Who's Who
Sarah Healey - Deputy Executive Headteacher Primary
I joined Chulmleigh Academy Trust in September 2022 and am responsible for all of the Trust Primary schools.
I have 25 years’ experience in Primary education, having been the headteacher of four different schools in Lancashire before relocating back to Devon.
I have always found my job incredibly rewarding, so working with a group of schools and the children and staff within them, is a real joy.
Martin Evely - Head of School
I am delighted to be Chulmleigh Primary School’s new Head of School and I am proud to call myself a true Devonian, having lived in the county all my life! I have been in education for over 20 years and in that time have had many leadership roles, including Specialist Leader of Education, Phase Leader, Assistant Head, Deputy Head and Headteacher in rural Devon schools like Chulmleigh, so I know how vital it is to have great links with the communities we serve.
I passionately believe that all children should have a challenging and fulfilling education and should be given the best opportunity to reach their potential. Likewise, I want them to gain the skills and knowledge needed to feel that they can exceed their wildest dreams. Equally, I am an avid believer that children and adults should be able to learn in an environment that is supportive, so that they always feel they can take risks without fear of getting it wrong. For this to happen, I know that it is essential to be a creative, reflective and positive leader in order to create the environment where children and staff can flourish and feel motivated, safe and love coming to school.
Every day, I strive to uphold and promote the school’s values of ‘Be Compassionate, be Ambitious, be a Team and give 'Nothing but our Best’ as these are values that I believe are the cornerstones of this incredible school.
Gina Randall - Foundation Stage Supervisor for the Nursery Class
I am the Foundation Stage Supervisor for the Nursery Class. I am passionate about my role, where I lead the Writedance, singing and drama with the Reception and Nursery children. Saffron Slade works alongside me in the nursery.
Ruth Welch - Reception Class Teacher
I share the teaching of the Reception Class with Martin Evely.
I have been teaching Foundation Stage children for over a decade, having also spent time working as a Special Needs Coordinator and delivering pastoral support. My passion is to make learning fun; focusing on planning engaging activities which maximise children’s learning.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my young family, particularly being outdoors. I love cycling and walking and I have a variety of different sporting interests.
We are supported in Reception by our TA Mrs Charlotte Stapleton.
Brogan Johnson - Year 1 Teacher
I am delighted to be appointed the class teacher of Hedgehogs at Chulmleigh Primary School.
I have lived in North Devon all my life and I love going on walks, particularly along the beautiful beaches such as Croyde and Westward Ho!
I have an Art and Design specialism and I love to paint and draw in my free time.
I am excited to be on this journey with Hedgehogs class and help them to grow and develop as they progress through the rest of the academic year.
Theresa Niejadlik - Year 2 Teacher
I have been teaching since 2004 and especially love teaching in Key Stage 1. I am passionate about enabling children to reach their potential and develop their individual strengths, motivating them along the way to achieve to a high standard in a happy classroom environment.
Alongside my classroom role, I am the school's SEN Lead and part of the safeguarding team. I am currently undertaking the National Professional Qualification for SENCOs and have also completed the Senior Mental Health Lead training.
I have two daughters and enjoy spending time with my family. We enjoy spending time at the beach, bodyboarding and cycling on the Tarka Trail.
Our TA in Year 2 is Mrs Lauren Haines.
Catherine Davis - Year 3 Teacher
I am delighted to be teaching Year 3 Barn Owls class on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Ms Evans and I are joined by Mrs. Sandra Panton, our TA.
I have held a variety of posts in primary education ever since I graduated from university and am happiest of all in the classroom with the children.
I have a big family, many of whom live locally. We enjoy spending time on the North Devon Coast, and getting together at various music events, especially when my daughter is performing! In my spare time I also love to read, bake, walk and travel.
Victoria Evans - Year 3 Teacher
My name is Miss Victoria Evans, I graduated from university in 2014 with a degree in Education and Early Childhood Studies, after which I then spent many years working in a variety of roles within education. I completed my teacher training in 2021. I have a particular passion for helping children grow in confidence and to believe in their own abilities; therefore develop a deep love of learning and reach their full potential. I have two daughters who keep me on my toes and together we love walks on the beach and kitchen discos! I have an undeniable love for acting and music. I have been fortunate enough to have worked in both TV and film productions throughout my life, and in 2022 I reignited my love for the stage and was part of the Shrek the Musical cast at the Northcott Theatre in Exeter. I also play the flute and hope to continue to take exams to challenge myself further.
I teach across both Year 2 (with Mrs Niejadlik) and Year 3 with Ms Davis.
Alison Hancock - Year 4 Teacher
I am absolutely delighted to be teaching Year 4 at Chulmleigh. I have been teaching for 20 years. I love making our learning practical and fun. I love teaching Science, learning about the world around us and taking our learning outside. I am passionate about teaching reading and love seeing the look of pride on a child’s face when they realise they can read! I also firmly believe in teaching the whole child; I believe that it is important to teach children about feelings and how to deal with them, as well as making the right choices to ensure we are being good, kind people.
Outside of school I love spending time with my family and with my dog. I enjoy walking, cycling, exercise and just generally being outdoors!
Our TA in Year 4 is Mrs Charlotte Murray.
Sarah Keen - Year 5 Teacher
I am delighted to be teaching Squirrels class. I have worked in a number of Devon schools for many years and have a great deal of experience. I am passionate about learning and like nothing more than to sharing my love of learning.
