Mrs. Steeden, Reception Teaching Assistant for Branston Locks Primary & Nursery School

I feel honoured to be part of the Branston Locks Staff team and am excited to be working with the Reception class in September.

Having lived in Branston for twenty years, after moving from Cambridgeshire, I feel I have extensive knowledge of the community, previously as a childminder and TA. Overall, I have thirty years’ education experience working in a range of settings from Early Years through to Secondary; including a PRU, School Transitions Officer and working with a VI Team in school where I have been learning how to write Braille. These experiences have proved extremely valuable and I feel delighted for the next chapter in my career, working as a Teaching Assistance at Branston Locks Primary and Nursery School. I am enthusiastic about providing high quality learning experiences with the new school team, to inspire and engage all the pupils we serve, along with recognising the children’s individual talents and gifts and nurturing them so they can reach their full potential.

As a parent of four children, and grandparent to two primary aged children, I recognise the value of home-school relationships and the importance of communication to foster working in close partnership.  I am very much looking forward to meeting our new families and growing together as a new school community.

My curriculum passions include teaching phonics; seeing children progress through a phonics scheme and move forward to develop a love of reading, which supports life-long learning. Equally, my love of the outdoors has played a fundamental part in supporting children to be curious about the environment around them and how this can promote wellbeing and inclusive practice for all.

Outside of school, I love to walk our dog, Pickles along the River Trent and on the East Coast, whilst spending time at our Caravan. I also have a very large, extended family who I love to spend time with.

I am immensely excited about the opportunity to work at Branston Locks and look forward to working with you all!

Mrs Steeden.