Our Staff

If you’ve met me, you’ll probably know how passionate I am about Norton School. I love coming to work every day. The children are fantastic, happy and inspiring; the teachers and support staff are visionary and caring and there is a real buzz within Norton School community.

Here are some other facts about my life in no particular order:

• I have been teaching for 30 years

• I have been a Head Teacher for 12 years

• I am vice chair of the TDP ( local cluster of 41 schools)

• I believe in seeing the best in everyone

• I know that children learn best when they are happy

• I am close to my family (I have 2 amazing grown up boys and an identical twin sister- she’s the naughty one!)

• Norton School is my extended family

• I enjoy running (I can run forever but not always in the right direction)

• Favourite film: Waking Ned Devine (Irish; brilliant!)

• Favourite song: Elbow ‘One Day Like This’ or anything jolly

• Favourite quote: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” - Martin Luther king

Hello! I began working at the wonderful Norton Primary School 12 years ago. I originally worked in the preschool for two years and since then have taught in Reception and Year 1! It is an absolute joy to work with the wonderful children we have at Norton. I love getting to know the children’s individual personalities, supporting their learning and seeing them flourish.  

During my time at Norton  I have completed my Middle and Senior leadership qualifications and am thrilled to take on the position of Assistant Head Teacher at Norton, as of September 2025. I’m also the deputy safeguarding lead, a school governor and subject lead for Phonics and Writing. I thoroughly enjoy leading these subjects and making a difference within the school. 

I’m a Mum to a tractor obsessed 3.5 year old. On the weekends we enjoy going on adventurers, visiting parks and spending time with family members.Norton really is a very special place to work!

Hello everyone! My name is Miss Williams, and I’m absolutely delighted to be joining the team at Norton Primary School as I begin my early teaching career.

I recently completed my PGCE after graduating with a First Class Honours degree in Early Years Education – a subject I’m incredibly passionate about. I believe the early years lay the most important foundation for a child’s learning journey, and I’m thrilled to now have the opportunity to support and inspire young learners every day.

Outside of the classroom, I have a huge love for art, and I enjoy bringing creativity into everything I do – something I look forward to sharing with the children. In my free time, you’ll often find me spending quality time with my family and friends or heading off to explore new places. Travelling and experiencing different cultures has always inspired me, and I love how it broadens my perspective.

I’m looking forward to the journey ahead at Norton Primary and all the learning, laughter, and discovery it will bring!

I have had the pleasure of being part of the Norton family for a wonderful 26 years. Having graduated from university with BEd honours I started my teaching career here, in the Autumn of 1997, with a Reception class. Since then I have taught across the whole of Key Stage One and Year 3 and 4. I currently teach in Year 2.

I absolutely love teaching and enjoy getting to know all the children’s personalities and interests. Seeing them develop in confidence and make progress in their learning really is special! I am a firm believer that learning should be fun, engaging and purposeful so that all children can reach their full potential.

I am the Science Co-ordinator and this was one of my specialisms at university. Through this role I aim to help children develop an understanding of the natural world and the processes that govern it. I believe science as a subject can really help develop children's curiosity, creativity and critical thinking skills. I want to promote the role science has in every aspect of daily life, past, present and future.

Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family. I am a mum to a football crazy little boy and many a weekend you will find me on the side lines of some football pitch! I also enjoy exploring the outdoors, seeing friends and reading.

I really do feel like I have the best job in the world! This is all down to the fantastic team, parents and children that I work with every day.

Hello! I am Caroline Woodland, the Reception Class Teacher at Norton Primary School.

I have had the pleasure of being part of the dedicated Norton School community since 2008. As the Reception teacher, I am passionate about outdoor learning and creating opportunities for children to explore, discover, and grow in a nurturing environment. I am committed to supporting all children to thrive, both academically and personally, during their early years of education.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending quality time with my own two children and making the most of family life.

Hello! I began working at the wonderful Norton Primary School 12 years ago. I originally worked in the preschool for two years and since then have taught in Reception and Year 1! It is an absolute joy to work with the wonderful children we have at Norton. I love getting to know the children’s individual personalities, supporting their learning and seeing them flourish.  

