Our Staff

Kerry Thompson

Principal & Designated Safeguarding Lead

I have always wanted to work with children and teaching has provided me with the opportunity to do this! I have been very lucky and have had an amazing journey through the education system and becoming a teacher has not only enabled me to work with children, but also to give something back; to ensure that children in my care achieve their full potential and enjoy their time in school! I have been involved in education over 20 years, graduating from Trinity and All Saints College, Leeds in 1995, having gained a degree in Geography with Primary Education, BA Hons, QTS. I have taught in 6 different primary schools in Hull during this time, ranging from Reception up to Year 6. I have fulfilled a variety of different roles in school from being a school governor to being the Vice-Principal for the last 13 years at Southcoates Primary Academy, Hull. In December 2016, I was very privileged to be offered the role of Principal at Eastfield, a position that I have now taken up. I am proud to have joined the Eastfield family to have the opportunity to work with such an amazing, skilled team and to work alongside parents and carers to ensure the children of Eastfield continue to thrive. Qualifications: Geography with Primary Education, BA Hons, QTs (Leeds) NPQH

Rob Moody

Assistant Principal: Head of MySpace

I have enjoyed a rich and diverse roundabout route to my current post as head of behaviour support within MySpace. Having been born in Cleethorpes and raised in Grimsby I attended Springfield Primary School and Wintringham Comprehensive School before heading to Leeds Metropolitan University in 1991 to study Urban Development. Having gained BA(hons) I returned to Grimsby to weigh up my options. It was while juggling employment at B&Q alongside a musical commitment in a working band that I undertook a BTEC in Music Performance. However I knew that my professional life was lacking direction. An opportunity to use my degree education within Project Planning at North East Lincolnshire Council led to spell with the authority before a chance meeting rekindled an early interest in working with children. Following periods of voluntary work experience back at Springfield Primary Academy I returned to education at Hull University in 2000 to undertake a PGCE. My teaching career has seen me work at Edward Heneage Primary as class teacher before moving to Weelsby Primary in 2003 where I remained until September 2016. During this time I broadened my understanding of primary teaching moving through KS2 before settling in Y6 and subsequently becoming Lead Learner and Assistant Principal. The opportunity to join the innovative MySpace team at Eastfield within the Enquire Learning Trust proved a huge incentive to move in 2016 and I am thoroughly enjoying a new lease of educational life on a new journey. As for life outside of teaching, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, visiting music festivals in our camper van, as well as trying to keep fit playing football and also following the fortunes of Grimsby Town Football Club. My experiences lead me to firmly believe that life is about passing the time enjoyably and that message is the secret to a lifelong love of learning.

Katie Tordoff

Assistant Principal : Year 2 Teacher & Phase Lead

I grew up and live in Hull. I always wanted to be a teacher, but decided to study law when I went to college. I completed a year of a law degree at Hull University before realising I had made a mistake and switched to an Education Degree. After completing my Education Degree at Hull University I went on to complete my PGCE In Scarborough. In 2014 I started working for another school in Enquire Learning Trust before Joining Eastfield in September 2015. I was warmly welcomed into the Eastfield family and it feels like I have always been here. Working at Eastfield is definitely worth the 60 mile a day drive. I am currently teaching in Year 1 and I absolutely love it. I find it really rewarding watching the children develop into wonderful individuals with a passion to learn. In my spare time I love nothing more than spending time with my family and friends. Qualifications: BA (Hons) Education PGCE Advanced Early Years

Kylie Watson

Assistant Principal: Year 3 Teacher & Phase Lead

I always had an ambition to become a teacher from a very young age. After being born in Australia, I grew up in Healing, attending both Healing Primary School and then Healing Comprehensive school. Following on from this I attended Franklin College where I completed A-levels in Maths, PE and Sports Studies and ICT. In 2006, I began my exciting journey towards teaching at Sheffield Hallam University, where I spent three years completing my BA Hons Primary Education degree with QTS. I chose to stay in Sheffield for a further year, where I did supply teaching. In 2009 I was thrilled to become part of the team at Eastfield! I currently teach in year 3 and 4 and work as part of a team leading ICT and the curriculum. We are working on a new assessment system, which is very exciting. I am so proud to be part of the team at Eastfield, it is like having an extended family! As a teacher, I strive to ensure all children enjoy their learning and achieve their full potential. We focus on a collaborate approach to our learning which leads to us being independent and confident learners. I am privileged to meet and teach such lovely, determined children. Outside of work I enjoy socialising with friends and spending time with my family, especially my nieces and nephews. I am also keen to try and keep fit, attending Zumba classes and occasionally going for runs- I once did a half marathon. When I get a chance, I love going abroad on holidays. Qualifications BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS

Jayne Lord

Year 6 Teacher & Phase Lead

Upper Key Stage 2 Team

From a very young age, I always wanted to be a teacher. I went to Grimsby College and then Scarborough University where I gained a degree in Maths with Primary Education, BA Hons, QTS. I have taught at Eastfield since being an NQT and I am currently teaching in Year 6. As a teacher, I strive to ensure that children reach their full potential and develop a love for learning. We focus on a collaborate approach to our learning which leads to us being independent and confident learners. I feel very lucky to work with such amazing children and staff. In my spare time I am kept very busy having fun with my two children. As a family we love going for adventures finding new places to explore.

Shenley Sparkes

Year 5 Teacher

Upper Key Stage 2 Team

After leaving school I completed my level 3 Childcare in Education certificate and started to work in nurseries. I decided that I had wanted to progress and move on to working with children within a school. While I was working I had the opportunity to travel and live in Iceland for a while. After I had been there for three years I decided I wanted to come back home and work in a school. After gaining employment in a school as a teaching assistant I knew this is what I had wanted to do. Furthermore, I went through my teacher training and became a teacher. Teaching at Eastfield is wonderful, it is a pleasure to be here. I like to spend lots of time with my family and I enjoy socialising with friends.

Tom Ward

Year 5 Teacher

Upper Key Stage 2 Team

I am Tom Ward, and I'm excited to connect with you as a proud member of the Eastfield Primary community. With a background in Creative Writing and extensive experience in teaching and leadership, I am deeply committed to shaping the futures of our young learners. Having embarked on my teaching journey in 2007, I've had the privilege of working in schools in Grimsby, as well as spending three transformative years in Shanghai. Throughout my career, I've seen the profound impact that education can have on a child's development. My teaching philosophy centres on fostering critical thinking and effective communication skills. I believe that these skills empower students to excel not only academically but also in life beyond the classroom. When I'm not in the classroom, I enjoy leisurely walks with my canine companion and the occasional strumming of my guitar. I look forward to partnering with you on this incredible journey of nurturing young minds.

Kerry Brown

Teaching Assistant

Upper Key Stage 2 Team

During my time in school, I have always had the ambition to help others achieve things along with progressing myself. I went through college earning a double Distinction for Tourism and Business management and went onto University to continue these studies. I completed three years and qualified with a BA degree. I started teaching swimming from the age of 18 and continue to do so at our local pool as I love to help children achieve their goals and watch them succeed. I then had a break from education to focus on my family life and then began my teacher training three years later, I completed this through covid and kept pushing forward to achieve my own goals. I gained my first placement at a local school and loved teaching. However, this then ended, and I decided to take on the role of a HLTA and I absolutely love providing that little bit of extra encouragement for children alongside their class teacher. I enjoy helping children to achieve their goals and that I am able to see their smiles once they have done so. I have only recently joined Eastfield but already it feels like home. I enjoy time with my family and friends and watching my son enjoying his sports outside of school. I cannot wait to work with all of the wonderful children at Eastfield and aid them in reaching their potential.

Mark Wrigley

Year 4 Teacher

Lower Key Stage 2 Team

Kylie Watson

Year 3 Teacher & Phase Lead

Lower Key Stage 2 Team

Helen Brown

Teaching Assistant

Lower Key Stage 2 Team

After graduating from Leeds Metropolitan University in 1997 with a degree in Playwork, I worked as a Play Specialist in a hospital for 4 years, before moving to work in Youth Justice as a Case Manager. For many years I was also a part time Youth Worker at various centres in the area, including Immingham. (So it makes me feel very old when I see that those teenagers who I worked with, are now all grown up and bringing their own children to the school!!) After 13 years working in Youth Justice, I decided a change of career was needed and undertook some voluntary work in a school, which made me realise that this was the job I was meant to do. I retrained as a TA and spent 5 happy years working at East Halton Primary school, before being lucky enough to join the Eastfield family in July 2023. Which I am proud to be a part of. The most rewarding part of the job, for me, is helping children to reach their full potential and watching them grow in confidence. My favourite subjects are history, geography, PHSE and science. I am a massive F1 fan and have supported McLaren for over 30 years. Whenever we can, my boys, husband and I like to go on adventures, fossil or sea glass hunting, waterfall chasing and exploring all the beautiful places in the UK.

