Meet our Staff

Mrs Lawrence - Acting Headteacher

I have been a teacher in East Sussex for over 15 years and I love working with children. I have taught across key stages and been an Early Years lead, but I also enjoy teaching Music, PE and English in particular. Prior to life at Newick I was a SENCO, and I also have accredited teacher status as a dyslexia specialist teacher.

I have really enjoyed my first year at Newick and being part of this wonderful welcoming community. I have really enjoyed leading Collective Worships, getting to know everyone and taking part in Circle Time sessions with different classes.

In my spare time I enjoy walking in the East Sussex woods with my children. I love to read and write stories and attempting to grow flowers in my garden. I also enjoy running and sea swimming (the colder the better!) and try to get to the beach as much as I can.

Mrs James - SENCO and Acting Deputy Headteacher

I have been teaching for over 25 years across a variety of settings. Having worked in many London schools, teaching across all year groups I then became a SENCO and Deputy Head teacher in 2004. In 2011 I left London to became an Early years consultant supporting West Sussex schools, before joining Newick Primary School seven years ago as the SENCO. I live in Plumpton with my husband who is a local executive headteacher. We have 3 children. I enjoy running and taking walks around the local area.

I continue to enjoy welcoming lots of new children and their families to our lovely school community. Currently I am acting Deputy headteacher whilst continuing my role as the SENCO.

Mrs Dobson – School Business Manager

I joined Newick School in early 2022 and I am proud to be part of such a wonderful learning and working environment. I am a born organiser, an avid list maker, a lover of spreadsheets and streamlining processes to reduce paperwork. I feel so fortunate to work somewhere that is so supportive and nurturing to its children enabling them to blossom and grow. Outside of school I am a busy mum to four boys, so can be found ferrying them around to their various after-school activities and sports events. In my spare time I love to walk my crazy cocker spaniel and I also conduct and sing in several choirs.

Miss Kinderman - EYFS Teacher

As a former pupil of Newick School I know first-hand the amazing opportunities and experiences the children are offered at this lovely school. I am therefore very excited to be going into my fourth year of teaching at Newick, this year in EYFS. I am really looking forward to getting to know the children, enjoying a creative and fun year with them, and having the privilege of watching them grow. In my free time I love taking my lovely Labrador, Lola, for long walks and seeing all kinds of wildlife. I also love to cook and enjoy trying new foods and recipes. I can’t wait to share the exciting year ahead with my class.

Mrs Smith - EYFS Teaching Assistant

I have been working at Newick School since 2009 and have spent the last ten years in EYFS. I am a Speech & Language practitioner which over the years has been very rewarding. My children were pupils at Newick so I have been involved with the school for eighteen years.

I spent my early life living in Abu Dhabi in the UAE. I enjoy spending time with my Husband and two grown up children, exploring and spending time in our family holiday home in the Dordogne, France.

Mrs Neilson - EYFS Teaching Assistant

This is my second year working as a Teaching Assistant in Otters for two days. I used to work as a Primary School teacher in London before taking a long break from education to move to Sussex with my husband and raise our twin girls, who have been incredibly happy at Newick and are currently in Year 5. In my spare time I enjoy DIY, gardening, cooking and exercising. I am also a huge fan of music and have been running the school choir for the last two years, which I absolutely love and am incredibly proud of.

Miss Clarke - Year 1 Teacher

I have been teaching for 19 years and have been lucky enough to teach in many different places, including York, London, and Switzerland. For the past 9 years, I have been teaching in this beautiful setting at Newick and really enjoy working with this hard-working team. I am excited to be teaching Year 1 for the next academic year with Mr Winn and we are both looking forward to meeting our new class. I especially enjoy teaching maths and trying mathematical puzzles, particularly that wonderful satisfying feeling you get when you finally work out a solution, so leading Maths at Newick is a joy, sharing my passion for problem solving with you all! When I am not working, I look after my two energetic boys. We can usually be found at one of the parks in Brighton or riding bikes along the seafront. In my spare time, I enjoy running, reading, baking, and supporting my favourite football team.

Mr Winn - Year 1 Teacher

I have been a teacher for 18 years, and joined the Newick community in 2018. Newick is the fourth school I have taught in; before coming here I worked at schools in West Sussex and Brighton. Prior to becoming a teacher I worked in the publishing industry. I have lived in Sussex since I was 14, and went to Chailey secondary school, which is where some of you may go when you leave Newick. My wife and I have three children. When I am not in school on a Monday and a Tuesday I look after them at home. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking, baking and (sometimes!) running to keep fit. I’m really looking forward to getting to know our new class and have lots of exciting learning planned for them.

