Mrs Tappenden

Pre School Leader

My name is Mrs Tappenden, I am the Pre-School Leader here at Pear Tree Mead.

I started working at Pear Tree Mead in March 2015.  I have worked in education since leaving college.  I have a NVQ level 3 in Child Care and Education and I am always going on courses to gain more knowledge to help my little ones grow.  I am very passionate about my job and love to see our 2 year olds having fun, learning new skills and watching their confidence grow.

Mrs Nash
Learning Support Assistant & Mid-day Assistant

Hi, my name is Mrs Nash. I have worked at Pear Tree Mead for almost 10 years now. I have two children of my own. I am a qualified Learning Support Assistant with almost 10 years experience in nursery and have completed an autism awareness course. I am also paediatric first aid trained.  This year I am based in Preschool, which I am really enjoying. I love getting to know the children and watching them grow.  

Miss Butler
Early Years Teacher

Hello, I am Miss Butler. In 2012 I graduated from university with a BA Honours Primary Education teaching degree. Since then I have taught in both Key Stage 1 and Early Years.

I am an enthusiastic teacher. One of my main aims is to provide enjoyable and dynamic lessons and to promote the children’s love of learning. In class I encourage and support all children to reach their full potential. I enjoy being part of each child’s learning journey and helping them grow across all areas of development.

If you ever need anything, I am always happy to help.  

Mrs McCombie

EYFS Teacher, PE Coordinator, Outdoor Learning Lead

I have been teaching at Pear tree Mead Academy since March 2011.  I carried out my teacher training at London South bank University and I hold a level 3 qualification in Forest School.

Within my time at Pear Tree Mead Academy I have taught Year 1, Year 2 and Reception.  I have been subject lead for Geography and Design Technology.  I am lead for Physical Education and Outdoor Learning across the school.  I want children to get the opportunity to experience nature, make their own choices, take risks and develop at their own pace. I am passionate about Early Years and I firmly believe that a good foundation is the key to a good education.

Mrs Bolger
KS1 Teacher

I have been teaching at Pear Tree Mead Academy since September 2006, when I joined as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT).  I carried out my teacher training at the University of Plymouth, where I studied for four years and was awarded a BEd (Hons).  Within my time at Pear Tree Mead I have been the subject leader for History, Geography, Religious Education and I am currently the subject leader for English.

In Juniper Class we promote an excitement for learning and we encourage all the children to achieve their personal best.  We have and impart confidence in each individual’s ability and give them a desire for success.

Miss Bevans
KS1 Teacher

Hello, I’m Miss Bevans and I will be teaching Fir class this year!

I began my teaching career in 2022 at Pear Tree Mead, having studied at the University of Hertfordshire and achieving my BEd honours degree with QTS at a first class level.

In Year One we aim to create an environment where children develop a love of learning through exciting and interesting learning opportunities, whilst also supporting their emotional needs and understanding. Alongside this, I feel very passionately about creating a space in which children feel they belong and are part of a team.

If you ever need anything or have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask, my door is always open!

Miss Sutherland

KS1 Teacher

Hi, I’m Miss Sutherland!

I have been teaching at Pear Tree Mead since 2020 after I qualified from the University of East London with a BA (hons) in Early Childhood Studies. During my time here, I have spent my time in Early Years and KS1.

In KS1 we aim to create dynamic and exciting opportunities for children to explore in order to gain new skills, promote their love for learning and support their emotional, social and academic development. I am looking forward to the year ahead!

Mrs Goldhawk

KS1 Teacher

Hello, I am Mrs Goldhawk and I am so pleased to be working back here at Pear Tree Mead. This year I am excited to be part of the KS2 team, as one of teachers in Pine class. I have previously taught in early years and KS1. In 2018 I graduated from Anglia Ruskin University with a BA Honours in Early Childhood and Education Studies.

My aim is to inspire all pupils through fun, exciting and engaging learning. I can’t wait to support each child to tackle new challenges, grow and develop in all areas; academically, socially, and emotionally. I will also be the Subject Leader for Geography this year.

I will be teaching Hazel class on Thursdays and Fridays this year. We are all looking forward to the year ahead. If you have any questions or queries, please know my door is always open and I’ll be happy to help in any way I can.

Miss Cuffaro

KS1 Teacher

Hello, I am Mrs Cuffaro.  I have worked at Pear Tree Mead since 2007 and enjoyed every minute of it!  I have taught in EYFS, KS1 and LKS2.  I am currently working 3 days a week in year 2 with a brilliant team. 

I am hugely passionate about the teaching and believe that every moment spent in the classroom is a chance for children to foster a love for learning and to spark imagination. I feel that teaching is not merely imparting knowledge but also cultivating empathy, resilience, and a lifelong passion for understanding the world. In the heart of a teacher lies a boundless commitment to shaping futures and making a difference, one lesson at a time.

Ms Fry-Smith
LSK2 Teacher

Hi, my name is Ms Fry-Smith.  I studied Psychology at Sussex University, worked in a special needs school and then as a support and development worker for Islington council before completing my PGCE at the University of East London.