Laura Russell

Teaching Assistant

Lower Key Stage 2 Team

My family and I moved up from London to Immingham in 2003. My four children were still attending school age at this time. It was decided that Eastfield would be the school they would attend. As I was new to Immingham I needed something to do, so in 2006 I became a parent helper. I spent most of my days in school helping where I could in classrooms and throughout the school, listening to readers, helping out when dinner staff were sick, also using my craft equipment to help produce the lettering for the displays around school. Whilst helping in school I realised this is what I wanted to do, make a difference and help mould the minds of the children in our care. I enrolled in the local collage in to do my teaching assistant course, which I achieved in 2009. I was taken on as a breakfast and after school supervisor. Later I had a temporary position as a one to one support. I have in recent years been given a permanent position. I have worked in various roles throughout the school and at present I am working in a demanding but rewarding role in Foundation with the reception class. I am proud to be continuing the journey, with so many open minded and talented individuals that I count as friends and to be the best we can be. In my spare time , which there is very little I have been know to spend a lot of time playing with the new craft equipment that I keep acquiring to the exasperation of all around me. I also enjoy reading , cooking and spending time with friends and family.

Katie Tordoff

Year 2 Teacher & Phase Lead

Key Stage 1 Team

Jasmine Oliver

Year 1 Teacher

Key Stage 1 Team

Marta Libera

Year 1 Teacher

Key Stage 1 Team

Caitlyn Hewson-Hynes

Teaching Assistant

Key Stage 1 Team

I first started my journey here as a pupil in 2006 and have many amazing memories of my childhood here. I was inspired by many of the staff here and knew from a young age that I wanted to work with children which led me to studying Child, Play, Learning and Development Level 3 at Franklin College once I left school. In 2019 I started my first placement here at Eastfield in nursery and absolutely loved it, gaining a variety of experiences and just watching the little people grow in a short space of time: I then later returned in April 2021 for my second placement here, we’re I was placed in Year 2 and got the chance to extend my knowledge of children’s development and making me fall in love with this career path all the more. Once my collage course came to an end I carried on at Eastfield volunteering until the end of the academic year, in September 2021 a job opportunity came up and all the hard work I had put in over the past 2 years had paid off and I was offered the job. I’m now into my second year here as a Teaching Assistant and loving every minute of it being able to give the children the best I can offer to help them to gain the knowledge they need to be able progress with their future.

Louise McCracken

Teaching Assistant

Key Stage 1 Team

I started at Eastfield as a student on placement whilst studying for my Teaching Assistant qualification. My journey of becoming a member of the Eastfield team began when I became a lunchtime supervisor and was offered a Teaching Assistant role in year 1. I’m now in Reception class working with Mrs Lewis and looking forward to seeing all our children blossom and achieve their potential. We are an amazing team here at Eastfield, every member matters and I’m proud to be a part of it! In my spare time I like to spend it with my family. We like to go on long walks, bike rides and having cosy pj days now the weather is not so nice!

Zina Lewis

Reception Teacher

Early Years Team

I have always wanted to be a primary school teacher, and I am proud to be part of an amazing team at Eastfield. I currently teach in reception which I thoroughly enjoy. I love working in Early Years which I have done for many years in other settings. I feel that reception is such a magical time where children can develop their love of learning. I enjoy seeing how such young children embrace new ideas, approach and solve problems both independently and together. As a teacher I am privileged to be a part of the children’s journey through their first year of school as they learn, discover and grow into independent people. Qualifications: Primary PGCE, BA (Hons) Professional Studies: Early Childhood

Samantha Neal

Teaching Assistant

Early Years Team

I joined Eastfield in November 2018, working as a one-to-one support in Nursery and Reception. Prior to joining Eastfield, I worked in a private day nursery as a Nursery Nurse / Supervisor for 8 years. It is an absolute privilege to work with the children here at Eastfield. It is so lovely watching the children grow and develop into strong and independent individuals. In my spare time I enjoy days out with my two beautiful daughters and travelling to different places, supporting them with their passion to dance, and entering competitions around the world.

Hannah Barratt

Early Years Foundation Stage Practitioners (EYFSP)

Early Years Team

Teaching has always been my dream job and I am now lucky enough to have fulfilled my lifetime ambition. Having grown up in Brough I attended South Cave Primary School before moving onto South Hunsley Secondary School. After leaving Secondary School I then attended Queens Gardens College in Hull, where I began my training to become a Nursery Nurse. Following this I then worked for a family for 5 years as a Nanny before signing up to a Recruitment Agency where I was placed at Eastfield Primary Acadamy. I absolutely love working with the youngest children and being a part of their personal development. Seeing the children grow and develop on a daily basis is so incredibly rewarding, and an absolute pleasure, everyday is a new day and sets its own new exciting challenges! I am proud to be a part of the amazing teaching team at Eastfield, as together we work to ensure that every child strives to achieve their full potential in what I can only describe as an amazing learning environment. In my spare time I love spending quality time with my family, especially my beautiful daughter Evelyn. Eating out and catching up with friends also keeps me busy and I love nothing more than a shopping spree! Qualifications Cache Diploma in Nursery Nursing level 3. Qualifications Cache Diploma in Nursery Nursing level 3.