I consider myself friendly and approachable. Please do come and say hello. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or concerns.
Our TA in Year 5 is Mrs Debbie Perry.
Becca Jackson - Year 6 Teacher
I love teaching Foxes.
I am absolutely passionate about music and lead music across the school. Please do ask if your children would like to learn an instrument or join our whole school choir. I also lead Forest School and am very excited to develop this further in the future.
Outside of school I am learning how to look after bees and have just got my first hive. I also love walking my two dogs on Dartmoor and along the beach with my family.
Our TA in Year 6 is Mrs Andrea Galea.
Julie DeFuyck - Senior Teacher & Year 6 Teacher
I am the class teacher of the amazing Otters class as well as Senior Teacher and Maths Subject Leader. I am currently studying for my NPQSL which is teaching me lots of new things, and I am really enjoying developing a new skill and learning new things.
My favourite part of teaching is seeing children grow both academically, but also personally, and achieving their full potential. All children can achieve to the best of their ability and should always be proud of what they do.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors, going to the theatre (especially to watch musicals!), reading and baking (although I am not very good!). But most of all, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and making the most of the days together.
Sandra Panton
Having worked at Chulmleigh Primary school for over ten years, I have had the privilege of working in, and supporting children from Early Years to Year 6. I work as both a Teaching Assistant and a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant, covering classes when needed.
I especially enjoy leading small focus groups, be it in maths, literacy, reading or oracy. It is wonderful to see the children gain a greater depth of understanding and grow in confidence.
As part of my Meal Time Assistant role, I have been involved in the Outdoor Play and Learning Programme, and it is so lovely to see the children having so much fun at playtimes and being able to freely access all the outdoor areas of the school.
My happy place is being on the coast and walking the South West Coastal Path.
Andrea Galea
I have been fortunate enough to hold the position of Teaching Assistant at Chulmleigh Primary for seven years. During this time, I have gained experience in years one, three, four, five and six. I feel privileged to be supporting the wonderful children of Chulmleigh and love to watch them succeed in areas of schooling they find difficult.
I particularly enjoy supporting in maths lessons along with leading maths interventions. This is a subject I am passionate about. Always learning new skills and methods to pass onto the children is something I take pleasure in.
Another of my main interests is the field of SEN. I have been gaining experience in this for several years and have recently started to volunteer my support with the SEN department at Chulmleigh Primary. Along with this, I lead the Accelerated Reading programme. As a keen believer in reading and literature, I am always working on methods to support the individual's needs to give them a positive experience with reading. I am often on the lookout for a new course to give me more ideas on how to add to my knowledge and understanding when delivering help to others.
Lauren Haines
I am a Teaching Assistant at Chulmleigh. I am passionate about helping children to learn and grow, and to take pride in their work and achievements.
I am also an OPAL play coordinator. OPAL is brilliant for helping the children use all aspects of play. We have some fantastic imaginative play, and the children love dressing up. I really enjoy joining in with the children!
I have a keen interest in all things SEN, I am privileged to run sensory circuit sessions throughout the day. These are very effective to help children regulate and be ready for learning.
I am always expanding my knowledge where I can by completing many different courses to help the children further.
Outside of school, I enjoy photography, drawing, crocheting and being with my busy family.
Rebecca Passmore
I am a Teaching Assistant and HLTA currently for Year One. I have been at Chulmleigh Primary School for many years, working across all the year groups, as well as watching my own children thrive in their school years here. I love to see the progress that children make in their early school lives, in learning and also how their confidence and independence grows throughout the year. It is a privilege to be able to be part of their journey.
Outside of school, I love to dance and explore new places with my family.
Deborah Perry
I have had the pleasure of working at both Chulmleigh and Lapford Primary School as a teaching assistant and Higher Level Teaching Assistant since 2017. I am lucky enough to work across a number of classes at Chulmleigh at present, which has allowed to me get to know many of the pupils teaching subjects including French, Music Art and Religious Education.
Out of school, I thoroughly enjoy participating in and playing a number of sports as well as singing in a Community Rock Choir.
Charlotte Murray
I feel very privileged to work at Chulmleigh Primary School as a Teaching Assistant.
I am passionate about young people and helping them develop their social and emotional skills. I help support our ‘Mighty Minds’ group which is an emotional intervention provision.
I run a breakfast club in the mornings and seasonal craft club after school.
I live on a small farm with my family and enjoy the outdoor life.
Fabian Champone Alonso
I have been working at Chulmleigh Primary School since 2022, first as a Meal Time Assistant and now as a one to one Teaching Assistant. I love working with the children, seeing them grow and develop, gaining new skills and confidence day by day. I am involved in supporting all the learning and playing that goes on, and being from Uraguay originally, I also get to teach the children a little Spanish!
Charlotte Stapleton
I am a Teaching Assistant and have been working at Chulmleigh Primary School since January 2021.
I have qualifications in Early Years, and have my own family, both providing experience and knowledge which I can bring to the classroom. I feel my skill set is particularly suited to Reception class. I love to help the children settle in to their first year of school life and support them in their learning journeys.
Abby Harris - Receptionist and Admin Assistant
I started as Receptionist and Admin Assistant at Chulmleigh Primary in January 2020, and I feel very privileged to work with such amazing staff and children. I live locally with my family and spend most of my spare time sewing.