Meet the staff
Teachers
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Liz LoftusHeadteacher
Liz Loftus
I have been head teacher at Rowan Tree since 2011 and in other special schools before this. In one way or another for over 30 years I have been working in special education. Yes I’m getting on! I do really enjoy my work and spend lots of time thinking, planning and wondering what we can do next. When I’m not working, I love spending time at home with my family and friends. I am at my happiest reading, walking in the countryside or watching a good film.
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Lou CurranDeputy Headteacher
Lou Curran
I have worked at Rowan Tree Primary School for 12 years prior to this I was the Assistant Headteacher at Tanfield Special School in Hindley.
I love working at Rowan Tree Primary School and being a member of such a fantastic team and it is an absolute pleasure and privilege to be a part of the pupil’s educational journey.
When I am not at work I love spending time with my family and running around after my twin girls. After family and work my third passion is netball which I love playing each week for my beloved Tyldesley Ladies team.
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Claire RocheEarly Years Lead
Claire Roche
My name is Claire Roche and this is my third year as Early Years Lead at Rowan Tree. I enjoy lots of sensory and messy play and feel privileged to work with your children.
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Julie CorserClass Teacher
Julie Corser
I have the pleasure of working with children in one of the ASC specialist classes and love the sensory fun we have. I am the ASC lead teacher. At home I enjoy being Brown Owl at Brownies and walking my dogs.
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Laura DorningClass Teacher
Laura Dorning
I have been a teacher at Rowan Tree since September 2016. I am an enthusiastic teacher who always tries to bring the fun to the lessons I teach.
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Hannah LeddyClass Teacher
Hannah Leddy
My name is Miss Leddy. I started working at Rowan Tree Primary in September 2017. I enjoy all things active, in my spare time I enjoy going to the gym and travelling. I am a big Leigh Centurions fan!
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Sarah O’BrienClass Teacher
Sarah O’Brien
I am Mrs O’Brien. I have been teaching at Rowan Tree since June 2016 and before that I taught in Oldham for 7 years. I have a young son who takes up most of my time at home.
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Jessica RobinsonClass Teacher
Jessica Robinson
I am Miss Robinson and I have been working at Rowan Tree since 2015. I am a class teacher in KS2 and the subject leader for Maths and Art.
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Kristen WalshClass Teacher
Kristen Walsh
Hello! My name is Miss Walsh and I have been at Rowan Tree since September 2017. I love my job as a class teacher.
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Gareth MooreClass Teacher
Gareth Moore
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Claire HillClass Teacher
Claire Hill
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Janet Williams
I’m Janet and I am a class teacher. I’m also the coordinator for religious education in school. In my leisure time I like to read, swim and snorkel and enjoy looking after my pet chickens!
HTLAs
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Kelly BennettHLTA
Kelly Bennett
Hi, my name is Miss Bennett and I have worked at Rowan Tree Primary for 20 years. I am a HLTA with a particular interest in supporting pupils in the development of personal and life skills, allowing them to meet their full potential. I work closely with pupils, staff and parents, supporting pupils presenting behaviours that challenge. I am a Team Teach trainer and I am also an Outreach Support Worker
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Kelly FairhurstHLTA
Kelly Fairhurst
My name is Mrs Fairhurst. I am the HLTA for Sensory Support. I work across school offering Rebound Therapy and sensory circuit sessions. I work in various classes throughout school providing sensory support where needed.
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Deanne KayeHLTA
Deanne Kaye
My name is Miss Kaye. I am an HLTA. I also deliver the massage in school programme.
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Viki LoweHLTA
Viki Lowe
My name is Mrs Low. I am the HLYA in Early Years. I have worked with children with special educational needs for 21 years. I am a warm, nurturing, fun loving lady with a zest for life and learning.
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Gail HuntHLTA
Gail Hunt
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Emma Wilkinson
My name is Mrs Wilkinson. I teach outdoor learning sessions. I take pupils from across the school to explore the great outdoors.
Teaching Assistants
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Vicky PattersonTeaching Assistant
Vicky Patterson
Hi I’m Miss Patterson. I have worked at Rowan Tree Primary for four years. With my eldest son previously attending the school, I was inspired to work here. I am a very committed team member and love family time.
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Gill JonesTeaching Assistant
Gill Jones
I am Miss Jones. I have been working as a teaching assistant at Rowan Tree for nine years now. I really enjoy my job and I thrive at helping children learn every day.
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Sophie AthertonTeaching Assistant
Sophie Atherton
My name is Miss Atherton and I have worked at Rowan Tree since 2015. I enjoy working with the children and watching them progress over the years.
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Linda JonesTeaching Assistant
Linda Jones
My name is Linda Jones and I am a teaching assistant in one of our specialist classes for children with ASC. I love my job and feel privileged to be able to support our wonderful children to achieve the best they can.
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Ann NolanTeaching Assistant
Ann Nolan
My name is Miss Nolan. I have worked at Rowan Tree Primary for 10 years and really enjoy my job.
