NewickMeet our Staff
Mrs Lawrence - Headteacher
As of September I will have been part of the Newick team for two years - time flies! I feel absolutely privileged to be the Headteacher at such an amazing school, working with our fabulous pupils, staff and families.
Having been a teacher now for nearly 20 years I can still never say which is my favourite age range to work with. Luckily, being the Headteacher means I get to dip in and out of all the classes, and lead Collective Worships with everyone! I am really proud of our Christian values, and being a C of E school, and I am excited that Newick is now part of the wider DCAT family of Trust schools. This opens many more opportunities to us all. Prior to life at Newick I was a SENDCO, and I have accredited dyslexia specialist teacher status. I am passionate about children's wellbeing, PSHE, Circle Time and the development of the brain (as the children will all tell you!). I want all of our children at Newick to understand how their brain works, and to develop a positive, growth mindset, alongside an attitude of gratitude for all that we have.
In my spare time I enjoy walking in the East Sussex woods with my children. I love to attempt DIY, and fix up old furniture. I also enjoy going to the gym and sea swimming (the colder the better!) - I try to get to the beach as much as I can.
Mr Winn - Assistant Headteacher and Year 1 Teacher
I have been a teacher for 19 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. I particularly enjoy teaching English, Maths and Computing. 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, who keep me and my wife busy at home! In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking, baking and getting out onto the hills of the South Downs.
Mrs Stewart - Assistant Headteacher, SENDCo and Inclusion Manager
I have been teaching for over 17 years with a specialism of dance and drama. I have taught children from the age of 4 all the way through to 16 and have loved discovering the huge amount of talent in practical subjects.
I started my teaching career in secondary education where I was Curriculum Leader of Performing Arts and then became a specialist teacher of PE at a local primary school in Eastbourne. Having taught in all key stages, I have gained a deeper understanding of the different challenges and barriers many children face in education and will aim to help these children achieve the best possible outcomes.
Outside of school I teach ballet, modern and tap at a private dance school where I am a qualified Royal Academy of Dance teacher. My main joy though is spending time with my 2 dance-mad daughters, my husband and our little dog; we enjoy going for walks on the beach or simply relaxing together on the couch watching a good film!
I am committed to supporting the important Christian ethos and vision of Newick Church of England Primary School. I look forward to continuing to work with the children, staff and parents to ensure all children fulfil their dreams and achieve their true potential.
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 conduct and sing in a choir called 'Cantando'. I have sung all my life with various choirs including the 'National Youth Choir of Great Britain', the award winning 'Chantage' and 'Vox Anima Chamber Choir'. I have sung all around the world, most recently performing in Atlanta and New York in 2023.
Mrs Oldfield - EYFS Teacher
This is my ninth year at Newick, previously teaching in Years 3, 4 and 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 Brett - EYFS Teacher and Year 5 Teacher
I am so excited to be joining the wonderful team at Newick after previously teaching at a Primary School in Bexhill for the last ten years.
I am passionate about children learning outside the classroom and am so impressed with the fabulous Forest and Garden School that Newick has to offer. I particularly enjoy teaching Art and Design, encouraging children to let their creativity and imaginations run wild.
In my spare time I love to be outdoors with my husband and three children. We can often be found visiting a National Trust property, enjoying the outdoors with a hot chocolate!
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 many 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 third 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 6. 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 three years, which I absolutely love and am incredibly proud of.
Miss Clarke - Year 1 Teacher
I have been teaching for 20 years and have been lucky enough to teach in many different places, including York, London, and Switzerland. For the past 10 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.
Miss Kinderman - Year 2 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 fifth year of teaching at Newick, this year in Year 2. 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 Cullip - Year 1 and Year 2 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.
Mrs Hurkett - Year 1 and 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 have spent the past two years with 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
This is my second year at Newick Primary School and I am so pleased to be teaching in Year 3 again this year. I am looking forward to teaching our exciting topics and seeing the children explore these through our curriculum and school trips.
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.
Miss Wicker - Year 3 Individual Needs Assistant
I joined Year 2 in November 2023 as an Individual Needs Assistant. I have worked in education and with children and families for over 20 years. I've specialised in supporting neurodiverse children and adults, as well as being a passionate advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion. I am very excited to continue working at Newick School and the amazing team here.
I am also a mum to two boys, which keeps me very busy, along with my two dogs, who I love to get out and walk in the woods in all weathers. Outside of work I am an avid reader and a member of a book club, I enjoy dressmaking and baking.
Mrs Cheeseman - Year 4 Teacher
I am extremely proud to be the Year 4 Teacher at Newick Church of England Primary School. I have been teaching at Newick since 2014, but have worked in education since 2002 across both Key stage 1 and 2 in a variety of schools.
