Key Stage 1 Team 

• Mrs J McMurrough
  Assistant Headteacher & Calder 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. ￿ 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.

  I like being part of the whole school team and as Key Stage 1 leader I'm able to make a difference by leading others and sharing good practice.

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

• Mrs H Fawcett
  Calder Class Teacher
  Mrs H Fawcett

  I have been working in schools since 2010.

  One of my favourite things about being a teacher is the variety each day brings. No two days are the same and the inquisitive minds of children can take their learning in any direction! I really enjoy working with lots of different people and being part of a dedicated, enthusiastic team.

  There have been lots of funny things happen to me at school. Every day makes me smile! ￿ ￿The best moments are watching children learn, grow and develop into confident individuals. I am very proud of all the children I have taught and love my job.

  It's hard to choose one but I would describe myself as 'positive'.

• Miss S Loftus
  Crimple Class Teacher
  Miss S Loftus

  I have been a teacher since 2016. I spent 3 of those years living and teaching in Dubai.

  I love making learning fun and interesting for the children that I teach. It really is the best job as there is nothing better than seeing your class flourish and knowing that you played an important part in that.

  There have been so many great moments but I loved taking my first class on a school trip to the seaside. For some of the children, this was their first time playing in the sand and dipping their toes in the sea. Seeing their faces light up makes everything worthwhile.

  The one word that describes me as a professional is 'Positive'.

• Mrs A Fennelly
  Deepdale Class Teacher
  Mrs A Fennelly

  I have been working in schools since 2002.

  I love my job because every day is different. You never know what's around the corner and this makes it fun, challenging but most of all exciting.

  One of the best parts about working in schools has got to be seeing children grow in confidence and enjoying their learning. It is also amazing to see children achieve and progress throughout the year. By the end of each academic year I always feel proud of what all the children have achieved.

  A word to describe me is 'Caring'.

• Mrs C Gregory
  Derwent Class Teacher
  Mrs C Gregory

  I have been working in schools since 2006.

  The best thing about working in a school is that every day is different.

  There are so many things to love, but one of the things I always enjoy the most about working in school is Christmas time; it's truly magical! ￿ Years of staging a Nativity have probably provided me with some of the funniest moments of my career, as once a child is on stage, you have little control over what they might say or do... especially when they are only six years old!

  The word to describe me as a professional is: involved.

• Mrs K Rhodes
  Deepdale Class Teaching Assistant
  Mrs K Rhodes

  Valley View is my first TA position I've been here since 2012. In a previous life I was a IT product Manager.

  I love the fact that every day is different and that each child is an individual who I can help and support.

  The best thing is that a wet tissue can cure ALL ailments!

  A word to describe me would be 'Optimistic'.

• Mrs K McNiven
  Calder Class Teaching Assistant
  Mrs K McNiven

  I started working at Valley View in September 2019. ￿ This is the first school that I have worked at.

  I like my job because every day is different. ￿ I find this school very friendly and helpful.

  I am enjoying watching the children learn and achieve their goals. ￿ Playground duty makes me smile every day just by watching them use their imaginations.

  A word to describe me: 'Patient'

• Miss B Rawlinson
  Calder Class Teaching Asistant
  Miss B Rawlinson

  This is my first school I have worked in and I love it; ￿I started at Valley View in 2020.
  
  

  I love the kindness and support the staff show others at Valley View as well as watching the children grow in their learning, whether that's in lessons or in things they find interest in/questions they ask.
  
  
  

  A funny thing that has happened to me in school is when it was coming up to my birthday and one of children guessed I was 104!!! I'm really not, I'm much much younger!
  
  

  Which word describes me best as a professional ￿ ￿Evolving.

• Mrs T Wilson
  Crimple Class Teaching Assistant
  Mrs T Wilson

  I have spent many years in education. ￿ I started teaching in Post-16 education in 1994 and then moved to primary schools in 2006.

  The best part of the job is watching the children grow and mature through their school life. Occasionally when they return to visit from high school I am amazed by the confident young adult in front of me.

  One of my best memories of Valley View is on a 'Snow Day' when we were able to go out and build snow castles and snowmen, then warming up with cups of hot chocolate when we came in. When I come to school I feel like part of an extended family and friends sharing lots of good times.

  A word to describe me: 'Patient'.

• Mrs J Bedford
  KS1 Senior 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 J Cousins
  Calder 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 H Dowling
  Year 2 Teacher and SENDCo
  Mrs H Dowling

  I have been working in schools since 2004.

  I like it that every day is different when working in a school. You never know what might happen next!

  The best thing was when a Year 1 child said, "You are like the princess in this book!"

  The word that describes me as a professional ￿ ￿'Enthusiastic'.

• Mrs A Dalgleish
  Derwent Class Teaching Assistant
  Mrs A Dalgleish

  I started working at Valley View in 2011. ￿ Before this I spent a year volunteering with the charity, Beanstalk, which works to improve reading in primary school children.

  The children and staff are what makes Valley View such a great place to be. ￿ I am proud to be a small cog in the machine that helps give children the skills they'll need for a successful future.

  The best thing has to be watching the progress that every child makes watching them grow in confidence and social skills, as well as abilities. ￿ Being a part of those 'penny-drop' moments is a real pleasure.

  A word to describe me is 'Supportive'.

• Miss A Benson
  KS1 Teacher (currently on maternity leave)
  Miss A Benson

  I have been working in schools since

  
  I love my job because I love working with children, everyday is different. I love watching children learn and grow, especially when they realise themselves they have learnt how to do something.

  
  I don't have one particular moment, funny things happen quite often when working with 5 year olds! But my favourite moments are watching things which the children have been practising for a while, such as assemblies and nativity productions. I really love seeing how confident they are and watching them show off what they have learnt to their parents.

  
  A word to describe me is 'Dependable'.

• Miss M Stirk
  KS1 Teacher (currently on maternity leave)
  Miss M Stirk

  I have been teaching since 2016

  I like my job in Early Years as I get to make a difference to young children's lives on a daily basis.

  The best thing that has happened to me whilst working in a school was seeing my first Reception class perform their Christmas Nativity. ￿

  A word to describe me is 'Nurturing'.