Come and meet the staff at our school:

SLT:

Mr Andrew Price - Headteacher

I am very proud to be the Headteacher of Manuden Primary School - returning to the school that started my educational career nearly 20 years ago.  It is already clear that the children are extremely hard working and are supported in their learning by a wonderfully committed team of staff.  I have worked in education for over twenty years, starting my educational career at Manuden Primary School as a Teaching Assistant.  I have a degree in Early Years Education and have taught extensively in both Early Years and Key Stage One.  I have worked at several schools in Bishops Stortford and was, most recently, the Deputy Headteacher of a larger school in Ware.  Out of school, I enjoy spending as much time as possible with my family taking long walks, going to the cinema and we always love a visit to a theme park!

Miss Lizzie Grant - Office Manager & SLT

I've lived in Manuden for over 25 years and starting volunteering at the School in 2012 when my daughter started in Reception.  I applied for the Office Manager role in March 2013 and was delighted to be offered the job.  I love working at Manuden School - especially as no two days are ever the same!  My daughter is now in Year 11 at Herts & Essex but still has very fond memories of her time at Manuden.  In my spare time I like reading, cooking, drawing and travelling.  I am a Paediatric First Aider and a Mental Health First Aider and was appointed the Senior Mental Health Lead for the School in September 2022.

Mrs Gemma Jarmain - Lead Teacher (Wednesday - Friday) & SLT

I started work at Manuden in 2019 having previously been an infant teacher for six years. I took a break from teaching to have a family and then returned after having my children, working in Year 3/4 and as a mentor to a new teacher in Year 1. Next, I moved into Initial Teacher Training and became Deputy Director of West Essex SCITT. I soon realised, however, that I missed being in the classroom and took the job at Manuden, where both my children are pupils.  I now teach Year 3/4 as a job share with Mrs Barraclough.  In my free time, I enjoy reading, listening to music, singing, and taking part in Bounce fitness classes, but my favourite thing to do is to relax at home with my family.                                                               

SEND:

Ms Debbie Todd - SENCo

I joined Manuden Primary  seven and a half years ago,  after moving closer to the area. I’m a qualified teacher , which compliments and enhances my role as a SENCo. Outside of school life, I’m a busy mum and switch off by keeping fit ( walking my gorgeous dog, strength training and running) . Floristry has become a recent hobby of mine too; I enjoy anything creative including cooking and drawing.

Snowy Owl Class (Reception):

Miss Rachel Payne - Class Teacher (Monday to Wednesday)

I started teaching in Snowy Owl Class in September 2022.  I have previously taught in a variety of year groups in larger primary schools, so it is a great experience being part of a smaller school community.  I live with my partner, our young son, my teenage stepdaughter, 2 cats and lots of fish and house plants!  In my spare time, I enjoy baking, dancing, travelling and spending time with my family and friends. 

Mrs Heather Sayers - Class Teacher (Thursday & Friday)

I started working at Manuden at the beginning of the year.  I had previously taught in several schools, for over 15 years, before taking a break to have my 3 girls. I’ve enjoyed getting back into teaching and being part of the amazing Manuden ‘family’.  In my spare time I enjoy numerous crafts, reading, battling with the slugs and snails on my allotment and having adventures with my family.

Mrs Alison Cole - Teaching Assistant 

I’ve been living in the wonderful village of Manuden with my husband since 2010 and we now have two wonderful boys.  Having recently decided on a career change I was thrilled to be able to join the superb team here at Manuden Primary as a TA and with my eldest now at secondary school and the youngest in his final two years here at Manuden it felt like the perfect time.  Everyday is a new challenge and being able to see our Snowy Owl's flourish is such a pleasure and so rewarding.  Any spare time is spent on the side lines watching my boys play football, riding bike parks and walking our dog followed by family movie nights.  I am a member of the village book club and very much enjoy catching up with my friends either at fitness clubs or over dinner.  

Barn Owl Class (Year One Class):

Mrs Ciara Hexter - Class Teacher

I am delighted to have returned to Manuden this year as the Year 1 teacher, having previously been a TA in Reception.  I spent the year away training to be a Primary Teacher while teaching in a Year 4 class at a school in Harlow.

