Our Staff | Blisworth Community Primary School

Miss Leah Jenkins - Head Teacher and Deputy DSL

My name is Leah Jenkins and I am Headteacher at Blisworth Community Primary School. I joined in September 2020 and have enjoyed being part of the wonderful community of Blisworth. I always wanted to be the Headteacher of a village school and treasure being able to lead a forward-thinking experience for pupils whilst retaining the traditions of a village school where every pupil is an individual. Before my time here, I was an Interim Headteacher in another village school at the same time as studying for my Masters Degree! I was fascinated at how the world of high-quality research and education can collide in such a positive way. I have ensured that we have strong links with the University of Northampton and we are fully committed to developing as many student-teachers as we can.

Previously I worked as a Deputy Headteacher in a large, two form entry Primary School where we took the school to outstanding. During this time, I then became Vice Principal for the emerging Trust where we bid successfully to open other schools and did so. Across much of my career, I also worked for the Local Authority as an Advanced Skills Teacher. I supported leadership teams and teachers on school improvement journeys as well as presenting on courses for the LA, regionally and for the University of Northampton. I was part of the team who worked with the Standards and Testing Agency to build assessments for the new curriculum and previously, I worked as an advisory teacher for a national introduction of Assessing Pupil Progress. I have always made sure that I am a practitioner at heart and as a leader, ensure that I can develop teaching and learning in others as well as model high-quality teaching myself. I love Literacy in particular and have written a bespoke scheme of work which has evolved over time and now forms the Literacy curriculum for our school.

I have always believed in being child focused. If children come first, in their time at school, they can flourish. At the start of my career, I worked on PSHE and School Council. My School Council featured in national magazines and on websites such as Save the Children. I also wrote the town’s transition unit to support Year 6 pupils transfer to Year 7 during this role.

We have close links with the local authority and I have recently lead the aspiring heads programme.

No day is the same and being with children is the most brilliant job in the world. I became a teacher because I did not enjoy school myself and I recall thinking that it could be much better than the experiences that I had. I wanted to build something different where our children – the future of our society – could enjoy school and make special memories along the way.

Miss Danielle Warren - Deputy Head Teacher for Standards, DSL, SENco, KS1 Lead and Year 1 Teacher

My name is Danielle Warren and I am the Deputy Headteacher for Standards and Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENco) at Blisworth Primary School. I joined in 2015 after graduating from The University of Northampton with a BA in Primary Education, Specialising in Physical Education. I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and I’m having great fun working in Early Years. Over the past few years, I have led Science across the school and have undertaken a National Professional Qualification in leadership focusing on the development of Science across the school. This year, I have returned to university to study where I have enjoyed studying Special Educational Needs to a master’s level. I am a qualified gymnastics coach and spent many years coaching teams across county and regional levels. I recognise every child as an individual and think it’s important to get to know each and every one of them – which is why you’ll often spot me on the playground speaking to as many of you as I can throughout the school day.

Mrs Louise Cooke - School Business Manager and Deputy DSL

I joined Blisworth as a part time Admin Assistant in 2007 before moving into the role of School Business Manager. I have Level 4 School Business Professional status. I love working in a school and have the best job – no two days are the same.

Outside of school, I love spending time with my family. I also enjoy reading, eating out and in my spare time, I enjoy pilates and catching up with friends.

Mrs Sarah Price - Deputy Head Teacher for Curriculum, Year 4 Teacher and KS2 Lead. Winner of the NEA Maths Teacher/Team of the Year (Currently on Maternity Leave)

I have always wanted to be a teacher. My mum was a teacher for 30 years and was such an inspiration to me. I completed my Bachelor of Education degree at Cheltenham University and graduated in 2010. The rest is history!

At Blisworth I am currently Deputy Head Teacher for Curriculum, maths and music lead and most importantly, Enigma Maths Hub lead. In 2023 we won the Northamptonshire Education Award for Maths Teacher/Team of the year.

My main hobbies are singing and playing the piano. I achieved grade 8 on the piano at school and grade 8 honours in singing when at uni. I love spending time in the garden and growing my own vegetables.

