Key Stage 1 Team 

• Mrs Julie McMurrough
  Assistant Headteacher (Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3)
  Mrs Julie McMurrough

  I've been working in schools since 2006. This is the third school that I have worked in having previously taught in schools in both Leeds and Bolton.

  Every day in school is different so there is lots of variety in the job and that keeps it interesting. Â The children are so unique, entertaining and passionate about learning and this drives me to prepare and teach lessons that are fun and engaging for all pupils. Teaching allows me to use my creative skills and talents on a daily basis and I thoroughly enjoy each and every day in school.

  The word to describe me as a professional would be 'Dedicated'.

• Mrs A Atkinson
  Calder Class Teacher
  Mrs A Atkinson

  I have been working in schools since 2009 and have been at Valley View since 2013.

  I love teaching because I really enjoy helping children grow and develop. It's so rewarding to see them make progress, build their confidence and learn new things. Watching their excitement when something clicks makes the job really enjoyable.

  Some of the best moments are seeing children perform in a play after the time spent rehearsing together. Watching them grow in confidence and take on bigger roles each year is really special to see.

  One word that describes me as a professional is: Committed

• Mrs A Lindop
  Calder Class Teacher
  Mrs A Lindop

  I started working in schools in 2011 and have been at Valley View since 2015.

  Everyday is different, which is always exciting and it keeps everyone on their toes. One of the best things about working in schools is definitely working with such dedicated staff and children. It is always such a pleasure to see children succeed and to watch their learning journeys throughout their years at school.

  So many funny things happen daily that it would be so hard to choose just one moment. I guess that is what makes this job so special! But one of the best things I love about working in schools is giving children opportunities. For example, seeing children on school trips is always so wonderful and seeing the big, beaming smiles on their faces says it all really!

  A word to describe me is 'dedicated'.

• Miss A Staveley
  Crimple Class Teacher
  Miss A Staveley

  I have been working in schools since 2020.

  The reason I have such a love for teaching is down to how rewarding it is. Seeing children grow and develop physically, emotionally and socially before your eyes is a privilege to watch. I feel honoured every day knowing that I am able to be a part of their educational journey. One of my favourite parts of teaching is watching their personality and humour grow over time.

  The best thing that has been said to me whilst being a teacher is, “I think you look like Princess Ana from frozen Miss Staveley. But your hair is even cooler!” The funniest thing that has happened to me whilst working in schools is being made to dress up as a giraffe using only cardboard boxes by a pantomime actor visiting the school.

  One word that describes me as a professional is “understanding”.

• Mrs J Cousins
  Calder and Crimple Class Teaching Assistant
  Mrs J Cousins

  I have worked in schools since 2006 including voluntary/ employed.

  I enjoy making a difference, seeing children grow in confidence and enjoy learning.

  The best thing so far has been performing a 'Reach for the stars' song/ dance with a group of colleagues as a surprise leavers assembly for the Year 6 children and our Headteacher's retirement.

  I am 'Adaptable'.

• Mrs R Cunningham
  Calder and Crimple Class Teaching Assistant
  Mrs R Cunningham

  I have been working in school since 2025 previously to starting at Valley View I was a registered childminder for 20 years.

  I like working in school as every day is different and getting to see the children grow in confidence and seeing the progress they make.

  The best thing I've seen so far was the Year 3 performance and seeing how hard all the children worked to learn their lines.

  A word to describe me would be ‘caring'.

• Miss M Joy
  Deepdale Class Teacher
  Miss M Joy

  I began working in schools in 2025.

  What I love most about working in schools is being a part of so many children's learning journeys. Being part of a community that works together to make a positive difference to children's lives is very rewarding.

  It's hard to pinpoint just one funny moment, as the children make me laugh every day. However, one moment that stands out was during a PE lesson when I demonstrated a tuck jump off a bench. The children cheered so loudly you would believe that I was an Olympic gymnast! It was a positive reminder of how encouraging and positive the children are.

  A word to describe me is 'supportive'.

• Mrs J McMurrough
  Assistant Headteacher & Deepdale Class Teacher
  Mrs J McMurrough

  I've been working in schools since 2006. This is the third school that I have worked in having previously taught in schools in both Leeds and Bolton.

  Every day in school is different so there is lots of variety in the job and that keeps it interesting. Â The children are so unique, entertaining and passionate about learning and this drives me to prepare and teach lessons that are fun and engaging for all pupils. Teaching allows me to use my creative skills and talents on a daily basis and I thoroughly enjoy each and every day in school.

  The word to describe me as a professional would be 'Dedicated'.

• Mrs C Gregory
  Derwent Class Teacher
  Mrs C Gregory

  I have been working in education since 2005.

  I love teaching because no two days are ever the same. Each day brings new questions, new challenges, and new opportunities. I enjoy building relationships with the children I work with, getting to know them as individuals, understanding their strengths, and supporting them as they grow in confidence and ability. I am proud to be part of the Valley View School community, because everyone looks out for one another and we work together to help every child.

  I do not have one specific funniest memory, as often it is just little moments in the day where a child says or does something that makes me laugh.