I spent 2 years teaching in Leeds before moving back home to London and teaching in Colchester.  I have been working at Pear Tree Mead since January 2018 and I absolutely love the school.  I am currently Science lead and I am extremely passionate about this subject.  I am excited to be teaching in LKS2 this year and I cannot wait to support the children to grow and develop.

If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to speak to me.

Mr Humphries
LKS2 Teacher

Hi! I'm Mr Humphries, and I am excited to be continuing my teaching journey at Pear Tree Mead. I started my teaching career through studying Primary Education at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford. This took me three years, and now, I have been teaching for 5 years!

I’m thrilled to be working in Oak classroom with Year 4.  Throughout the year I hope to provide fun and engaging lessons within a stimulating learning environment.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask!

Miss Parr
LKS2 Teacher

Hi everyone, I’m Miss Parr and I have been working at Pear Tree Mead since 2022. I am one of the Year 3 teachers and teach Mulberry class. I have also taken on the monitoring of RE across the school, which is a subject that I always loved myself and that I later went to study at university. I graduated from Heythrop University in 2016, with a BA Study of Religions degree. I continued my studies by joining the West Essex SCITT programme in order to complete my teacher training. I feel very happy to be a part of the Pear Tree Mead team, getting to know your children and also welcoming them into Year 3. As a teacher, I believe in a classroom environment where children feel safe and valued. I will aim to help the children to develop a growth mindset, where they know it is ok to make mistakes, and that all I will ever ask of them is that they try their best. If you have any questions, or there is anything that you need from me, please feel free to come and speak to me.

Miss Millward

LKS2 Teacher

Hello, my name is Mrs Millward and I teach in year 3.  I studied Media and Cultural studies with American Studies at University and went on to study to become a teacher, starting my first teaching post in Waltham Abbey.

With our Lavender class we will create a safe, stimulating, and happy classroom.  I have a great passion for reading and believe that if children can read, they can access all the other parts of the national curriculum.  I will make sure the children are happy, happy children learn!

Any questions please ask, my door is always open.

Mr Thurgood
LKS2 Teacher

Hello! My name is Mr Thurgood and I teach Redwood class.  I am in charge of Computing across the school, which I find is a really exciting subject!

I graduated from Coventry University with a BA Honours Sociology degree and then after a year out went on to study for my PGCE, starting my first teaching post in Basildon.  I moved to Harlow from Chelmsford and I have been working at Pear Tree Mead since 2016.

I aim to provide a varied and exciting learning environment in which children feel that they are safe to learn through hard work and trying new things.  I expect children to be honest, hardworking and to develop a growth mindset where they are not afraid to make mistakes and learn from them.  I am looking forward to the rest of the year with Redwood class and to meeting and working closely with parents.

If there is anything you need from me, please feel free to speak to me.

Miss Garip

LKS2 Teacher

Hello, I am Mrs Garip! This year I am pleased to be part of the UKS2 team as one of the teachers in Sycamore class. Together with Mrs Millward, we are both excited to learn new topics and embark on our learning journey together!

I started my journey in teaching as a teaching assistant at just 18 years old, soon realising I wanted to be a teacher myself! I graduated from Middlesex University what feels like a lifetime ago in 2013, with BA Honours in teaching and learning. Since then, I have worked in schools in London and now in Essex, continuing to grow and flourish as a teacher. I have taught in both KS1 and KS2 and I hope to create a stimulating, welcoming environment for all children to also grow and develop their love of learning.

Miss Warner
UKS2 Teacher

Hi, I am Miss Warner and this is my eighth year teaching here at Pear Tree Mead.   I am Year 6 lead, and this will be my sixth year of teaching Year 6. However, I have experience in teaching all of KS2. I am the lead for English across the school, alongside Mrs Bolger.

I graduated from the University of Hertfordshire with a BSc Sports Studies degree and continued my studies by going on to study for my PGCE in primary education and completing my teacher training at Pear Tree Mead.

I am very excited to get to know your children and welcome them into year 6. I believe in a positive and engaging learning environment where children enjoy coming to school. I have high expectations, however I believe it is important to reward those who are working hard and showing a positive growth mindset!

Please feel free to get in touch with me if you have any questions!

Miss Burke
UKS2 Teacher

Hi there!

This is my tenth-year teaching at Pear Tree Mead. Originally, I come from Ennis, Co. Clare, on the west coast of Ireland and I have now been living in the U.K for the past 15years, which I am lucky to call my second home! 

In the school, I am the Maths coordinator, and I also have other roles such as the UKS2 Phase Leader and the MDA line manager.  I also run the ‘Young Voices’ singing club with the help of Miss Bevans, which gives pupils the opportunity to eventually perform at the O2 in London in January.

As a teacher, I believe that ‘Every Child Matters’ and I encourage my pupils daily to have a ‘growth mind-set’ to empower them to become the best version of themselves and be proud of their achievements, as they get ready for secondary school.

