Mrs Hodson is the Headteacher at Poplar Farm Primary School. She has 25 years experience in education with 16 of those years as a Headteacher and an Executive Headteacher. Mrs Hodson is also a Local Leader of Education (LLE) and uses her wealth of experience to provide support to other schools.
Mrs Hodson believes all primary aged children should be taught through first hand experiences, including outdoor learning and learning about the wider world. She is passionate about opportunities and experiences for all children to enrich their learning, and enjoys planning new activities and resources for the children to enjoy.
Mrs Buckley is the Deputy Headteacher and an SLE at Poplar Farm. She has been teaching for over fifteen years and has taught all years from Reception to Year 6 in schools in Hertfordshire and Lincolnshire.
Mrs Buckley believes passionately in the power of education and aims to bring as many real-life experiences as possible into the teaching and learning for the pupils in her care. She also enjoys taking children out of school on school visits and has taken part in many residential visits with pupils in previous schools.
Mrs Buckley really enjoys getting to know the pupils she works with and understanding what motivates them as learners and is excited to be supporting learning across the whole school.
Miss Mason is the Assistant Headteacher at Poplar Farm. Miss Mason is also the SENDCO and has successfully completed her National Award for SEN Co-ordination.
Miss Mason has 9 years of teaching experience, working mostly across Key Stage 1. She initially worked at an inner-city school in Leeds before teaching and leading Key Stage 1 at an all-through school in Wolverhampton. Having experienced working with children from diverse backgrounds, she believes every child should be valued and provided with equal opportunities to prepare them for the journey ahead of them.
Mrs Thorpe is the School Administrator, Deputy Safeguarding Lead and a member of SLT. She works in the school office every day, so will be a familiar face to most families!
She has a background in Early years, Nursery Management and Admin and loves being part of the Poplar Farm team. She has worked at Poplar Farm since it opened in 2018 and thoroughly enjoys watching it grow every year. Around school she will help in any area she can meaning you could find her popping out of any corner of the school!
She is friendly, approachable and has two children of her own both of whom attend the school, so please feel free to speak to her if you have any questions.
Miss Grace Costall
EYFS Teacher
Miss Costall is very excited to be starting her teaching career at Poplar Farm in Year 2.
She believes in creating a positive learning environment where her pupils are encouraged to become the best versions of themselves.
Miss Costall began her career in Education by working in a Nursery, Pre-School, and Kids Holiday Club. She recently completed her degree in Primary Education and achieved Qualified Teaching Status.
Outside of the classroom, Miss Costall loves spending time with her family and taking her dog on long walks in the countryside!
Mrs Alice Rowntree
EYFS Teacher
Mrs Rowntree has spent 10 years working in a large inner city London school, teaching pupils across a range of phases within multicultural communities. Mrs Rowntree came into teaching from a creative background after completing an Arts degree and has also worked in the film industry. She likes to bring her creativity and innovation to the classroom, making learning engaging and fun. She believes in creating a learning experience that is inspired by children's interests, where they can be free to explore and investigate, whilst feeling safe and secure.
Mrs Rowntree places a huge importance on children’s mental health and actively incorporates regular mindfulness activities into the daily timetable to develop a culture of positivity and kindness. She believes this approach to be really beneficial in helping to improve children’s confidence and concentration by putting happiness and well being at the heart of their classroom, creating a learning environment where children feel safe to make mistakes and practice a growth mindset.
Mrs Mary-Jane Steel
EYFS & Y5 Teacher (currently on maternity leave)
Mrs Steel is very excited to be part of the teaching team Poplar Farm. She is in her 8th year of teaching, predominately in EYFS and KS1.. She believes that at the centre of all learning should be the children and taking in to account their interests to engage them.
Mrs Steel has a particular passion for Sport and Outdoor Education and loves to take her learning outdoors whenever possible, as she believes this allows the children to develop their personal interests and curiosity within their learning.
Outside of school Mrs Steel enjoys spending time with her little boys and family, taking long walks in the countryside with the dogs.