During my time at Norton  I have completed my Middle and Senior leadership qualifications and am thrilled to take on the position of Assistant Head Teacher at Norton, as of September 2025. I’m also the deputy safeguarding lead, a school governor and subject lead for Phonics and Writing. I thoroughly enjoy leading these subjects and making a difference within the school. 

I’m a Mum to a tractor obsessed 3.5 year old. On the weekends we enjoy going on adventurers, visiting parks and spending time with family members.Norton really is a very special place to work!

Since graduating from the University of Winchester in 2017, I spent my first two years teaching in year 1 in Hampshire. I then joined the wonderful Norton family in 2019 and absolutely adore teaching year 4. I love seeing the children become independent and grow in confidence. Norton truly is the best place to work. 

I am the history and geography subject lead and have a huge interest in geography and exploring new places. I like to incorporate geography into my teaching too in a variety of fun and interesting ways to help children appreciate the world we live in.

I am also the SENCo at Norton from September 2025. I am looking forward to taking on this new role and supporting all children and their families at Norton. 

Outside of school I enjoy reading, travelling and walks in the countryside.

I worked at Norton C of E Primary School for almost six years as a Teaching Assistant and vowed that, after completing my teacher training, I’d be back – and here I am!

I am beyond happy to be working with the Norton Family again. Previous to teaching here, I spent three years working within a mixed year 5/6 classroom within Gloucestershire. I am thrilled to be teaching the Year 5 children here. Ensuring that children at Norton have a love for learning is my absolute priority.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking, keeping fit, watching football and, most importantly, spending quality time with my partner and our wonderful daughters.

I trained at the University of Gloucestershire, completing most of my teaching placements here at Norton. That was over 12 years ago, so coming back really does feel like coming home. It only took me 12 years!

Since then, I've worked in a variety of primary schools, spending most of my career teaching in Upper Key Stage 2. I genuinely enjoy the variety of primary teaching and seeing children grow in confidence, challenge themselves and realise what they are capable of.

What has always stood out about Norton is the incredible sense of community. From my very first placement, it felt like a school where everyone knows one another and genuinely cares. It has such a warm, family feel, and I'm delighted to now be part of it.

Outside of school, life is kept busy by my two children and two dogs. When I'm not marking books, you'll probably find me out running, watching football or convincing myself that buying another pair of running trainers is absolutely necessary!

I have the pleasure of being Higher Level Teaching Assistant at Norton Primary School which I absolutely love! It was once said to me that you should never work with animals or children but I love both! Having had two boys of my own I quickly realised how truly rewarding it was to be with children and loved my playgroup duties; little did I know that this would be the start of my amazing career. I have previously supported children from the age of 2.9 years to the end of juniors .I have also been a Special Educational Needs Coordinator. I have supported many children including those that have Specific learning difficulties, delayed learning difficulties, behaviour, social and emotional difficulties all within mainstream settings. I enjoy the variety of my role where I also lead a dynamic team of Teaching Assistants, teach 1:1 small groups and whole class. I have been in Education for twenty years, fourteen of which has been at Norton. Most importantly I feel that my greatest achievement is learning how to understand individuals, address their needs ensuring that all learning is fun and achievable whilst supporting their self- esteem and desire to learn. It is the best feeling in the World and one that I never take for granted.

Some relevant training/courses I have – Level 3 Early Years Care and Education, Downs Syndrome training, Diploma in Special Educational Needs, Mental Health First Aid, Nurture Group Training, Autism training.

Personally, I love the countryside, my friends and family, my horse and of course my job!

I truly understand how precious your children are and feel very honoured to support them.

I have worked at Norton School for 11 years. My subject strength is Literacy as I find the English language fascinating. I have had NVQ level 2 and level 3 teaching assistant qualifications.

I enjoy working with children of all ages, seeing their confidence grow and watching their progress.

My hobbies outside of school are: walking in the countryside (especially May Hill), cycling and enjoying meals out with family and friends. I adore animals, especially rabbits, dogs and horses.

I’ve been the P.E teacher of Norton primary school for three years. It is my passion to develop the children’s skills and understanding in all areas of physical education.

My strengths include teaching crucial skills in P.E that are important for life both inside and outside of school such as making friends, team work and working together to problem solve.

I have been all over the world learning and teaching a range of sports. I went into teaching P.E because I love seeing children develop their skills and putting these skills into practice; seeing the children’s sporting knowledge grow is wonderful.

I take part in all sports but there are two favourites: football and kickboxing (I am a black belt in kick boxing). I support my home city of Bristol rovers.

I started working as a volunteer teaching assistant in September 2019, while completing my level 2 STLS course and got signed off this May. I was fortunate enough to be offered a permanent position with team Norton in the October and have loved every second of it!

I also work in Little Learners three afternoons a week and I love being a part of the children's journey for school readiness.

In my spare time I love to be with my own two children (there’s never a dull moment!), yoga and rebounding classes. I have also just started to learn to play the piano.

I have a level 3 qualification in Childcare. I’ve worked in childcare for over 20 years, having a variety of jobs over the years from working with babies up to children in primary school. Before joining Norton, my previous job was working in a playgroup which I loved; I was there for over 6 years. Working with children is a passion of mine. I enjoy being a part of their journey and supporting a child’s individual needs. I am a true believer that children learn best in a fun and happy environment.

Out of work I have 3 children that keep me very busy. In my spare time I enjoy being with my family and friends which is very important to me. We love to take our little dog 'Tilly' on walks and especially to the beach!

Hi, I’m Kirsty and I am the newest member of the Norton team!

I am currently studying for a Level 3 in Childcare and Education and thoroughly enjoying every part of it.

I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to become a Teaching Assistant here at Norton. Working with children is something I have always wanted to do and I have finally taken the plunge! I'm really looking forward to getting to know all of the children in reception class and helping them on their learning journey.

At home I love spending time with my 2 gorgeous children, we love day trips, seeing family and meeting up with friends.

A lot of our time is spent taking my daughter to dance class and dance festivals which we very much enjoy :)

Hello!

After completing my Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship in 2019, I worked with Years 3 and 4 which I absolutely loved.

Growing up and coming to Norton myself as a child, I always knew I wanted to work with children. I love being there to support them and watch them flourish into their own special characters.  I was fortunate enough to come back to Norton in September 2023 and have been loving every minute.

I am now a HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) and the school ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) and I love being part of the norton family again!

Hello, I’m Fionn, and I have been part of Norton for over 12 years. During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of roles, including in preschool, as a teaching assistant, supporting lunchtimes, and helping with the after-school club. I completed my HLTA qualification in 2018, which has supported me in developing my teaching practice across the school.

I am currently the RE and Worship Lead, and I really enjoy teaching RE and worldviews to all the junior classes each week. We have fantastic discussions, and I am passionate about encouraging respect for all beliefs—religious or not—while learning about different cultures and perspectives. I recently had the pleasure of being part of a very positive SIAMS inspection, which celebrated how we live out our values as a Church of England school.

This year, I have also taken on the role of Office Manager following the retirement of our wonderful colleague, Kim. I still teach two afternoons a week, and I am really enjoying the variety this new role brings and the opportunity to learn new skills. I feel very lucky to work alongside such incredible people in what truly feels like a supportive, family-oriented environment.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my bubbly three-year-old son and my wonderful husband. As a family, we love being outdoors, baking, and spending quality time with friends and relatives.

Hello, I’m Lacey.

I started my training to be a Teaching Assistant at Norton in September 2022 and gained my qualification in July 2023. I was over the moon to be offered a permanent role at Norton starting September 2023.  I’ve worked with children for nearly 20 years, starting in Daycare nurseries when I was 19, I’ve always loved taking care of children and it’s amazing for me to now be able to help guide them through school. Both of my Daughter’s attended Norton and I can speak first hand on what an amazing school it is.

Me and my husband have lived in Norton village for 14 years and truly love where we live. In my spare time I love family days out, cinema trips and holidays!

I’m Alexa and I am the year 1 teaching assistant apprentice here at Norton primary school. Working with children has always been a passion of mine and I am grateful that Norton has given me the opportunity to start my career. I am fortunate enough to work in year 1 which is absolutely amazing! I love watching the children grow into such special people. I am also an after school club supervisor which has taught me so much about working with children. I enjoy the mix of the year groups and I love being able to get involved with the children. 

Outside of school I love taking my dog Marley on walks! I am a big fan of coffee shops as well. Most importantly I love spending time with my family and friends. 

I am excited to gain my qualification here at Norton and continue to support children for as long as I can! 

