Home Prep Welcome Meet the Lower Prep Staff

Meet the Lower Prep Staff


Mrs Judith Dixon

Mrs J Dixon – Prep R

Deputy Head/Early Years Lead/SENDCo – BA (Hons), QTS in Primary Education with English Language and Literature

I am passionate about all things early years and am delighted to be teaching the Reception Class this year. I absolutely love to welcome my class into school every morning and always enjoy getting to know their families well. As the Early Years Lead I ensure there is a continued focus on the early years and that it remains a vibrant and key part of our wonderful Prep department and the whole school. Our newly established Discovery Days are one of the highlights of my month, where prospective preschool children and their parents are invited into school to experience a little bit of Westholme magic. In my role as Deputy Head, I work closely with my Lower Prep colleagues to provide a first class education. As part of the Prep Leadership team, I work with Mrs Robson and together we lead and manage the whole of Prep. I feel privileged to be part of such a strong and dedicated staff team, as well as work with such wonderful boys and girls who make me smile every single day! Another important aspect of my role is that of Prep Designated Safeguarding Lead and I work very closely with Mrs Hornby, Designate Safeguarding Lead for the whole school. The most amazing part of my job is that no two days are the same which is why I absolutely love working at Westholme!

Mrs J Hearle – Prep 1

Mrs Hearle is the class teacher for students in Prep 1.   In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, walking, cooking and travelling to new places.

Mrs V Milnes – Prep 2

BA (Hons), QTS Primary Education with Geography
Mrs Milnes is our Prep 2 class teacher. She has two children who attended the school and in her spare time she enjoys skiing, cooking, reading and spending time with her family and friends.


Miss Yusuf – Reception Teaching Assistant

Miss Yusuf assists Mrs Dixon with Prep R, helping students at the beginning of their Westholme journey as they enter Reception.

Miss Shaw

Miss Shaw – Lower Prep Teaching Assistant

NVQ3 Early Years Care & Education

Miss Shaw has worked at Westholme since 2008 and has continued to enjoy teaching and assisting the children at Westholme Prep, since we moved from our previous site at Beardwood Bank.

Mrs Hussain – Prep Teaching Assistant

Mrs Hussain is a teaching assistant at Westholme Prep.


Mrs E Lowde – Outdoor Education

BA (Hons), Northumbria, PGCE
Mrs Lowde has a long history with Westholme School; she started as a pupil in nursery aged three and continued through to the Sixth Form. “I thought Westholme was such a happy place for me and I wanted to be in the position to create an equally positive and stimulating environment”, said Mrs Lowde, explaining why she had returned to teach at Westholme after completing her degree. A natural sportswoman, Mrs Lowde has contributed enthusiastically to Co Curricular activities by running netball and tennis clubs, and she is now responsible for Outdoor Learning at Prep. Her hobbies include walking her dog in the Lake District and skiing.


Mr D Barnett – Teacher of Physical Education

BEd (Hons), Cantab
Alongside being a Teacher of Physical Education at Westholme Prep, Mr Barnett enjoys sports, travel and outdoor pursuits.

Miss E Hall – Teacher of Physical Education

Miss Hall works alongside Mr Barnett, helping children at Prep to learn and enjoy all things sport and exercise related.


Mrs S Atkinson – Prep Office Manager

Mrs Atkinson is the Office Manager here at Westholme Prep, where she is assisted by Ms Akbar on Reception.