 

Mrs Amy Izycky- Director of Inclusion

I joined SEJ in 2012 as a Director of Learning and I have been the Director of Inclusion since 2016. I enjoy working in a unique school where every day is different, and every person strives to achieve their best for the children.

I am passionate about ensuring all pupils reach their full potential through giving them the individual provision that they need. I am particularly interested in supporting the emotional needs of the pupils so that they feel happy and safe in school and can therefore learn to their full ability.

My background is in Zoology, so I love travelling to different environments around the world and I enjoy spending my free time horse riding or doing outdoor activities with my family.

My name is Mrs Jennings and I teach in Year 4. I aim to make learning fun and exciting to help engage all the children at South End to give them the opportunity to thrive, succeed and have fun in their learning journey. 

I enjoy being creative and helping others find their own creative skills. Working at SEJ gives me the opportunity to help others explore new challenges and understand the importance of giving new things a go. I love supporting children to explore their imagination and develop their understanding of something new. 

Hi, my name is Mr Hodgkins and I have been a teacher for several years. This year, you will find me teaching in Year 6. I seek to create a safe, fun and engaging classroom environment, where individual successes are celebrated whilst still being one class team.

I encourage all children to be positive, resilient and determined by possessing a growth mindset and valuing mistakes as a key part of learning. 

My name is Miss Fisher, and I am the teacher of Picasso Class. This year, I am looking forward to exploring many projects, especially our Predators project, because I love teaching children about the animal kingdom and food chains.

I always like to see beaming smiles of children ready to tackle the day with perseverance and determination, ready to learn and have a go at taking on a new challenge! I am passionate about Maths, where I can help children solve problems, and I enjoy the calm mindfulness of Art (and I don’t mind getting a tad messy with the paint).

In my spare time, I like to make sure I spend time having fun with my family and friends and my kitten, Willow.

My name is Mrs Moody and I teach in Year 5. I have been teaching for many years and love how each day in the classroom is always different – a place to learn, laugh and explore new things. My aim this year is to challenge, encourage and support everyone in my class, encouraging a place where we foster a love of learning and make great memories to look back on.

I am also the POD Driver for the ‘My World and Beyond’ POD, which focusses on science, history, geography and French. I can’t wait to see how the amazing pupils of this school continue to challenge themselves and demonstrate how they can achieve anything, if they put their minds to it.

My name is Mr Carter and I teach Galileo class. This will be my fifth year of teaching and my fourth in Year 6, having previously worked in Year 5 at SEJ.

I enjoy teaching a variety of subjects, in particular maths, science and history. I also really enjoy reading, both in school and at home. My classroom is a welcoming environment, where children can work collaboratively with one another and respect each other’s ideas and opinions. I believe that so long as we are trying our best, there is nothing wrong with making mistakes.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my wife, my two children and my Labrador Poppy. I also enjoy going for walks, drawing and playing board games.

Hello, my name is Mrs Green, and I am the class teacher for Ayres. This year, I will also be the Year Lead for Year 3.  I am looking forward to teaching the exciting projects we do during the year which include learning about different forces, different predators and what causes earthquakes and volcanos.

I always encourage children to show a growth mindset, particularly with new challenges. It always brings a smile to my face when the children have ‘lightbulb’ moments after previously not getting it – seeing the expression on their face when this happens is a picture!

Outside of school, I enjoy baking, mindful colouring and helping my mu at craft fairs. I also love having cuddles with my two cats, Winston and Pepper.

Hello, my name is Mr Woodcock. I am going to be the Y5 teacher of Engelbart class. My favourite subjects to teach are Maths and PE, maths has always made sense to me and PE is something I enjoyed as a child, and I still love sport just as much as an adult.

As long as my students are trying their hardest, I am always happy to help. It is excellent teaching something and then seeing that lightbulb moment when your students finally get what they need to do and dive straight into their work. I really like it when students ask questions, it shows a real desire to learn and take ownership of their learning. You can help me help you.

