Giggleswick: 01729 822248 / Hellifield: 01729 850215 / Long Preston: 01729 840377
School Staff

Teaching and learning team

Catherine Maddocks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emma Thompson

Class teacher/DDSL Maths and Computing Lead

Based at Giggleswick

About them

Rebecca Shaw

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

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

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

Helen Haynes

Teacher (Maternity Cover)

Based across Giggleswick

About them

Classroom support team

Helen Smith

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

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

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

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

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

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

Julie Coultherd

Teaching assistant Midday Supervisor

Based at Long Preston

About them

Sophie Fortune

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beverley Croft

School Administrator

Based at Long Preston

About them

Catering team

Diane Whitehead

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

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

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

Jemma Vickery

School Cook

Level 2 Food Hygiene

Based at Long Preston

About them

Caretaking team

Paul Jackson

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

John Ellison

Caretaker/cleaner

Based at Giggleswick

About them

Iris Foxcroft

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.