"Teachers know their pupils well and plan to make learning challenging and interesting. Consequently, all groups of pupils, including the most able, make good progress"
Ofsted
Staff
Mrs Rebecca Gray
Headteacher, Class Two Teacher and SENCo
2022 will be my 25th year of teaching in small and medium-sized schools throughout Gloucestershire.
It’s an absolute joy to still have a teaching commitment and be able to lead and mentor colleagues while maintaining that vital classroom connection.
I am fortunate to lead a dedicated and talented team and to enjoy the support and assistance of an active governing body, diocese and PTA.
My daily highlight though is seeing the delight and wonder on a pupil’s face as a new idea or skill sinks in.
I am Mum to three young men and love nothing more than long walks with my husband, our dog and whichever sons may join us!
Mrs Josie Shurmer
Class One Teacher
After many years teaching in a very large school in London, I have loved coming to Down Ampney and seeing the individual care and nurture we can provide for each child.
We have fantastic indoor and outdoor space in class one, and I love coming up with creative ways of using it. It’s great seeing the children really enjoy the resources, and my favourite area is the role play. Children really get into their roles and fantastic learning takes place.
When I’m not at school, I enjoy finding a bargain at car boot sales, normally finding more treasures for the classroom.
Mrs Helen Russell
Class Two Teacher
I love hands-on, active learning! We don’t sit at our desks for long periods of time – we get busy with resources in all lessons and make sure that our learning is as practical and as talk led as possible. Science and Maths are my passion and I love igniting the children’s curiosity through practical investigations and independent exploration.
In my free time, I love to run in the beautiful Cotswold countryside and go on long walks.
Mrs Sophy Homan-Green
Class Three Teacher
I love the way that everyone works together and supports each other at Down Ampney, both the children and the adults alike. There is a real sense of devotion to continual improvement whilst still upholding the school’s vision and values. There are strong, positive relationships with every member of the school community.
I have enjoyed getting to know all of the children on an individual level, finding out what works for them and adjusting learning styles. I love teaching English, seeing the children’s ideas build and expand, allowing them to express their ideas through writing in different genres.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, I love getting stuck into a good book. I also enjoy going on long walks and exploring new places.
Mrs Annie Paterson
Teaching Assistant
I love working at Down Ampney because of the supportive working environment which gives the school a family feeling of which every staff member is a part of. Everyone is actively encouraged to continually develop their skills through professional development courses and peer to peer support.
My favourite part of my role is watching the development of children from when they start at Down Ampney to leaving for secondary school. I also enjoy the varied aspects of my role such as supporting children through various interventions and feeling like I’ve made a difference to their day.
My hobbies include bodyboarding, reading and exploring new places in my campervan.
Mrs Sue Mills
Midday Supervisor
I have been at Down Ampney C of E Primary School for 25 years as a Midday Supervisor. I have three children who have all been through Down Ampney C of E Primary School and have thrived and all now have great jobs.
Mrs Sharon Woodruffe
School Business Manager
I love working at Down Ampney because of the activeness, creativity and resilience of all the children and staff. It brings me joy to see the growth and hope of Everyone Achieving, Everyone Believing and Everyone Caring and seeing the children’s personalities grow.
I enjoy all aspects of my role, although I work in the office, I get to see and hear all the learning that is happening throughout the day. It’s a privilege to be working alongside a team of dedicated staff and being able to share the achievements and success with them throughout the school.
I enjoy spending quality time with my family and our extending family and friends in my free time. We enjoy going for walks, swimming, camping, visiting National Trust properties and exploring new villages and towns.
Mrs Sue Dearsley
Teaching Assistant
I have been teaching for a long time, but over the years I have also been a schools’ librarian, a children’s librarian, a childminder, playgroup worker and a teaching assistant! You may have spotted a common theme there: I like working with children! My favourite subjects to teach are English, History and RE but I still enjoy all aspects of PE and truly believe that “sport is for everyone” – you just have to find the one you enjoy. I have tried to retire several times over the last few years, but I am very pleased that Mrs Gray invited me to work at Down Ampney, where everyone has been so friendly and welcoming. I’m also able to walk to work every day which is wonderful.
My other interests include reading, watching Match of the Day and spending as much time as I can with my 3 gorgeous grandchildren.