Mrs Brown - Year 1 Teaching Assistant

I have been a part of the Newick School community since 2003. I had a break from education in 2016 and returned to the school in 2019.

I started as an Individual Needs Assistant and then became a Teaching Assistant a year later, working mainly in EYFS and Year 1.

In my spare time I love walking our family dog in the countryside near where I live. Also, I love to bake and I am an avid reader.

Mrs Cheeseman - Year 2 Teacher

I am extremely proud to be the Year 2 Teacher at Newick Church of England Primary School. I have been teaching at Newick since 2014, but have worked in education since 2002.

I love making a difference to children's lives, planning and teaching engaging, creative lessons. In my free time, I love to learn more about history and science, read, visit historical places, garden and spend time with my wonderful husband, 4 children and 2 grandsons.

I am looking forward to getting to know my new class and the exciting year ahead!

Mrs Hurkett - Year 2 Teaching Assistant

I have worked at lovely Newick School since 2012, initially as an MDSA and then in many year groups. For 3 years I was in Year 6 and now I am in the wonderful Year 2. I love helping and watching the children find their path through school and gain their independence. I have two sons who both loved their time at Newick. One now is in his last year at university (where does the time go!) and one is working full time. In my spare time I love to go on walking holidays in the Lake District, Peak District, the top of Snowdon to name a few! I also love gardening and recently running.

Mrs Fletcher - Year 3 Teacher

I have recently qualified as a teacher after completing my PGCE at Sussex University. My first placement was at Newick Primary School, and I am so happy to be able to return this year as the Year 3 class teacher.

Outside of the classroom I enjoy being part of a book club, where I can explore and discuss books I may not have discovered. At weekends, I like to stay active enjoying Pilates, long walks and more recently running. I love going to the beach with my husband and two children and being near to the sea. During the summer we often spend time in Cornwall, exploring beach coves, the rockpools and most importantly the cafes.

Mrs Cullip - Year 3 Teaching Assistant

I have worked at Newick School since 2012 beginning my school working life as a Midday Supervisory Assistant, a role which I still have and thoroughly enjoy. During my time at Newick I have also been an Individual Needs Assistant and feel privileged to have been able to watch the children learn and gain independence.

My husband and I have two children who both attended Newick School which they have fond memories of. They have both now finished their education and on to new chapters in their lives.

In my spare time I love to read, visit historical places as I’m interested in History and long walks in the countryside. I am really looking forward to the new school year and can’t wait to get stuck into the amazing topics we will be learning about.

Miss Strachan – Year 4 Teacher

I have been teaching at Newick for 10 years now and this will be my fifth year in Year 4. I absolutely love teaching and I am always excited to share with the children what they will be learning across the year. I have previously really enjoyed being the Sports/PE lead and working with other year groups to develop their sporting knowledge. I am now the English lead and look forward to moving the curriculum forward to strengthen literacy skills across the school. My free time is spent taking care of my 5 year old daughter and 1 year old twins, and spending time with friends and family. I also enjoy playing the piano and running.

Mrs Smith - Year 4 Teacher

I’ve been the Year 5 teacher at Newick since I joined the school back in 2014, which means I am quite a familiar face to many of the children, and have taught many pupils from the same family during this time. After completing my training as a Modern Foreign Languages teacher with the University of Sussex I worked at secondary school level before deciding that I really preferred teaching primary age children. Newick offered me that amazing opportunity. As the curriculum lead for MFL I am able to use my knowledge and training to guide and develop the teaching of French across the school.

I am looking forward to working in Year 4 this academic year and am sure it will bring lots of new challenges and fun learning.

A couple of years ago I retired as a Guide leader for a local group which I ran for 7 years. I enjoy foreign travel and languages, gardening, the cinema and theatre, and simply taking my dogs for a walk.

Mrs Conway - Year 4 Individual Needs Assistant

I joined Newick primary school in Oct 2021. I have been working in schools for the past 15 years, working in various roles and responsibilities throughout this time. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.

Mrs Mitchell - Year 4 Individual Needs Assistant

I joined Newick school in October 2023. I moved to East Sussex with my husband and son six years ago and have worked as an Individual Needs Assistant with children and young adults since. In my spare time, I like to go for long walks on the South Downs.