Mrs Olivia Dowling
Year 1 Teacher
Mrs Dowling is one of the Y1 teachers at Poplar Farm. She has taught at Poplar for 5 years, in both EYFS and KS1. She loves her job and is proud to be a part of helping children to become confident and happy learners.
Mrs Dowling is passionate about ensuring that the children are at the heart of every decision she makes, in order to ensure her learners feel valued. She feels this is crucial in order for children to feel excited and engage with their learning. Having grown up on a farm, Mrs Dowling is also keen to use the outdoor area to nurture children’s curiosity and develop their independence.
Outside of school, Mrs Dowling's favourite thing to do is visit the theatre to watch musicals!
Miss Chloe Rastall
Year 1 Teacher
Miss Rastall is very excited to begin her teaching journey at Poplar Farm in Year 1.
She believes that school should stimulate and interest every child and loves to use a range of techniques to plan engaging lessons.
Outside of school Miss Rastall loves going to watch musicals! She also enjoys looking after her new miniature dachshund puppy, Greg.
Miss Maia Akhrass
Year 2 Teacher
Miss Akhrass is excited to be joining Poplar Farm teaching in Year 2! Miss Akhrass is in her 3rd year of teaching and has spent most of her teaching career in KS2.
Miss Akhrass believes that it is key for children to be happy and mentally healthy in order to learn.
Miss Akhrass loves spending time with her puppy Luna and cooking at home.
Mrs Anderson is an enthusiastic and passionate teacher. Having qualified as a primary physical education specialist, she has worked in KS1 for three years, and the past two years in Y3. Mrs Anderson now works in KS1, teaching in Year 2 and leading KS1.
Her educational philosophy is rooted in fostering positive relationships with all pupils, as well as creating a fun and engaging environment for learning. Mrs Anderson strongly values the ways that education allows children to develop resilience and other life-long skills. In addition, she supports pupils to achieve their best by providing opportunities that embrace creativity and innovation. Mrs Anderson is keen to share her love for learning with the children.
Mrs Anderson always has one extra pupil at home, her energetic cocker spaniel, Brodie, who likes to challenge her calming and caring nature!
Miss Ash is very excited to be teaching at Poplar Farm in Year 3! She is in her eighth year of teaching with 4 years experience in Key Stage 1, and 4 in Key Stage 2. Miss Ash loves to use singing, dancing and drama as educational resources and hopes to establish this in her role at Poplar Farm.
When teaching, Miss Ash's favourite subjects are Maths and History but she also loves to use technology across the curriculum. She also loves to find engaging and exciting stories to share with the children so that reading can be celebrated from an early age.
Miss Ash is enthusiastic about getting to know her new class at Poplar Farm and can't wait to get started!
Miss Holly Fairbrother
Year 3 Teacher (maternity cover)
Miss Fairbrother is excited to start her teaching journey at poplar farm. She has experience in all year groups through her work doing supply teaching.
She believes it is important to create a positive environment that enables children to flourish by encouraging them to reach their full potential. She is very passionate about mental health and always encourages the children she teaches to be open and talk about their worries for them to thrive and be happy.
Outside of school, Miss Fairbrother enjoys going to concerts and theme parks and spending time with her friends and family, especially her dog Bear.
Mrs Jade Tiller
Year 3 Teacher (currently on maternity leave)
Mrs Tiller is a Year One teacher at Poplar Farm. Mrs Tiller has always taught in Year One or Two and this is her seventh year of teaching.
Mrs Tiller is a big believer in making everything as active as possible with her background in Physical Education. Mrs Tiller makes sure her lessons are as fun as practical as possible! She teaches by the motto: “when we learn with pleasure, we never forget”. Mrs Tiller is keen to learn what makes a child’s creativity and imagination come to life and equip each and every child with lifelong skills.
Outside of the classroom, Mrs Tiller enjoys keeping active and healthy and travelling as much possible. Her party trick is walking on her hands!
Miss Robyn Wilding
Year 3 Teacher (currently on maternity leave)
Miss Wilding is a Year 3 teacher at Poplar Farm School. She thoroughly enjoys working with the children and is a keen team member in helping to create the foundations of this new community.
