Mrs Ayres

I have an Education & Music degree and I can play the oboe and piano!  I am committed to my role as Headteacher to provide the greatest possible education for all the pupils at Downsway and I am privilege to have an amazing team around me to do this – Staff, pupils, parents and governors. Outside of work I play netball each week for a local team and support Reading FC.

Mr Grover

I am the Maths co-ordinator, designated safeguarding lead and Deputy Headteacher and have worked at Downsway since 2008! I enjoy working at Downsway because of its nurturing, family feel where everyone knows and is supportive of each other. I am passionate about maths and love seeing children get excited about the subject. As a season ticket holder at Watford Football club, I also look forward to Monday chats with the children about the weekend football scores! 

Mr Edwards

I studied Zoology at the University of Reading and upon graduating I spent some time travelling, including teaching for several months in Thailand. Upon returning to English, I began work as a Learning Support Assistant at Brookfields Specialist SEN School where I then undertook my teacher training, with a placement at Downsway as well. I have a keen interest in wildlife and nature as well as a passion for working with SEN pupils, which is reflected in my current roles as Science Subject Leader and Inclusion Manager. 

Mr Barter-Walsh

After a twenty-five year career in accountancy, I joined Downsway to give back to the school that has been a big part of my family’s life for seven years whilst our son attended here. The community spirit of the school is something everyone should be proud of. Outside of school, I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family and friends. I am also bit of a mad science fiction fan.

Mrs Rouse

I am the Secretary at Downsway Primary School and I couldn't wish to work with a better bunch of colleagues, children and parents. My background has always been front of house, and I worked at a local secondary school for a few years before coming to Downsway. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family.

Mrs Clarke

I studied Early Childhood Studies with Education and Human Development at Oxford Brookes University and continued my studies to complete a PGCE specialising in Early Years. I have taught Foundation Stage for 11 years across one form and two form entry primary schools in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire. Whilst teaching I also completed an MA in Childhood Studies and am particularly fascinated by children’s early mark making/drawing and the impact of stories on children’s language development. I love teaching this age group because of their enthusiasm for learning and feel privileged to be part of their first year of school. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Miss Watson

I graduated from Falmouth University in 2014 with a BA(Hons) degree in Textile Design. I then spent 6 months working as a freelance textile designer before deciding to embark on a career in teaching. I spent nearly 2 years gaining experience as a teaching assistant in a Key Stage 2 setting, before gaining my qualified teaching status and PGCE through Oxford Brookes University. I spent the majority of my training here at Downsway teaching in both Year 1 and Year 4. I am now in my 5th year of being a year 1 class teacher, which I love, and I am enjoying my 4th year of teaching here at Downsway. I am PSHE and Design and Technology lead, which is a subject I have a particular interest and passion for.

Miss Worlin

I studied Psychology at the University of Winchester and during this time I particularly enjoyed the child development module. As a result of this, after graduating I went on to complete a PGCE at the University of Reading, gaining my Qualified Teacher Status. During the PGCE I had placements at two different schools in Reading. I undertook two of my placements at Downsway in Year 2 and Year 3. I am now teaching in Year 3, which I love. Outside of school, I like to spend time with family and friends.

Miss Gale

I have a BA in Early Childhood Studies, a PGCE and I’m also part of the Early Years Moderation team for West Berkshire. I joined Downsway as a full-time Foundation teacher in 2013 where I spent 3 very happy years. After having my daughter I returned part-time and feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to teach pupils from Foundation to Year 4 - hopefully still bringing a bit of that Early Years magic in all I do!

Mr Bolton

I have been teaching at Downsway since 2014 and this was where I began teaching. I trained in Year 5 and began teaching in Year 4. I am currently in Year 2 which I love and this is my sixth year in KS1. I am the PE lead which I love, as sport is very important to me and it's great to see the children express themselves against other schools in a variety of fixtures. I have also been computing lead for the previous 3 years and I have enjoyed seeing this develop throughout the school. Outside of work, I play football and cricket, enjoy socialising with my friends and love long walks with Teddy our cavapoo!   

