Who's Who
Interim Headteacher -Mrs Kelly Thomas
My name is Mrs Thomas. I am the interim Head teacher at the school, although over the past 11 years I have been the Deputy Head teacher and head of school at Holme.
I have had the privilege of being a teacher for over 20 years and taught all year groups from EYFS to Year 6.
Within school I lead many aspects of teaching and learning. I am the Pupil Premium and Achievement for All Champion in the school. I am also the Mental Health First Aider for adults and children and plan the Personal Social and Health Education curriculum in school.
I am happily married and have two sporty and loving boys called Eddie and Bertie. I have a chocolate brown cockapoo called Harry. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, being outside and having picnics.
Executive SENDCo (Holme and Stilton schools)
Mrs Clara King to begin in September 2020
Hedgehog's teachers (Reception)
Miss Jess Heron/ Mrs Ges Riley
(Mrs Banner is on maternity leave)
My name is Mrs Banner and I live with Mr Banner and my three lovely boys. I have been at home on maternity leave since December but will be returning to school soon! I have been teaching for 11 years, exclusively in the EYFS (Reception and Nursery) and Year 1.
I love being creative and exploring nature and I like to get outside with my children whenever I can.
I am also the Maths lead in school and am responsible for ensuring pupils receive a comprehensive, fun and creative maths curriculum.
Owl's class teacher (Yr1/2)-Mrs Tracey Hood
My name is Mrs Hood. I currently teach Owls class, a mixed class of year 1 and 2 children, which I have been teaching for the past 2 years. Prior to teaching at Holme, I have previously taught across KS2 and KS1. I have however, not always been a teacher and before having my own children I was a Scientist involved in medical genetic research.
I have a strong passion for many areas of the curriculum and at present lead the English curriculum for reading, writing, spelling and phonics across the school.
In my spare time, you can always find me pottering in my garden, reading a book and finding lots of new exciting ones to share in school, going for a walk or planning our next holiday.
Squirrel's class teachers (Yr 3/4)-Miss Kate Williams
I am Miss Williams. Currently, I am the Squirrels class teacher, a mixed class of year 3 and 4 children, which I have enjoyed for the past three years.
Prior to that, I was a peripatetic music and French teacher, travelling to numerous schools throughout the region. I have my grade VIII practical and theoretical music qualification and play a total of 8 different instruments, however, I specialise in woodwind. I am also a fully qualified horse riding instructor and I previously worked at a riding school teaching children to ride. Prior to teaching, my main roles were in sales and sales training.
My hobbies are primarily music and horse riding. I am a keen dressage rider and have competed frequently in the past. I also enjoy playing tennis, reading and I am a budding historian with an avid interest in Tudor history.
Fox's teacher (Yr 5/6) -Mrs Emily Papandrea
My name is Mrs Papandrea and I currently teach in Foxes class. I absolutely love the friendly feel of Holme School and thoroughly enjoy having the opportunity to work with such a fantastic bunch of children. I have been teaching for 14 years now. I love the fact that teaching allows me to have some fantastic discussions with future generations and am constantly impressed by the creative little minds that I encounter; I consider myself very privileged in this sense. I like to help children realise just how much potential they have and am very passionate about their mental health and wellbeing. My teaching specialism is English although I very much enjoy art too. At University I studied English and History of Art before going on to teacher training.
At home I live with my husband, our two little boys (Eric 5 and Luca 4) and our cat Luna. We enjoy visits out to lots of interesting places, one of our favourites so far has been the Tower of London. Also, you would see lots of drawing, Lego and castle building happening in our house as well as some baking. Recently we relocated from Lincolnshire back down to Kent where we are originally from so hope to enjoy the benefits of being so close to the coast in the future.
Mr Matthew Batty
I am Mr Batty. I am currently the part-time year 5 and 6 teacher. Since Christmas (before school closure) I have been teaching year 5 Monday and Tuesday mornings and years 5 and 6 all day Thursday and Friday. My first job in education was as a Secondary Science teacher, I also spent 4 terms working a Secondary Supply teacher before leaving to be a full time carer to my 2 children. When my children started Primary school I volunteered as a helper; first listening to readers before being a general assistant in Reception class. I was offered a Teaching Assistant and Midday supervisor role (part-time) in 2012 and by the 2015-16 academic year I was a teaching assistant for just over 20 hours a week, mainly in years 5 and 6. I accepted a part-time teaching role for 1 year in years 3 and 4 for the 2017-18 academic year and returned to my TA role the year after, as well as providing NQT relief cover for years 3 and 4. In addition I still work as a Midday supervisor on Monday lunchtime. My main areas of strength are Maths and Science, I also have an interest in History. I enjoy spending time with my family, golf, cooking, reading, cinema and video games.
