Staff – Birdwell Primary School

Mr N Bailey	Headteacher	I am an advanced skills teacher and specialise in Accelerated Learning Strategies. In 2004 I was awarded teacher of the year for the North of England. I enjoy keeping fit and sharing time with my family.
Mr R Swallow	Deputy Headteacher Y5	I became Deputy Headteacher at Birdwell Primary School in 2017. I am looking forward to teaching Y5 children and getting them ready for Y6. I am passionate about helping children to learn and ensuring the children have fantastic learning opportunities. I believe in context based learning and questioning through quality planning and delivery.
Mrs N Baldwin	Assistant Head/Class Teacher Y2 /SENCO	I am an experienced KS1 teacher who is very much looking forward to joining the Birdwell community. I’m passionate about positivity and creating a cooperative learning environment. I come offering lots of enthusiasm to create exciting learning opportunities with a particular interest in English. I will be taking part in the Great North Run in September so please wish me luck!
Mrs C Ekins	Teacher Y6 (currently on maternity leave )	I am the Science Leader and the Network Facilitator for Birdwell Primary School. I enjoy singing, sports and enjoy keeping fit by visiting the gym regularly.
Mrs T Rees	Teacher Y6	I love to play the piano and I am currently learning the cornet. I am passionate about teaching maths in exciting and fun ways. I live locally and I am looking forward to getting involved with the day to day life of the school here at Birdwell.
Mrs S Priest	Teacher Y6	I am passionate about History and keeping this alive for future generations.
Mrs S Rooke	Teacher Y4 (currently on Maternity leave )	I am the Languages coordinator at our school. I can speak German and some French and Dutch! I enjoy travelling as much as possible in my free time. I also enjoy Salsa Dancing, going to the gym.
Mr A Bennett	Teacher Y3	I have been teaching Year 3 at Birdwell since 2016. I achieved a course award for achievement whilst studying teaching at Sheffield Hallam University. I have taught abroad in Georgia, USA and I have completed camp America in New York. I am also lead of humanities throughout school.
Mrs P Millington	Teacher Y1	I have been teaching at Birdwell since 2003, working in both Key Stage 1 and 2. I have specialised in Literacy and enjoy Drama. My hobbies include walking and socialising with my friends.
Mr A Mathieson	Year 4	I am a newly qualified teacher, completing my final teaching practise at Birdwell Primary School. I am passionate about sport and looking forward to being able to develop this in school during the year.
Mrs K Barrott	Teacher Y1 (currently on maternity leave )	I have been teaching at Birdwell since 2011, working in the Foundation Stage and Year 1. I have specialised in Early Years and enjoy active learning. My interests are swimming and cycling.
Mrs D Sykes	School Business Manager	I have previously worked at Birdwell Primary School for many years. After a break I returned to work here in September 2012. My hobbies are sewing, art and visiting wonderful places.
Mrs K Atkinson-Swift	Parent Support/Inclusion/Attendance Worker	I have been working at Birdwell school since November 2008. I am here to support parents and children with any issues which arise and monitor our school attendance.
Mrs S Atkinson	Higher Level Teaching Assistant	I have worked at Birdwell Primary since 2002. I worked first as a teaching assistant, then was promoted to a Cover Supervisor. In 2007, I changed career paths and worked as the Finance Manager in the school office for 5 years. In September 2012, I changed career paths again and now work as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant covering PPA time for class teachers in Key Stage 2 and delivering intervention programmes and supporting the learning of children throughout Key Stage 2. The subject I mostly enjoy is Maths! My interests are music, theatre, cinema and rugby. I am an avid Leeds Rhinos supporter!
Miss J O’Neill	Higher Level Teaching Assistant	I have been working at Birdwell since 2004. I support children’s learning and have also been the lunchtime play organizer. I enjoy reading, gardening and watching my children play football.
Mrs H Addy	Cover Supervisor	I have worked as a teaching assistant at our school since 1999. I specialise in classroom displays. My hobbies are keeping fit, walking my dog and I enjoy supporting my childrens musical talents.
Mrs A Bebb	Cover Supervisor	I worked voluntarily in reception whilst completing my qualification in 2012 and was employed as a teaching assistant and lunchtime play organiser in 2013. I enjoy dancing, reading, jogging, visiting the theatre and spending time with my family and friends.
Mr A Crouch	Teaching Assistant/Playleader	I have been working at Birdwell school since April 2007, supporting Maths and the Reading Champions strategy. I also organise and deliver lunchtime games. I enjoy watching and taking part in a variety of sports.
Miss J Wright	Teaching Assistant	I have been working within Birdwell School for 18 years. I worked as a manager Birdwell Pre-school before becoming a Teaching Assistant at Birdwell Primary in 2015. I am interested in Special Educational Needs, drawing and baking.
Miss L Housley	Teaching Assistant	I am currently working as a teaching assistant, full time in school. I work in KS1 and KS2. I enjoy Photography and Graphic Design. I am currently supporting the development of the website and organising extra curricular reading throughout the school.
Mrs J Rowland	Play Leader/1:1 support	I love reading, walking and socialising with my friends and family. I work in Year 1 supporting Reading and run the school library.
Mrs M Rae	Head Cook	I have worked at Birdwell school since 1993 and am now the Head Cook enjoying creating delicious meals for everyone. My hobbies are reading and visiting places of interest.
Mrs J Atkinson Lomas	Tuck Shop	I live in the local community and like to get involved in local things. I currently help out with my two girls in the local dance school.