Teaching and learning team
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Catherine Maddocks
Executive Headteacher
Designated Safeguarding Lead BEd (Hons) History and Education
Based across the federation
About them
Hello! I’m Mrs Maddocks, Executive Headteacher across our three lovely primary schools. The children are amazing, so polite, happy and eager to learn, they truly make me smile! I joined the federation in January 2023, and I feel very lucky to be part of this incredible team. I enjoy reading whenever I can, running, walking in the beautiful countryside, and going to the gym. I love travelling and my favourite countries are Italy and Spain. I would love to be able to return to Canada, the USA and maybe one day Australia and New Zealand.
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Rachel Mounsey
Assistant Headteacher/ DDSL/ EYFS / ECT / Student Mentor and Art/DT Lead
Based at Giggleswick
About them
Hello! I’m Miss Mounsey, Little Wrens and Robins class teacher (Nursery, Reception and Year 1) at Long Preston VE Primary School. I also teach Tems Class (Reception and Y1 pupils) at Giggleswick Primary School. I am proud to be the Early Years and Art & Design Lead and Student/ ECT Mentor across The Ribblesdale Federation, a role which keeps me very busy and very involved with all 3 amazing schools. I joined the federation in 2014 and enjoy being a part of the school and community. I love to travel, spend time with my family, bake and decorate.
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Rachel Houghton
Assistant Headteacher/Class 3 Teacher
BA Hons with History
KS2 Lead/(Cover) RE/Curriculum Lead/Math’s Lead
DDSL
About them
I am Miss Houghton and I am very proud to be the Assistant Headteacher and work across the three amazing schools. I qualified as a teacher in 2012 and worked for 10 years in a school in East Lancashire. In 2020, I relocated to the area and in 2022 joined the Federation as the Assistant Headteacher. I love being part of an amazing and dedicated team who have the children’s very best interests at heart. It is a privilege to watch all our children grow, learn and develop through their educational journey. When I’m not teaching, I am kept busy being mum to my little boy. I enjoy spending time outdoors often on my family farm as well as reading and baking.
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Mrs Erin Jones
SENCO and Inclusion Lead
Works across the Federation
About them
I am Mrs Jones and I am the SENDCo across all three of the lovely schools in our Federation. I grew up in the local area and love living in the Yorkshire Dales. I have been a Primary School teacher for 19 years and a leader in Primary Schools for 10 years. I have taught in Lancashire, Kenya and Kent, and feel privileged to now be supporting staff, children and families at Long Preston, Giggleswick and Hellifield Primary Schools.
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Laura Sargison
Class teacher and DDSL Science Lead
Based at Hellifield
About them
Hi, I’m Miss Sargison, year 5 and 6 teacher at Hellifield Primary. I have been employed at the school since 2010 and in this time I have taught the full range of Key Stage 2. I love my job, the variety of skills I get to teach and seeing children’s confidence grow.
I have two children, a boy and a girl, who attend our lovely, welcoming school and love coming every day. When I’m not in school I spend time with my children swimming, walking and playing. (We are currently enjoying playing taxi drivers!) When I get some time to myself I enjoy listening to audio books, long walks (only if there is a meal out at the end of it!) and almost everything creative. I grew up locally and spend lots of time with my family who all still live nearby.
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Claire Cawood
Class teacher and DDSL English Lead
BA Hons in Primary Education, specialising in the junior years.
Leeds Trinity University
Based at Hellifield
About them
Hi, I’m Mrs Cawood, Years 2, 3 and 4 teacher and English Lead teacher. I qualified in 2011 with a BA honours in Primary Education, specialising in the Junior Years. I taught for 5 years at a Catholic Primary School in Bradford, before moving to Hellifield Primary School in 2016. I feel very fortunate to teach in such a welcoming and friendly school, set in amazing grounds that can be explored with the children.
I live locally, with my husband and our two children. In our family time, I love taking them exploring in the great outdoors and making use of our National Trust membership. We like to go camping in the summertime and get back to nature. We also enjoy family bike rides in the local area. In my very limited child-free time, I enjoy reading, walking, meals out and catching up with my wider family and friends.