In my free time I enjoy hiking, early morning motorcycle rides and playing video games. I look forward to meeting all the pupils in year 5 this year. being happy to learn and want to push themselves is important to me. I love teaching all subjects but particularly enjoy English, maths and history.

Hi, I’ve been a Teaching Assistant at South End since 2006. I love being part of the South End family. I’ve supported students across all the school years, delivering interventions, small groups and general class support.

If you get a Golden Ticket through the post, come and find me, and I’ll arrange your reward! 

My name is Miss Scott, I have worked at South End since 2014. Before that, I have worked in a middle school and a SEN school. I am currently based in year 5 and can often be found taking pupils out for short interventions to help them fill any gaps or to boost their learning.  Most of the time I am in class supporting the excellent learning of our pupils.

Life at SEJ is very varied and so is my job role, from finding an ice pack to working out complex maths problems. Life is never dull and as our signature says staff and students always have a smile whatever the rest of the world throws at us (Let’s not mention 2020). 

My name is Sarah Martin. I am delighted to be joining the SEJ family as a Teaching Assistant in Year 3 – Ayres Class.

I have over 7 years experience in Early years up to year 4 . I really enjoy supporting all children regardless of any barriers to learning they may face. I will always encourage and motivate them to do the very best they can to reach their full potential, become independent learners and try new things. It's really important to have a can do attitude. I really love my job.

I have 2 children of my own. In my spare time I enjoy going to London, watching my daughter sing in the County Youth Choir and spending time with friends and shopping!

What can I say about a day in the life of a Teaching Assistant? It is varied, to say the least, and that is probably one of the reasons that I love being one!
My day usually starts with preparing the learning base for the arrival of the children. This can, and does, include tidying the classroom, collating resources and preparing displays.

Once the children arrive, I work 1:1 with children in dyslexia interventions and for the rest of the school day mainly with small groups of children, either supporting them in their class lessons or reinforcing their learning in Read Write Inc or Speed Up sessions.

I see all aspects of my role as supporting every child within the SEJ family, whether it’s attending to a grazed knee (as a first-aider), driving children to gymnastic competitions (I have a large car) or just sitting down to listen to them.
Every day presents something new!

I have worked at SEJS as a Teaching Assistant since 2016. I support children individually and in small groups, encouraging independence and perseverance in all they do. I treat each child as an individual, respecting their unique needs. I advocate for everyone to do their best and be proud of their achievements, aspiring to be the best they can.

Another main role I have is as a First Aider. I treat ailments, administer medications and work with outside agencies. 

There is a lovely Pet as Therapy dog that visits our school weekly. I have the pleasure of bringing a select few individuals to read to him.

I am proud to be part of the SEJS team. 

My name is Mrs Shortland. I have been a Teaching Assistant for many years, in various settings. I am proud to be part of the South End Junior School team!
I love seeing the look on children’s faces when they ‘get it’, and helping them enjoy their learning.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, and taking my dog for walks in the countryside.

Mrs Lucy Vincent-SEND Teaching Assistant

My name is Mrs Vincent and I have worked at South End Juniors for 10 years. In my time here I have worked in all year groups, but currently work in year 4. I am also one of the school first-aiders.

Mrs Hannah Rose – Teaching Assistant

 My name is Mrs Rose. I am really excited about joining South End Junior School as a Teaching Assistant and am currently based in year 6.    I have previously worked in an early year setting and can’t wait for the new adventures that I will get to encounter at SEJS.  Outside of school I love to read a good book, I enjoy running, and I love to travel to new and exciting places. 

Mrs Sharon Fowler – Teaching Assistant

I have been a member of the Year 6 team for many years and assist in the preparation for the SATs tests. I work with children of all abilities, helping them with Maths as this is a strength of mine.

I have worked at SEJ for over 15 years now and have seen many changes during that time. My role has always been that of a teaching assistant, though for the past 4 years I have also undertaken some pastoral duties, which includes being accessible both at break and lunch playtimes to provide assistance when necessary.

I currently am based in Yr 5 in the mornings and all year groups in the afternoons.  