Miss Wilding has spent many years working in both Nurseries and Primary Schools. She has a degree in Education Studies and Early Years, and this led her to pursue a career in teaching, in which she gained both Early Years Teacher Status and Qualified Teacher Status.
Mr Thomas Goodchild
Year 4 Teacher
Mr Goodchild is excited to be teaching in year 3 at Poplar Farm. He believes in developing positive relationships in the classroom and beyond while making learning as fun as possible! He has spent his career teaching mostly in Key Stage 2 and is very excited to be carrying this on at Poplar Farm.
Mr Goodchild’s passions are music and sport but his favourite subjects in school to teach are history and maths. Mr Goodchild aims to show children how exciting learning is and help them develop into lifelong learners. Outside of the classroom Mr Goodchild enjoys spending time with his two rabbits, Bucky and Stew, and finding the next adventure to go on!
Miss Hollie Rogers
Year 4 Teacher
Miss Rogers is delighted to be part of the Poplar Farm family. Having qualified as a teacher in 2019, Miss Rogers has been fortunate enough to teach Year 2 through to Year 5, predominately working in lower Key Stage 2. This will be her 6th year teaching, and she feels privileged to have the most rewarding job in the world.
Miss Rogers passion for teaching stems from her performing arts background, so if you walk past her classroom, you will see her dancing or singing, as she believes every day should be full of joy whilst learning.
Miss Rogers is dedicated to being every child’s champion and wants to ensure they leave school every day feeling empowered. She always puts the children at the heart of everything she does and encourages the children to be the best version of themselves. She is extremely passionate about looking after the children’s mental health and wellbeing and ensures a nurturing classroom, where all children can thrive.
Outside of school, Miss Rogers loves spending time with her family and friends and sharing the love of Disney and musicals with her sister.
Mr David Saunders
Year 5 Teacher
Mr Saunders has been a teacher for over 15 years and has predominantly worked in key stage 2. He is really looking forward to his second year at Polar Farm. He can’t wait to help his class become more independent learners and challenge them along the way. His favourite subjects to teach are PE, maths and science and he loves competing with his class on Times Table Rockstar to see who is a true Rock Hero!
Outside of school he has a huge love for football and following his beloved Manchester United. He is also a keen golfer but is still sadly awaiting his first hole in one. When he’s not on the golf course, he loves spending time with his family and their pet dog, Poppy.
Mr David Wowk
Year 5 Teacher
Mr Wowk is a Year 5 teacher who is in his sixth year of teaching and really enjoys teaching at Poplar Farm School. He believes in building positive relationships with all pupils as well as aiming to establish a creative and engaging environment.
Mr Wowk’s favourite subjects are history, PE, maths and he aims to equip the children with the skills needed to flourish in life. He loves to travel and explore different places, especially Spain where he can put in to practice his knowledge of Spanish.
Outside of school, he has a passion for football, both playing and watching – especially Nottingham Forest where he is a season card holder.
Mrs Bamford is very excited to be working in Year 6 at Poplar Farm. She is in her eighth year of teaching and has loved teaching in Upper Key Stage 2 for most of her career.
Mrs Bamford's favourite subjects to teach include History, English, Art and Maths, and she aims to inspire children to become lifelong learners by contributing towards an exciting and engaging learning environment in the classroom and across the school. She especially loves sharing books and stories with her class and watching as they develop a passion for reading.
Outside of school, Mrs Bamford enjoys hiking, camping, and exploring new places with her rather energetic, but much-loved Dalmatian, Albie and her fluffy Chow-Chow, Bear.
Miss Alice Jefferis
Year 6 Teacher
Miss Jefferis is very excited to be teaching in Year 6 at Poplar Farm! She is in her third year of teaching and is delighted to be part of the first Year 6 team at Poplar!
Miss Jefferis' favourite subjects to teach include English, Geography, Maths and PSHE, she also loves to read and enjoys sharing her passion for reading in the classroom.
Miss Jefferis joined the teaching profession to instil creativity, confidence and kindness in all the children that she teaches. She is incredibly passionate about teaching and prioritises building positive relationships that enable every child to feel happy, safe and ready to learn. Miss Jefferis thinks that being a teacher is the best job in the world!
