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 for ten years! 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 28 years, the last 21 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.

Miss Smith

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 for 2 years. I completed my PGCE through Reading University and was lucky enough to do 2 of my placements back at Downsway. I am now in my third year of teaching in Foundation Stage. I am also Phonics lead and a staff Governor.

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 via a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with the Berkshire Teaching Alliance and Oxford Brookes University. I spent the majority of my training here at Downsway teaching in both Year 1 and Year 4. Following my qualification, I have spent a year teaching in Year 1 and am currently enjoying my 2nd year in Year 1 back here at Downsway.

Mr Bolton

I have been teaching at Downsway for the past 5 years 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 third 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 am currently the mentor to Miss King in Year 4 and Miss Limbu who is the Year 2 trainee teacher. Outside of school I play lots of football and cricket and enjoy socialising with my 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 Acting Inclusion Manager. 

Miss King

As a Newly Qualified Teacher, I have really enjoyed my time in my first class in Year 4. I graduated from the University of Gloucestershire in 2018 with a BEd (Hons) Primary Education 5- 11 degree and have since then been at Downsway. Before this, I had plenty of experience in both KS1 and KS2 mixed year group classes as well as working with children in a local holiday club. I have a real passion for bringing learning to life for the children and love outdoor learning alongside Geography and Science. 

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 Jones

I teach Year 5 and my passions are writing and drama. I really enjoying trying new ideas to get children engaged in their writing- in particular using film and the media. 

Mr Grover

I am the Maths co-ordinator, designated safeguarding lead and Deputy Headteacher and have worked at Downsway for ten years! 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 Huntington

Currently on maternity leave.

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 Lloyd

Returning in February 2019.

Mrs Thomas

I have been working at Downsway for the past 19 years.  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 Valentine

I work as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, I am based in year 5, but cover all year groups when the teacher is absent. I love my job as I get to know the whole school and everyday is different. I live in Pangbourne with my two teenage sons. My degree, which I did through the Open University, is in Humanities with Creative Writing, I enjoy reading and socialising with my friends.

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 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 Eydmann

Prior to joining Downsway, I worked at Toybox Day Nursery supporting SEN children. I gained a Level 3 SEN Teaching Assistant Diploma and have completed a Makaton Signing course. I am currently working one to one with a pupil at Downsway. 

Mrs Green

I joined Downsway Primary School in September 2018 as a 1:1 Learning Support Assistant in Year 4. Since joining I have loved getting to know the children throughout the school, especially within the class I am aligned to and count myself very lucky to work where I do, within such a fantastic school. I help out with the school cross country club and I am also a school governor at a neighbouring primary school that my 3 children attend. I have a degree in History of Art and my employment background is in software licensing.

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 now for 6 years, the last 3 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

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. At evenings and weekends I am wife, mum and sports reporter!

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 Farr

My roles at Downsway are as a 1:1 Teaching assistant and Lunchtime assistant. I enjoy working with children 1:1 as it is so rewarding. It is lovely to see the children progress through the school and grow in confidence.

Mrs Harman

I am a teaching assistant and this is my second year in foundation, which I love! Prior to this I worked with Year 3. I help out after school at the Street Dance club which I enjoy. I have 3 boys, 2 who currently go to Downsway.

Mr Scott

I am the school librarian and 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.

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 for 20 years this year! 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 Farr

My roles at Downsway are as a 1:1 Teaching assistant and Lunchtime assistant. I enjoy working with children 1:1 as it is so rewarding. It is lovely to see the children progress through the school and grow in confidence.

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 for the past 19 years.  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.