Meet our Staff
Meet our Staff
Polegate School is a very happy and welcoming school with a staff team that is fantastic, nurturing and inspirational.
Staff
Senior Leadership
Deborah Jones
Headteacher
Lucky for me I started my teaching career at Polegate school as an NQT and ten years later I am still here and love every day. When I am not at school I am with my ever growing family which includes 4 daughters, 3 grandchildren and a very stressed, bald husband! As if life wasn’t busy enough we decided to add two mischievous puppy pugs called Betty and Ralph, who never fail to make me smile, just like the children every day at Polegate school.
Sally Barnard
Deputy Headteacher
Hayley Giggs
Assistant Head Teacher, Leader of Learning Years 3 & 4
I started at Polegate as an NQT and nearly 13 years later here I am still! I have dropped to 3 days a week however so I can spend more time in the sandpit with my children. I love teaching but I also have a passion for travelling, trashy American TV and chocolate!
Staff
Reception
Bethany Budd
Reception Teacher
My name is Miss Budd and I have been a teacher since 2019. I have taught children in Early Years and Key Stage 1. I am passionate about ensuring that children have a positive start to their school life and feel so grateful to be a part of their learning journey.
I love creating an inclusive, creative and engaging environment for children to learn in.
Tia Allen
Reception Teacher
Biography to follow
Mia Hopkinson
Reception Teacher
I have been working with young children since 2015. I have taught KS1 in a couple of local schools as well as across the pond in sunny California. Being a child’s first teacher is a real privilege. There is never a dull day in a Polegate reception classroom - it is a great and exciting place to work.
When I am not at school, I am likely spending time with my family, enjoying long country walks, and being outdoors, especially in the summer months. My family is due to expand this Spring, as I'm expecting a new baby in April. Life will certainly be busy!
Staff
Year 1
Laura Stew
Year 1 Teacher
Biography to follow.
Sarah Grace
Year 1 Teacher
Biography to follow.
Staff
Year 2
Rachel Coleman
Year 2 Teacher
I am so thrilled that I have been able to begin my teaching career at Polegate School! I have such a huge passion for teaching and I believe that all learning should be active, fun and engaging.
When I’m not at school you’ll often find me with my head in a good book, playing a variety of sports or enjoying time with my family and friends.
Amy Durbidge
Year 2 Teacher, Year 1 & 2 Leader of Learning
I was lucky enough to spend my final teaching placement as a student teacher at this wonderful school, so I am thrilled to be here! I I cannot wait to bring my excitement and love for literacy into the classroom! When I’m not in school I enjoy getting stuck into a good book or spending time with my family and our lovely golden retriever Dexter! I also love dancing, singing and performing in local shows.
Grace Kavanagh
Year 2 Teacher
I love being a teacher and working with a classroom of lively and happy children. Every day is different, with its unique mix of laughs and challenges and this is something that makes me love the career I'm in. When I'm not working, I love spending time with my family and friends, going for long walks or getting stuck into an arty, creative project. I also love to go to the theatre and travel to new places. My all time favourite has to be Italy there is so much still to explore and I can't wait!
Staff
Year 3
Helen Timms
Year 3 Teacher
Biography to follow
Ashleigh Liddell
Year 3 Teacher
Having wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember, I was lucky enough to start my career at Polegate school as an ECT 2 years ago and I am still loving it! Polegate has such a rare, warm and supportive community from all teachers, parents and students, allowing everyone to thrive.
When I'm not at school, you'll often find me binge watching gripping tv shows (like Eastenders... don't tell anyone!), painting my nails or eating out with friends.
Samantha Stracey
Year 3 Teacher
Biography to follow
Staff
Year 4
Gayle Howland
Year 4 Teacher
Eliza Hackett
Year 4 Teacher
Biography to follow
Louise Saunders
Year 4 Teacher
Biography to follow
Staff
Year 5
Clare Marsh
Year 5 Teacher, Year 5 & 6 Leader of Learning
Since joining Polegate in September 2015, I have loved every minute! There is honestly no other job I could imagine doing! When not in school, I love to spend time with friends and family, watching my favourite music artists at concerts/festivals and travelling to new places, the hotter the better!