Mrs Sarah Aliwell - Year 5 Teacher and Senior Subject Leader

I have been teaching since 1995. I started my degree in Communication Studies with Science and Technology Policy at Middlesex Polytechnic but graduated 3 years later with a First from Middlesex University! Similarly, I did my PGCE at Nene College before it became the University of Northampton! I have an additional Post Graduate qualification in Primary Computing.

I am subject leader for a range of subjects and a mentor for ECTs.

Over the years I have taught every age group from Nursery to Year 6 in London, Worcestershire, Norfolk and now at Blisworth. Teaching keeps me very busy but I do find time to play clarinet with the Abington Wind Band.

Mrs Katie Law - Senior Teacher, Curriculum and Values Lead, Phase 3 Lead, Year 6 Teacher

I have been a primary school teacher since 2013, teaching across year groups in Key Stage 2 and have been working at Blisworth Community Primary School since 2019. I completed my PGCE teacher training at the University of Northampton in 2013 and have an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts in Ancient History from the University of Birmingham. Prior to becoming a teacher, I worked in the civil service for 3 years as an employment advisor for the Department of Work and Pensions and spent six months travelling in Russia, China, Southeast Asia, and New Zealand. I also spent some time in Krakow, Poland where I completed a CELTA in teaching English as a Second Language and then taught French students who were in the UK for the summertime. Following this, I decided to train to become a primary school teacher and I have been teaching ever since.

I lead PSHE and Values at school and am also a shadow Literacy lead. I am currently studying for the mental health qualification.

Now I have my own two young children, we spend much of our free time walking in local parks and woods, exploring new places and in the holidays, we like to camp!

Mr Joe Haddon - Reception Teacher, EYFS and Outdoor Learning Lead, Science Subject Leader

I qualified as a primary teacher at the University of Northampton and have been both a class teacher and TA in an outstanding school, working with younger children. I am passionate about encouraging a love of learning, to help children enjoy developing in a creative and exciting way. My favourite subject is science and I love teaching it. Outside of school I enjoy building and painting models, seeing my friends and family and, of course, cleaning my car! I am so happy to a part of the Blisworth team and am thoroughly enjoying teaching the children at our school.

I am the science lead and am also a scout leader in my spare time.

Miss Tammy Hartney - Year 3 Teacher

Before training to become a teacher I worked (in various roles including managing branches) for a well-known high street bank for nearly twenty years. After having my two children I decided it was time to change my professional direction. It was in my next role – as an administrative assistant in a primary school – that my newfound dream of becoming a primary schoolteacher was realised. It was there that my six year journey to becoming a teacher began. First, I worked as a Teaching Assistant, alongside children with special educational needs. A year later, I gained a Higher Level Teaching Assistant qualification and became a HLTA within a large KS2 setting within Northampton. During those four years – as a HLTA – I studied hard to gain the qualifications that I needed to become a teacher. I was successful in securing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Learning and Teaching whilst undertaking other studies at the same time! I gained QTS through the University of Derbyshire.

Outside of work, any spare time I have is usually spent with my family and/or my friends. I also love reading and running. Although, I haven’t had much spare time for either of those over the last few years, I am planning on dusting off my trainers and getting back out there again!

Miss Oliwia Piotrowska - Year 2 Teacher

In September 2022, I joined the amazing team at Blisworth Community Primary School. I have loved teaching at the school and have recently provided demonstration maths lessons to visiting teachers.

Before beginning my teacher training, I moved to Northampton from Birmingham to study at the University of Northampton where I gained a First Class Honours degree in Psychology and Counselling. I worked as a Teaching Assistant for a short while before beginning my training where I realised that teaching is something that I want to pursue. During my training I have gained lots of experience working in Year 2 and Year 5 and I had the opportunity to work with some amazing teachers. Being able to support children in all areas brings me joy and I am passionate about ensuring that all children feel like they can achieve anything.

I was born in Poland and moved to the UK at a very young age. Funnily enough, Polish has now become my second language. When not teaching I enjoy weight lifting, yoga, going on long walks and catching up with my friends and family. In my spare time, I enjoy learning new skills; I am currently developing my skill in digital drawing.”