Mrs Jones

I started my teaching in a primary school in Slough for several years, in which I taught year 5 and mostly Year 6. I was lucky enough to take part in English, drama and film training, which gave me inspiration for how we can use this in the classroom. I then moved to a Reading to teach in a fantastic Junior school and was able to work in year 4-6 over a number of years.  My passions are writing and drama. I really enjoy trying new ideas to get children engaged in their writing- in particular using film and the media. 

Miss King

I completed my BEd (Hons) Primary Education degree at the University of Gloucestershire before joining Downsway as a newly qualified teacher in 2018, where I taught my first class in Year 4. I have since then never left Year 4, having loved every second! We do so many exciting topics, including my favourite - the Romans. We also get to do a production, swimming lessons and a residential stay at Ufton Court which is always lots of fun. I love being able to bring learning to life for the children and love outdoor learning, which is my subject lead. I also help run the school choir, taking part in the Young Voices competition each year. Before Downsway, I worked at an outdoor holiday club at a local nursery so working with children has always been a passion. Outside of work, I am a keen baker and enjoy spending time with my family and friends going for lots of walks and trips to the beach. 

Mrs Burnham

I studied Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Southampton before working as a Learning Support Assistant at Denefield School. I then went on to complete my PGCE at the University of Reading and started teaching in 2004. I have taught in two other local primary schools during my teaching career and have a particular passion for mathematics and science. When not in school, I love spending time with my family including my two young children and being outdoors.

Mrs Tipper

I studied Travel and Tourism at the University of Cardiff before I worked as a teaching assistant at Thameside Primary School. I went on to complete my PGCE in early years education at the University of Reading and started teaching in 2012. I particularly enjoy teaching geography and music. Outside of school I am a wife and mum to my three children. I have a passion for baking and exploring new places.

Mr Grover

I am the Maths co-ordinator, designated safeguarding lead and Deputy Headteacher and have worked at Downsway for since 2008! I enjoy working at Downsway because of its nurturing, family feel where everyone knows and is supportive of each other. I am passionate about maths and love seeing children get excited about the subject. As a season ticket holder at Watford Football club, I also look forward to Monday chats with the children about the weekend football scores! 

Mr Edwards

I studied Zoology at the University of Reading and upon graduating I spent some time travelling, including teaching for several months in Thailand. Upon returning to English, I began work as a Learning Support Assistant at Brookfields Specialist SEN School where I then undertook my teacher training, with a placement at Downsway as well. I have a keen interest in wildlife and nature as well as a passion for working with SEN pupils, which is reflected in my current roles as Science Subject Leader and Inclusion Manager. 

Miss Thomas

I have been working at Downsway since 1998.  I am a qualified HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) and also an ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant). I also teach Year 4 swimming along with Mrs Holder and I am a lunchtime assistant. I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of my job, never two days are the same. The satisfaction of seeing individual pupils meeting their challenges and achieving them is tremendous.

Miss Green

I have worked in West Berkshire Schools for over 13 years and I joined Downsway in 2015 after achieving a Foundation Degree at the University of Reading. I love seeing the children achieve their very best everyday.

Mrs Roberts

I am a  learning support assistant  with Year 2  and sometimes with  Year 5 but what makes me particularly lucky is that every lunch time I am out and about and getting to spend time with  all the lovely Downsway children and hopefully making lunch times a bit less stressful for some. I have a degree in Biology and a Masters in entomology and plant pathology and am currently training to become a counsellor. I have 1 patient husband, 2 lovely children, 2 fluffy cats, 1 neurotic dog and a giant African land snail called Freddy.

Mrs Saunders

I’m a qualified Nursery Nurse, gaining my NNEB at Reading a fair few years ago! I’ve been at Downsway since 2013, the last 6 have been in Foundation - which I love! I’m a Mum to 3 Children, who go to Denefield and Long Lane. Any spare time I have I spend running very busy Rainbow and Brownie units at the Brock Barracks!

Mrs Scott

I joined Downsway in 2010 and have been lucky enough to experience working across the whole school. Weekdays, I am an experienced Teaching Assistant, helping, caring and supporting. I enjoy the daily challenges set and love seeing the smile on the faces of achievers. I love watching sport especially football being a regular supporter at Reading FC. Outside of school I am a wife and mum to three grown up children.

