Our Staff
Strategic Lead Team
Miss Gurdip Kaur- Headteacher
My role in our school is Headteacher. 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 just brilliant and take so much joy in being part of SEJ.
I am the Designated Lead person for Safeguarding and monitor the attendance of all pupils. The children see me in classrooms regularly as I observe lessons, and focus on improving Teaching and Learning across the school. I am on duty every day to ensure I have regular contact with parents and carers too. 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 think I may just have the best job in the world!
I joined the SEJ family in January 2015 as a Director of Learning and have been lucky enough to progress to Acting 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.
My foremost responsibility is leading the amazing Year 6 team of pupils and staff, but I also lead across the school on data and assessment, the curriculum, pupil premium and oversee the leadership of the other year groups. To strive for each and every child to reach their personal goals in all subjects, I provide strategic support to POD teams at SEJ to make certain that the development of these subject areas matches the needs of the pupils and the school.
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- Director of Teaching and Learning
In my role, I have the pleasure of working closely with all staff and pupils. It is an extremely rewarding role that enables me to spend time in my favourite place ‘The Learning Base’ (the classroom for those who are unfamiliar with our school). My passion for teaching is enhanced by supporting others to develop their skills.
I am also the Director of Learning for year 3 and 4. 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 a member of the Communication and Arts POD team I am looking forward to promoting reading across the school. Leading the pupil team of ‘Reading Champions’ we are committed to improving reading provision and instilling a love of reading for all pupils.
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- Director of Learning
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 and Ecology, so I love travelling to different environments around the world where there is lots of wildlife to see. I live in the countryside and enjoy spending my free time outdoors with my family, either cycling, walking, kayaking or horse riding.
Teachers
Mrs Katherine Jennings- Teacher (MATERNITY LEAVE)
My name is Mrs Jennings and I teach Archimedes class in Year 5. I aim to make learning fun and exciting to help engage all the children at South End to give them the opportunity to thrive and succeed in their learning journey.
I enjoy being creative and so my classroom will always be bright, colourful and welcoming. My favourite subject is maths but I also love geography and music.
Outside of school, I love to cook and bake. I love making a roast dinner for my whole family to enjoy.
Mr Tom Hodgkins -Teacher
I aim to create a safe, fun and engaging classroom environment rooted in a culture of collaboration and mutual respect, where children aren’t afraid to take risks. I encourage children to ask questions to take ownership over their learning.
I believe that promoting a growth mindset enables children to thrive and experience success in their learning journeys, both as individuals and as part of a class team.
Outside of school, I enjoy reading a variety of books, watching sports and visiting new places. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family and going for walks.
I will look forward to getting to know all of you at South End this year!
Mrs Z Pixton -Teacher
My name is Mrs Pixton and I teach Lewis class in Year 4. I have been teaching for many years and I have taught across the key stages. I hope that my experience helps me to inspire and enthuse children in their learning.
I love teaching all subjects but my favourite subject is English, especially when we can incorporate some drama. I like to encourage children to explore thoughts, feelings and emotions and it allows children to develop qualities, such as teamwork and it helps stimulate creativity as it stimulates the imagination and allows students to explore issues and experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family; going for walks and visiting new places. My two boys keep me very busy with football! I enjoy many sports and I love to travel and have been fortunate to visit many different countries. If I need some quiet time then there is nothing better than a good book!
Mrs Louise Taylor
My name is Mrs Taylor and I am really looking forward to teaching full-time at South End Junior School in September, following my first year here teaching English. I will be teaching Matisse class in Year 3.
I have been a teacher for many years so have a wealth of experience which will hopefully inspire and motivate my new class. I pride myself on my ability to establish good relationships with all members of the school community and on my enthusiasm and commitment to get the best out of the children. I aspire to be someone the children can rely on to help and support them at all times and know that I will always encourage them to try hard and be resilient.
I have three children of my own and in my spare time, I like to get outside and be active with them. I love adventure and am a bit of a thrill seeker.
Mrs Barry – Teacher
Mrs Helen Moody – Teacher
I am the class teacher for Archimedes Class in Year 5. I have been teaching for many, 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 Archimedes 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 focuses on science, history and geography. 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.
Outside of school, I love to read (hence, English is one of my favourite subjects) and, given a spare moment, I like to go running; there’s nothing like a long run to clear your head!
Mr George Carter – Teacher
My name is Mr Carter and this year I will be teaching Year 6 Galileo class. This is my second year of teaching, having joined SEJ after completing my teacher training. I previously worked in Year 5 at SEJ, but I am very excited to be joining the Year 6 team this year.
