Team Lanesend
Our staff are known as "Team Lanesend" and as a team we are all here to help every child develop their learning potential.
Content is still to be added.
Meet our team:
Quick links
Headteacher and Deputy - Premises - Lunch team and Kitchen team - Teachers - LSAs - Office team - Inclusion Team - Additional Teaching Staff - Music Tuition
Headteacher and Deputy
Caroline Sice
Headteacher
email me hereI have been Headteacher here at Lanesend for nine years, previous to this I was Headteacher at another local school on the Island and before that I spent 10 years in schools in Kent. Teaching has always been my first passion although upon leaving school I moved to London, to Kent, to Hong Kong, back to England, with a bit of travelling in between, experiencing a range of jobs from secretary to teaching English
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Dave Cooper
Deputy Headteacher
email me hereI arrived on the Isle of Wight 12 years ago after taking a year off travelling around the world. I spent one year at a local primary school before moving to the world’s greatest primary school Lanesend. My teachers instilled in me the belief that you should take risks, try anything once and experience as much as you can, that's why I went bungee jumping in New Zealand! When I was at school I got the opportunity to
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Premises
Lunch team and kitchen team
Teachers
Tara Hopkinson
Early Years Foundation Stage Lead
email me hereUnbelievably, this is my ninth year working in Reception at Lanesend Primary School; my first teaching post having completed my PGCE at Bath Spa University. Prior to this, I studied at the University of Southampton and gained my degree in English Language and Literature. I am Early Years Lead and a member of the Progression Team, with responsibility for Early Years and Transition, supporting children and their
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Tabatha Wren
This is my fifth year as a teacher at Lanesend Primary School, where I was lucky enough to get my first teaching post in Reception. I studied in Bristol, obtaining a degree in Early Childhood Education, followed by a PGCE in Primary Education at the University of Brighton, where I specialised in Early Years and Key Stage 1. Early Years has always been an interest of mine, as I find it incredibly rewarding setting the foundations in children’s education and sharing their first year of school with them.
No two days are the same when working in Reception, and sharing those ‘wow’ moments with the children is one of the many reasons that I love coming to work each morning.
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Gemma Hinkley
Early Years Foundation Stage Teacher
email me hereThis is my first year at Lanesend Primary and I feel very lucky to have been given the opportunity to join such a friendly and unique team. Before joining Lanesend I worked for 16 years at another island primary school.Since the age of five I was determined I wanted to be a teacher and 17 years later here I am doing my dream job and loving every day. I completed my teaching degree at St Mark and St John’s in
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Sally Coppen
Year 1 Teacher
email link hereI am a teacher in Year 1 Gruffalo Class where we love learning and have lots of fun. When I started teaching it was teaching Science in a High School to students up to eighteen years old but I have also taught in Reception and all Primary year groups. I love learning new things and being with the wonderful children.
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Jessica McQueen
Year 1 Teacher
Email me hereThis is my fifth year teaching at Lanesend Primary School, where I was lucky enough to get my first teaching post. I have been fortunate to have taught in Year 2, Reception and now in Year 1. I studied at Winchester University and have fulfilled placements in a range of schools across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. I was part of The University of Winchester Netball Team and I now play in the Isle of Wight Netball
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Sarah Fifield
Year 1 Teacher
Email me hereI moved to the Island 10 years ago with my family and it was the best move ever. I qualified as a teacher in 1994 and since then have taught in a number of schools both on the mainland and on the island. I worked as a supply teacher on and off whilst raising our 4 children. I love running, singing and being with my family.
