Meet the staff

Teachers

• Liz Loftus
  Headteacher
  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.

• Lou Curran
  Deputy 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.

• Claire Roche
  Early 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.

• Julie Corser
  Class 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.

• Laura Dorning
  Class 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.

• Hannah Leddy
  Class 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!

• Sarah O’Brien
  Class 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.

• Jessica Robinson
  Class 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.

• Kristen Walsh
  Class 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.

• Gareth Moore
  Class Teacher
  Gareth Moore

• Claire Hill
  Class Teacher
  Claire Hill

• 

  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

• Kelly Bennett
  HLTA
  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

• Kelly Fairhurst
  HLTA
  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.

• Deanne Kaye
  HLTA
  Deanne Kaye

  My name is Miss Kaye. I am an HLTA. I also deliver the massage in school programme.

• Viki Lowe
  HLTA
  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.

• Gail Hunt
  HLTA
  Gail Hunt

• 

  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

• Vicky Patterson
  Teaching 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.

• Gill Jones
  Teaching 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.

• Sophie Atherton
  Teaching 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.

• Linda Jones
  Teaching 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.

• Ann Nolan
  Teaching Assistant
  Ann Nolan

  My name is Miss Nolan. I have worked at Rowan Tree Primary for 10 years and really enjoy my job.

• Jill Blaxter
  Teaching 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.

• Sharon Taylor Gittins
  Teaching 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.

• Samantha Holbrook
  Teaching 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.

• Alison Darcy
  Teaching 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.

• Karen Ward
  Teaching 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.

• Kathryn Hilton
  Teaching 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.

• Becky Helme
  Teaching 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.

• Diane Weaving
  Teaching 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.

• Denise Oakes
  Teaching 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.

• Yvonne Melling
  Teaching 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.

• Maureen Dougherty
  Pastoral 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.

• Emma Wilkinson
  Teaching 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.

• Vic Marks
  Teaching Assistant
  Vic Marks

• Lisa Musgrave
  Teaching Assistant
  Lisa Musgrave

• Kealy Campbell
  Teaching Assistant
  Kealy Campbell

• Sam Welch
  Teaching Assistant
  Sam Welch

• Stacey Hilton
  Teaching Assistant
  Stacey Hilton

• Jayden Whittle
  Teaching Assistant
  Jayden Whittle

• Elliot Waith
  Teaching Assistant
  Elliot Waith

• Sharon Parker
  Teaching Assistant
  Sharon Parker

• Emily Williams
  Teaching Assistant
  Emily Williams

• Sarah Thilwind
  Teaching Assistant
  Sarah Thilwind

• Amanda Hough
  Teaching Assistant
  Amanda Hough

• 

  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

• Taryn Oliver
  Administrator
  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.

• Stephen Colclough
  School 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!

• Michaela Edwards
  Administrator
  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.

• Barbara Critchley
  Administrator
  Barbara Critchley

• Mike Uzokwe
  Caretaker
  Mike Uzokwe

• 

  Katie Nelson

  I joined the school as an office apprentice in Dec 2017…