Phoebe Kenny
Year 5 Teacher
Since a very early age, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher and the passion I felt at the start of my career is still very much alive even after over 15 years of teaching! The school's motto, "Learning without Limits," perfectly captures my attitude towards teaching. It is all about assisting every child in realising their full potential while appreciating their unique abilities.
When I am not busy teaching, I enjoy the benefits of living by the coast and taking walks along the beach or just unwinding with a good thriller! I like to keep busy and always have an art project on the go, painting, sewing, up cycling, I love it all!
Emily Davies
Year 5 Teacher
Having only recently began my teaching journey, I feel excited and proud to become a part of a fantastic school and team where the children are at the heart of everything we do. I love how every new day is different - the children never fail to put a smile on my face! I thoroughly enjoy spreading my love of learning with the children and I always seem to be WOWED by facts and stories they have to share with me! I simply couldn’t imagine myself being in any other career!
When I’m not at school, I love to spend time with my family and friends, sing my heart out to a musical or watch Harry Potter and Disney films on repeat!
Staff
Year 6
Ruby Murphy
Year 6 Teacher
I have worked at Polegate since 2010 and love teaching here! I find it incredibly rewarding and genuinely enjoy spending each day with our fantastic pupils.
Outside of school, I can often be found upside down (literally!) doing trapeze and aerial hoop. I also enjoy photography, spending time with my nose in a good book, filling my home with too many houseplants, and exploring the great outdoors.
Emma Murphy
Year 6 Teacher
I have been teaching at Polegate School since I started my teaching career, over 20 years ago and can honestly say there is nowhere I’d rather teach. I have always wanted to teach and am still enjoying it as much as when I first started. Every year is different, with new challenges and new children to champion.
Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family. We have many hobbies that we enjoy together including building Lego and going to watch the women's football: we have season tickets for Brighton and love to go along and support them when they play. When I get a rare moment quiet time to myself, I love to read a book, watch a film or complete a craft project.
Maxine Weyland
Year 6 Teacher
Awaiting Biography
Staff
Intervention Teachers
Becky Chadwick
Intervention Teacher
I have been a teacher at Polegate School since I first qualified, it is such a special place to work that I have never wanted to go anywhere else! My current role involves supporting children with their mathematics learning on a 1 to 1 basis. I get to see the children I work with make huge improvements in both their confidence and understanding which is incredibly rewarding.
When not at work I can often be found walking on the downs with my husband, three children and my dog.
Tracy Wallis
Intervention Teacher
I have such a rewarding job here at Polegate – helping children make amazing progress in reading and writing. Outside of school I enjoy playing stoolball and badminton and I love watching football and ice hockey. I even know the offside rule!!
Jade Dicerbo
Intervention Teacher
Biography to follow
Karen Stockdale
Intervention Teacher
Gemma Read
Speach & Language Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow
Amie Ashdown
Intervention Teacher
Staff
Nursery
Sharon Trent
Nursery Teacher & EYFS Leader of Learning
I feel very privileged to have worked in early years for over twelve years. I love having a boogie, exploring outside, duvet days with my scrummy family and celebrating the small things. I also like getting creative in the kitchen albeit with playdough!
Belinda Diprose
Nursery Assistant
Awaiting Bio
Ruby Prior
Nursery Assistant
Biography to follow
Taeko Martin
Nursery Assistant
Bio to follow
Amy Kincade
Nursery Assistant
Awaiting Bio
Briony Fitzpatrick
Nursery Assistant
Awaiting Bio
Lisa Maynard
Nursery admin
Bio to follow
Victoria Bliss
Nursery Assistant
Biography to follow
Staff
Support Staff
Heidi Ireland
Teaching Assistant
Awaiting Bio
Liane Coupe
Forest School Teacher
Biography to follow
Sue Heather
Teaching Assistant
Awaiting Bio
Danielle Legg
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow
Dominique MacNeill
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow.
