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 1997 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 strategic partner and National Leader of Education working with 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.
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.
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 Gill Walton.
Vicky Richardson, Y3/4 Teacher
I’m a Year 3,4 teacher here at St James’ CE Primary. I share teaching Year 3/4 with Mr Mills, teaching on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoon. My biggest passion outside school is music, both performing and watching live music. I write songs using my keyboard and a loop pedal and am in the process of releasing my first solo EP as Keeper of Bees. I came into teaching because I love being able to help children reach their full potential. I’ve been teaching for 13 years. The thing I most like about St James’ CE Primary is the bright sparky children who are a joy to work with.
The teaching assistant in Y3/4 is Gill Walton.
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.
Rosie Pyart, Y1/2 Teacher (Becky Rowley’s maternity cover)
I started my education down in Nottinghamshire but after attending university in Leeds, I fell in Love with Yorkshire and I’ve been here ever since. If you come past my classroom, you’ll probably hear us singing maths songs, engaged in chatter, investigating or making valuable mistakes and learning from them. I’ve wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember, and I love teaching in Key Stage 1! You’ll often see me smiling, happy, bubbly and being positive. The best part of my job is seeing the progress the children have made. Outside of the classroom, I like to stay active, going to the gym or exploring new places. I also like making a mess in my kitchen, trying new recipes out on willing subjects.
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.
Lucy Valentine, F1/2 (Nursery and Reception) Teacher
I began my teaching career at Moortown Primary in 2013 but after the arrival of my daughter, I now teach three days a week at St James’. If you see me around school, it’ll be unusual not to see me smiling – I like to have fun so teaching is the perfect job for me. It’s great to be part of the EYFS team at St James’ – from constructing castles in the construction zone to being master chefs in the mud kitchen and scientists in the sand, Early Years has it all! My favourite place in the classroom would have to be surrounded by books in the reading corner. I love being creative and using my imagination – reading allows me to do that each time I turn a page. Beyond school, my time is spent enjoying my young family and I like to consider myself to be quite the chef… you might disagree if you’ve tasted one of my concoctions! I’m also part of the governing body; within this role, I visit each school in the federation throughout the year to meet with children who tell me all about their school life – I always look forward to hearing the valuable things they have to say!
The teaching assistant in F1/2 is Olivia Feldman.
Other teachers
Kerensa Welsby (teaches one day each week in Y5/6): 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!
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!
Ben Freeman (teaches on Monday and Friday afternoons): I began working for Sphere Federation in August 2017. With a degree in Sport, I work as a PE teacher and after-school football coach. Enabling a fun working environment and watching children progress is a fantastic feeling. Outside of work, I am a keen footballer myself and enjoy golf in the summer.