I love making a difference to children's lives, planning and teaching creative lessons, which engage children and help them to learn and grow. I thoroughly enjoy leading Science and RE in the school. I love finding ways to enhance these subjects further and planning enquiry based, hands on science weeks that will engage children and remain in their memories for years to come. In my free time I love to read, learn more about history and science, visit historical places, garden and spend time with my wonderful husband, 4 children and 2 grandsons.
I am really looking forward to the exciting year ahead!
Mrs Marler - Year 3 and Year 4 Teaching Assistant
I am really excited to be part of the team at Newick Primary as a Teaching Assistant. This is a new career for me having spent 20 years working in the HR sector, but one I have always wanted to pursue as I love children and see it as a very rewarding and fulfilling occupation.
I live in nearby Barcombe with my husband and two young girls. We enjoy muddy walks in the countryside and regularly visiting the many different play parks in East Sussex....we particularly enjoy a zip wire!
In my spare time I love to shop (!), read and listen to music. I also enjoy socialising and getting involved in anything arts and crafts or upcycling related!
Mrs Coote - Year 3 and Year 4 Teaching Assistant
I am delighted to be joining the team at Newick Primary School.
I have worked as a Primary School Teacher for over 15 years, both in Sussex and at an international school in the French Riviera. I decided to take a break from teaching to prioritise time with my young son, but now that he is beginning his own school journey, I am excited about returning to the classroom as a Teaching Assistant. I love working with children and I feel lucky to have such a rewarding job.
In my spare time I enjoy relaxing and having fun with my husband and 4 year old. My hobbies include yoga, bike rides, walks in the Downs and by the beach and pottering in my garden.
Miss Strachan – Year 5 Teacher
I have been teaching at Newick for 11 years now. 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 6 year old daughter and 2 year old twins, and spending time with friends and family. I also enjoy playing the piano and running.
Mrs Conway - Year 5 Individual Needs Assistant
Mrs Mitchell - Year 5 Individual Needs Assistant
I joined Newick school in October 2023. I moved to East Sussex with my husband and son seven 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.
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 two young boys and 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 5 and 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 both year 5 and year 6 and am very excited about all the wonderful topics we will learn.
I have three children, one going into year 11 and twin boys who are starting secondary school 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!
Hazel Oliver - Learning Mentor
I have been fortunate enough to be part of the lovely Newick family since 2014, holding a variety of different roles during this time. Currently, Learning Mentor and EYFS Forest School Lead.
I am passionate about understanding our children’s needs and providing them with pastoral support, as well as regularly teaching PPA sessions across the school. I love to see our children thriving across the fantastic wider curriculum Newick has to offer.
In my spare time, I am kept busy by my young children and our ever-growing collection of animals.
Mrs Manners Moss - Secretary
I am delighted to continue being part of the fantastic team at Newick CE Primary School. As School Secretary I get to build strong relationships with the children, the staff, the parents and wider community. Every day is different and I embrace the variety of work thrown my way. It is an exciting environment to be part of.
I love to travel and see the world, having travelled to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Italy, France, Spain and The Caribbean to name a few! I used to enjoy bungee jumping and sky diving. I have a passion for baking and I have recently started paddle boarding.
Mrs Dunlop - Finance Assistant
I started working part time in the school office in June 2023 as a 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 became the Treasurer of our PTFA in 2023. 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 Killner – School Caretaker
I joined Newick Primary School in June 2024 and already enjoy being a part of the school and a member of the amazing team. I love the job already as I enjoy keeping busy and enjoy. I love the variety of tasks and the many challenges that I face on a daily basis.
I am an avid DIY'er and woodworker who loves to be practical and resourceful which makes this job perfect for me. I love the thrill of the chase of getting a problem, rooting out the cause, finding a solution and fixing it.
When I'm not at the school I enjoy spending time with my wife and three boys. We love days out at the beach and playparks, my wife says it's for the kids but really, I think it's for me because I'm a big kid at heart!
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.
Miss Stoner - Midday Supervisory Assistant
I joined Newick School in 2020, having lived in the village since I was 5, previously attending the school. I knew that it would be an amazing school to work at. Since working at Newick School I have been an MDSA, an INA, a Cleaner and a Teaching Assistant. In my spare time I like spending time with my friends and family, going on holiday, going to the gym and I am currently training for the London Marathon!
Miss Hilbourne - Midday Supervisory Assistant
I am a hardworking individual with a passion for animals, walking, children and having fun. Working with children brings me immense joy, and I actively contribute to my local community by volunteering at the Haywards Heath Brownies group and I love engaging with all the students at Newick school.
I try to always bring an enthusiasm and connection with children, creating an environment of fun and learning. It is my utmost priority to make a positive impact and create memorable experiences for every child I interact with.
Mrs Shepherd - Midday Supervisory Assistant
I joined in October 2023 as an MDSA to fit in with being a full time Mum to my young boys. I like helping others and it's great to work with the children at Newick Primary. Outside of work I love spending time with my husband and boys enjoying walks and seeing family.