Mrs Oldfield - Year 5 Teacher

This is my eighth year at Newick, previously teaching in Years 3, 4 and now Year 5. I have been lucky enough to teach in Buenos Aires, Vienna and London before lovely Newick. When I am at home, I am looking after my young daughters. My husband and I take our girls on plenty of family walks and try to spend lots of time outdoors in this beautiful county. I also really enjoy yoga and playing the piano to relax. I am the curriculum lead for Music and love the opportunity to get the whole school together for singing.

Mrs Spiller- Year 5 Teaching Assistant

I recently completed my teacher training here at Newick and have now officially joined the wonderful year 5 team as a Teaching Assistant. Before I became a teacher, I worked in the wine industry in London for four years. I have also studied and worked in France. When I’m not working, I am being a mum to my two beautiful boys and (when I find the time!) I also love to read, cook and play tennis

Mr Taylor - Year 6 Teacher

Having taught KS2 for 11 years, I was excited to join Newick CE Primary as the Year 6 teacher in 2022. I believe that learning is a lifelong journey. Therefore, I hope to inspire others to go the extra mile and continue to develop their love of learning – whatever they are interested in!

For me, I am passionate about PE, Forest School and English. I love reading and enjoy talking about new and exciting books. I am looking forward to sharing some top picks with staff and pupils alike.

I have moved to Seaford to make the most of the amazing rural walks and stunning seafront. As I have two young boys, I spend most of my time outside exploring the beautiful Sussex countryside.

In my spare time, I enjoy running and playing rugby. I also love solving problems and stretching my thinking. I taught myself how to solve a Rubik’s Cube and I can now crack one in under two and a half minutes!

Sarah Middleton - Year 6 Teaching Assistant

I started working with the wonderful team at Newick in 2018, having previously worked at Beacon Secondary school. I have worked in years 5 and 6 and have truly enjoyed being able to support the children in their education and wellbeing. This year I will be supporting year 6 and am very excited about all the wonderful topics we will learn. I have three children, one at secondary school and twin boys who are starting in Year 6 this September. I love sport, especially football and Formula One. I also love listening to all types of music.
I can't wait to meet you all in September!

Mrs Beach - Learning Mentor

I joined the fantastic team at Newick in February 2011. I was first employed as a year 2 Teaching Assistant and an Individual Needs Assistant. I have worked in many year groups over the last nine years. Last year saw a change in roles for me, I am now a Learning Mentor across all year groups and the Nurture Practitioner. I can genuinely say that I feel so lucky to work with all our fantastic children at Newick. In my time away from school, you will find me walking in the local countryside or along the Sussex coastline. I love to spend time with my two teenage children and our adorable dog Bear.

Mrs Manners Moss - Secretary

I am delighted to have joined the fantastic team at Newick C.E Primary School as School Secretary. It is an exciting environment to be part of. My two children attend the school and are very happy here. Additionally, I am the Secretary of the Parents, Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA). I enjoy holidaying with my family, baking and I have recently started paddle boarding.

Mrs Dunlop - Secretary / Finance Assistant

I started working part time in the school office in June 2023 as a Secretary and Finance Assistant. However, my association with Newick Primary goes back to 2014, when my eldest child started in Otters. All three of my children have now been Newick pupils, although my eldest two have now moved on to secondary school.

It is fair to say I wear a number of different ‘hats’ within the school. I was elected as a Parent Governor in 2021 and I also recently became the Treasurer of our PTFA. I really enjoy all the different roles I have in school and the opportunities they give me to work with all the children, staff, parents and volunteers that make up our amazing school community.

In my spare time, I spend many hours standing around outside, coffee in hand, watching my children’s various sporting activities. When I’m not doing that, I can usually be found running stupidly long distances, in the gym or baking cakes.

Mr Barnes – School Caretaker

My wife and I have lived in the village for 32 years. Both our children went to Newick Primary School. Prior to being a caretaker I was an electrician for 45 years. I have worked at the school now for 6 years and I must say what a wonderful friendly school it is. I enjoy all sports especially football. I enjoy going to watch Newick play. I also enjoy model railways and arranged for some layouts to be displayed in the hall at the school last year and hopefully we can do it again someday.

Mrs Kidman - Midday Supervisory Assistant

I have lived in Newick since 2016 with my husband and children. I really enjoy my role at Newick School and really love getting to know the Early Years children. I used to be a Cleaner for the school, but now work for Pioneer Childcare, that provides wrap around care before and after school in a Breakfast Club and After School Club.

In my spare time I love to spend time with my four children and two grandchildren, and visiting the rest of my family.