I enjoy teaching a variety of subjects, but my favourites are maths, science and history. I also really enjoy reading, both in school and at home. I want my classroom to be a welcoming environment, where children can work collaboratively with one another and respect each other’s ideas and opinions. I want to encourage the children in my class to have a go even if they are unsure. I believe we can learn from making good mistakes, so long as we are trying!
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my wife, my son and my Labrador Poppy. I also enjoy going for walks, drawing and playing board games.
Mrs Farrar -Williams – Teacher
My name is Daisy Farrar-Williams and I will be teaching Year 4 in Dahl and will be heading up this year’s JLT. I have been teaching for 8 years based between years 3 and 4 and really enjoy this age group.
My aim for my classroom is to always make it as fun and creative as possible with chances to sing, dance and act. For me, this gives all children a chance to thrive in their own way. My favourite subjects are Maths, Science, Computing and Music, but I love teaching all subjects.
Outside of school, I love swimming and yoga as well as going to the cinema and visiting family. I, like a lot of people, did quite a bit of baking during lockdown and I like to think that I got quite good at it. I love spending time with my family and friends but am also quite happy having time to myself to read or watch television.
I look forward to getting to know lots of you this year
Miss Martha Kay – Teacher
Hello, my name is Miss Kay and I am super excited to join SEJ! Having completed part of my teacher training at SEJ I had to come back to such an incredible school.
I love to make learning hands-on and visual, as it promotes engagement and builds excitement. Some of my favourite things to do are science enquiries… especially those that go BANG! I enjoy a classroom that has a buzz of energy and one where children can ask any questions they like – there is no such thing as a silly question. I am enthusiastic about promoting diversity and celebrating all the cultures within the classroom. Just like our school values, my classroom will promote respect and acceptance, as we are all one team.
In my spare time I paint portraits using oil paints and can often be found at the piano…not at the same time though! History is my favourite subject, followed closely by art and science.
Together, we will give everything a go and try again if we stumble – that is what makes us great South Enders!
Miss Bronwyn Ryan – Teacher
Hello, my name is Miss Ryan, and I am the class teacher for Aristotle. I am looking forward to working with the year 6 team again this year. My favourite subjects to teach are science and art. I love teaching the project sessions in Year 6 as we have a few very interesting topics, especially Frozen Kingdoms and Blood Heart.
I always encourage children to show a growth mindset, particularly when it comes to new challenges. It always brings a smile to my face when the children have ‘lightbulb’ moments after previously not getting it.
This year, I am the joint POD leader of ‘Body, Mind and Soul’ which oversees PSHE, RE and PE. Within this POD, we organise some great after school clubs and sports competitions. When I am not teaching, I enjoy baking, reading and colouring. I also love to have cuddles with my two cats, Winston and Pepper.
Mr Daniel Woodcock – Teacher
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.
Miss Kirsty Watt – Teacher
My name is Miss Watt, and I am the teacher for Einstein class. I really enjoy teaching Year 6 where children round up their SEJ learning journey. South End is one of the most inspiring schools I know; nowhere else has a learning environment quite like it!
My aim to make learning as exciting and creative as possible, ensuring children have memorable experiences especially in their last year at junior school! I love teaching a range of subjects, but English is my favourite to teach as it is a chance for your imagination to run wild.
I am also the leader for the Communication and Arts POD, where myself and my team ensure that all children have the best opportunities in English, Music, Art and French. In my spare time, I enjoy reading (quite often books that I believe my class will enjoy) and baking cakes. I can’t wait for another fantastic year at SEJ.
Support Staff
Mrs Anna Webb- Associate Teacher
I have been teaching at South End since 2009! Joining as a volunteer all those years ago, I am now an Associate Teacher. I work part-time teaching music across all year groups in the afternoon. I also take great pride in running our choir, who meet once a week and entertain the community in lots of events throughout Rushden.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time time with my family, walking my 2 dogs, playing netball and of course singing!
Miss Nicole Swords- Associate Teacher
Hi my name is Miss Swords and I am excited to be joining the South End Junior School team this September as an associate teacher. I am going to be based in year 4, but I am going to be fortunate enough to teach across the whole school.
I believe in implementing a growth mindset attitude and encouraging children to try new things, in order to be independent and successful learners.
My favourite subjects to teach are English, art and P.E. In my spare time I enjoy cycling and being outdoors.