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Sylvie Poulton
Year 1 Teacher
email me hereMy path to a career in teaching has taken me all over the country on a route through lots of different jobs; my favourite role was managing a huge bookshop. I trained as a teacher over in Portsmouth at the same time as my now teenage daughter was starting school and we came back to the Island a few years ago. Teaching is definitely in my blood and guiding and nurturing children through their early years in school
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Maryann Price
Year 2 Teacher
Email me hereSince joining Lanesend Primary I have had the pleasure of working with so many lovely families. I am currently teaching Year Two and I am thrilled to be part of such an amazing and unique team. Over the last fifteen years I have worked in four other Island schools as class teacher, teaching assistant and as a support for individual children. I am a mother of two children and enjoy spending my
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Katie Lewis
Year 2 Teacher
email me hereI feel very lucky to be a member of Team Lanesend and have been part of the school for about eight years now.When I left school I trained to be a teacher and once I had qualified I worked at an infant school in Northamptonshire. Living away from the Island was fun, but having been spoilt with a childhood of sunshine, walks and beaches we decided to return. Moving back after ten years away was exciting! I
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Lizzie Westbrook
Year 3 Teacher
email link hereI am in my fifth year of working in year 3 since joining Lanesend. I have responsibility for PE and sport across the school. We have some amazing sports people in our school which also helps my love of winning!Out of school I play for Gurnard netball club with my sister Karen. I also have a Shetland pony called Dave who my nieces love to to ride and take for walks! He even came into school for show and tell
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Lucy Wyld
Year 3 Teacher
email me hereI am a year 3 teacher, in my second year of teaching, loving the variety and excitement that the role brings everyday. At university, I completed my degree in History and this is still one of my favourite subjects to teach, encouraging the children to investigate and question. I really enjoy the variety that our whole school topics offer, and love planning and teaching the curriculum through
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Dawn Gilbert
Year 4 Teacher
email me hereThis is now my ninth year at Lanesend Primary and I feel very privileged to be working with such an amazing team, in an amazing school with amazing children. Prior to Lanesend I taught Year 5 in a Middle School which was a very interesting, challenging and exciting time for me and before this I was a teaching assistant where I was inspired and enthused by many amazing teachers that I worked with. I have taught
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Graham Andre
Year 4 Teacher and Leader of Learning Year 3 & 4
email me hereI have worked in Education for over two decades, with roles ranging from school cleaner and secretary to teaching assistant and most recently class teacher. After several years of indecision and fear of paperwork I finally bit the bullet, completing a part time degree in Education and Training Studies and became qualified through the GTP route. I have experience in teaching all year groups, from Reception to Year 6
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Ruth Gangonells
Year 4 Teacher
email me hereI was very lucky to have joined the Lanesend team in September 2016 as a PPA cover teacher in Years 1 & 2. I then covered a maternity leave in Year 5 and I haven't left since.Before this, my family and I lived in beautiful Girona, in Catalonia, Spain where I taught in an English immersion school after having started my teaching career in a school in Kent.In my free time, I enjoy being
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Matt Thorne
Year 5 Teacher
email me hereI have been fortunate enough to join the Lanesend team this year having spent my teaching career in secondary school. I have taught English and Classical Civilisation and relish the opportunity to teach Maths and Science and the whole diverse spectrum of subjects that the school offers. However, my love will always be literature having studied it a Cambridge University and I hope to pass that passion on to the
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Elisa Jones
Year 5 Teacher
email me hereI am Miss Jones, I am the teacher for Mary Poppins class, in year five. This is my first year as a ‘real teacher’ and I am loving every minute. My class are gorgeous, and luckily, are on board with my passion of all of things theatre. I have been a member of the Wight Strollers and have been since I was 5, I have been on their committee for almost two years a lead the carnival side of things too.
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Becky Brailsford
Year 6 Teacher
email me hereAlthough I am new to Team Lanesend, I have been teaching for over 20 years. Initially I taught on the mainland, in a junior school in Glastonbury. After nine years there I moved to the island and have since taught in a middle school and two primary schools before arriving here in September. During my career I have taught across the whole of Key Stage 2 and also in Years 7 and 8 (though I much
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Amy Troy
Year 6 Teacher
email me hereThis is not only my first year in Lanesend Primary, but my first year as a class teacher! I am thrilled to have the opportunity to further my teaching career in a school as lovely as Lanesend, with the fabulous team that work here. I completed my Bachelor of Education degree at home in Ireland in 2017 and spent a year gaining valuable experience in a range of schools before taking the next step to have a class of
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Sam Read
Year 6 Teacher
Email me here‘I joined Team Lanesend in September 2017 after working through all 3 tiers of education over the last 12 years. Initially I taught at Solent Middle School and then after 3 enjoyable years I moved to Cowes High School. During this time I taught a range of year groups and subjects, but my particularly specialism is in Geography. During this time I became Head of Year 7, working with children and families to support
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LSAs
Louise Stone
Learning Support Assistant
I joined Lanesend in November 2018 and love being part of Year 2. I am currently studying a Level 3 Diploma in Learning Support and Teaching Assistant and I have a degree in Psychology.