Outside of school, Miss Jefferis spends lots of time reading, she also loves to sing and play the piano! As well as this, Miss Jefferis loves outdoor activities and camping! She particularly enjoys hiking and her favourite place to go is The Lake District with her friends and family.
Mrs Bethany Bayliss
HLTA and Poplar Pioneers Assistant
Mrs Bayliss has worked in education since she left school herself! She has supported across Key Stage One and Key Stage Two and has loved working as a 1:1 and a Teaching Assistant within different classrooms.
Mrs Bayliss has enjoyed teaching across the whole school since becoming a HLTA and being able to work with all the children.
Mrs Bayliss enjoys singing and her favourite subject when she was at school was Maths, which she still loves to do now!
Miss Becky Smith
HLTA
Miss Smith has worked in Primary Schools for 16 years across both Early Years and Key Stage 1, having recently achieved HLTA status.
Miss Smith is an enthusiastic member of the team and she thrives in having a positive relationship with all pupils to ensure their school life is an enjoyable place to be.
Miss Smith is passionate about music and the arts and currently enjoys leading the singing assemblies and Glee Club every week. She is excited to teach the children music across the school as she believes music encourages children to express their individualities, gives them opportunities to explore different cultures and broadens their minds. It is a fantastic way to build up their confidence!
Miss Smith is really looking forward to introducing new musical clubs as the school grows.
Mrs Laura Wright
Learning Mentor & HLTA
Mrs Wright works as a Learning Mentor and as a HLTA, covering teacher’s PPA time across all years. She started working in education in 2020 when she joined Poplar Farm School after 14 years working in banking.
Before her career switch, Mrs Wright spent time working in a number of client facing roles and five years in Corporate Communications in London before moving back to the local area.
Mrs Wright’s absolute favourite thing to do is teach phonics. Making learning fun and engaging for all children is something that she is truly passionate about.
Outside of school, Mrs Wright has two children who are 9 and nearly 7. They love spending lots of time outside having fun and heading off to all of their clubs and activities!
Mrs Georgia Somma
SENDCO Assistant & Learning Mentor
Mrs Somma enjoys reading classic novels, travelling and going for walks with her mad labrador, Max.
Mrs Somma is married with two children, one is 8 and the other is 6 and she loves spending time with them, especially when they go to theme parks and the seaside.
Mrs Lizette Barske
Admin Assistant
Mrs. Barske is the administration assistant at the front desk. Mrs. Barske is the epitome of organisation and efficiency, ensuring that both families and staff are well-supported through her meticulous coordination.
Her artistic flair, honed through years of family photography, infuses her passion for working with children into every aspect of her role.
Ever versatile, Mrs Barske is often found assisting across various settings within the school, her enthusiasm permeating through the halls.
Warm and welcoming, Mrs. Barske also shares a personal connection with the school community as a parent. Her daughter is a proud pupil of Poplar Farm, providing her with firsthand experience and understanding of the school from a parent’s perspective. If you ever have any queries or need support, Mrs. Barske is readily approachable and more than happy to help.
Mrs Emily Durand
Admin Assistant
Mrs Durand will be in the front office daily and looks forward to being a friendly face to welcome you into the school and help you with your queries.
With an admin background in the financial industry and mum of two busy girls, she just loves the active and friendly atmosphere at Poplar Farm School and can’t wait to help the children and the team get the best out of their day.
In her spare time, Mrs Durand loves growing fruit and vegetables and looking after the chickens in her garden, baking and going on adventures with her family and friends. She is also a dab hand at a bit of DIY!
Mrs Ebony Whitlam
Site Manager
Mrs Whitlam is the Site Manager for school. This is her first experience working within a school, and she is enjoying it. She comes from 8 years experience in industrial engineering in food factories, being a mechanical engineer by trade. She thinks her new job is exciting as every day is completely different!
Mrs Whitlam has a young family, with a little boy who is 8 months old and she enjoys spending time with him.
