Mrs J Dixon
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. As the Early Years Lead I work closely with Mrs Barnett and the Prep leadership Team to keep Early Years a vibrant and key part of our wonderful Prep department. In my role as Deputy Head I support Mrs Barnett to lead and manage Prep as well as coordinating the provision of SEND throughout the Lower prep, liaising with external agencies and regularly reviewing children’s progress. 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! I teach weekly LAMDA lessons across Year 1 and 2, and prepare the children for their annual ‘Poetry Speaking’ examinations and for competition work in local festivals. I oversee the teaching and learning of phonics and early reading throughout the Lower Prep and play a key role in safeguarding within Prep as a DSL.
Mrs H Ahmed
Teaching Assistant – Level 3 Childcare NCC, Level 3 Special Education Needs NCC Level 3, Fda in Teaching and Learning Support in Primary Level 5
Mrs Ahmed works in the Superstars Room with the Pre School children. She has three children who all attend Westholme. In her spare time, Mrs Ahmed enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with her family and friends.
INFANT SCHOOL STAFF
Mr D Barnett
BEd (Hons), Cantab
Mr Barnett enjoys sports, travel and outdoor pursuits.
Mrs S Barrett
BEd (Hons)
Mrs Barrett has a long association with Westholme being an alumni, starting at Billinge House when she was just three years old and more recently with both her children attending the school. Mrs Barrett returned to Westholme herself in 1996 after training to be a teacher and working in Oxfordshire for several years. When not working hard in the Infants she loves cooking for her family and friends, reading a good book and taking her two cheeky dogs, Boo and Daisy for long walks with her husband.
Mrs H Burton
BA (Hons), QTS Edge Hill College
Mrs Burton began her connection with Westholme in 1983 when she joined the school as a Year 7 pupil. After completing her degree she returned as a Year 4 class teacher before taking a break with her two children. Mrs Burton then returned to teach music at the former Boys’ Junior School and then back to the Junior School. She is now also enjoying getting to know the smallest members of the Westholme family whilst teaching music at the Infant School. Mrs Burton lives in Blackburn with her husband, children Charles and Ella and their recent addition to the family, a puppy called Barney.
Mr P Harrison
BA (Hons), Manchester, PGCE
Mr Harrison has taught at Westholme since 2006. As well as teaching the Year 4 class, he loves the opportunity of teaching computing to all the children in infants and juniors, and is renowned across the school for his sense of humour – so he says! He is fanatical about sport, especially cricket and football, and is a long suffering supporter of Everton FC. Mr Harrison is married with two sons, both of whom thrived during their time at Westholme.
Mrs K Martin
N.N.E.B.
Mrs Martin has over 25 years experience of childcare, child minding and running a playgroup before joining Westholme After School staff in 2006, later that year also joining the Nursery team. She is now leader of After School care and also helps with W Club during the holidays. In her spare time she enjoys cookery, hosting dinner parties, and city breaks
Mrs V Milnes
BA (Hons), QTS Primary Education with Geography
Mrs Milnes is the Reception 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 Shaw
NVQ3 Early Years Care & Education
Miss Shaw has worked at Westholme since 2008, this year she is looking forward to being the assistant for both the Year One and Year Two classes at Beardwood House.