Miss Charmaine Bowditch – Teaching Assistant
Hello, my name is Miss Bowditch and I am going to be a teaching assistant in year 6. This is my first year at SEJ and I am very excited to get to know everyone.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, watching films and spending time with my family.
Mrs Stacey Bird- Teaching Assistant
My name is Mrs Stacey Bird and I have been a part of the South End team since 2012. I am a Teaching Assistant currently working with year 3, however I have had experience in previous years working with all year groups.
I can be found looking after the Avenue two afternoons a week.
Mrs Leanne Gardner- Teaching Assistant
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!
Mrs Julie Scott- Teaching Assistant
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 4 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).
Mrs Sarah Martin – Teaching Assistant
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 independant learners and try new things . Its really important to have a can do attitiude. 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 ,spending time with friends and shopping!
Mrs Angela Ebb- Teaching Assistant
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!
Mrs Di Warr- Teaching Assistant
I have worked in primary schools for 8 years, initially as a parent helper, lunchtime supervisor and for 6 years as a special educational needs teaching assistant. I started at SEJS in January 2016.
I presently work in years 4 and 5 as a teaching assistant, supporting and encouraging children with their learning. I love the creative, friendly and dynamic environment this school offers.
Mrs Trish Shortland- Teaching Assistant
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- Teaching Assistant
My name is Mrs Vincent, alongside my lunchtime role I also enjoy my position as a 1:1 TA based in year 3. This amazing opportunity has given me the experience to work with pupils that need that extra time, patience and care to complete their work.
Mrs Hannah Rose – Teaching Assistant
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.
Miss Janet Lord – Teaching Assistant
Hello, I am delighted to have joined the Year 5 team as a 1:1 Teaching Assistant. After several years in the Careers/Connexions Service, I moved into Primary Education and since then have enjoyed a variety of support staff roles across Key Stage 2.
I love swimming, walking and mini breaks, exploring new and fascinating places. In the last year I have also become a lego enthusiast!
Mrs Kate Clark-Pastoral Support Worker
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 6 in the mornings and all year groups in the afternoons.
Mrs Kirstie Dean- Teaching Assistant
I’m a teaching assistant and my role in the school is to support, encourage and inspire the children on their learning journey. I do this by supporting pupils in the classroom, as well as working with smaller groups of children and some children on a 1 to 1 basis.
I feel privileged to spend my time working with such wonderful children and enjoy watching their knowledge and confidence grow and develop.
Mrs Amy Carter
Miss Abbie Biddlestone.
Hi, I am Miss Biddlestone and I have just started working in Year 5 as a Teaching Assistant.
The Admin Team
Mrs Lesley Diver- Administrator/PA to the Headeachers
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 all of our Headteachers 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.
Mrs Louise Blair- Finance Administrator
Hello, my name is Mrs Louise Blair and I am the newest addition to the office team. 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.
Mrs Nicola Dunn- Business Support Officer
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 H.R and premises and ordering all the resources that the teachers and children require for the classroom.
I am familiar with the school as both myself and my children 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.
The Site and Premises Team
Mr Dave Huck- Site Manager
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 and arranging rooms for our lettings in the evenings and weekend, 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.
Mr Leigh Rogers-Hussey- Site Supervisor
Mrs Natasha Beswick- Lunchtime Supervisor
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.
Mrs Clair Courtney- Lunchtime Supervisor and Cleaner
My name is Clair Courtney and I am married with two sons. I enjoy cooking, walking, reading and travel. I work as a Lunchtime Supervisor and a Cleaner.
Mrs Sheila Huck- Lunchtime Supervisor and 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.
Mrs Julia Masters- Lunchtime Supervisor
Hi, I’m Julia and I’m a Lunchtime Supervisor here at SEJS (since November 2018). My role involves caring for and looking after all year groups 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.
Mrs Michaela Isayeva- Lunchtime Supervisor
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.
Mrs Lucy Vincent- Lunchtime Supervisor
My name is Lucy Vincent and I have been part of the lunchtime team since November 2015. I work alongside the team in the Plaza or in the playground on a rota system.
My role is to ensure that all the children have a happy and safe lunchtime knowing that there is a friendly face that they can approach if a problem occurs.
Miss Sophie Watts- Cleaner
Mrs Fay Hiscock- Cleaner
Miss Susan Aspley- Cleaner
Mr Reece Richmond – Cleaner
Miss Charlie White – Cleaner
Miss Ellie Rice – Cleaner
