Who's Who

Sarah Healey - Deputy Executive Headteacher Primary

I am responsible for all the Trust Primary schools and have over 20 years’ experience in Primary education and have been the headteacher of four different rural Primary schools before joining the Chulmleigh family. 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.

Jessica Wright - Head of School

I am the Head of School at Lapford and have the pleasure of teaching Herons on a Tuesday afternoon and all day on Fridays. I have spent the past fourteen years in education, working in schools across Devon before joining Lapford in April 2022. Before my career as a teacher, I worked as a musician with the Royal Marines Band Service and in my spare time I still enjoy playing my flute in a local wind quintet. I live with my husband and two young children, and we are a very active bunch, enjoying long bike rides in the countryside or going for the occasional family run! We also enjoy getting away in our caravan and exploring new parts of the country.

Kelly Tanner - Class Teacher

I teach Robins’ Class which means I have the privilege of working with the youngest children at LPS. I find this such a magical and creative stage of development. I am passionate about reading and love to inspire children to immerse themselves in the books we share. I have lived in the local area for eight years now, and value the importance of community links. I support FLS and enjoy taking part in community events. In my free time, I love exploring the countryside with my family and friends and our two dogs, Ginny and Daphne. I am also a big music fan and enjoy attending concerts and festivals.

Rebecca Cookson - Senior Teacher and SEND Lead

I’m Rebecca Cookson, the Lead Teacher, SEN lead, English lead and Kingfishers’ teacher at Lapford Primary School. I have a strong love for books and enjoy reading both in the classroom and at home. I enjoy baking too and walking my dog, Lenny, in the beautiful Devon countryside!

Lorraine Kigongo - Nursery Lead

My name is Lorraine Kigongo (pronounced chigongo). I am a Foundation Stage Senior Practitioner within Lapford Primary School. I recently trained as a Forest School Leader where I lead sessions for all pupils in the school – They all seem to love toasting marshmallows!

In my free time I love walking and reading. This year, I’m also hoping to tick off some things from my long bucket list!

Eden Skinner - Class Teacher

I’m Eden Skinner and I teach across Nursery, EYFS and Year 1. I am Subject Lead for Art and OPAL and I run The Lapford Primary Choir. On my days off, I am often found performing as part of The Hummingbirds singing group, reading somewhere comfy or having lots of fun with my two small children.

Joe Skinner - Class Teacher

I'm Joe Skinner and I teach Years 5 and 6 in Herons class. I am also Lapford Primary's Subject Lead for Science, Computing and Design Technology. When I'm not teaching, I love adventures with my wife and children around the Devon area, enjoying all things comic books and geeky, playing music and reading!

Davina Hender-Curtis - Teaching Assistant

I’m Mrs Hender-Curtis and you can find me working with Nursery and Reception every morning. In the afternoons, my job is slightly different, as I work with small groups of children focussing on their social, emotional and mental health. I am also an HLTA. I also chair our school council working alongside our school council representatives. On a personal level, I love animals and anything outdoors, especially horse riding, surfing and walking.

Laura Mills - Teaching Assistant

I have had the pleasure of working at Lapford Primary School as a teaching assistant since 2021. I am the Play Co-ordinator for our Outdoor Play and Learning programme, which has put me in a privileged position where I am able to help the children to develop their creativity, imagination and social and emotional skills, amongst other things.

I am passionate about education and believe that all children have the right to a high quality education. I am working towards my future goal of progressing to become a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant and studying to ensure that I am able to support children with additional learning needs to the best of my ability.

I thoroughly enjoy cycling and exploring the beautiful coastlines that we have in Devon.

Leigh Pooley - Teaching Assistant

I'm Leigh Pooley, and I'm a Teaching Assistant in Years 5 and 6. I also teach guitar after school. Outside of school, I enjoy crafty activities, playing music and exploring the countryside with my friends!

Caroline Gilpin-Perkins - HLTA & Teaching Assistant

I’m Mrs Gilpin-Perkins (or Mrs GP for short). I work with both Herons and Kingfishers and enjoy running recorder club on a Wednesday. Out of school, I spend my time writing, reading, watching movies and gardening, I have self-published a book of poetry and two novels. I achieved an ambition this year when I was lucky enough to go to Niagara Falls for my honeymoon!

Kirsty Wensley - Teaching Assistant

I am Kirsty Wensley and I work with the youngest members of our school community as an Early Years Practitioner in The Nest. Away from school I am busy looking after my three boys and helping run two Scout units in the local area. I also enjoy reading, visiting local beaches or walking our family dog.

Rachel Sermon - Administrator

I am Rachel Sermon, and I am the administrator at the school. I’ve been working in school offices in Kent and Devon for well over a decade, and should hopefully be able to help with any queries you may have, no matter how trivial or strange! When I’m not running around the school, I love hanging out with my chickens, cats and sheep at home, cooking, reading, and travelling with my family.

Amanda

I am Amanda, and I am the Catering Assistant for Lapford. It is my job to serve the children their hot lunches and to make sure that all children are fed within our school. In my spare time I like to play hockey, which I have done for many years. I also have a few animals which I look after at home; the children always like to ask about the animals I have, and it's always a great conversation starter.

Emily Lancaster - Mealtime Assistant

I'm Emily Lancaster. I'm a mealtime assistant. I love archaeology, fossil hunting, Doctor Who and hunting for bugs and caterpillars in the garden with my four children. I also own four carnivorous plants.