Jeanette Wright

Early Years Foundation Stage Practitioners (EYFSP)

Early Years Team

Since 2007 I began assisting in the classroom as a parent helper where I listened to readers and worked with different ability groups. Whilst helping out at school , I enrolled in a Level 2 Teaching Assistant course and completed the qualification in September 2009, this is when I became a permanent member of the Eastfield team. During my time at Eastfield I have also gained my level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification while working within school. My role as a Teaching Assistant involved working throughout school wherever I was needed to support children’s learning. I have since gone on to become an Early Years Practitioner and I am currently working in nursery where I find it challenging and rewarding to work with the younger members of our Eastfield family. Out of school, I like to spend time with my family and to take leisurely strolls with my dogs! Qualifications: Cache Level 2 Teaching Assistant Cache Level 3 Teaching Assistant level 3 Early years Practitioner.

Joanne Mills

Teaching Assistant

Early Years Team

In 2013 I became a parent helper at Eastfield. Whilst doing this I knew i wanted to make a difference. In 2014 my dreams came true when I was offered a permanent contract shortly after completing my cache level 3 Diploma in Child Development level 3. I can be found in the Early Years Unit I cannot put it into words how proud and a privileged it is to be a part of an amazing family at Eastfield. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my friends and family.

Rob Moody

Head of MySpace

Laura Dalling

MySpace Teacher & Eastfield's SENDCO

I always had an ambition to become a teacher, and was often found playing the role as a child. I was lucky enough to have some very inspiring teachers at primary school and this led to my choice of the primary phase. I started my journey into teaching at Bishop Grosseteste University, where I studied BA (Hons) Special Educational Needs and Education Studies. After leaving university, I went straight into my PGCE, taking a teaching role in an Emotional, Social and Behavioural school for year 6 to year 11. It is here that my passion for SEND grew and my capabilities of a teacher began to develop. From here, I worked in a small, rural primary school, taking on leadership roles and developing my understanding of SEND. I moved to Myspace in Eastfield in 2018. I was immediately welcomed into the Eastfield family and I have thoroughly enjoyed developing my practice with Myspace and Eastfield pupils and staff. I undertook the SENDO role in September 2020. I am excited to continue my professional development in such a nurturing, collaborative school.

Kellie Payne

Pastoral Support Lead

After having my son in 1996 I realised that I would love nothing more than to work with children. I decided to enrol at college and do CACHE certificate course in childcare and education. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I worked in my son’s local school voluntarily for some while, until a vacancy came up at Eastfield. I applied, and luckily I was successful. My journey began at Eastfield in 1999. I started by working 1-1 with children and found it extremely rewarding. I continued to further my education and enrolled on many courses to further my knowledge in different areas of learning. I have achieved level 3 in learning support, Level 3 Learning Mentor qualification and many additional certificates. My journey has continued at Eastfield, but my role has changed over the years. Eastfield Academy is in my hometown so I feel very honoured to work there. Being local, gives me a close connection to the children, parents and families. I am lucky I work whole school, I have a very close relationship with not only children but with parents and relatives too. I enjoy supporting our families in any way I can. I could not imagine my life without Eastfield, as it’s always been a big part of it. We all say we are family at Eastfield and this is very true. It’s a good place to be and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else!

Sarah Markham

Teaching Assistant

I have been part of the Eastfield family since 2006. I myself attended Eastfield as a child and hold many fond, special memories. My own 3 children also attended Eastfield. From a very young age i knew i wanted to work with children. I started my journey in Early years and have since then been lucky to work in all year groups.

