Meet the Team

Mrs F Hearn - Phase Leader

I am a Primary School teacher with nine years’ experience, the majority of which has been spent teaching in Reception, alongside three years in Year 1. This experience gives me a clear understanding of children’s early learning journeys and where they are working towards, ensuring progression is meaningful and that transition into Key Stage 1 is smooth, supportive and positive for every child.

Before qualifying as a teacher, I worked for over twelve years as a Learning Support Assistant, which has given me a strong foundation in inclusive practice and a deep understanding of child development. I am also passionate about Literacy and have led Talk for Writing and writing development across the school.

I am proud to lead an incredible EYFS unit and Reception team who share this vision and work collaboratively to provide high-quality provision for all children. Together, we are committed to creating an environment where children feel safe, valued and excited to learn, with strong relationships at the heart of everything we do.

I am delighted to be the leader of EYFS as we look to drive the unit forward, providing opportunities for all our pupils to explore, be curious, whilst happy and safe in an amazingly positive, nurturing environment. My ultimate goal is to make learning irresistible, so that our pupils develop a life-long love of learning, with the confidence, resilience and motivation to set themselves high expectations and aspirations, for us to support and develop. EYFS is where my heart lies and building strong relationships with pupils and their families is key to my teaching. I believe we are a team and together we can work to make this first step into full time education, the very best it can be.

LLB (Hons) Law, Level 3 Teaching Assistant, PGCE Primary Education, NPQLL

Mrs C Spencer - Class Teacher.

I have been part of the KPS family since we merged and before that I taught in The Kings School for many years. I worked in a Primary school in Newcastle before joining The Kings School where I worked in year 2 and Reception. I have also enjoyed teaching in year 3 and year 1. 

I specialised in Langauge and Literacy when training to be a teacher and qualified with a B.Ed (hons) degree in Primary Teaching.

In my spare time I enjoy dancing, walking, gardening and going to the gym. I am passionate about well-being, both physical and mental.  Exercise and nature give me mindfulness and positivity which I like to share with the children I teach.

I love the magic of working with young children, never a dull moment, but what a great job to be such an important part of their development.

Mrs S Collier - Class Teacher

My name is Mrs Collier, and I have been teaching at Kings Priory School since 2014. 

I have a true passion for working with all age groups and feel very lucky to working with our youngest pupils in Reception. I feel it is a real honour sharing your child’s first year at ‘big school’ with them. Supporting your child, giving them a sense of belonging and community underpins my pedagogy as every child is unique and we should embrace and celebrate this.

As well as teaching Reception I am also the Phonics and Early Reading Lead, enabling success for all children and inspiring a lifelong love of reading is something I truly value.

When I am not teaching I enjoy going to the gym, especially weightlifting! Another favourite past-time of mine is camping, embracing nature and the great outdoors, although I must admit to being afraid of cows!

NNEB Certificate in Childcare and Nursery Nursing, Level 3 Teaching Assistant, BA (Hons) Early Primary Education and NPQ for Senior Leadership

Mrs S Kuzlak  - Learning Support Assistant 

Hi, my name is Mrs Kuzlak and I am a Learning Support Assistant at Kings Priory School.

My journey in education began in 2020 during lockdown. COVID 19 inspired me to retrain to be a Learning Support Assistant. During my time here at Kings Priory School, I started out whilst training as an Out of School Assistant and Lunchtime Supervisor, where I worked alongside pupils from EYFS to Year 8.

I have the privilege of working in EYFS Reception where I support across all 3 classrooms. I teach and lead my own phonics groups, support literacy and maths topics within the classroom and as part of the children's outdoor learning as well as small reading groups, speech and language and nurture groups. 

I have definitely found my niche working within EYFS, I especially enjoy teaching phonics and watching the children progress to implement this into their reading and literacy within Talk4Writing. Sharing stories with the children and sprinkling them with new words is always a joy! It is such a magical time for the children in so many areas of the EYFS framework. 

Early Years Child Development Training, NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning.

Mrs Anne New - Learning Support Assistant

My favourite place to work without a doubt is in Reception. It is a challenging but highly enjoyable place to be. I feel very lucky to be able to further the children’s knowledge of the world, assist with their first steps into phonics and writing as well as all the fun activities we participate in – crafts, busy fingers and school visits. 

Outside of school I love to go to the theatre/cinema and on walks in the countryside and visiting new places. I am often to be found cycling around the boroughs many cycle tracks.

Mrs Helyn Fox - Learning Support Assistant 

Working in Early Years, supporting the children to learn through play, and gaining key life skills for the future. I have a passion for being outdoors. You will often find me in the Nature Area, helping children to learn about the environment, and caring for it.

During lunchtimes, I support to develop and run Opal Play. I am a very creative person and support the team to create areas, that will inspire the children to enjoy outdoor play.

Ms Kirsteen Baglee - Learning Support Assistant

I have a degree in media which led to a short career in television before I moved on to wider interests. My background is in holistic therapies which I am able to draw on to support the mental wellbeing of the children. I enjoy singing and was able to use this working with babies, toddlers and their grown-ups.

I am thrilled to be in the Early Years team as part of the Kings Priory School family. I hope to contribute by creating a calm, nurturing environment where each child feels safe, supported and free to thrive.  I am artistic and love sharing this with the children through arts and crafts activities.