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Leanne Hyde
I have recently joined the Lanesend team as an LSA in reception. I feel really pleased to be part of an amazing team. I have lived on the Island all my life and spent my early adult years travelling around America. I now have two teenage boys so I spend most of my time on a football pitch as a football mum. I'm looking forward to learning with the children, everyday has been different and I'm excited for
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Emily Pilsworth
Learning Support AssistantI started volunteering at Lanesend and then I got a job as a 1:1 working in year 6 and year 4. Since then I have worked in year 6 and this year I am working as a LSA in year 4. I love helping the children with art and craft projects and listening to them read. In my spare time I love to spend time with my family. Going to the beach and walking our dog Luna.
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Dayna Welsman
Learning Support AssistantI have recently started my role as Learning Support Assistant in Reception and Year 1. Prior to this I volunteered in Reception for 3 years whilst I completed my degree in Early Childhood Studies. My previous experience within childcare began when I finished school, being given the opportunity to move to Germany and care for a family of four children. My career path took a detour towards IT but following the birth
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Gemma Mackinnon
Learning Support AssistantI joined Lanesend Primary School in September 2018, I am currently working in Year 4 as an LSA. I absolutely love my job being able to watch the children learn and grow in confidence, and being part of a wonderful team.I have two children who also attend Lanesend and I couldn’t wish for a nicer place for them to learn and make friends.I am very fortunate to have moved to the Island 11 years ago from Kent
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Hayley Gadsby
Learning Support AssistantThis is my fourth year being a part of ‘Team Lanesend’. I am currently working as an LSA in reception. My job is so rewarding and I love to watch the children blossom in their own unique ways, it’s such a special moment. Prior to working at Lanesend, I was a nanny and then a childminder for nine years. Throughout those years I have gained many childcare qualifications and have a great knowledge and understanding of
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Nikky Westmore
Learning Support AssistantI started working at Lanesend Primary School in September 2015 as a 1:1 Learning Support Assistant.I feel privileged and very proud to be working with such an amazing team of both staff and children.Working with children and helping them reach their full potential has always been my passion.My previous experience is within the Early Years where I worked for 9 years at a local playgroup.I became Deputy Manager in
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Jane Richmond
Early Years Teaching AssistantEvery day is a surprise. The spontaneity of children can be exciting, challenging, noisy, messy, fun and many other things, but never dull and always very rewarding. I love it when the children go that bit further and surprise themselves. I started here when my daughter was in year 1, she’s twenty six now so I’ll let you work out how long I’ve been lucky enough to spend my days with these amazing little people (the
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Kathryn Brett
Learning Support AssistantI have been working and volunteering in Reception for just over a year now supporting children and staff. I feel very lucky to be part of such a wonderful community at Lanesend, and be not only supported, but also inspired by such an experienced and encouraging team.I feel privileged I have the opportunity to interact with such special and amazing children each and every day, I get to see them learn, grow and
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Charlotte Rothwell
Learning Support AssistantI’m Charlotte Rothwell and I’m in my 3rd year working at Lanesend Primary. I’ve worked 2 years in year 1 and now this year I’m working in Reception. I love my job and the job satisfaction it brings with it. I love how we as a school are always going over and above for the children in the school. My expertise lie in key stage 1 having had lots of experience as a child minder for 12 years previous to my job
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Rachel Clark
Learning Support AssistantI spent many years hair dressing and eight years ago decided to have a complete career change and have never looked back. I am currently working in year 1 for the second year running. I qualified as a higher level teaching assistant earlier this year so I am lucky enough to actually teach on a occasion. I enjoy spending time with my family and dogs and love cooking. I am fortunate to do the gate every morning and
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Lisa Cooper
LSA
email me hereI have been here at Lanesend Primary since June 2016 as an LSA in Year 2. During my time here I have seen what the term 'school community' actually means. I have been welcomed by staff, children and parents which has made me feel part of the team.Before Lanesend I worked at another island primary school as a teaching assistant. I am a mother of 3 boys and enjoy spending time with them and my partner.
