Meet the team

Helen Crowther – Hub Strategic Lead

As Head of The Greetland Academy, I am incredibly proud that the school has been awarded English Hub status. I started my career at a large multicultural school in the centre of Halifax and remained there for 15 years. Two years after qualifying, I became the English Lead and ITT mentor be-fore becoming Assistant Head for Curriculum in 2008. Two years later, I was promoted to Deputy Head and soon after became a Specialist Leader in Education for Teaching and Learning. Over the past few years, I have successfully supported several schools on their journey of improvement alongside delivering training for both teachers and student teachers on behalf of our Teaching School and SCITT. I recently completed an MA in English and was part of our successful application to be a Research School. One of my Favourite children’s books is The Arrival by Shaun Tan. I am also a member of the DFE English Hub Council.

Adam Harris – Hub Lead

As a teacher and SLE I have spent most of my career in EYFS and KS1 and so have seen first-hand the impact high quality Literacy and Phonics teaching can have on young children. My work delivering training for the EEF Research school’s network has been invaluable in developing an understanding of the research behind effective early Literacy development, as well as what this looks like in the classroom.

Through this work, I have been lucky enough to speak about English and EYFS at conferences for a range of national organisations.

Lianne De Villiers – Deputy English Hub Lead

I qualified a Primary School Teacher in September 2012 and have spent the majority of my teaching career in Early Years and Key Stage One. In 2018 I became a Specialist Leader of Education in Early Years and have coached and mentored staff in various schools. I recently moved to Carlinghow Academy as Assistant Principal and Reception class teacher and I am excited to support the school on its journey of improvement. I have the best job in the world being able to develop children’s love of reading and I love sharing children’s excitement of stories in the classroom. One of my favourite children’s books is The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson.

Jamie Stuttard – Auditor

I am a keen reader and well-known among family and friends as a ‘book recommender’ or gift-giver, having seen the power – particularly for children – of books opening gateways to new experiences and adventures. For this reason, I am passionate about books that celebrate ‘difference’, texts that support children’s emotional wellbeing and understanding, and literature that expands vocabulary and knowledge.

In schools around Calderdale, I have been a teacher for over 12 years – mostly in Key Stage 1 and EYFS. I have been the Reading Leader, SENCO and Specialist Leader in Education, facilitating training and support in schools’ phonics teaching and learning. I am currently the Principal at Bowling Green Academy where reading from Reception to Year 6 is a real strength of the school.

My favourite book to read to children is ‘Jabari Jumps’ by Gaia Cornwall.

Chloe Foster – Literacy Specialist

I qualified as a Primary School Teacher in September 2016. I am a very experienced and passionate EYFS teacher, having spent the majority of my teaching career in Early Years and Key Stage 1. I have many years of experience in teaching phonics and early reading, and am very lucky to have experience of teaching a range of phonics schemes; Letters and Sounds, Little Wandle and Read Write Inc. I am very passionate about being an advocate for every child to reach their full potential, no matter what barriers they may face. I am incredibly proud and excited to be supporting schools as a Literacy Specialist for the English Hub. One of my favourite children’s books is The Colour Monster by Anna Llenas.

“Reading is an adventure that never ends.”

Rachel Wilkinson  – Literacy Specialist

I am an experienced EYFS teacher with a passion for teaching young children to read and develop a lifelong love of literature. I qualified as a teacher in 2000 and since then I have been lucky to have the opportunity to teach children across EYFS, KS1 and LKS2. I have many years of experience in the teaching of phonics using Letters and Sounds and more recently Read Write Inc. I am part of the English Subject Leader team at my current school and my teaching role includes facilitating the delivery of day-to-day phonics teaching across the EYFS, supporting colleagues to assess and group children effectively and providing coaching and mentoring for staff. I enjoy teaching children the early steps in phonics, language and reading and providing young children with the skills to enjoy books. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with schools to ensure every child, regardless of barriers, achieves and succeeds in their reading journey. One of my favourite books to read with young children is Bog Baby by Jeanne Willis.

Lizzie Rothery – Literacy Specialist

I completed my 4 year degree in Primary teaching in 2013, specialising in Early Years. I have a passion for teaching early reading and have experience of doing so across Early Years and Key Stage One using Letters and Sounds, and more recently Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised. I am currently the EYFS and English lead in my school and Assistant Principal. In addition to this, I have completed the National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership (NPQML) with a focus on the precise teaching of vocabulary and I have experience of being an accredited Key Stage One Moderator in Calderdale for a number of years. One of my favourite books to read to my class is There is no Dragon in this Story by Lou Carter and Deborah Allwright

Holly Ashton – Literacy Specialist

I completed my four-year teaching degree and qualified as a Primary School Teacher in 2010. During my career, I have acquired a secure knowledge and understanding of children’s development and learning, ranging from Reception to Year 6. I have an infectious passion for teaching all elements of English, especially Reading. I am an experienced leader of English and phonics and have driven improvements in school. Recently I was awarded my National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership (NPQML), my project focused on improving the teaching and delivery of phonics and spelling across KS1. My favourite children’s book is The Witches by Roald Dahl.