  One word that describes me as a professional is 'caring'.

• Mr A Nyakubaya
  Derwent Class Teacher
  Mr A Nyakubaya

  I began working in schools in 2003, and over the years, I have found it to be an incredibly rewarding experience. Working with young people has given me a deep sense of purpose, as I truly believe they are the future of society. Being part of shaping that future is not only an honour, but also a meaningful opportunity to positively influence their lives.

  One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work is witnessing children grow and develop—from their early formative years into confident individuals who go on to pursue a wide range of professions. Seeing that journey unfold is both inspiring and humbling.

  One of my funniest memories reflects just how much I care about my role—I once got fully ready for work on a Sunday, convinced it was Monday!

  If I had to describe myself in one word, it would be ‘passionate'. I bring that passion into everything I do, especially in my work with young people.

• Mrs M Richards
  Derwent and Deepdale Class Teaching Assistant
  Mrs M Richards

  I have worked at Valley View since September 2020, previous to that I spent 28 years as a Dental Nurse working along side a Dentist that specialised treating young children and patients.

  What I love most about working in a school, especially Valley View is that everyday is different and the staff and children bring a loving, dedicated and caring approach to teaching and learning which all make for a great working environment.

  I would say the funniest thing that happens to me is being asked about my ever changing hairstyles.

  The one word that best describes me is 'flexible'.

• Mrs S Wells
  Derwent and Deepdale Class Teaching Assistant
  Mrs S Wells

  I have worked in schools since 2016.

  What I value most about my role is seeing children grow, develop, and achieve their potential. I am proud to be part of the Valley View team, where we are committed to providing the best possible support and opportunities for every child.

  There have been many memorable moments during my time at Valley View, making it difficult to choose just one highlight. Every day brings new experiences, and I particularly enjoy supporting children in both their learning and wellbeing, helping them to overcome challenges and celebrate their achievements.

  The best word to describe me is 'Supportive'.

• Ms F Cunningham
  Phonics Teaching Assistant
  Ms F Cunningham

  I have been working in schools since 2002.

  It is wonderful to be in the moment with children and to be reminded how important that is. I love to learn and I learn so much from the children, young people and staff that I work with here. It's a joy to be part of a team helping children grow, learn and develop and especially to witness those times when children have mastered something and are truly proud of themselves.

  The best thing is when we're learning without realising. The funniest thing was when I fell flat, almost face down, in the mud during a race one sports day (but that was as a parent - so I'm not sure if it counts?)

  The word that best describes me as a professional is: Caring.

• Mrs J Bedford
  Higher Level Teaching Assistant
  Mrs J Bedford

  I have worked at Valley View since we opened in 2006.

  The best thing about my job is that no two days are the same.

  I have thought about my funniest moment and there are too many to recall as I laugh every day.

  A word to describe me would be 'Determined'.

• Mrs K McNiven
  Teaching Assistant
  Mrs K McNiven

  I have been working in schools since 2019.

  I like my job because every day is different. The staff and pupils are very friendly and supportive, which makes it a lovely environment to work in. I really enjoy watching the children grow and celebrating their personal achievements with them. Playground duty always makes me smile seeing the children use their imaginations and enjoy their freedom is a joy.

  I have so many memorable moments because every day is different, but one that really stands out was on a school trip to Filey. We were only supposed to be paddling in the water, but it turned into a full sit-down splash with lots of laughter and fun. I've definitely learned to take a spare change of clothes next time!

  A word to describe me is 'Patient'.

• Mrs K Parsmehr
  Teaching Assistant
  Mrs K Parsmehr

• Mrs P Pickering (on maternity leave)
  Teaching Assistant
  Mrs P Pickering (on maternity leave)

• Mrs H Pickup
  Teaching Assistant
  Mrs H Pickup

  I have worked in schools since 2002, with a break when I had my children.

  I love working in Early Years and find the job very rewarding. Being able to nurture and support the youngest children in school to become confident and independent individuals is an absolute pleasure.

  My most memorable moment so far is when a nursery child asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up!

  I word to describe me is: Caring.

• Mrs A Roome
  Teaching Assistant
  Mrs A Roome

  I love working in a school because of the diversity of the things I do and the people I meet - no day is the same! I particularly like working at Valley View because we are one big family. I've been a School Governor since 2011 but after working briefly at another school in Leeds I joined the team at Valley View in March 2016.

  Funny and amazing things happen often in school, but I remember being on a trip to Armley Mills Victorian school room and the very strict school mistress told some of the adults off for not listening, the children thought it very funny but no-one dared laugh!

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• Miss J Chew
  Teaching Assistant
  Miss J Chew

  I started working at Valley View school in October 2020

  I love my job. I feel so very lucky to be part of the Valley View family. The children are so entertaining. Even at such a young age, they have the most amazing and unique personalities. That make me laugh and smile everyday. Helping the children learn and to see how happy they are when they achieve something, is just wonderful to me.

  2020 was such a difficult year for everyone. So I think the best thing so far for me. Was seeing how amazingly well the children coped with everything, and to think that I was part of making their life at nursery enjoyable.

  A word to describe me is 'Reliable'.