In her spare time, Mrs Whitlam enjoys playing the guitar, being outdoors, walking her dog and reading.
Mrs Julia Birch
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Birch began working at school in November 2018 when it first opened so considers herself an OG member of staff! You're most likely to see her whizzing up to school on her electric scooter!
Prior to working at school, she had a variety of office positions and spent some years at home raising a family.
Mrs Birch lives locally with her husband, 3 children, pet dog and cat. Outside of school she enjoys walking her dog, listening to audiobooks, podcasts, and pottering about in the garden.
Ms Karen Brian
Teaching Assistant and Poplar Pioneers Assistant
Ms Brian is very excited to be part of the Poplar Farm team as a 1:1 TA. She has 17 years of experience within education and feels passionately about communication, inclusion and children with additional needs. She is a strong believer that there is no such thing as a stupid question. If we do not ask the question we will not learn the answer.
Ms Brian's favourite part of the day is story time. She absolutely loves reading aloud and hearing stories being told, and believes stories are one of the best forms of communication.
At home, Ms Brian has two teenage daughters (whom she adores and has been trying for many years to teach how to change a toilet roll, without success) and a mad old rescue dog named Duke. They all keep Ms Brian on her toes but when she does have spare time, she loves walking, running, cooking, watching movies and eating chocolate ice-cream.
Mrs Frankie Briggs
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Briggs absolutely loves working with the children at Poplar Farm School.
Mrs Briggs works in Year 4 at Poplar and she loves how she learns and experiences something new everyday.
In her spare time Mrs Briggs' favourite things to do include going shopping, going on spa days and spending time with her husband, 2 sons and dog Ruby.
Miss Kerrieann Calpin
Teaching Assistant
Miss Calpin is very excited to be a part of the Poplar Farm team as a Teaching Assistant.
Miss Calpin is a Mum of 2 and is excited to develop her skills and knowledge within what she is passionate about, which includes helping children develop and achieve to their best abilities. Miss Calpin loves been creative, from baking cakes to arts and crafts! She isn’t afraid of getting her hands dirty!
Miss Calpin has always been around children and enjoys helping others. Additional needs is something she is very passionate about as her daughter has Cerebral Palsy.
Mrs Melanie Cameron
Teaching Assistant and Midday Supervisor
Mrs Cameron is very excited to join the Poplar Farm Team. She has been volunteering in primary schools for 3 years and is currently working towards a level 3 teaching assistant diploma.
She thoroughly enjoys working with children, getting to know their individual personalities and making them smile every day.
She is looking forward to developing positive relationships and supporting the children to achieve their goals and make wonderful, lasting memories.
She lives with her husband, 5 children, and 2 crazy but loving Dalmatians. In her spare time she enjoys long dog walks, quality family time (which usually consists of baking, board games or being a taxi for the older ones) and reading.
Miss Alysha Darby
Teaching Assistant
Miss Darby is really looking forward to being part of the Poplar team.
She started her career at a Secondary school setting but is excited to start her new adventure at Poplar Farm. She is passionate about supporting students within school to reach their full potential.
Outside school she enjoys crocheting and spending time with her family.
Mrs Emma Fleet
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Fleet is one of the Teaching Assistants at Poplar Farm. She loves to help and encourage children in their learning and supporting them to be the best that they can be. She finds it very rewarding seeing them achieve their goals.
In her spare time, Mrs Fleet loves going on adventures in her campervan, dog walks with her family and reading lots of books!
Miss Katie Hunt
Teaching Assistant and Poplar Pioneers Assistant
Miss Hunt is an EYFS TA and is committed to providing a supportive and fun environment for children to flourish in.
Miss Hunt believes school days are some of the happiest / best days of our lives and is dedicated and passionate about working with the team at Poplar Farm to ensure all children experience this sentiment.
During her free time, Miss Hunt loves to visit and explore new places in this beautiful country as well as abroad.
She also loves being creative and making things and puts these skills into use, whilst working with the children in the classroom!
Mrs Danielle King
Teaching Assistant
Mrs King feels so grateful to be given the opportunity to be a part of the Poplar Farm team as a teaching assistant.