Faye Whatmough – Literacy Specialist

I have been teaching at Raynville for 15 years, with the majority of my experience being in EYFS and KS1. I am currently Assistant Principal, leading on EYFS, Phonics and Personal Development. As an avid reader myself, I am keen to develop a love of reading in children and I am yet to meet a child who doesn’t like listening to stories! One of my favourite children’s books is The Amazing Adventures of Chilly Billy by Peter Mayle.

It has been fantastic meeting and supporting the teams in schools and seeing the progress the children are making as a result of their hard work and passion for reading.

Jane Mellor – Literacy Specialist

I have just completed my 21^st year as a primary school teacher and still have the same passion and enthusiasm as I did then – although maybe not as much energy! Most of my experience is teaching Year 6 although I have experience in teaching all year groups.  I became a Specialist Leader in Education for English in 2016 and since then have supported schools in developing their English curriculum; basing teaching sequences on evidence-based approaches and raising standards in teaching and attainment.  I have worked with SLT, subject leaders and whole staff delivering training and identifying areas for development in English.  Before moving local authorities, I was lead KS2 writing moderator for the LA.  This experience enables me to support teachers This year, I have delivered training to teachers and student teachers on behalf of the teaching school and the SCITT.  I lead the Literacy Leaders Cluster group for Calderdale which enables me to share updated evidence, discuss different approaches to teaching within the cluster and share good practice with other English specialists.

Children are amazing in what they can achieve.  Some of the ideas which come from their imagination are mind blowing and I see it as my job to help children to grow and communicate these ideas in the most engaging and interesting way whilst being able to access quality literature which feeds these ideas.   One of my favourite books to read with my class is ‘The Nowhere Emporium’ by Ross Mackensie.

Laura Horsfall – Literacy Specialist

I am the Principal of West Vale Academy and have a passion for teaching early reading and a love of literature. I am incredibly proud and excited to be supporting schools as a Literacy Specialist for the English Hub. I have over twelve years of teaching and leadership experience in schools across Bradford and Calderdale, working in roles including Assistant Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher. During these roles, I have led many subject areas, including English and reading, which is something that I am passionate about. I am keen to promote a love of reading in children and find opportunities to thread reading through the curriculum. One of my favourite children’s books is Rose Blanche by Roberto Innocenti and Ian McEwan.

Hannah Bianchi – Literacy Specialist

I have been working at Bowling Green Academy for 6 years now and have spent that time mainly teaching in KS1 and EYFS.  In 2019, I became phonics lead, and my initial priority was to implement Read Write Inc across the school.  Through this work, I have trained teachers and teaching assistants to a high standard so that they are knowledgeable to deliver phonics teaching to their group and all children make at least good progress within these groups.  This year, my work on RWI has developed into Key Stage 2 as we have implemented the Fresh Start Intervention.  Developing an enthusiasm for reading is a key area for all schools and a passion of mine.  I am passionate about creating a love of reading within every classroom and giving all children the opportunity to read and explore quality texts. One of my favourite books is Leaf by Sandra Dieckmann.

Alex Gledhill – Literacy Specialist

I completed my teaching training in 2019, specialising in KS1 and EYFS. I have been teaching at The Greetland Academy for four years now. Throughout my career, I have taught in both KS1 and KS2. I currently teach in Year One and have a passion for teaching phonics and early reading. I endeavor to promote the love of reading in all aspects of my classroom.  I have gained experience teaching Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised and have recently become a middle leader within my school. My favorite book is Wanted! Ralfy Rabbit, Book Burglar by Emily Mackenzie.

Amelia Bakes – Literacy Specialist

I qualified as a teaching after studying Early Childhood Studies & PGCE at Leeds Trinity University in 2019. I have spent my training and 4 years of teaching in Key Stage 1 at The Greetland Academy. I have found in that time that my strengths are teaching English and Phonics to children of all abilities. The phonics scheme that is used at our school is Little Wandle which has really supported our teaching. I currently teach in Year 2 and I am looking forward to the opportunity of working in other schools to help children learn to the best of their abilities.

Alison Deighton – Literacy Specialist

I qualified as a teacher in 1999, where I taught at Siddal Primary School before moving to Bowling Green in 2006 where I have been Deputy Head for the last 10 years. I am currently on secondment at Marsden Junior School. From a very young age, I was an avid reader and could often be seen wandering around with a book in my hand. When I discovered I was pregnant with my first daughter, one of the first things I did was order lots of my favourite children’s books, and would often be seen reading to my bump. We quickly ran out of space in our house to keep them all. I still love reading as an adult, although time is sometimes an issue! Once I open a book, I find it hard to put down. My passion for reading from a young age is incredibly strong as I firmly believe that it is the pathway to everything. Having taught across the whole of the primary age, I have a good understanding of how children’s reading develops and builds year on year and am always keen to not only share my favourite books but also to find out more for them to immerse themselves into. One of my favourite children’s books is ‘Street Child’ by Berlie Doherty. It does not matter how many times I read it, it never fails to make me cry!