I graduated from Sheffield University with a degree in Modern Languages (French, Russian and Czech). I have taught English abroad and spent time in a couple of primary schools in Gloucester teaching small groups and 1:1 interventions, and supporting children who struggle with English. I loved making a difference to children’s lives, empowering them and watching their confidence grow.

I recently qualified as a Level 5 TEFL (Teach English as Foreign Language) teacher. I have completed Phonics training, Mental Health First Aid and a course about Autism. 

I am thrilled to have joined such a friendly and welcoming team. My son attends the school and as a family, we have appreciated the commitment and support of the Norton staff. 

Outside of work, I like to do Park Run and yoga, and spend time with family and friends. Spending time with my son is a joy and I enjoy watching him play football and table tennis.

For the past twenty-two years, I’ve been a primary school teacher in both mainstream and specialist settings. I’m thrilled to now be joining the wonderful team at Norton as an inclusion teaching assistant, where I’ll draw upon my numerous years of personal and professional experience of SEND to benefit children at Norton school. When supporting children with SEND and indeed — all children, I’m always mindful that ‘no one can do everything, but everyone can do something.’ The joy is in unlocking that something!

Out of school, I practise taekwondo — I’m currently training for my black belt. I love playing netball and am ever so slightly competitive! Pilates and reading help me unwind, but my ultimate happy place is with my family. I also have a (now not-so-secret) goal to become a published author of children’s fiction. (If this happens, everyone can have signed copies!)

I’ve been the P.E teacher of Norton primary school for three years. It is my passion to develop the children’s skills and understanding in all areas of physical education.

My strengths include teaching crucial skills in P.E that are important for life both inside and outside of school such as making friends, team work and working together to problem solve.

I have been all over the world learning and teaching a range of sports. I went into teaching P.E because I love seeing children develop their skills and putting these skills into practice; seeing the children’s sporting knowledge grow is wonderful.

I take part in all sports but there are two favourites: football and kickboxing (I am a black belt in kick boxing). I support my home city of Bristol rovers.

I started working as a volunteer teaching assistant in September 2019, while completing my level 2 STLS course and got signed off this May. I was fortunate enough to be offered a permanent position with team Norton in the October and have loved every second of it!

I also work in Little Learners three afternoons a week and I love being a part of the children's journey for school readiness.

In my spare time I love to be with my own two children (there’s never a dull moment!), yoga and rebounding classes. I have also just started to learn to play the piano.

I have a level 3 qualification in Childcare. I’ve worked in childcare for over 20 years, having a variety of jobs over the years from working with babies up to children in primary school. Before joining Norton, my previous job was working in a playgroup which I loved; I was there for over 6 years. Working with children is a passion of mine. I enjoy being a part of their journey and supporting a child’s individual needs. I am a true believer that children learn best in a fun and happy environment.

Out of work I have 3 children that keep me very busy. In my spare time I enjoy being with my family and friends which is very important to me. We love to take our little dog 'Tilly' on walks and especially to the beach!

Hi, I’m Kirsty and I am the newest member of the Norton team!

I am currently studying for a Level 3 in Childcare and Education and thoroughly enjoying every part of it.

I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to become a Teaching Assistant here at Norton. Working with children is something I have always wanted to do and I have finally taken the plunge! I'm really looking forward to getting to know all of the children in reception class and helping them on their learning journey.

At home I love spending time with my 2 gorgeous children, we love day trips, seeing family and meeting up with friends.

A lot of our time is spent taking my daughter to dance class and dance festivals which we very much enjoy :)

Hello!

After completing my Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship in 2019, I worked with Years 3 and 4 which I absolutely loved.

Growing up and coming to Norton myself as a child, I always knew I wanted to work with children. I love being there to support them and watch them flourish into their own special characters.  I was fortunate enough to come back to Norton in September 2023 and have been loving every minute.

I am now a HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) and the school ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) and I love being part of the norton family again!

Hello, I’m Lacey.

I started my training to be a Teaching Assistant at Norton in September 2022 and gained my qualification in July 2023. I was over the moon to be offered a permanent role at Norton starting September 2023.  I’ve worked with children for nearly 20 years, starting in Daycare nurseries when I was 19, I’ve always loved taking care of children and it’s amazing for me to now be able to help guide them through school. Both of my Daughter’s attended Norton and I can speak first hand on what an amazing school it is.

