I came to Shotton Hall Primary School in January 2015 as my third headship in Durham County. I brought with me my experience of developing two schools from challenging circumstances to successful positions. I love the work I do as I can make a difference to so many children’s lives both educationally and personally, and support teachers to forge an exciting and valuable career path in our group of schools. I also enjoy meeting new people and learning from others through our close allegiance with the Peterlee Primary Partnership of schools.
I began my career as a nursery nurse working in a primary school and then advanced through a range of posts including some nursing in a special care baby unit. Following initial teacher training I progressed through the ranks over 20 years working in early years and all classes in key stage one and two. I developed excellent primary teaching experience in all subjects and use this now to develop my staff. I lectured in further education in child development and child care and spent three years as a literacy consultant for the National Strategy.
In a short space of time I have made some very strong professional and personal friendships. I have found the community very welcoming and supportive in my new role. I work closely with the governing body to expand its activity and ensure the school meets all its statutory commitments and delivers high quality education and care for all of our pupils both in and out of school. The governing body have been developed and are a strong and knowledgeable group of people who have the schools best interests at heart and they give their time freely to this service, bringing their professional perspective to the schools work.
We have been through a period of great change in our school and it has been both a challenge and a pleasure to be at the head of this, working strategically with the pupils, governing body, staff, families, local providers and community to improve provision. We are now seeing the benefits of the commitment we have all made and the school is definitely moving from ‘good to great’ at a speedy pace!
I was born the youngest of three children and have lived on the North East coast of England all my life and am passionate about our rich heritage and unique culture. My roots began in South Shields and I then moved as a child to south of the area when my father was a draughtsman for Swan Hunter’s shipyard.
In my leisure time I enjoy cooking (no one is ever hungry in our house!) and spending time with my family- I have a husband, three grown up children and two grandchildren. I love dancing and still go to classes with my husband. I also enjoy walking my westie ‘Billy’ at Hardwick Park or Tynemouth. If I have spare time I enjoy singing and playing instruments and as a musical family we often meet to play and make a terrible din- but we enjoy it!