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Tracey Jones
Class teacher PE and Outdoor Learning Lead Educational Visits Coordinator
Expedition Assessor and Supervisor
Basic Expedition Leader Award (BELA)
Summer Mountain Leader
Netball Coach level one
Football Coach level one
Preliminary Swimming Teachers Award
Based at Hellifield
About them
I moved to Hellifield in 2000 and started my connection to Hellifield School as a community governor just before my eldest child was born. I then transferred to being a parent governor and member of the PTA as my children grew and progressed through this wonderful school. I then had the greatest of fortune to be invited to join the team as a member of staff working in partnership with Mrs Devereux. I continue to play my part as a member of ‘Friends’ and help to coordinate and develop the school grounds with our parents and wider community in our allotment, wildlife area, orchard, mindfulness area and Gruffalo’s Den.
I have at least 30 years experience of working with children and young people from nursery through secondary with a real focus on primary and EYFS.
I love working in the outdoors and sharing my passion for sports, gardening and outdoor pursuits including walking, camping, and caving to name but a few. I play table tennis and badminton on a weekly basis and enjoy playing rounders with the Hellifield Hotshots throughout the season. I look forward to continuing to travel around the world as and when it is safe to do so. Finally, without books, crafts and making jams and chutney to keep me sane I wouldn’t be the person I am.
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Rebecca Shaw
Class teacher PSHE/SRE/RE
BA (Hons) Primary Education in the Junior Years with QTS, Trinity and All Saints Leeds
Global Teachers Award Level 2
Based at Giggleswick
About them
Hello! I’m Mrs Shaw, Alkelda Class Teacher at Giggleswick Primary School. I decided to be a teacher because I love learning myself! Outside of school, I love the outdoors and animals – I complete in eventing with my Irish sports horse Jack, and in agility with my cocker spaniel, Luna. I love to travel with my husband; my favourite place is the Chobe National Park in Botswana. When I have time, I love to read and craft. I firmly believe there is a little bit of magic in everything, you just need to know where to look!
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Becky Mercer
PE teacher
BA (Hons) in Secondary Physical Education with QTS.
Based at Giggleswick and Long Preston
About them
Hello, I am Mrs Mercer, the Physical Education teacher at Giggleswick and Long Preston. I come from a family of PE teachers and before relocating back to the Settle area, I spent eight years at a secondary school teaching core, GCSE and A Level PE.
I have a young family which keeps me very busy. We spend most of our weekends outdoors, exploring the hills which surround us and working on our land and vegetable garden. I am a lifelong supporter of Carlisle United but love to watch any live sport. Running is a passion which I have retained from childhood and I especially like fell running when time allows
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Helen Haynes
Class Teacher and DDSL
Based across Giggleswick
About them
To be written
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Kelly Leach
Class Teacher
About them
To be written
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Jennie Preston
Class Teacher
About them
I absolutely adore my job. I love how every day is different and I enjoy creating fun, interactive and practical lessons that provide children opportunities to take ownership of their own learning. It is a privilidge to work in such a lovely school with such fantastic children!
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Olivia Walmsley
Class Teacher
About them
I’m Miss Walmsley. I’m the Starlings class teacher at Long Preston Endowed VA Primary School. I joined the Ribblesdale Federation in September 2023, after graduating York St John University with a BA Honours degree in Primary Education. My favourite subject to teach is English; I love creating opportunities for children to be ambitious and creative in their writing. At school, I run a musical theatre club. I love performing and I regularly take part in musicals myself, outside of school. Also outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, travelling and watching films.
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Fiona Westwell
Class Teacher
About them
I’m Miss Westwell, Little Wrens and Robins Class Teacher at Long Preston VE Primary School. I joined The Ribblesdale Federation in September 2024 and I am thoroughly enjoying getting to know the children and staff and being part of such a wonderful community. I am also the Computing and French Subject Lead for the federation. A few years ago I relocated back to the UK after spending time teaching in British International Schools in Europe, The Middle East and Asia. Travel is a passion of mine and I’m now enjoying exploring places closer to home. Outside of school, I enjoy cooking, reading and when time allows, visits to the gym and swimming.
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Michelle Williams
Class Teacher
About them
I’m the class teacher for Acorn Class (REC & Y1) at Hellifield Primary School. I joined The Ribblesdale Federation in September 2024 and I am thoroughly enjoying getting to know the children and staff and being part of such a fantastic Federation. I am the Geography Subject Lead for the Federation and along with Mrs Jones I am involved in providing Forest School activities . A few years ago I relocated to The Yorkshire Dales from teaching in a very large Primary School in Cheshire, I moved with my family and became the owner and Post Mistress of a lovely Village shop, which I still enjoy being involved with. I have taught for over 25 years and during that time trained as a Forest School Practitioner and Bushcraft Instructor and worked freelance teaching groups from nursery-adults, I still love to spend my free time exploring nature and woodland walks. I enjoy traveling and would say my favourite country I have visited has to be Japan. Outside of school, I enjoy baking, walking with my dogs and watercolour painting.
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Andy Scott
Class Teacher
About them
I have been working in primary education for 16 years. I have worked in a number of different schools in West and North Yorkshire.
Classroom support team
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Chloe Dakin
Teaching assistant
Based at Long Preston
About them
I’m Mrs Dakin and I’m the teaching assistant in Robins class at Long Preston. I was previously a beauty therapist running my own successful salon for over 10 years before gaining my qualification, which I’m further developing and working towards my level 3 diploma in support teaching and learning.
I’ve had a warm welcome to the federation and love getting to know all the children and their families. I enjoy engaging in craft activities, active lessons such as PE and setting up and creating areas in the classroom.
I have two children George and Francesca who both attend Hellifield primary school. In my spare time they keep me very busy along with my two spaniels, Betsie and Mabel and my daughters pony Inca on our dairy farm just outside of Hellifield.
I enjoy spending time with family and friends and love anything to do with home interiors and sun holidays.
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Sheila Dugdale
Teaching assistant
Based at Hellifield
About them
Hi, I’m Sheila Dugdale and l have been employed at Hellifield Primary School for over 35 years. Both my children and also my grandchildren have attended Hellifield School.
I was originally employed as the school crossing lady until 2012 and now I work in Breakfast Club, Afterschool club and lunchtime supervising. I also work part time as a Teaching Assistant.
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Diane Rawsthorne
Teaching assistant
Based at Hellifield
About them
I’m Miss Rawsthorne and I work at Hellifield Primary. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also love walking my dogs, reading and going to the cinema. I support the School Council and enjoy running a Book Club for the children in school.
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Charlotte Hopkins
Teaching assistant/cover supervisor Midday Supervisor
Based at Long Preston
About them
Hi I’m Mrs Hopkins , I am a teaching and have been at Long Preston since 2019. I was previously an Anaesthetic Nurse in London before moving back home to the Yorkshire Dales.
I love lessons on history, science and nature especially when we do forest school and when I am let loose to bake with the children!
I have two children and we love to travel, keeping the travel bug going, as I loved to travel when I was younger. I’ve worked and travelled through the Middle East, Far East, Australia and New Zealand.
Long Preston School is a lovely warm and friendly school for both teachers and children, which I love.
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Janie Greaves
Teaching assistant/cover supervisor
Based at Long Preston
About them
Hello, I’m Mrs Greaves and I have been a Teaching Assistant at Long Preston Primary since 2001!
I love working with the older children in school especially helping them with their Maths and French. I love to read and discovered audio books during lockdown.
I’m very sporty and I was an amateur jockey in a previous life and still ride out once a week on a retired racehorse.
I play competitive tennis for Gargrave in the summer and also love to walk my Labrador, Betty.
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Julie Coultherd
Teaching assistant Midday Supervisor
Based at Long Preston
About them
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Sophie Fortune
Teaching Assistant
Based at Long Preston
About them
I used to work as a hairdresser for 11 years in a local salon. I have two children, Mia and Alfred. Mia currently attends Giggleswick Primary School. Alfie goes to Long Preston pre-school and Mill House, Giggleswick. I have a husband, Tom. My interests are going to see new places and seeing family. Family is a big thing to me.