After working within the accounts sector for 10 years, she has decided to follow her passion by working within a school setting supporting students. She has previous experience working as a student support assistant in a secondary school setting.
She is looking forward to helping children achieve their goals, developing positive relationships and creating special memories. Every day is a good day to her. She finds the job extremely rewarding and looks forward to coming to work every day. Mrs King is happiest when helping others, she finds it very rewarding being in this job role where she can help and support children every day.
Mrs King is a mum of two young children, who she adores and enjoys making memories with them.
Miss Helen Marshall
Teaching Assistant
Miss Marshall is excited to be working at Poplar Farm.
Miss Marshall is finding it very rewarding building relationships with the children and supporting them to achieve their goals. She has a degree in primary education and is enjoying being able to put it to use!
In her spare time Miss Marshall enjoys spending time with her4 children, going to coffee shops, exploring the countryside and singing in a choir.
Mr Ryan Moore
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Holly Numan
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Numan is very excited to be part of the Poplar Farm team as a Teaching Assistant.
She is looking forward to developing relationships with the children to support and encourage them with their education through a positive learning environment. Mrs Numan is passionate about helping all children reach their full potential.
Outside of work Mrs Numan enjoys spending time with her family, going to country parks, walking their dog and reading.
Mr Luke Roberts
Teaching Assistant
Mr Roberts is a new Teaching Assistant at Poplar Farm School. He has always felt passionate about working with young people and looks forward to his future with us!
He has worked as a Teaching Assistant previously, as well as working 3 years as a Paddlesports Instructor. He loves the outdoors, reading a good book, or solving puzzles and brainteasers in his spare time.
Mrs Beth Sewards
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Sewards is very excited to join the team at Poplar Farm and is really looking forward to getting to know all the children and helping them grow.
She has a keen interest in all aspects of SEND and is keen to help all children flourish and achieve their goals.
In her spare time Mrs Sewards loves to visit the coast with her 3 sons, husband and their dog, Rue, to search for pirate treasure!
Miss Ebony Smith
Teaching Assistant
Miss Smith is so excited to be part of Poplar Farm School as a TA.
After working in pharmacy for 6 years she has decided to do what she is passionate about and that is working closely with children in school to support their learning, to make sure they are achieving their full potential. Miss Smith finds it very rewarding seeing the children learn and grow!
In her free time, Miss Smith loves spending time with her three children and enjoys visiting and exploring new places with them.
Mrs Rachel Southwood
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Southwood is very much looking forward to her new job at Poplar Farm School!
Mrs Southwood had a career break to have her children and after they had all started school she didn’t like the peace and quiet at home so she found herself attending college to complete her TA qualification. Mrs Southwood has worked in several different primary schools in Grantham supporting children with different learning abilities and she really loves it as no day is the same and you just never know what is going to happen or what you might be asked.
In her spare time (which isn’t a lot with having 4 children) Mrs Southwood loves walking her dogs, eating cake and baking.
Mrs Kristina Tilley
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Tilley is so excited to join us as a Teaching Assistant. She's always wanted to work in education but didn't know which path to take and she feels she's finally found her calling!
Mrs Tilley has two sons who keep her on her toes. They are her inspiration and motivation for becoming a Teaching Assistant.
Miss Katie Tindale
Teaching Assistant
Miss Tindale is an EYFS teaching assistant at Poplar Farm School. She has over nine year's experience working in education, from early years to key stage two.
Miss Tindale is extremely passionate about the environment and enjoys nothing more than being outside, creating new and exciting areas for the children to learn and explore! In her spare time, she loves gardening and hopes to share her enjoyment with the new reception children this year.
At home, Miss Tindale is a busy mum to three children and loves having quality-time making memories as a family. She especially loves spending time at her family’s farm in Nottinghamshire.
Miss Estera Whiting
Teaching Assistant
Miss Whiting loves working at Poplar Farm School and helping out where she can.
Miss Whiting has teaching assistant qualifications and enjoys spending time with the students after school in Poplar Pioneers sometimes, but also does cleaning, which she loves as well. So Miss Whiting pretty much gets the best of both worlds!