Johnathon Fitzgerald – Literacy Specialist

I qualified as a primary school teacher in September 2018 and have spent the majority of my career in KS1 and lower KS2. I have lots of experience in teaching phonics and early reading and have seen the impact that high-quality phonics has on children as they progress through school. I am very passionate about developing and fostering a love of reading within my classroom, school, and in my home with my daughter. I am incredibly proud and excited to have the opportunity to be supporting schools as a literacy specialist for the English Hub. One of my favourite children’s books to read to my daughter and to the children in my class is ‘The Bumblebear’ by Nadia Shireen.

Jamie Evans – Literacy Specialist

I qualified as a primary school teacher in 2016, after studying English Literature at the University of Chester and then completing a PGCE Primary. The majority of my career has been spent in Year 6, which is where I currently teach, as well as leading reading across school. Recently, I completed the National Professional Qualification for Leading Literacy (NPQLL). I’m passionate about high-quality phonics and literacy teaching – the best gift that can be given to a child to open up doorways, opportunities and experiences throughout their lives. With the English Hub, I love meeting and supporting colleagues in other schools, working together to develop the phonics and early reading provision on offer.

One of my favourite books to read with my class is The Viewer by Shaun Tan & Gary Crew. It’s dark, eerie and mysterious – perfect for UKS2.

Tammy Gartside – Literacy Specialist

I am an experienced Year 1 teacher, which places me at the centre of phonics delivery and the daily magic of teaching children to read. I am also the Phonics and Early Reading Lead at Beaumont Primary Academy. One of my first tasks in this role was choosing and implementing our SSP across school. We use Little Wandle and I have seen first hand the impact a strong SSP can have. My role includes monitoring phonics teaching, coaching, and mentoring and developing a love of reading in school. I honestly believe helping children become readers is the most delightful part of my job. Being part of the Hub means I get to share my passion more widely which is both rewarding and exciting.

I was fortunate as a child to live two minutes from the local library, and it was here that I developed my own love of reading. Friday afternoon before tea was my library day where I would choose four new books to read that week. My favourite author was undoubtedly Roald Dahl. The first book I ever bought with my own money was Charlie and the chocolate factory, but The Witches is my favourite.

Hannah Bingley – Literacy Specialist

I qualified as a teacher in 2016, and since then have taught mostly in Early Years and Key Stage 1. I am incredibly passionate about the teaching of early reading and writing, and hugely excited to be working with the English Hub to support other schools in their early reading journey!

I have been Reading lead for over 5 years and now lead the Early Years in my school. Recently, I was awarded my National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership (NPQML), where my project focussed on the improvement of teaching and implementation of phonics in Reception and Year 1. 

One of my favourite children’s book to read and teach is Lila and the Secret of Rain, written by David Conway and Jude Daly

Nicola Ewing – Literacy Specialist

I have worked in education since 2006, starting as an early years’ practitioner, then as a teaching assistant and HLTA, before qualifying as a teacher in 2014. Since then, I have taught predominantly across KS1 and have had experience of implementing several phonics schemes; Letters and Sounds, Jolly Phonics, Read Write Inc., Twinkl and, currently, Little Wandle. I am part of the Senior Leadership Team and my current roles include SENCO and Early Reading and Writing Lead. These roles go hand in hand in allowing me to unpick any gaps and provide support when faced with challenges. I strongly believe that every child should be provided with the skills to read and develop a love of reading. I feel privileged to be able to work with the English Hub to support schools on their journey to achieve this. 

I love reading aloud to my class and my favourite book to share is Enid Blyton’s ‘The Magic Faraway Tree’. It takes me back to my childhood but I also love that it’s, quite often, one of the first experiences of a chapter book that my class are exposed to. They are instantly hooked and transported to a different world – they usually ask their parents for their own copies for home in anticipation to find out what happens next! 

Natalie Figura – Literacy Specialist

I have worked at The Greetland Academy for 16 years with a little break in-between to have my two children Bunnie and Flossie. I am proud to say that I attended the school as a child and now have the privilege of both working there and sending my two girls there.

I have a real passion to ensure that every child’s experience at The Greetland Academy enables them to be motivated, engaged, with a love of reading across the curriculum. Throughout my career, I have taught in both KS1 and KS2. I currently teach in Year One and have a passion for delivering Little Wandle phonics – I endeavor to promote the love of reading in every child.

One of my favourite children’s books is Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: The Cat Burglar.

Maria McFadden – English Hub Administrator

I graduated from Lancaster University with a BA (hons) in English Literature in 2011 and have always had a passion for reading and books. In my role as administrator for The English Hub, I liaise closely with the Hub management team, literacy specialists, schools and teachers, to organise audits, events and manage communications, making sure schools receive regular updates about meetings, training and showcases. I also help maintain the Hub’s social media channels – pop by and give us a follow on Twitter and LinkedIn! My favourite children’s book (and book series) is Harry Potter.

“Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic”