Teaching and learning team

Catherine Maddocks
Interim Executive Headteacher
Designated Safeguarding Lead BEd (Hons) History and Education
Based across the federation
About them
Hello! I’m Mrs Maddocks, Interim 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 will be in post, at least until August 31st, 2023. 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.

Rachel Mounsey
Assistant Headteacher/ DDSL/ EYFS / ECT / Student Mentor and Art/DT Lead
Based at Long Preston
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 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.

Rachel Houghton
Assistant Headteacher/Class 3 Teacher
BA Hons with History
KS2 Lead/(Cover) RE/Curriculum Lead/Math’s Lead
DDSL
About them

Nicola Devereux
SENDCO and Class teacher
BSc (Biological Studies) with QTS University College Scarborough
Based at Hellifield with work across the federation
About them
Hello! I’m Mrs Devereux. I joined the federation in 2018 as a part-time teacher in Acorn class at Hellifield (Rec & Y1). Before this I taught at Rathmell, another small village school, for 18 years. I am also the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo) for the Ribblesdale Federation of Schools. As Acorn class teacher I love helping the youngest children in our family to blossom through exciting, hands on learning and play opportunities. As SENDCo I really enjoy having the chance to spend time in each of our amazing schools, supporting staff to enable all children to be the best that they can be! In my spare time I enjoy the theatre, family holidays in the sun, and walking our Pugalier, Pumpkin.

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.

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.

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.

Angela Ward
Class teacher/DDSL Music and History Lead
BMus (Hons) – Lancaster University / PGCE
Based at Long Preston
About them
Hello, I am Ms Ward and I teach the Owls class at Long Preston. I have been a teacher at Long Preston since 2004 and love the family feel of our small school. I am passionate about music, folk and classical music in particular, and I enjoy playing the recorder, guitar, piano (a little) and singing. I am also a morris dancer and a rapper sword dancer. I love reading, often having several books of differing styles on the go, and I make the most of my local library. I’ve been interested in ‘green’ issues since university and do as much as I can to help and protect this amazing planet on which we all live. Things that make me smile include spring flowers, digging up potatoes and a cuddle from my cat, Frankie.

Jessika Whitehead
Class teacher and Global Learning & Primary Language Lead
BA(Hons)Primary education with QTS – Bangor University
Global Teachers Award Level 1
Based at Long Preston
About them
Hello! I’m Mrs Whitehead – Class 2 teacher at Long Preston Primary School. I first joined Long Preston as a teaching assistant in 2017 and now work as a full-time teacher. It is amazing to be part of such a wonderful, supportive team at Long Preston, and across the Federation. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and of course our dog Tillie! I love to travel – exploring different cultures and experiences abroad. I am excited about our partnership with Mount Olympus School in India and developing our connection with the staff and children there. Hopefully, this will continue to reflect in our Global Learning in school, which I am very passionate about. I am looking forward to exploring this with the children as we learn more about the world together.

Anna Binns
Class teacher Geography Lead
Psychology BSc (Hons) – University of Nottingham
PGCE – York St John University
Based at Hellifield
About them
Hello! I am Miss Binns and I am Acorns class teacher at Hellifield Community Primary School. I am also Phonics and Early Reading Lead across the Federation. I joined the Ribblesdale Federation of Schools in January 2021 and feel very honoured to be part of such a vibrant, supportive and dedicated team. When I am not in school, I enjoy spending time with my family and I have recently taken up watercolour painting, which helps me to relax after a busy day. I also love spending time outdoors, where I enjoy going for walks in the woods or next to the river.

Emma Thompson
Class teacher/DDSL Maths and Computing Lead
Based at Giggleswick
About them

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!

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

Dee Tulley
Supply teacher
B.Ed (Hons) 4-7 years
King Alfred’s College, Winchester
Based across the federation
About them
Hello! I’m Mrs Tulley, I was delighted to join The Ribblesdale Federation recently as a supply teacher and GTA after a short career break. I previously taught a mixed EYFS and KS1 class in a small rural school in the Yorkshire Dales after living in Brussels for several years. I enjoy crafting and have run a Paint-a-Pot with a friend, as well as a wedding stationary business while my children were at primary school. I love spending time with my family, cooking and enjoying meals together.

Helen Haynes
Teacher (Maternity Cover)
Based across Giggleswick
About them
Classroom support team

Helen Smith
Teaching assistant/cover supervisor
BA (hons) Business Studies University of Northumbria
Cache Level 3 Diploma in Pre-School Practice
Based at Hellifield
About them
Hello, I’m Mrs Smith. I have been a Teaching Assistant at Hellifield School since 2009 and have worked in every class in school. I love working in Acorn Class as no two days are the same and there is always lots going on! I have two daughters who both went to Long Preston and a Border Collie puppy called Holly who is very cheeky and full of energy! I enjoy travelling and have been lucky to visit some amazing places with my husband who used to work in the travel industry. I like gardening and reading and visiting my family in Newcastle.

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.

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.

Barbara Stirton
Teaching assistant/cover supervisor Midday supervisor
Based at Long Preston
About them
Hi! I’m Mrs Stirton. I enjoy spending most of my time out of school with my daughter and her 2 horses. Otherwise I enjoy walking, cooking and visiting the Isle of Arran with my family whenever I can.

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.

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.

Julie Coultherd
Teaching assistant Midday Supervisor
Based at Long Preston
About them

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.

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!

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.

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.

Sally Birkett-Bentley
HLTA/Teaching assistant
BA (Hons), PGCE
Based at Giggleswick
About them
Hello! My name is Mrs BB and I am a teaching assistant at the lovely Giggleswick Primary School. Since completing university, I have worked in education in a variety of schools and in a variety of roles retaining the same drive and enthusiasm I felt on my very first day!
I am passionate about the natural world and conservation and, much to my children’s amusement, rarely leave home for a walk without some form of nature reference book tucked into my pocket or rucksack!
One of my favourite places to visit is the Elan Valley in Wales. The countryside is breath-taking and the views from the hills are stunning whatever the season or weather.
My lovely, lively dog keeps me busy and ‘on the go’, taking me on long walks and eating my picnic lunch if given half a chance!

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!
Administration team

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.

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.

Georgina Dunkerley
School Administrator
BA (Hons) Three Dimensional Design (Ceramics with Glass) – University of Central England,
PGCE Art & Design – Liverpool John Moors University (With QTS)
Based at Hellifield
About them
Hello, I’m Mrs Dunkerley. I joined the Hellifield Team in 2017, having previously worked in the same role at another rural school. I enjoy helping others and if you need anything, just ask and I’ll do my best to assist.
My background is Art and Education. I was a secondary school teacher for many years, prior to working in a primary school setting. I enjoy traveling, music and art.

Beverley Croft
School Administrator
Based at Long Preston
About them
Catering team

Diane Whitehead
Midday Supervisor
Based at Giggleswick
About them
When she is not busy working, Diane enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. She loves cooking and baking and especially enjoys trying out new recipes. Diane also enjoys listening to music and reading.

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.

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.

Jemma Vickery
School Cook
Level 2 Food Hygiene
Based at Long Preston
About them
Caretaking team

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!

John Ellison
Caretaker/cleaner
Based at Giggleswick
About them

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.