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Jemma Vickery
Teaching assistant
Level 2 Food Hygiene
Based at Giggleswick
About them
I was welcomed with open arms into the Ribblesdale Federation in 2021.
I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that I have gained working in Outstanding residential education settings for 13 years, supporting young people with complex learning needs.
During that time, I successfully ran outdoor pursuits holidays and set up The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme in schools (having gained Gold myself) ensuring it was accessible to all. I feel passionate about supporting children’s emotional well-being and adapting approaches to gain desired learning outcomes.
In my spare time I enjoy baking, camping, playing netball and I am a keen golfer. I am also a self-confessed shopaholic and Mummy of 1!
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Jenny Bousfield
Teaching assistant
Across the Federation
About them
Hello, my name is Miss Jenny Bousfield and I have worked for the Ribblesdale Federation since September 2022.
I have recently qualified as a Teaching Assistant and hold a Level 3 Diploma in Support Teaching and Learning.
I work at all three of our fantastic schools in all year groups.
I have two daughters who both attend Giggleswick Primary School.
In my spare time I enjoy walking our dog Jackson and reading.
I have a keen interest in all things equestrian, especially dressage.
I have competed myself up to Prix St George level which is something I am very proud of.
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Sandie Dawson
Teaching Assistant
Based at Hellifield
About them
Hi, I’m Mrs Dawson and I have been employed at Hellifield Primary School as a Midday Supervisor since 2007! Many moons ago I was a pupil at the school and it has been lovely to see how it has grown and developed over the years. Outside of work I enjoy taking my two small dogs for long walks in the surrounding countryside, reading books and baking.
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Paula Clay
Teaching assistant Midday Supervisor Relief cook
N.N.E.B
City & Guilds NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education
Level 2 Food Hygiene
Based at Giggleswick
About them
I started at Giggleswick in 2013 as a volunteer and midday supervisor before securing some regular TA hours in 2015. I have combined both roles ever since as well as some 1:1 work with a child with complex additional needs. I am on stand-by as relief cook and really enjoy learning how to prepare each meal. I have supported swimming and have accompanied the children to many sporting activities and tournaments both during school time and after school. I love working within such a friendly close-knit community and look forward to going to work each day.
In my spare time I’m kept busy with my family including my elderly Father in Law. I love cooking, baking and creating new meals so much so that I’m a brand ambassador for a company that make pressure cookers and air fryers testing out new products, reporting feedback and advising people on best uses through their Facebook support page. I love walking, especially in our beautiful countryside, reading, family movie nights (we are big science fiction geeks!) and travelling – in fact I’m eagerly awaiting the opening up of New Zealand to visit out son and meet our new grandson. We’ve also had many fabulous holidays in Orlando too visiting the theme parks – although I don’t do the rides that go upside down!
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Guy Combes
Welfare
About them
I like playing ‘tig’ in the playground and love fresh vegetables. We even ring a bell for double veg, as every portion deserves a celebration.
My first job was working in Alice in Wonderland Park as a Mad Hatter. Perfect experience.
Administration team
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Sarah Middleton
School Business Manager/Administrator
Diploma for School Business Managers
Based at Long Preston with work across the federation
About them
I’m Mrs Middleton, Administrator and the Federation School Business Manager. I began working at Long Preston in 1999, which feels like only yesterday!
Outside work, I spend time walking, both locally and further afield and I really enjoy reading a good book. I love to ski with my family when we are able. I am a huge motorsport fan, especially Trials. Looking ahead, I’m really looking forward to designing, planting and maintaining our new garden when the time comes.
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Sue Jarrom
School administrator
RSA Typing, Shorthand, Book-keeping.
Based at Giggleswick
About them
I’m Sue and I’ve been the School Administrator at Giggleswick Primary School for many years. So long even, that I have been asked by a pupil if l am ‘older than God’ but I love my role and seeing new families join and pass through the school.
I’m here to help – just knock on my door, phone or email and I’ll always do my best.