Challenge and Inclusion Teaching Assistant (Holme and Stilton schools)
Mrs Kay Dee
My name is Kay Dee and I am the Challenge and Inclusion Teaching Assistant across both Holme C of E Primary Academy and Stilton C of E Primary Academy. Within my role, I work alongside the SENCo and liase with outside agencies such as the Specialist Education Team, Speech and Language Therapy, Emotional Health and Wellbeing Service to name but a few, to ensure that all children get the targeted support they need within our school. I deliver training and share information with parents to ensure an inclusive approach to in school support, ensuring that effective working relationships between school and families are developed and maintained. I mentor, monitor and upskill all teaching assistants to develop good practise and to ensure that our children are getting the most up to date support and intervention we can possibly give. Previously, I was a teaching assistant for 12 years and worked in all year groups from Reception through to year 6. A huge passion of mine is Phonics and reading and I love nothing more than listening to children read and sharing the love of phonics with children through reading. Five and a half years ago I qualified as a Zumba Instructor which led me to go on and take a qualification in Junior Kids Zumba (Key Stage1) Kids Zumba (Key Stage 2) and Yoga for Schools all of which I practice regularly within school. I am a married Mum to two handsome young men, George who is 26 and Harry who is 19 and we have a gorgeous little Westie called Teddy.
Office staff
Mrs Sue Holmes, School Secretary
Hi, I'm Mrs Holmes. I have worked in Holme School for 24 years now, 18 of those I worked as a T.A in many of the classes but mostly in the Year 1 & Year 2 class. Six years ago I applied for the job as the school secretary and got it and I have to say I absolutely love it!
I originally started working as a helping mum in reception and haven't left since. I live in the village which is very handy for me but I absolutely love working in our small but mighty village school!
I have been happily married for almost 32 years now and I have two amazing children, Andrew and Gemma. I am over the moon to have found out during the lockdown that I am going to be a nan as Andrew and his partner Sarah are having a baby which is due in October and I am over the moon about it!
Most of you probably know that crafting is my passion and I thoroughly enjoy mainly making cards but also enjoy cross stitch and embroidery too.
Mrs Nicki Fyfe, Finance Secretary
Teaching Assistants
Mrs Ali Tesloff
Mrs Ellie Hall
My name is Mrs Hall and I have been working as a teaching assistant for the past 13 years. I have worked in various classes supporting pupils learning,either in a 1:1role or as a general teaching assistant. Prior to that I worked in a rural pre school setting for two years.
I am currently based in the reception ( EYFS) class and have been supporting the learning in that class for the past 10 years.
I am interested in fitness, social and emotional well-being,cooking, vintage and retro fashion.
Mrs Teresa Cater-Knowles
Hello, my name is Mrs Cater-Knowles (Mrs C.K to the children). I work in Owls class, with year 1s and 2s. 18 years ago I started my journey in education at Holme Pre-school, where I worked for 6 years, then Holme Primary as a midday assistant, plus 1 to 1 learning support. Over my time here I have worked in all four classes, but mostly Owls. You will also find me in breakfast club, morning circuits with Mrs Hall, and at the end of day in Stay and Play. Some of the children get to do E.R.T with me, which is a phonic intervention, or they may do some introduction to numicon, which is a great mathematical aid. I look forward to school plays, where I get to use my arts and crafts to make props, scenery and face paint. At home I spend time with my family and animals (horses, dogs and cat), enjoying walks and hacks through the countryside. Before working in education I ran my own business, enjoying making flower arrangements, bouquets etc.
Mrs Rachel Cattell
My name is Rachel Cattell. I live in the village of Holme and feel very lucky to be able to work in my village community. I predominantly work with ‘Foxes’ class as a teaching assistant and enjoy seeing the children grow and develop as they prepare for the transition to secondary school. I especially enjoy developing reading skills and encouraging children to read different genres of literature.
Mrs Victoria Lunan
My name is Mrs Lunan. I started working at Holme School as a teaching assistant back in September 2019. I generally work with the Owls and Squirrels but, as is the nature of this job, my day can find me all over the school!
I originally trained as a NNEB Nursery Nurse and spent a number of years at Peterborough Maternity Unit as part of the Newborn Hearing Screening Team. In recent years I have been involved with Holme Village Pre-school which then led me to Holme School.
I have lived in Holme Village for the past 15 years and play an active role in village life. I am on a number of local committees and part of the Speed Watch team. When I am not playing taxi mum to my 12 year old daughter you will find me walking our crazy black cockapoo over the fields.
Mrs Lauren Cartwright
Hello, my name is Mrs Cartwright. I live with my husband, my nearly 18-month-old little boy and my Jack Russel cross Lakeland Terrier, Poppy. I currently work in Foxes (year 5 and 6) as a teaching assistant.
Having worked in secondary schools for 5 years moving into primary has been an exciting challenge. My previous roles have seen me focus upon developing the phonics, handwriting, reading and writing skills of younger children up to GCSE and A-Level age, working both 1:1, in small groups and in the classroom setting. It is really important to me that all children and young people are given equal access to opportunities to develop the literacy skills they need to express themselves. My love of English started when I was at primary school, I was (and remain) a real bookworm! This love of reading has stayed with me and led me to study for a degree in English Literature.
When not at school you’ll probably find me doing something active – I enjoy long walks (I’ve climbed Snowdon and Scafell Pike – just Ben Nevis left in the UK) and going running with my dog. If we have inclement weather I’ll curl up with a good book or watch a history documentary.
Midday staff
Mrs Ali Tesloff
Mr Matthew Batty
Mrs Teresa Cater Knowles
Mrs Ellie Hall
Mrs Rachel Cattell
Mrs Cartwright
After school club staff
Mrs Teresa Cater-Knowles
Site staff
Mr Tom Cardell (caretaker)
Mrs Tina Rushbrook (cleaner)
Mrs Abigail Stacey (cleaner)