Mrs Karen Lyman-Clarke - HLTA, Pupil Wellbeing Lead, Deputy DSL and Librarian

I have really enjoyed my time at Blisworth School and have been ambitious in my school career. I previously worked within the civil service and have a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in psychology. I am also a qualified HLTA and am the manager of our wonderful team of TAs at the school. I have a passion for music and like nothing better that going to see bands play live. I also enjoy going to the theatre and walking with my beautiful, little dog in the countryside.

Mrs Linda Stocker - School Administrator overseeing School, Pupil and Diary needs, First Point of Contact

I joined Blisworth in 2019, having previously worked in another primary school for 16 years. I qualified as an HLTA at my previous school but after 14 years, when an opportunity arose, I made the decision to move into the school office, where I stayed for another two years.

I love working at Blisworth, it really is the best job ever! I love seeing and speaking to both children and parents. I have a very varied role in school and deal with many things including school admissions, attendance and communications with parents. I also populate and oversee the school website.

I am obsessed with giraffes and have a vast collection of them at home (and a few at school!). I also love crocheting, baking and spending time with my family.

Mrs Deborah Rayner - Teaching Assistant

I have been part of the Blisworth family for 15 years, initially as a parent dropping off my four children at the school gate. With an academic background at university level in maths and accountancy, I enjoy numbers. As a T.A., I love to help the children become excited about numeracy.

Spending time with my family and friends is my favourite pastime. Otherwise, I can be found pottering in the garden with my four-legged friend, Stanley, our yellow labrador.

Mr Steve Elliott - Teaching Assistant, Sports Competition Lead, Active Lunch Lead

Both my children came through Blisworth School and loved their time here.

I started helping out as a classroom volunteer in 2018, and am now a teaching assistant. I also drive the minibus and am a qualified trip lead. I am passionate about helping pupils along their journey of sport so that they love the opportunities we can give them.

I enjoy helping the children with their English and Maths in the morning before keeping them active at lunchtime with various different sports and playground games. I also work closely with teachers and sports coaches to arrange the school teams for many different sports tournaments against other schools throughout the year.

Outside of school, I enjoy walking my rescue dog, playing piano in a wedding / party band, coaching a youth football team, and am also a regular referee at adult games. You can also see me at a 5k Parkrun somewhere on most Saturdays!

Miss Lauren Wilcox - HLTA, Specialist Phonics TA

I have been working at Blisworth Community Primary School across many areas of the school. I really enjoy helping our children to flourish and develop a love of school. I have achieved a number of teaching assistant qualifications and have now qualified as an HLTA.

In my spare time I love to bake and am also a scout lead.

Mrs Carrie Mumford - Maternity Cover Teacher for Y4

My name is Carrie Mumford and I am excited to be starting at Blisworth School as the Year 4 teacher, covering for the wonderful Mrs Price while she is on maternity leave.

For five years I worked at an outstanding primary school and thoroughly enjoyed supporting, encouraging and nurturing children through their education journeys. I love watching children achieve and helping them to grow in confidence and self-belief is really important to me. It was actually Miss Jenkins who gave me my first opportunity in a school, as a lunchtime supervisor! I enjoyed working with the children so much that I moved into the classroom, initially as a teaching assistant and then as a 1:1 learning support assistant, providing emotional and practical support for children with additional needs.

In October 2023 I completed my initial Teacher Training course, alongside a Post-Graduate Certificate of Education. Some of the younger children might recognise me as I spent some of my training year with Miss Carpenter in Year 1!

Prior to teaching, I achieved a degree in Marketing and Advertising at University (a very long time ago!) and worked in that field for 10 years. I then had my two sons and was a stay-at-home Mum for nine years, watching my boys grow and learn.

Outside of school I enjoy taking our labrador, Poppy, for walks. I also enjoy reading biographies and cooking and baking with my two sons, who love to eat the things we make!

Miss Kim Smith - Lunchtime Supervisor and Bikeability Lead for our younger pupils

I have worked at Blisworth Community Primary School for five years. I have two children currently attending the school. I love working with the children and my favourite game to play with them at lunchtime is “What’s the time Mr Wolf?”!

Mr Andy Cox - Senior Rhino Coach and Teaching Assistant

When I finished sixth form, I applied for osteopathy at university, however, I deferred my offer as I wanted to explore the possibility of becoming a sports coach and working in schools. I started off working at after schools clubs and holiday camps before joining the Rhino team, which has led to my position at Blisworth. In addition to taking afternoon P.E. sessions and after school clubs, I am now pursuing my teaching ambitions by working as a morning T.A. across the school. This work has convinced me that I want to help others encompass the value of sport in supporting children’s wider development.

