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Mrs Debbie Deas

Head Teaching Assistant


Hello,

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.

Mrs Helen Frost

Teaching Assistant

I started to work in schools about 15 years ago while living in Holland. I am very proud and lucky to say that I have worked at Norton Primary school for the past 13 years and enjoy my job immensely as every day is different. I enjoy working within a team, which is more like a large family.

I have two roles in the school, ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) and HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant). I have experience across school from preschool to year 6. My roles vary; I support the learning and develop of pupils within the classroom in 1:1 activities with individual children, small group activities and whole class teaching. Within my ELSA role I am regularly supervised by the Educational Psychologists from the Local Authority. I support the emotional literacy needs of individual children throughout the school and proved a caring warm environment for them to feel happy in school and to reach their full potential.

Over the years, I have had training in Precision Teaching, Developing Resilience, Outstanding Teaching and Mental Health First Aid, awareness of mental health problems, bereavement and loss, domestic abuse, children’s mental health, neglect, maths catch up and I have a level 3 in child psychology. One of the best things about working here at Norton is watching the children grow in confidence and knowledge over the years.

I am a mum of two and in my spare time I enjoy walking, reading, swimming and exploring our beautiful country.

Mrs Jane Murphy

Teaching Assistant

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.

Mr John Spencer

Teaching Assistant/Sports Coach

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.

Miss Laura Emerson

Teaching Assistant

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.

Mrs Rebecca Harris

SEN Teaching Assistant

Hi my name is Rebecca

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!

Mrs Kirsty Richards

Teaching Assistant

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 :)

Miss Evie Middlecote

Teaching Assistant

Hello! After completing my Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship in 2019, I worked with Years 3 and 4 which I absolutely loved. Growing up 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 join Norton in September 2023 and have been loving every minute. I am currently completing my HLTA ( Higher Level Teaching Assistant) and ELSA ( Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) and I am very excited for my future at Norton.

Outside of school I enjoy spending time with family and friends, going to the gym and walking my cockapoo Fizz!

Miss Fionn Humphris

Teaching Assistant

Mrs Carina Murrison

Teaching Assistant

Currently on maternity leave.

Mrs Lacey Sawkins

Teaching Assistant

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 18 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.

My Daughter’s have attended/attend Norton and I can speak first hand on what an amazing school it is.

Me and my husband have lived in Norton village for 13 years and truly love where we live.

In my spare time I love family days out, cinema trips and holidays!