Our staff
In 2021, the ambition decision was made to expand the school from two classes to three. Following several years of very low numbers, the school is now thriving and we are approaching our capacity. This creates very small teaching groups, allowing staff to provide really specific support and feedback to children. The impact of this is fantastic relationships and superb progress!
We are kind, friendly, dedicated and highly-skilled staff. If you would like to discuss any aspect of school life, please make an appointment with your child's class teacher.
Miss Lauren Simpson
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Roles and Responsibilities:
Headteacher
Dragonflies class teacher (Mon-Wed)
DSL
Designated teacher for LAC and PLAC
Wider Curriculum lead
ECT Lead and ECT Mentor
I started at Nun Monkton as a class teacher in September 2016 and fell in love with the school, village and community. In March 2021, I became headteacher.
Providing a curriculum which engages, inspires and challenges our pupils, and uses the outdoors and locality is something I have worked hard to achieve over the past 5 years.
Whilst at Nun Monkton, I have taught mixed Y2-6 classes, a Y2/3 class and a mixed Y3-6 class. We always structure our class structure to suit the needs of the individuals within school.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, completing the renovating my house and going on adventures!
Mrs Lisa Addinall
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Roles and Responsibilities:
School Administrator
Well-being Lead
I started at Nun Monkton in March 2017 and have steadily increased my hours as our small school has grown. Now, I work each morning across the week.
Currently, I am completing my 'School Business Manager' course and am thoroughly enjoying learning more about the ins and outs of running a school.
In my spare time when I am not studying I enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors walking our Cavapoo dog, Bertie.
If you require any information about our amazing, little school, please do not hesitate to contact me!
Mrs Sarah Ritchie
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Roles and Responsibilities:
Dragonflies class teacher (Wed-Fri)
Maths lead
Educational Visit Coordinator
Hello, my name is Mrs Ritchie and I can’t wait to come and join your school in September to work with all the children, staff and parents in your wonderful community!
I have been a teacher for 20 years and love helping children to learn in fun and imaginative ways. I especially enjoy outdoor learning and feel passionate about the confidence, creativity and range of skills that children gain from being outside. I also love animals and I do some work at Askham Bryan Wildlife Park where I help to educate people about animals and conservation. I often get to look after our meerkats, armadillos, alpacas and (very cheeky) otters which makes me very happy. I haven’t yet decided if I think children or animals are the most mischievous!!
Outside of school my time is spent with my husband and three children. We love getting creative in the kitchen, going on adventure dog walks with our crazy chocolate labrador, going on camping trips and spending days at the seaside in any season.
Miss Joanna Bromley
Roles and Responsibilities:
Butterflies class teacher
ECT
I am unbelievably excited to have joined the Nun Monkton family in September 2021. I have fallen in love with the village and community and I am looking forward to the year ahead!
I knew that I wanted to be a teacher as soon as I started volunteering at my local primary school. Since then I have worked as a Teaching Assistant for 8 years whilst studying for my university degree and PGCE and now I am absolutely thrilled to finally have a class of my own!
In my free time I love to spend time with my friends and family and I also enjoy travelling and visiting new places, in this country and abroad!
Miss Rebecca Andrew
Roles and Responsibilities:
Fireflies class teacher
Deputy DSL
Literacy lead
EYFS Lead
I started at Nun Monkton in September 2018 as an NQT. It has been wonderful to watch our unique little school grow and develop over the past 3 years, whilst also growing as a teacher myself.
I have always been passionate about teaching in the EYFS and feel strongly about the importance of learning through play. Our EYFS/KS1 has been on an incredible journey, in which it has blossomed into an environment filled with creative, independent and resilient learners who learn through exploring, experiencing and having a go.
When I am not at Nun Monkton, I spend most of my time horse riding. I also enjoy spending lots of time outdoors and going on walks with my cockapoo called Ruby!
Mrs Brenda Loades
Roles and Responsibilities:
GTA across EYFS/KS1
Staff Governor
PTFA Committee Member
As a Teaching Assistant in our early years class, currently known as “ Fireflies “, I am proud to be the longest serving member of our staff team.
My educational experience has been gained whilst being mentored alongside several inspirational teachers, allowing me to be a part of each individual child’s education in this truly unique school, with its continuous need to evolve for today’s children.
In my spare time, I love spending time with my friends and family engaging in outdoor activities staying fit and attending live theatre events.
Miss Joanne Hill
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Roles and Responsibilities:
SEND 1:1 GTA
I have been at Nun Monkton since September 2018 when I was employed as an SEND 1:1 teaching assistant. I was bowled over with the sense of community that I was greeted with and have felt part of such a special school ever since.
I have a huge passions for working with children with SEND and am dedicated to ensuring each child achieves their fullest potential, which is a huge part of the ethos here at Nun Monkton.
In my spare time I enjoy crafting and making my own clothes. I am creative and have enjoyed making many crafty pieces for amazing school performances!
Mrs Leah McCooke
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Roles and Responsibilities:
EYFS/KS1 GTA (Mon-Tue)
SEND 1:1 GTA (Thu-Fri)
I started at Nun Monkton in November 2020 as a SEND 1:1 Teaching Assistant. I was immediately welcomed into the amazing staff team and relished the chance to be working in a school again.
I have worked in childcare/Education for over 25 years in a variety of roles from a Thomson Holiday club rep, nanny for triplets, Private day care settings and most recently for 10 years at a primary school in York in EYFS and Y1/Y2.
I love being part of the Nun Monkton Family and the village has such a wonderful sense of Community. I look forward to extending my role to work in EYFS from September too.
In my spare time l am a Walking Netball Host for England Netball/WI. I am Secretary for my WI and l can also be found at my Allotment, wellies on knee deep in my pumpkin patch or with my nose in a good book. I love cooking and baking for my friends and family.