I am an associate teacher and teach all classes across the school, meaning I get to spend time with all our amazing children. I also teach RE during our PPA afternoons and love creating enriching experiences for our children so that they can appreciate the culture and diversity in our community.  

Miss Abbey Biddlestone- Teaching Assistant  Maternity Leave 

Miss Charmaine Bowditch Teaching Assistant 

Hello, I’m Miss Bowditch, and I’m a teaching assistant in year three. I’m also a first-aider. 

Hello, my name is Mrs Diver and my role at South End Junior is that of Administrator/ PA to the Head Teachers. I began my South End journey in 2008, firstly as a teaching assistant and then as a HLTA ( higher level teaching assistant). My job title now is Administrator/PA and my role now is predominately to oversee all things pupil based and as we are a school full of pupils, I wear a lot of different hats! ie: admissions, intake, data and contact info, attendance reporting, photos, music lessons, meals, communication and leavers are just a few of my jobs.

I am also PA to our Headteacher and our Director of Inclusion, supporting them with the administrative part of their roles. I thoroughly enjoy my role at South End, being the link between parents, carers, our community and the school is what I consider to be a very important undertaking.

Hello, my name is Mrs Louise Blair. I joined South End Junior School in March 2015, already being very familiar with the school, having two sons who spent many happy and fulfilled years here.

My current responsibilities are assisting with the schools finances as well as general office duties.

I am very much looking forward to spending my future years at this outstanding school.  

 My name is Mrs Nicola Dunn, and I am joining the office team. I joined South End Junior School in September 2021. 

My responsibilities include being PA to the School Business Manager and Site Manager and completing the administration for HR and premises and ordering all the resources that the teachers and children require for the classroom.

I am familiar with the school as both  my children and I attended the school. I have seen many changes over the years as the school has grown and become the great learning environment it is today. 

Hello, my name is Mr Huck and I have been working here since my family and I moved to the area in September 2009. I am the Director of Premises for both schools, and I am also an associate governor at SEJ.  My main role is to maintain the standards in the school and grounds, so the children can enjoy their learning experience, which with such a large site, keeps me very busy from early morning through to the evening.

As well as opening the school, maintaining the premises and grounds, liaising with many contractors , I am also the lunchtime lead and I organise the cleaning staff too. One of my favourite things about working at SEJ and the thing I am most proud of is the brilliant environment that myself and my team have been integral in making possible. 

Hello, my name is Mr Rogers and I work along with Mr Huck maintaining both schools. Although I only started working here in January 2022 I know the schools well as both my children came here, and am looking forward to keeping the school and grounds in great condition, helping to give the children a great learning experience! In my spare time I like walking, reading, riding my motorbike, and I’m also a Cub Scout leader.

My role within the school is to work as part of a team to supervise the children at lunchtimes. This involves interacting with the children and making sure that they are safe and happy.

As a team we ensure that lunchtimes run smoothly and that the children are ready for their afternoon lessons.

My name is Clair Courtney, and I am married with two sons. I enjoy cooking, walking, reading and travelling. I work as a cleaner.

I am Mrs Huck and I work in two different positions within SEJ; I work as a cleaner in Y3 after school and I come in every lunchtime as a supervisor in the Plaza or outside.

During lunchtimes, my colleagues and I take it in turns to do outdoor duty where we keep an eye on the children, help with friendship and behaviour issues and make sure all accidents are documented. I have been here since September 2009.

Hi, I’m Julia, and I’m a Lunchtime Supervisor here at SEJS (since November 2018). My role involves caring for and looking after groups all-year during the lunch period; this could be in the Plaza where the children sit to have their lunches, or on the playground, ensuring the children have a safe and happy environment to play.

I enjoy working at SEJS alongside the other Lunchtime Supervisors, staff and children. No two days are the same and it can be very rewarding.

My name is Michaela Isayeva. I am married and have two wonderful sons. I love spending time with my family and friends. I also very much enjoy travelling, visiting historical sites and cooking.

My true passion is spending time with children and I feel very privileged to be able to follow my passions at home as well as work.