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 32 years, the last 25 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. 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 am a qualified Early Years Teacher and am loving bringing this experience into my role here at Downsway.  I have had the luxury of working across the school getting to know the staff and children well.  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 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. 

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.

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! 

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.

Mrs Savard

I have just joined Downsway School this year but have worked in schools for the past 11 years. I am a qualified teacher of French and am happily getting back into the classroom after quite a long time holding administrative positions. I am finding working with primary school age children very enjoyable and am looking forward to helping them learn and grow as individuals.

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.  

Miss Frank

I have 4 children who have all previously attended Downsway and I am fortunate enough to have worked here for the last 2  years as a teaching assistant.  I am also chair to the Downsway  PTA.   In my spare time I enjoy watching my children play football, walking my dogs and spending time with friends.

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 am a lunchtime assistant and teaching assistant.  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.