I have worked in the childcare and education sectors since leaving university in 2007.  Firstly, as a Nursery Nurse and Pre-School Leader, then as a Children's Centre Playworker and Family Support and Outreach Worker, where I achieved Early Years Teaching Status.  Following this, I took time out to have my three children, who are now all in primary school.  It was after this that I came to Manuden to continue my journey to where I am now.  In my spare time, I love to read,  bake and have movie nights with my children.

Mrs Nicola Hastler - Teaching Assistant (Barn Owl & Tawny Owl Classes)

I was delighted to join the amazing team at Manuden Primary School at the end of 2022 as a Learning Support Assistant in Barn Owl.  I have three children who have all either been through, or are still on their education journey here.  It is a truly wonderful learning environment where children thrive and flourish and it's a privilege to be part of the team.  My spare time is taken up with gardening, cycling, reading and exploring the beauty of the countryside with my family and friends. 

Tawny Owl Class: (Year Two Class):

Ms Sally Mead - Class Teacher 

I have worked at Manuden for three years and came from another local school where I taught Year 4.  I originally job-shared but am now full time which I really enjoy.  I cycle a lot when I am not at school which keeps me fit and active and also gives me time to be outdoors, meet friends and relax.  I have three children, two at University and one living and working in Bristol, who I see a lot.

Hawk Owl Class (Mixed Year 3 & 4 Class):

Mrs Hanna Barraclough - Class Teacher (Monday & Tuesday)

I started work at Manuden in 2018, working as a Teaching Assistant.  I had previously taught for eight years but took a break to have a family.  I soon realised I missed being the teacher and was pleased to find a teaching role within the school in 2019.  I now teach Year 3 & 4 as a job share with Mrs Jarmain.  Outside of school I love to read, take part in online Bounce fit classes and spend time with my two children.

Mrs Gemma Jarmain - Class Teacher (Wednesday - Friday) (see SLT section above).

Mrs Shelley Gayton - Teaching Assistant 

I moved here with my family 7 years ago. I have two children at Manuden school so when a job came up at the school I thought it was perfect, being a village school it really has a great sense of community and everyone is lovely. We live on a farm so in my spare time we love to explore the countryside as a family. I also love to read and draw. 

Mrs Charity O'Sullivan - Learning Support Assistant  

Eagle Owl Class (Mixed Year 5 & 6 Class):

Mrs Megan Ellice - Class Teacher (Monday - Wednesday)

I started working at Manuden 7 years ago and initially taught Years 1 & 2.  After a few years with the younger children I moved to teaching Year 5 & 6.  I love teaching in Eagle Owl Class and I am now into my 5th year with this age group.  Recently I have had a little girl and so now work part-time.  Outside of school I love spending time with my family & friends and running.

Mrs Lindsey Fox - Class Teacher (Thursday & Friday)

I have worked in a variety of roles at Manuden Primary School since 2013 as supply teacher, PPA teacher and class teacher.  I am delighted to be back at Manuden working in Eagle Owl Class on a Thursday and Friday and love being part of our school community. Since beginning my teaching career in London in 2004, I have worked in a number of different schools in Essex and Cambridgeshire and have taught in each primary year group. I have two children in secondary school who keep me very busy with all their sporting interests. When I am not busy cheering on my children,  I love the outdoors and keep active running, walking my dog and cycling in our beautiful local area.  For over 20 years,  I’ve enjoyed volunteering with Riding for the Disabled and am a qualified RDA coach.

Mrs Sally Dempsey - Teaching Assistant

I first became associated with Manuden Primary School in 2002 when my eldest child started in Snowy Owl.  Since then my other three children have all been through the school.  I started working as a Teaching Assistant, initially in Snowy Owl Class, in 2012.  For the past three years I have been working in Eagle Owl Class.  In my spare time I like walking, going to the gym, meeting with friends and internet shopping!

Catering & Midday Staff:

Mrs Caroline Collins - Relief Cook and Midday Assistant

Mrs Amanda Rivers - Catering/Midday Assistant 

I have worked at Manuden for 18 years following my Auntie's role - who also worked here for many years and informed me of the vacant position.  I also work as Cleaner.  When  do have any spare time, I enjoy walks with our dog, Moses and spending time with my family.

Mrs Alison Cole - Midday Assistant (see Snowy Owl Class section above).

Mrs Shelley Gayton - Midday Assistant (see Hawk Owl Class section above).

Premises Staff:

Mrs Amanda Rivers - Cleaner (see section above).

Mr Nigel Sault - Caretaker