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Alison Wearden
School Administrator based at Long Preston
About them
I’m Mrs Wearden and I support Mrs Middleton in the office at Long Preston on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. I returned to the UK in 2022 after 20+ years living, working and bringing up a family in Jersey, Channel Islands.
I’m loving my role in school, helping and supporting parents as well as teachers and our support staff.
Outside of school I enjoy reading, running and cycling and have recently started Pilates classes, which is literally stretching me!
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Louise Cox
School Administrator at Hellifield
About them
I’m Louise and I work as the Administrator at Hellifield Primary School. I really enjoy working in the school providing assistance to the parents, children and staff. Hellifield School was quite new to me as my two children attend Long Preston School but the staff, children and parents have been very welcoming, it is a lovely place to work.
Prior to working for the Federation I worked for West Yorkshire Police as a Detention Officer and North Yorkshire Council as a Care Assistant.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my children, we love getting outdoors/exploring new places, crafting, watching live music and holidaying when we can. I enjoy science and have just recently completed my degree in Forensic Science at UCLAN, I aim to study towards a masters degree later this year alongside my role as an administrator for the Federation.
Catering team
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Joanne Eggleston
School Cook
Diploma: Hotel Catering
City and Guilds Catering
Based at Hellifield
About them
Hello, I’m Joanne, the cook at Hellifield Primary School. I’ve worked at the school since 2017. I’ve been in school catering for 21 years, and have a diploma in Hotel Catering and Institutional Operations, and also City and Guilds in Catering. I really enjoy cooking for all the children, and planning different menus and theme days! In my spare time I love gardening, baking, reading and walking my Jack Russell, Hooch in our amazing surroundings.
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Sandie Dawson
Midday Supervisor / Wrap Around Care
Based at Hellifield
About them
Hi, I’m Mrs Dawson and I have been employed at Hellifield Primary School as a Midday Supervisor since 2007! Many moons ago I was a pupil at the school and it has been lovely to see how it has grown and developed over the years. Outside of work I enjoy taking my two small dogs for long walks in the surrounding countryside, reading books and baking.
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Jemma Vickery
School Cook
Level 2 Food Hygiene
Based at Long Preston
About them
I was welcomed with open arms into the Ribblesdale Federation in 2021. I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that I have gained working in Outstanding residential education settings for 13 years, supporting young people with complex learning needs. During that time, I successfully ran outdoor pursuits holidays and set up The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme in schools (having gained Gold myself) ensuring it was accessible to all. I feel passionate about supporting children’s emotional well-being and adapting approaches to gain desired learning outcomes.
In my Cooks role at Long Preston I strive to develop an exciting, nutritious menu that the children enjoy, getting them involved in the planning and decision making of the menu.
In my spare time I enjoy baking, camping, playing netball and I am a keen golfer. I am also a self-confessed shopaholic and Mummy of 1!
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Laura Knowles
Cook at Giggleswick
Based at Giggleswick
About them
I’m Miss Knowles School Cook at Giggleswick Primary and I joined the team in 2023. Before this I worked in Social Care for 15 years at Neville House and the local District Nursing Team. I am a single mum of 2 who both attend Hellifield Primary, I love rugby and in my spare time I like to watch North Ribblesdale and Leeds Rhinos.
Caretaking team
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Paul Jackson
Caretaker/cleaner
Based at Long Preston with work across the federation
About them
Paul has worked at Long Preston, on and off, for over 20 years doing maintenance and repairs. Paul enjoys caretaking and the staff team are lovely; everyone has a good sense of humour!
In his spare time, Paul enjoys cycling, kayaking in the Lakes and metal detecting. He once found a gold sovereign and a Viking sword pommel!
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Iris Foxcroft
Caretaker/cleaner
Based at Hellifield
About them
Hello, I’m Iris the Caretaker and cleaner and I’m based at Hellifield C.P. School. I have worked at this school for around 20 years! I have seen lots of changes and many children pass through our lovely setting, always showing good manners. My specialty is recycling, as I like to keep our school neat and tidy. I regularly bring in flowers to display in reception, as this makes our school look nice. I enjoy my job and working with our kind team at Hellifield.