Mrs Taylor

Having worked at Downsway since 2006, I have worked in Years 1 to 6 as a Teaching Assistant.  I also work as a lunchtime assistant which enables me to get to know and help all children within the school. Whilst at Downsway I have achieved NVQ level 2 and 3 qualification as well as teaching many intervention programmes to the children plus maths booster sessions to help Year 6 prepare for their SATs.

Mr Scott

I am the school librarian and have been involved with the Downsway Library since 2007 when I used to volunteer as a parent. I am passionate about reading and history and often support the various classes with history support and helping children with reading. I am currently studying a part-time history degree at Oxford University, teach the ever popular chess club and I am heavily involved with a local scout group.

Miss Allen

I recently changed jobs after six years working at a pre-school and working hard to gain my NVQ3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care.  I am really enjoying the experience at working with older children and being part of an amazing team.  Outside of work I am either gardening, with the help of my rescue chickens and my two dogs, or with my beautiful horse, which I have owned for 17 years.

Miss Fairbairn

I am new to Downsway this year but have worked in local schools since graduating from the University of Winchester in 2021. I am a HLTA, meaning I will have many opportunities to work in all year groups across the school; getting to know all of the children. This will sometimes be as a TA and other times covering as the class teacher.  Outside of school, I enjoy cycling, swimming and watching football. Alongside this, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. 

Mrs Giles

I am fairly new to downsway and have been working as a 1:1 TA for the past year. I enjoy working with all of the children and helping them to flourish and grow as they learn. When I’m not at school I am Mum to 3 small children and enjoy anything creative.  

Mrs Monaca

I joined Downsway in January 2023 as a Teaching Assistant. I find working with children very rewarding. I enjoy helping and supporting them, especially a lovely child with special needs who I work with 1:1.

Outside of work, I sometimes go for a walk in the woods, I find it relaxing! I love spending time with my lovely fluffy cat Romeo! I also enjoy meeting my friends and going out for a nice meal. When it comes to food, lasagna and pizza are at the top of my list! I love travelling and exploring new places too. In addition to English, I can speak Spanish, a little bit of French, and of course, my native language ltalian. During school holidays, I often visit my family in ltaly, who I miss very much. I always make time to video call them and stay connected.

Mrs Cox

I have worked in childcare for 21 years , starting in a nursery where I gained NVQ levels 2+3 in Early Years Education and Care. I joined Downsway 3 years ago as a lunchtime assistant then soon became a 1:1 teaching assistant. I am passionate about working with children especially SEN pupils, helping the flourish and grow into the amazing individuals they are. I have been lucky enough to have been given the role as Autism Champion which I have just finished my training for. I am looking forward to working with both staff and pupils to help make their time at Downsway the best it can be, full of enjoyment, smiles and laughter. When I’m not working I love spending time with my two young children, long walks and baking.

Mrs Deane

I have been working at Downsway School as a lunchtime controller since 1999! I studied with LCM as a musician, specialising in clarinet. I teach private clarinet and piano lessons outside of school, as well as teaching piano and recorder lessons in school. I am the Musical Director at Earley Music Centre on Saturday mornings and I have performed in many places with orchestras and bands.

Mrs Taylor

Having worked at Downsway since 2006, I have worked in Years 1 to 6 as a Teaching Assistant.  I also work as a lunchtime assistant which enables me to get to know and help all children within the school. Whilst at Downsway I have achieved NVQ level 2 and 3 qualification as well as teaching many intervention programmes to the children plus maths booster sessions to help Year 6 prepare for their SATs.

Miss Thomas

I have been working at Downsway since 1998.  I am a qualified HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) and also an ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant). I also teach Year 4 swimming along with Mrs Holder and I am a lunchtime assistant.  I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of my job, never two days are the same. The satisfaction of seeing individual pupils meeting their challenges and achieving them is tremendous.

Miss Allen

I recently changed jobs after six years working at a pre-school and working hard to gain my NVQ3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care.  I am really enjoying the experience at working with older children and being part of an amazing team.  Outside of work I am either gardening, with the help of my rescue chickens and my two dogs, or with my beautiful horse, which I have owned for 17 years.