Meet our Staff
SLT
Hello! My name is Ben John and I am very proud to be the Head teacher at Crudwell CE Primary School. No two days are the same here and I love working with such a talented group of people and of course our amazing pupils.
Living in Purton, I love exploring the Wiltshire countryside with my family, taking long walks and being outdoors. Big fan of reading, cricket, squash and guitar!
My name is Jo Lee and I am the Assistant Head and Oak Class teacher at Crudwell where I have worked for 18 years! In my time at Crudwell I have taught all age groups and I can honestly say I love them all. I am passionate about reading and I spend much of my free time enjoying new children's books. I am always keen to discuss books with the children and recommend new books to read. At home I am kept busy with my family and our dog Luna who also loves coming to school to listen to the children read.
Teachers
Maple
Hi, my name is Vicky Owen and I teach Maple class at the start of the week. I often get the opportunity to teach other classes in the school too. I have been a teacher for over twenty years and taught all ages and stages. I just love teaching!
I really enjoy learning new things and take every opportunity to try out new ideas in the classroom.
When I'm not teaching, I love spending time with my husband and teenage sons. I also love making things and can often be found crocheting or knitting.
Chestnut
My name is Sarah Bevan and I currently teach the Year 1/2 class (Chestnut) here at Crudwell school – a job I happily share with Miss Bailey – and I love working alongside everyone in our Early Years Team. I have great fun at school creating an interesting environment for Chestnut children to learn in; it’s a privilege to see the delight on their faces as they discover something new for the first time. Living locally, you may see me out and about with family and friends walking my noisy miniature schnauzer Pepper and I also enjoy the cinema, reading and baking.
Hello, my name is Kate Bailey and I am working three days a week in Chestnut class alongside Mrs Bevan. I have been a teacher for over 4 1/2 years and in that time have worked as a supply teacher, as a Yr 2 class teacher and as a PPA teacher. This has provided me with the opportunity to teach all of the year groups over the years. In my downtime I enjoy spending time with my family and going on meandering walks in the countryside. I am a keen reader and an even keener singer!
Willow
My name is Karen Upton and I teach in Willow Class (Year 2/3).
I love teaching and strive to ensure that my children have the best experience of learning they can through fun and motivating lessons in a warm and friendly environment.
Outside school, I enjoy spending my time exploring our beautiful countryside by bike but mostly on foot, so I can enjoy the scenery with my dog, Mabel. I also enjoy reading, baking and playing tennis.
Oak
My name is Jo Lee and I am the Assistant Head, SENDco and class teacher at Crudwell. I am currently teaching Oak Class (Y4/5) but whilst I have been working at Crudwell School, I have taught across all the year groups and I love them all!
I am passionate about teaching and love to see children learn. I dedicate my time to planning fun lessons and providing a safe and happy classroom for my children to flourish.
Luna, the dog, comes to school with me some days and she is a very popular member of the class even though she sleeps through most of our lessons! When I am not being a teacher, I LOVE to read – I am a big fan of children’s books and am always after recommendations.
Hello, my name is Lisa Witchell, I’m job-share in Oak class and the PE and Sport Lead Teacher at Crudwell. During my 13 years at Crudwell I have been a class teacher mostly spending my time with the children. My drive in teaching is for pupils to unlock their full potential, but in a creative, inclusive and fun approach to their own personal learning journeys. When I’m not at school, I enjoy going on country walks with my family and our two Labrador dogs, completing crafty courses and projects, whilst filling the rest of my spare time either coaching or watching any live sport!
Currently on maternity leave
Hello, my name is Mrs Hainsworth and I teach in Oak Class for 2 days a week alongside Mrs Lee. I love teaching and enjoy finding creative ways for the children to learn. I especially love teaching Art!
Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and finding new places to explore. I also enjoy puzzles, reading and knitting when not chasing my busy toddler around!
Beech
My name is Michael Kuipers and I am currently the teacher in Beech Class (Year 5/6). I began teaching in 2014 after 2 years working in translation.
My main interests outside of school include geography, languages, politics and music. Outside of school, I can usually be found travelling, reading or spending time with my cat.
Specialist roles
Juliet Trevaskis
Juliet is our ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) and Forest School Leader at school.
Teaching Assistants
Hello, my name is Kate McKay and I am a Teaching Assistant in Willow class. I have been at Crudwell for 2 ½ years and I love seeing how much the children develop and grow.
I have 2 children and as a family we enjoy travelling and spending time exploring the countryside around our home in Oaksey. I love to run – especially with my faithful jogging buddy, Penny our cockerpoo!
Andrea Dunkley - TA and Midday Supervisor
Emma Sanchez Harris
Hi, my name is Emma Sanchez Harris and I am a Teaching Assistant in Chestnut class. I love finding creative ways to help children learn and grow. I am passionate about making sure children are happy so that they can gain the most from their time in school.
When I’m not running around after my two toddlers I can be found singing and dancing on the stage in Bath.
Natasha Tolson
Hi I am Mrs Tolson and I am so excited being a Teaching Assistant at Crudwell C of E School.
I was born in a town called Maidstone. I have one older brother and I live with my husband, 2 children and our 2 cats, Elsa and Arna.
I love helping children achieve a creative way of learning and see their faces light up once they have learnt something new. My favourite colour is yellow as it makes me happy. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family and friends doing fun activities outside.
Hello! My name is Niki Pomfrett. I am so happy to be a TA here at Crudwell School. It's great to be working within such a positive and caring community of both adults and children. I live with my husband Richard and we have three children. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
I love forests, mountains and the sea as well as the buzz of a city. I love going on long treks with my canine buddy Roxy. I also enjoy going to music concerts, reading and cooking.
I'm Mrs Douglas and currently I work in Chestnut Class. I only started in September, but am enjoying getting to know all the children and learning alongside them. It's a wonderful classroom environment and there's never a dull moment! I am married, have a grown son aged 21 and a daughter who has just turned 11. We enjoy country walks, car boot sales and making a fuss of our 2 elderly cats, Max and Mitzi!
My name is Mrs Tamsitt I am a new teaching assistant in Beech and Oak class. I live in Malmesbury with my Husband, our 12 year old Son and our two cats.
In my spare time I like to spend it with my family, reading books and furthering my studies.
Ellie Pammen - TA and MDSA
Rebecca Rolfe - TA and Teacher
Non-teaching roles
I'm Corrie Darker and I'm the Finance and Admin Officer. I love working at Crudwell school because in any one day I can be anything from accountant to nurse to plumber and I get to dress up! I also get to spend my day with terrific people, especially the children. My favourite things are singing with my friends and making things.
Victoria Green Victoria is our Administration Officer working in the school office Tuesday to Friday.
Andi Sawyer, School Chef
I'm Andi the School chef.
I have been in the catering industry for 37 years.
I have cooked for Naval captains, MPs and England Rugby players. I was once flown to Italy to cater at a wedding, which was an amazing experience. Feeding children is not a new experience for me as I have 2 children, both now young adults and I have worked in another local primary school. In my spare time I like to garden, go for country walks, swim, up-cycle things, paint, sew, and bake cakes .
Terry Jones Howdy. As the Parent Support Adviser, it is a joy to work with the delightful students of Crudwell School and their parents. I moved to the UK from Texas over 30 years ago...and, as so many of you are aware, I still sound Texan. Loving the sun and sailing, my favourite place to spend my holidays is near and on the sea.
Alan Baker Alan is our school caretaker.