Miss Kerry Lucas - TA

My name is Kerry and I have lived in the village my whole life. My Dad came to the school, as did myself and my children. I am loving being a Teaching Assistant and am privileged to work at the school.

Miss Sarah Curtis - TA

My name is Sarah and I have lived in the village my whole life, My pap, dad, aunties, sister, my two children and myself all came to the school. I have worked with young children for 20 years and I am level 3 qualified in early years. I love to help children grow, learn and be proud of themselves. I am enjoying working as a teaching assistant, and I feel very proud and privileged to be part of the team.

Mrs Janet Paxton - Lunchtime Supervisor

I have been a lunchtime supervisor at Blisworth Community Primary School since 1993 and am currently the longest serving member of staff here. I started when Mr John Basham was the Head Teacher.

Mrs Linda Gwilliam - Lunchtime Supervisor and Teaching Assistant

Hello, my name is Linda. I have lived in the village all my life and attended the school. My three children all came here and for a time, my grandchild came here as well.

I have been a lunchtime supervisor for more years than I can remember. Recently I have been undertaking teaching assistant duties and I enjoy seeing the children flourish. I love doing this job and I hope I will be here until I retire.

Mrs Clare Dunkley - Site Supervisor and Village Lollipop Lady, Member of the Environment and Display Team

I grew up in the village and my sisters and I all attended Blisworth Community Primary. I remember much of what is described in the school log books and the teachers who were here. I have known all of the Headteachers since 1967, Mr Piggott, taught me and Mr Basham, taught my two sons and we all look back fondly on our time at the school. Blisworth school used to have an animal shed and I loved it – especially when I had the opportunity to complete my work in there after school, I told my teachers that I wanted to do woodwork, but as a female it was a battle at the time. I made it with perseverance and became a furniture restorer, cabinet maker and kitchen fitter. My sons attended the school and I always wanted to return as the site supervisor so I could contribute to many children’s magical memories and uphold old traditions and be part of creating new ones. I was lucky enough to get the job in 2002, and I look forward to many future years here.

Over the years I have seen the building and land grow and change. I have a passion for crafting and I have enjoyed making the new wooden signs and display items for the children. As well as housekeeping the school site, I work with the staff at school to help with art projects including setting up the Christmas bauble activities and also getting Santa’s grotto ready. My other role is as lollypop lady which I have done since 1997. I enjoy greeting all our children daily, come rain or shine, and they also enjoy calling morning to my dogs who sit and watch patiently from my garden by the crossing.

Coming soon - a new teacher to join our team from September 2024

We are excited to let you know that a new teacher will be joining our team in September. He has an academic background in Contemporary Music Production, is able to read music fluently and plays the trumpet himself.

He has experience in two other schools and applied to Blisworth because of the close match between the school’s values and his own. He is really passionate about enabling every child to shine across the curriculum and he has a personal love of sport.

Mr Andy Burgess - Cleaning Operative

Hello, my name is Andy Burgess and I joined the team at Blisworth School earlier this year as a cleaner. I am now really enjoying supporting pupils on trips and in sporting events. I worked for BT as an engineer for 30 years and have also had experience working as a carer and most recently in Adult Social Care.

I have lived in and around Northampton all my life, and had an active role in Scouting serving as a leader for a couple of years.

I enjoy most sports and used to play rugby and cricket for local teams.

I live on a narrowboat with my wife and rescue dog – keep an eye out for us if you ever walk the towpaths!

Sam Mennell - Director of Rhino Sports Academy

Rhino Sports Academy is a company that was born out of my love for all forms of sport, a passion for fitness, my personal experiences as a coach for over 12 years and my observations on the way that the new, younger generation is interacting with the world around them. I strongly feel that unless we can instill a hunger for sport and healthy competition in students from a young age, that it may be lost to them forever.

I work closely with the team at Blisworth to bring the very best staff to both Blisworth and other schools through our shared training and partnership working.

We recently reached the finals for the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards for innovation of a business idea and our link with this development with Blisworth School.