Miss Whiting finds working in the school enjoyable because of all the staff are so kind and helpful which makes for a great work environment and feels it’s a pleasure to work at Poplar Farm!
Miss Emma Wing
Teaching Assistant
Miss Wing has been in childcare and education for over 19 years. Most recently she has been part of sport and coaching and loved developing children’s skills and love for games and sports.
Out of school Miss Wing enjoys keeping active and making memories with her family and friends.
Mrs Brookie Yau
Teaching Assistant (currently on maternity leave)
Mrs Yau is feeling excited to start working in Poplar Farm School! She worked as a primary school teacher for 12 years in Hong Kong and starts her new life in the UK now. She taught music and is good at playing the piano. She misses her teaching career and would love to take the opportunities to learn with all children together.
Mrs Yau has a husband, a daughter of 3.5 and 2 tabby cats. She has lots of musical instruments in her house, a piano, clarinets, violins, a cello, a guitar and some percussion instruments. Come ask her questions about music!
In her spare time, she enjoys listening to different kinds of music, watching TV, reading and especially messing up lyrics while singing with her daughter.
Mr Jack Sumner
Sports Apprentice
Mr Sumner is a new apprentice for Physical Education. This is his first year working in a school after just finishing secondary school.
Mr Sumner cannot wait for his new challenge of working with children and wanting to encourage more children to get more involved in sports.
Outside of school, Mr Sumner enjoys playing many sports like table tennis, golf and football and sometimes referees after qualifying a few years ago. He enjoys watching his favourite team Stoke City, where he has been a season ticket holder for many years.
Mrs Sam Dowsett
Poplar Pioneers Supervisor and Senior Midday Supervisor
Mrs Dowsett is the supervisor for Poplar Pioneers breakfast and after school club. She also works as one of our midday supervisors.
Outside of school Mrs Dowsett is married and has four children aged 7, 8, 14 and 24, as well as 2 dogs and a cat. So her hands are always full with one always needing help with something!
Mrs Dowsett enjoys fishing and days out with her oldest son. She also enjoys shopping with her daughter and spending time in their caravan and going on the beach with her youngest two.
Mrs Amanda Frankish
Poplar Pioneers Assistant
Mrs Frankish is a pioneers breakfast club and after school club assistant, and works in both five days a week. She previously worked in a nursery for 20 years and has an NVQ level two and three in childcare and education and an NVQ four in childcare, learning and development.
Outside of work Mrs Frankish has three teenage boys who all have a love for boxing and all like to compete, so my most of her spare time is normally taken up by travelling to and from competitions. When she does have some time to herself, Mrs Frankish enjoys walking her dog and upcycling furniture.
Miss Lauren Widdop
Poplar Pioneers Assistant
Miss Widdop works in the breakfast and after school club in Poplar Pioneers. This is her first experience of working in a school and so far, she loves it! Her job brings new challenges for Miss Widdop, which is exciting. No day is the same and Miss Widdop thinks it's lovely being able to give a little freedom to the children in the space and time that they have in the club.
Miss Widdop has 13 years of previous experience working in the care industry. This is with a variety of older people and younger people with various complex challenging needs and expectations.
Miss Widdop is a very creative person and thinks it is nice having the ability to use that within school and see the children's minds and imagination wander and improve.
In her spare time Miss Widdop loves to go walking, do baking, go on staycations and visit her family and friends back in Yorkshire.
Mrs Anna Wielgus
Poplar Pioneers Assistant
Mrs Wielgus came to England with her family in 2007. She lived in London for 2 years later in Gravesend and in 2011 she moved to Grantham.
Mrs Wielgus has a husband, 2 daughters aged 23 and 15 years. She has been running her business for 4 years, cleaning private houses.
Mr GianCarlo Velasco
Chef
Mr Velasco has worked in the catering industry for 21 years, both here in the UK and abroad.
Mr Velasco is glad to be part of children’s growth in school. He believes in a little way he is helping to educate the children by exploring their senses by introducing them to different ingredients and textures.