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Michelle Miller
Learning Support AssistantI have worked at Lanesend Primary for just over a year. I am currently working in Year 3 as a LSA and I love supporting them in their learning. Each day is different here, with exciting and challenging events for the children to participate in. Over the past year I have been very fortunate to watch their confident grow, as well as two of my own children who attend Lanesend Primary.Since starting at Lanesend I have
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John Clark
Learning Support AssistantHi, my name is John Clark. I have been at Lanesend Primary for nearly three years. Before I came to this school, I spent eleven years in the prison service. Before that I worked for the Ministry of Defence. I have also served in the Army for nine years. The time spent in this school has been one of my happiest, this is mainly due to the staff and the amazing children that I get to work with everyday.
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Simone Smith
Learning Support AssistantI am 50 years old and have worked at Lanesend for 4 years, firstly as a MSA then I trained to become a LSA. I have 3 children aged 32, 30 and 11! My youngest attended Lanesend and I feel the school prepared her well for secondary school. I have two grand-daughters (and one honorary), one of which is in Year 1 at Lanesend. She has additional education needs and our AEN department is amazing at the things they do for
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Kat Norcutt
Learning Support AssistantThis is my 9th year at Lanesend. I have had many years working in Year 6 but this year I have moved down to Year 2 which is a big change but a great experience. During my time at Lanesend I have completed my Higher Level Teaching Assistant course which means I have the pleasure of whole class teaching now and again. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, going for walks, to the cinema and out
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Office team
Carrie Almond
School Development Manager
email me hereThis is my 7th year here at Lanesend Primary and I love it. Everyday is different, from preparing the finances, setting up the new website, running the social media, to organising a visit from Shadow the dinosaur, no day is the same here in school and I wouldn't have it any other way. Previous to my role here at Lanesend I have had a range of jobs. For 5 years I was a Bank Manager, I have also worked in retail,
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Charli Reading
Admin Support to the Headteacher
email me hereMy main role is to provide admin support to the Headteacher. Alongside these duties I am also responsible for the weekly newsletter and the majority of all other letters that are sent to our families. I create the school prospectus each year, control the stock and ordering of our school uniform, input the assessment data and produce the Pupil Progress Reports. This will be my ninth year working with this amazing
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Inclusion Team
Vicki Thomas
Inclusion Officer
email me hereI started working at Lanesend Primary School as Inclusion Officer in September 2013. I love working with all of the children and their families, each day is filled with lots of fun, learning and happiness and I am pleased to be part of this amazing family. I have had a varied career, which began on the Isle of Wight as an entertainer for Haven Holidays in 1993. Moving back to Kent, to become a lecturer
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Jessi Holmes
AEN Assistant
email me hereI work in the AEN department and I am have completed a Business Administration Apprenticeship. I love being part of such a wonderful team and every day is full of lots of fun, learning and laughter.In my spare time I do Irish dancing which I have done for almost 15 years. I teach the younger children and also take part in regular competitions myself. My biggest achievement was 4th place at the Irish Dance
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Chloe Johnson
Additional Educational Needs Assistant
email me hereI started at Lanesend in 2012 and I couldn’t be happier in my role!My journey started at Lanesend by enrolling on a Business and Administration Apprenticeship for two years learning about Additional Educational Needs. Since then, my role has developed and grown and I now support the children emotionally, develop projects for the children and support them to find their full potential! During my time at Lanesend, I
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Hannah Holmes
Family Support and Safeguarding Lead
email me hereI started working at Lanesend in January 2016 within the Family Support Team and I am loving every minute! My job is never the same on any given day and this makes makes my work very interesting. I work with a huge variety of families and this is really rewarding. Children say the funniest things and every day I am walking around school with a big smile on my face. I am extremely proud to be able to support
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Andrea Flux
Family Liaison Officer
email me hereI started working at Lanesend in January 2013 as the Family Liaison officer. My aim is to make a positive difference to children and their families every day. This includes promoting outstanding levels of attendance, sharing strategies and supporting wellbeing in our community. I support the School’s anti bullying ambassadors and organise events in school through LEAF with our parents. Before joining
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Louisa Burt
Family Support AssistantI started working at Lanesend Primary school in June 2016 as an apprentice in the Family Support Team and I have loved every minute since joining team Lanesend. My job role as Family Support Assistant allows me to work in a crazy, fun filled office with Andrea and Hannah where I provide admin support.I am lucky enough to work with our Pupil Council and Anti-bullying Ambassadors on different projects to make
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Additional Teaching Staff
Music Tuition