Me and my husband have lived in Norton village for 14 years and truly love where we live. In my spare time I love family days out, cinema trips and holidays!

Hello, I’m Fionn, and I have been part of Norton for over 12 years. During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of roles, including in preschool, as a teaching assistant, supporting lunchtimes, and helping with the after-school club. I completed my HLTA qualification in 2018, which has supported me in developing my teaching practice across the school.

I am currently the RE and Worship Lead, and I really enjoy teaching RE and worldviews to all the junior classes each week. We have fantastic discussions, and I am passionate about encouraging respect for all beliefs—religious or not—while learning about different cultures and perspectives. I recently had the pleasure of being part of a very positive SIAMS inspection, which celebrated how we live out our values as a Church of England school.

This year, I have also taken on the role of Office Manager following the retirement of our wonderful colleague, Kim. I still teach two afternoons a week, and I am really enjoying the variety this new role brings and the opportunity to learn new skills. I feel very lucky to work alongside such incredible people in what truly feels like a supportive, family-oriented environment.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my bubbly three-year-old son and my wonderful husband. As a family, we love being outdoors, baking, and spending quality time with friends and relatives.

This is my third year working in the office at Norton and I love working here. With two children at the school and having attended Norton myself a very long time ago I am rather biased but it's a lovely school with amazing children.

In my spare time I crochet and bake, I even got a certificate from the Year 6 assembly for my baking! 

I have worked at Norton School for 11 years. My subject strength is Literacy as I find the English language fascinating. I have had NVQ level 2 and level 3 teaching assistant qualifications.

I enjoy working with children of all ages, seeing their confidence grow and watching their progress.

My hobbies outside of school are: walking in the countryside (especially May Hill), cycling and enjoying meals out with family and friends. I adore animals, especially rabbits, dogs and horses.

I’ve been the P.E teacher of Norton primary school for three years. It is my passion to develop the children’s skills and understanding in all areas of physical education.

My strengths include teaching crucial skills in P.E that are important for life both inside and outside of school such as making friends, team work and working together to problem solve.

I have been all over the world learning and teaching a range of sports. I went into teaching P.E because I love seeing children develop their skills and putting these skills into practice; seeing the children’s sporting knowledge grow is wonderful.

I take part in all sports but there are two favourites: football and kickboxing (I am a black belt in kick boxing). I support my home city of Bristol rovers.

Hello, I’m Lacey.

I started my training to be a Teaching Assistant at Norton in September 2022 and gained my qualification in July 2023. I was over the moon to be offered a permanent role at Norton starting September 2023.  I’ve worked with children for nearly 20 years, starting in Daycare nurseries when I was 19, I’ve always loved taking care of children and it’s amazing for me to now be able to help guide them through school. Both of my Daughter’s attended Norton and I can speak first hand on what an amazing school it is.

Me and my husband have lived in Norton village for 14 years and truly love where we live. In my spare time I love family days out, cinema trips and holidays!

I’m Alexa and I am the year 1 teaching assistant apprentice here at Norton primary school. Working with children has always been a passion of mine and I am grateful that Norton has given me the opportunity to start my career. I am fortunate enough to work in year 1 which is absolutely amazing! I love watching the children grow into such special people. I am also an after school club supervisor which has taught me so much about working with children. I enjoy the mix of the year groups and I love being able to get involved with the children. 

Outside of school I love taking my dog Marley on walks! I am a big fan of coffee shops as well. Most importantly I love spending time with my family and friends. 

I am excited to gain my qualification here at Norton and continue to support children for as long as I can! 

Since graduating from the University of Winchester in 2017, I spent my first two years teaching in year 1 in Hampshire. I then joined the wonderful Norton family in 2019 and absolutely adore teaching year 4. I love seeing the children become independent and grow in confidence. Norton truly is the best place to work. 

I am the history and geography subject lead and have a huge interest in geography and exploring new places. I like to incorporate geography into my teaching too in a variety of fun and interesting ways to help children appreciate the world we live in.

I am also the SENCo at Norton from September 2025. I am looking forward to taking on this new role and supporting all children and their families at Norton. 

Outside of school I enjoy reading, travelling and walks in the countryside.