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! 

Mrs Hobbs

My background has always been finance and accounting.  I have been working in primary education for over 30 years, the last 24 years here at Downsway!  I gained my Diploma in School Business Management back in 2008.  I enjoy the variety that the role brings and I am honoured to work with such a great team.  Outside of working hours I love to head off in my caravan and spend time with my family.  I am also a Scout Leader with a local group.

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. 

 

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. It truly is such a positive and happy school. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family.

Miss Rackley

My journey at Downsway began in 2013 where I worked as a teaching assistant in Foundation Stage and completely fell in love with the school and early years. I completed my PGCE through Reading University and was lucky enough to do 2 of my placements back at Downsway, one in Year 2 and one in Foundation Stage. I am now in my 6th year of teaching in Foundation Stage and absolutely love what I do. I am English and Phonics lead, KS1 and FS lead and a staff Governor. Outside of school, I love spending time with my friends and family, especially my two little nephews. I am also learning to speak Spanish!!!

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.

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! 

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.  

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. 

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.

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 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. 

I currently teach Year 5 and 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. 

Mrs Lloyd

I love teaching - the way that every day is different, seeing children overcome obstacles, learn a new skill and grasping new concepts is wonderful. Back in the not quite dark ages, I qualified at Reading University with a PGCE following my degree from Brunel University in Geography and Sports Science. Since then I have returned to Reading University to achieve my Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator qualification. Apart from teaching the other passions in my life are spending quality time with my family and friends, walking the dog, baking. I nearly forgot, I’ve started art lessons, it’s never too late to learn something new. 

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! 

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 3 - hopefully still bringing a bit of that Early Years magic in all I do!

 

Mrs 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.

Mrs Holder

I joined Downsway in 2005 as an LSA to a child. I then became a qualified Teaching Assistant, passing my NVQ2 & NVQ3. I am also ELSA and a qualified higher level Swimming Instructor for the school and outside of school. Prior to joining Downsway, I worked for the Law Society and also swam for RSC, where I represented the County in Germany.

Mrs Preston

I've worked at Downsway since 2006 and I've been lucky enough to experience all years.  I have taught on a 1 to 1 basis and I am now based in Year 3 as a TA. I have been an ELSA for 5 years and I have had many success stories which I'm proud of. Outside of work I love singing, dancing, acting and spending time with my family.

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.

Mrs Harman

I have worked at Downsway since 2016 as a teaching assistant. I have worked in year 3, foundation and I’m currently in year 1. As well as working with the children in my class, I carry out interventions with other children across the school, helping them with their phonics and writing. I love seeing the progress the children make and the smiles on their faces.

Out of school I am a wife and mum to 3 boys. All of my boys have attended Downsway where they thrived. I enjoy watching them play football and rugby. Alongside this, I take pleasure in walking my 2 energetic dogs.

Mrs Farr

I have been working as a teaching assistant for 14 years. I worked at St Michael’s primary school before joining Downsway in 2017. My role has mainly been as a 1:1 teaching assistant. I enjoy the variety that the role brings and I have worked in Foundation stage through to Year 5.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also love walking our dog and Zumba!

Mrs Tipper

I started as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant in September 2021. Since then I have had the luxury of working across the school getting to know the staff and children well. I am a qualified Early Years Teacher and am loving bringing this experience into my role here at Downsway. Outside of school I am a wife and mum to 3 primary aged children. I have a passion for baking and am an avid Bake Off fan! 

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.

Mr Clark

I have been the caretaker at Downsway Primary School since 2016. I hold an FA coaching certificate and in my spare time I am the Assistant Manager of an Under 10's girls football team.  I live locally with my partner, children and Bulldog Bo.

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 Morgan-Russell

I love working at Downsway the children are a delight, friendly and polite .

Mrs Prescott

I started at Downsway as a lunchtime controller and have been supported by all members of staff. The children each have their own character which makes every day enjoyable to work with.

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.

Mrs 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.