David Roundtree, Head of Federation
I’ve a degree in marketing but didn’t especially enjoy the world of business so I entered the world of teaching instead – I love it! As a teacher, I especially enjoyed English, Maths, Art and PSHE. A few years into my teaching career, I did a Masters degree in Primary Education and later on completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship. I’ve taught in lots of schools and also worked as a primary Maths lecturer in a university. I became a headteacher in 2007 and I’m now proud to be the head of Sphere Federation, a federation of three schools: Moortown Primary, Scholes (Elmet) Primary and here at St James’ CE Primary. As well as leading the three schools alongside their brilliant Heads of Schools, I really enjoy the opportunity to support other teachers, school leaders and schools as a National Leader of Education and strategic partner of Noctua Teaching School. In school, I’m known for my green sludge smoothies (brocolli, spinach, spirulina…). Out of school, I enjoy arty things, including printing and visiting art galleries – and I go to the gym often (though I’m not sure I’d say I enjoy it!).
Natalie Beatson, Head of School and Year 5/6 class teacher
I’ve been at St James’ CE Primary since September 2017. I’m the school’s safeguarding lead. Earlier in my teaching career, I worked at Moortown Primary School- one of our other federation schools- before moving to London. After teaching in Wembley and Harrow for seven years, I missed Yorkshire so much I decided to move back! I love to teach PE (particularly netball) and English.
The teaching assistant in Y5/6 is Michelle Bald.
Mark Mills, Y3/4 Teacher
Hi, I’m Mr Mills. I’ve been a teacher for 11 years now. My favourite subjects to teach are maths and PE, but i’m also quite fond of a good piece of writing as well. In my spare time I’m quite sporty and like to swim, cycle and run my way around Yorkshire. In fact, I’ve represented Great Britain at the World Triathlon Championships – something which I’m incredibly proud of. I carry on my love of teaching outside of school by coaching other adults in triathlon and running, helping them to be the best they can be. When I’m not doing all of this, you can usually find me curled up on the sofa with a good science-fiction story book.
The teaching assistant in Y3/4 is Lauren Cairnes.
Kerensa Welsby, Y3/4 Teacher
Originally from Sheffield, I started teaching in London. Since then, I’ve taught in a wide variety of schools in Sheffield, North Yorkshire and Leeds. I love working with children and helping them develop into the adults of the future. When I’m not teaching, I love to explore the outdoors. I enjoy running with my local club and walking my mad dog!
The teaching assistant in Y3/4 is Lauren Cairnes.
Becky Rowley, Y1/2 Teacher
I grew up in a small town in the Midlands not too far away from Cadbury World. I started teaching in 2012 at school in Dudley and moved to live in Yorkshire three years ago. Outside of school, I love music; I play the flute and grew up playing in orchestras and singing in choirs. I love nothing more than getting out and about visiting new places, cities and exploring the countryside. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. I find working with children very rewarding. It’s lovely to see a child’s face when something that you’ve taught them ‘clicks’ in their head.
The teaching assistant in Y1/2 is Gill Walton.
Katie Harker, Y1/2 Teacher
I started working within Sphere Federation seven years ago as a teaching assistant at Scholes (Elmet) Primary School. Three years later, I decided to train to become a teacher at Leeds Trinity University. I’m thrilled to have a class of my own at St James’ CE Primary. My favourite subject to teach is phonics. There is always lots of singing in my classroom, too!
The teaching assistant in Y1/2 is Gill Walton.
Caroline Allen-Kelly, F1/2 (Nursery and Reception) Teacher
Hi, I’m Mrs Allen-Kelly. I started teaching at St James’ in 2017. In my training, I specialised in Early Years – I love teaching Foundation! Every day I see something new from the children and something that makes me say ‘Wow!’ It’s really special to be a part of those important first years of school life. I moved to Leeds with my family three years ago and have never looked back. Yorkshire is so beautiful. Our weekends are often filled with visiting the many wonderful parks, museums and landmarks around the city.
The teaching assistant in F1/2 is Olivia Feldman.
Charlotte Marsden, F1/2 (Nursery and Reception) Teacher
From a young age, I wanted to be a teacher – I even had my own class of teddies! In 2016, I completed my Early Years degree at Leeds Beckett University. Shortly after, I started working as a teaching assistant at Moortown Primary. I am thrilled to be teaching three days a week at St James’. I love teaching in Foundation and seeing where the learning journey begins – it’s definitely the place to be! In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, shopping, creating and seeing my family and friends.
The teaching assistant in F1/2 is Olivia Feldman.
Other teachers
Vanessa Ellison (teaches half a day each week in F1/2 and Y3/4): I always wanted to be a PE teacher but found the challenge and enjoyment of working with younger children much more appealing. In my current role, I teach from Reception to Year 4 – it’s wonderful seeing how much the children progress and develop over that time. I really believe so much learning and fulfilment happens outdoors. I love walking, running and spend lots of time with my family exploring fantastic Yorkshire beauty spots. However, if I could go anywhere, it would be to the rainy but magnificent Lake District!
Nicola Walshaw, Administration Assistant
I’ve been lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mum for the past nine years, raising my children, Ruby and Kai. My previous job was an Airline Cabin Crew Manager for TUI based at Doncaster/Sheffield Airport, where I operated both long and short haul flights. It was an extremely varied role, quite challenging at times but very enjoyable.