Lucy Wrightson

Teaching Assistant

I have been a part of the Eastfield family since 2011 as a member of staff, and before that I was volunteer here and next door at the Immingham Children’s Centre whilst doing my Level 2 and 3 In Child care learning and Development. I have worked as a part of a team from nursery all the way up to year four, I have supported the children’s learning by working as a one to one, working in small groups and sometimes teaching the whole class and at the moment I am a member of the My Space team. I spent some time helping the children to look after the school animals when we had chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs. My role now in My Space uses all the skills I have learnt along my journey at Eastfield and brings a new challenge every day. I enjoy supporting Sue and Amy who come into the unit to help the children to explore music, relaxation and integrative story telling. Music and art is a big part of my life and I love sharing these experiences with the children. In my own time I enjoy swimming, running and bike riding. I also enjoy being part of the community around me being a volunteering and working at Fusion Youth theatre since 2006 were I have been involved with drama, singing, dancing and supporting the children and young adults in our care. I have had the opportunity to develop my skills in Africa, America and London. I have co run the Creative Kids group since 2015 and Crafty Cafe since 2016.And I now support and play in their Fusion Funkaleles ukulele group. I have also being member of Gyoko Taiko since 2010 where I enjoy learning and performing drumming that is originated in Japan. I have done lots of course and enjoy learning new skills the main courses I have done are CACHE Level 2 and 3 NVQ in Children’s Care, Learning and Development. AS Level 3 in Autism.

Daren Fullager

Teaching Assistant

Caroline Pell

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead / Education Welfare Officer

Following many years working with adults with learning disabilities, I returned into education to complete a degree in Social Work in 2003. Once qualified I became an Education Welfare Officer with the Local Authority. I was attached to many school within the authority during this period. I was the Education Welfare officer at The Oasis Academy Immingham for several years, and supported their feeder schools within Immingham. In 2012 I left the local authority and gained employment at the Oasis Academy Immingham, has a full time Education Welfare Officer. During this period we raised the school attendance to National average, and lowered persistent absence level to below national average. Eastfield Primary Academy also bought in my services from Oasis Academy, and I supported them also, in raising their attendance to national average. An opportunity arose September 2015, to join the Eastfield Primary Academy full time in a dual role has the Education Welfare Officer and Pastoral Manager. Following a successful interview I became part of the My Space team. The knowledge of the local area and families have assisted me within the role. My working knowledge and experiences have been helpful in understanding the difficulties families may encounter, and which may impact on the education of the young people. I have good knowledge of safeguarding procedures, and Education legislation. I work with the young people and their families to give them the best opportunities to reach their full potential. I feel honoured to work within such a great Academy and be part of the fabulous team.

Nic Lucas

School Business Manager

My route to becoming a Business Manager may not have been conventional but after having been fortunate to build my own creative business around my young children, as they grew up, I decided that I wanted to use my business and finance background in education. I joined the Eastfield Family after working and gaining valuable experience for 9 years in a local school. I feel lucky coming to work every day in a friendly, welcoming environment where everyone works towards achieving the best opportunities and outcomes for the children. Qualifications: Bsc Business Economics. Level 4 ILM Diploma for School Business Managers.

Debbie Steward

Office Manager

My Eastfield career first began when I was appointed on to the ancillary team in 2012. I was then given the opportunity to progress myself in to the admin team shortly after my appointment. That’s where the journey began! I am literally the face of Eastfield! I work in the office at the front of the school and I am usually the first port of call if anyone has any queries. Being part of the Eastfield family makes me so proud and privileged. Every single person in the school is focused and dedicated to the children the school serves and I’m honoured to be part of that team!

Julie Lancaster

Admin Assistant

I enjoyed 4 years of being a stay-at-home parent before joining Eastfield in February 2020 as a lunchtime supervisor. I realised after having my children I would love nothing more than to work with young children. Both my children attended Eastfield nursery and whilst my youngest was in nursery I took on the role as a lunchtime supervisor. I was asked to help in the office and recently I was given the opportunity to progress my career and join the lovely admin team and become the school office Admin Assistant. After leaving school I worked in a busy freight forwarding office gaining qualifications in both Business & Admin and Customer Service NVQ's level 3. I am enjoying my new role in the office and working with the amazing Eastfield team makes me so proud.

David Burnett

Site Manager

Ever since leaving college, I have worked in primary schools. I started out as a Teaching assistant at a local primary school for many years and then had the opportunity to become their site manager. I worked across 3 different schools within their trust as site manager but had to leave due to family circumstances a few years ago. I went on to work at Immingham docks discharging cars and Lorries off the ships and then went to work at the quarry near Humberside airport for a few months. I saw the job for site manager at Eastfield and applied as I had missed working in education and was lucky enough to secure the job. It is a pleasure to work here at Eastfield with such lovely children and a supportive team. In my spare time I enjoy fishing, watching NFL and spending time with my family and little girl. We enjoy spending time exploring new places and finding fun things to do.