Vanessa Brunger
Teaching Assistant
Bio to follow
Julie McFarlane
TA & After School Club Manager
Biography to follow
Kinga Janik
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow.
Chloe Wickes
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow.
Sue Barber
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow
Gozde McGerr
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow.
Corinne Williams
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow
Courtney Williams
Teaching Assistant
Rebecca Kent
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow.
Sarah Narine
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow.
Shania Blake
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow.
Hannah Swift
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow
Lisa Satchell
Teaching Assistant
Jodie Arnold
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow
Amber Jones
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow
Finley Richardson
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow
Jemma Ince
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow
Hannah Gudgeon
Teaching Assistant
It was through the COVID-19 lockdowns that I realised how much I enjoyed being a part of my children’s education. Once my children returned to school, I felt it was time for a career change and have been fortunate to train as a teaching assistant.
For fun I enjoy paddle water sports, watching air shows and taking my dog out on long walks in the county.
Charlotte Simmonds
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow
Hayley Davis
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow
Louisa Fitzgerald
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow
Michelle Hancock
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow
Katie Durbidge
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow
Jennie Everett
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow
lisa maynard
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow
Chloe Broady
Teaching Assistant
I have been part of the Polegate team since 2019 and I am currently close to completing the Teaching Assistant apprenticeship. Supporting in the classroom is varied and incredibly rewarding; I particularly love getting creative with the children in their art lessons!
Outside school family life with my own children is busy, but when I get the chance, I love listening to podcasts or watching historical documentaries. Other passions include music, travel and cake!
Sam Weatherall
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow
Staff
School Office
Monika Bailey
School Secretary
Awaiting Bio
Natalie Dicker
Attendance Officer & SEN Admin Assistant
Biography to follow
Louise Gingell
Business Manager
Awaiting Bio
Amie Ashdown
SENCO
Biography to follow
Anna Russell
SENCO Assistant
Ever since I graduated university, I have worked in schools in so many different capacities. I think I have taught almost every age range from 6 weeks old up to 18 years old! Working at Polegate as a SENCO Assistant is fantastic, every day feels exciting and I find I am always learning something new. I always look forward to the unusual and interesting conversations that children are so good at, for example: "why doesn't a rainbow cover the entire sky?" or "Different oils have different densities which cause them to float or sink in water, but will they still float or sink the same way in different liquids?" or "would you rather have chicken feet as hands or chicken feet as legs?"... and so on!
In my free time I love playing board games with my friends, going on nature walks and foraging, reading a cozy crime novel, or having a fun party with my many family members.
Jo Stephens
SENCO Admin
Bio to follow
Amanda Nippard
Family Support Advisor
Biography to follow
Fiona Drury
Welfare Officer
Biography to follow
Staff
Site Team
David Jefferies
Site Manager
Biography to follow.
Tony Holter
IT
Biography to follow.
Ollie Hart
Site Team
Bio to follow
Staff
Maternity Leave
Amy Regan
Teacher
I have been at Polegate School since 2012 and have thoroughly enjoyed working here. I am the maths subject leader across the school and am currently working really hard to work with other schools to improve their maths teaching. It's such a joy to work at a school who are so passionate about maths!
When I'm not at work you will find me exhausted on the sofa watching a good series! During the weekends you will find me at the cinema, shopping, going for long walks or a weekend away exploring new cities in our motorhome.
Sarah Barden
Teacher
I have had a fantastic first year at Polegate and I am still loving every minute of teaching! Working with such a great team of teachers and children makes it such a great place to work. Outside school, I don't give myself much time to rest as I am performing in shows as a dancer. When I do relax, I love spending time with my friends, travelling to new places and going to the theatre.
Libby Hayes
Teacher
Jenny Rawlinson
Teacher
Hello, I have been teaching for 6 years and I absolutely love what I do because every day is different. When I’m not at school I love going to the theatre. I like travelling and have visited lots of places around the world. My favourite places are ones with sunshine. When I’m not travelling I like spending time with my family and going for long walks with my dog.
Gemma Jones
Teaching Assistant
Biography to follow