Mr Velasco thrives to produce freshly prepared nutritious food every day.
Mrs Sam Sheeran
Catering Assistant
Mrs Sheeran lives very near to school with her husband, son, daughter and their dog.
Mrs Sheeran has worked in many different roles while moving around the country with her husbands work but is always happiest in the kitchen.
In her spare time Mrs Sheeran loves walking her dog Vinnie and making cakes.
Mrs Agnieszka Waniek-Mijal
Catering Assistant, Midday Supervisor and Poplar Pioneers Assistant
Mrs Waniek-Mijal moved to the UK in 2005 with her husband and son. She spent her time raising her younger son and daughter, who are now 14 and 5 years old. Her eldest son is 20 years old and studies away at university.
Mrs Waniek-Mijal is dedicated to help young minds grow and achieve. She is a warm and caring individual who wants to create an encouraging atmosphere for children. She loves spending time with her family and enjoys building positive relationships with children.
Mrs Waniek-Mijal has a Marketing Degree and works day-to-day as an admin in the construction industry. She is looking forward to be a part of the Poplar Farm team and can’t wait to contribute positively to the community.
Mrs Lisa Carlin
Midday Supervisor
Mrs Carlin really enjoys working at Poplar Farm School. Spending time with the children really brightens up her day!
Mrs Carlin lives local to the school, has 2 grown up children, 3 grandchildren and a mischievous cockapoo dog called Milo.
In her spare time, Mrs Carlin goes on lots of walks with her dog and loves to spend time with her grandchildren.
Ms Wing Cheung
Midday Supervisor
Ms Cheung is very excited to join the midday team in Poplar Farm School. She enjoys looking after children in the school playground, playing and talking with them.
In her leisure time, Ms Cheung loves cooking and baking.
Mrs Patricia Cook
Midday Supervisor
Mrs Cook joined the midday team in September 2023 after working in retail for many years.
She has lived local all her life and has a family of 3 grown up children. Mrs Cook also raised her disabled granddaughter who is now a teenager.
Mrs Cook is really enjoying working at Poplar Farm and getting to know the children. She loves to hear about what they are up to whilst on the playground.
As a carer for a SEND child, Mrs Cook does not get a lot of free time but she loves to help others to access information & services to ensure that their children are living their best lives.
Mrs Ann Cox
Midday Supervisor and Cleaner
Mrs Cox has been working at Poplar Farm School for 2 years now and she loves it! Mrs Cox believes it is a privilege to be one of the team of three who keeps the school clean and tidy for the day ahead.
In her spare time Mrs Cox enjoys knitting and card making. She is happily married to Pete with whom she shares four sons and their families, which includes five grandchildren.
Mrs Lynne Hirst
Midday Supervisor and Poplar Pioneers Assistant
Mrs Hirst is delighted to be part of the Poplar Farm team. She is an experienced midday supervisor, and enjoys making lunchtimes a positive time for the children.
Mrs Hirst grew up in Grantham and lives with her husband, one child and lovely white cat.
In her spare time, Mrs Hirst likes spending time with family and knitting.
Mrs Fionna Kenny
Midday Supervisor
Mrs Kenny has lived in Grantham all of her life. She has a husband and 3 children aged 14, 13 and 6 and a dog, so they all keep her extra busy!
Mrs Kenny enjoys reading and going for walks with her family and she loves baking when she can!
Mrs Kim McGettigan
Midday Supervisor and Cleaner
Miss Nichola Robson
Midday Supervisor
Working at Poplar Farm and in a school is a new experience for Miss Robson and one that she thoroughly enjoys. Miss Robson also enjoys building positive and happy relationships with the children at Poplar Farm.
Miss Robson has 20 years previous experience working with elderly people with various, complex and challenging needs in nursing and care homes.
In her spare time, Miss Robson enjoys baking and cooking, and making a home. She has a dog that likes to keep her busy on my toes and two cats, as well as two boys aged 18 and 22.
Mrs Stacey Ross
Midday Supervisor and Poplar Pioneers Assistant
Mrs Lorraine Thorpe
Midday Supervisor