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Jill BlaxterTeaching Assistant
Jill Blaxter
My name is Mrs Blaxter and I am a Level 2 Teaching Assistant in Early Years. I am in my third year at Rowan Tree and I have previously had over 30 years’ experience of working with young children.
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Sharon Taylor GittinsTeaching Assistant
Sharon Taylor Gittins
My name is Sharon Taylor Gittins. I work as a Teaching Assistant. I enjoy my job very much and find it very rewarding. I like all outdoor pursuits.
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Samantha HolbrookTeaching Assistant
Samantha Holbrook
My name is Sam Holbrook. I have worked at Rowan Tree since September 2015. I’m currently in 1L and very lucky to work with a very supportive team and fantastic children. In my free time I enjoy reading.
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Alison DarcyTeaching Assistant
Alison Darcy
I’m Mrs Darcy. I’ve been a teaching assistant at Rowan Tree for 8-9 years. In that time I’ve worked in many classes with many wonderful children. I love reading, music and crafts. Outside of school I volunteer with a local parents group. We run lots of activities and events in our local community.
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Karen WardTeaching Assistant
Karen Ward
My name is Mrs Ward and I am a teaching assistant. I like creative activities. At home I enjoy reading and walking my dog, Alfie.
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Kathryn HiltonTeaching Assistant
Kathryn Hilton
My name is Mrs Hilton. My name sign is a teddy bear. I have had the pleasure of working at Rowan Tree for the past 11 years. I enjoy going for long walks with my dog, Murphy and reading in my spare time.
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Becky HelmeTeaching Assistant
Becky Helme
My name is Mrs Helme and I am a teaching assistant at Rowan Tree Primary. I am currently working in KS2 with 2W. I enjoy my job and find it very rewarding.
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Diane WeavingTeaching Assistant
Diane Weaving
My name is Diane Weaving. I have an interest in ICT, particularly teaching pupils to use switches to operate computers and other equioment. I enjoy lots of holidays, exploring the UK.
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Denise OakesTeaching Assistant
Denise Oakes
My name is Denise Oakes. I am a teaching assistant. I have worked in the special sector in Wigan and Bolton for almost 30 years. I love spending time with my family at our caravan in Wales at the weekend.
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Yvonne MellingTeaching Assistant
Yvonne Melling
My name is Yvonne Melling. I have worked at Rowan Tree for years. I have worked in many classes around school. I am now working part time with a fantastic team and wonderful pupils. In my spare time I enjoy a number of things, being creative and spending quality time with my son.
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Maureen DoughertyPastoral Support Worker
Maureen Dougherty
I work closely with parent/carers and all pupils to provide support and advice on a wide range of topics, including accessing support agencies outside of school. I work closely with professionals from other agencies to obtain the best possible outcome for families. I also have a role within the safeguarding procedure within school. I have 3 grown children and 2 grandchildren. I am from a non-British background and love to visit my family overseas.
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Emma WilkinsonTeaching Assistant
Emma Wilkinson
My name is Mrs Wilkinson. I teach outdoor learning sessions. I take pupils from across the school to explore the great outdoors.
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Vic MarksTeaching Assistant
Vic Marks
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Lisa MusgraveTeaching Assistant
Lisa Musgrave
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Kealy CampbellTeaching Assistant
Kealy Campbell
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Sam WelchTeaching Assistant
Sam Welch
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Stacey HiltonTeaching Assistant
Stacey Hilton
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Jayden WhittleTeaching Assistant
Jayden Whittle
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Elliot WaithTeaching Assistant
Elliot Waith
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Sharon ParkerTeaching Assistant
Sharon Parker
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Emily WilliamsTeaching Assistant
Emily Williams
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Sarah ThilwindTeaching Assistant
Sarah Thilwind
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Amanda HoughTeaching Assistant
Amanda Hough
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Maureen Dougherty
I work closely with parent/carers and all pupils to provide support and advice on a wide range of topics, including accessing support agencies outside of school. I work closely with professionals from other agencies to obtain the best possible outcome for families. I also have a role within the safeguarding procedure within school. I have 3 grown children and 2 grandchildren. I am from a non-British background and love to visit my family overseas.
Admin Team
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Taryn OliverAdministrator
Taryn Oliver
My name is Mrs Oliver and I work in the school office. I have loved working here for the past year and being part of the Rowan Tree family.
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Stephen ColcloughSchool Business Manager
Stephen Colclough
I have worked at Rowan Tree Primary School since February 2016. I love music and you will often hear it playing in my office. Away from school I play with a brass band and when I get the chance I enjoy watching my beloved Manchester City!
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Michaela EdwardsAdministrator
Michaela Edwards
I started working in the office at Rowan Tree in September 2017 and I thoroughly enjoy working here. I have one child and I also volunteer for a Greyhound Rescue Charity.
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Barbara CritchleyAdministrator
Barbara Critchley
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Mike UzokweCaretaker
Mike Uzokwe