Miss Ferran

UKS2 Teacher

Hi, my name is Miss Ferran, and I’m thrilled to be starting my second year of teaching at Pear Tree Mead. I graduated from UCFB Wembley in 2023 with a BA Honours degree in Football Business and Media. After graduating, I followed my passion for education by joining the FIPC Primary Initial Teacher Training programme, where I completed my PGCE and teacher training. I’m delighted to be part of the wonderful team at Pear Tree Mead and excited to get to know your children as we begin our journey in Year 5 together. As a teacher, I’m committed to creating fun, engaging lessons within a stimulating learning environment that supports every child’s growth and development.

Mr Feast
UKS2 Teacher

Hi everyone! This will be my third year teaching at Pear Tree Mead. I graduated from the University of Hertfordshire with a degree in Primary Education and I love bringing creativity and all sorts of fun into my lessons. I am excited to be working in upper Key Stage 2 this year, and I'm ready for our time ahead! I can’t wait for another year of teaching at PTM.

Mrs Burland

Nursery Manager

Hello, my name is Mrs Burland.  I am the Nursery Manager.  I have a level 4 qualification and I am first aid trained.  I have been working at Pear Tree Mead since 2012. Working here is thoroughly enjoyable and very rewarding.  I enjoy being part of a fantastic team here at PTM. I am looking forward to spending time getting to know the children in Nursery and my aim is to provide a safe, nurturing and happy learning environment for them to enjoy. 

Mrs Menevili
Deputy Nursery Manager

Hello, I’m Mrs Menevili, I’ve recently joined Pear Tree Mead, currently working within the nursery.

I have over 18 years of experience working in a variety of settings and age ranges. I’ve qualified a BA Honours in Education and have two children of my own, who both attend Pear Tree Mead.

I’m very excited to be here at Pear Tree Mead to continue many more years of experience and developing the children’s educational needs and having fun.

Mrs Newland
Learning Support Assistant

Hi, I am your Class Teaching Assistant.  Early Years is my passion and I am proud to be part of the Early Years team.  I love supporting your children to discover new exciting experiences, learn new skills and help them settle happily into school life.

I have 40 years’ experience working in Early Years settings, including running my own and local playgroups, before raising my family.  I started at Pear Tree Mead as an N.N.E.B. qualified Nursery Nurse in 1996 and have worked in both Nursery and Reception Classes.

This year, once again I will be based in Ash Class working across both Nursery classes.  I will also be working as a Learning Support Assistant with individual children in Reception.

Miss Thomas

Reception Learning Support Assistant

Hello! My name is Miss Thomas

I am  a  Learning Support Assistant in Reception. I am enjoying getting to know the children and helping them to learn new things, build friendships and develop their confidence and independence.

Mrs Waterman

Reception Learning Support Assistant

Hi, my name is Mrs Waterman and I have just joined Pear Tree Mead in September 2023 as a Learning Support Assistant in Reception.

I am extremely passionate about Early Years, I have run my own business in the early years sector for the last four years and I absolutely love working with children.

I am really looking forward to helping the children grow in confidence and reach their full potential in Reception.

Mrs Thaxton

Learning Support Assistant

Hi, my name is Mrs Thaxton, and I'm currently working in the pre school.

I have worked with children for over 20 years in many different settings including education and the charity sector. 

I have an NVQ level 2 in early years care and education and an NVQ and BTEC level 3 in children's care, learning and development. 

I have mainly worked with SEND children throughout my career, focusing on children with autism and more recently SEND adults. 

I'm really looking forward to getting to know all the children in the preschool and helping them to learn and develop new skills.

Mrs Dodson
Reception Learning Support Assistant

Hello, My name is Mrs. Dodson. I have 10 years of experience  working in primary school. I joined Pear Tree Mead  in 2019 and  enjoy being part of the fantastic and supportive team. I am very lucky to have had the pleasure of working with different age groups of children EY, KS1 ,KS2.  I enjoy creating a positive and happy environment in the classroom to help children in their learning. I have experience and skills for individually supporting SEN children. I love working with children, helping them to learn, seeing them building confidence and progress through the  course of the year. 

Miss Lee

Learning Support Assistant

Hi I'm Miss Lee and I've recently joined Pear Tree Mead as a class TA. I have worked as a teaching assistant for 10 years now and I love it! I have worked with a range of year groups over the years as well as 1:1. I am really excited for this next chapter as a member of the Pear Tree Mead community. I look forward to building relationships with the children and helping them to become happy, successful, independent learners.  

Miss Westbrook
KS1 Learning Support Assistant

Hi my name is Miss Westbrook and I have just joined Pear Tree Mead as a learning support assistant in year 1. I am level 3 qualified in childcare and education and have worked in early years for almost 20 years. I am really excited for my new journey in the school and getting to know all of the children and supporting them in their learning and development.

Miss Cousins
KS1 Learning Support Assistant, Mid-day Assistant & Clubs Lead

Hi, my name is Miss Cousins.  I started working at Pear Tree Mead in 1998.  I work as a Learning Support Assistant, Mid-day Assistant and Cleaner.  I enjoy all three of my jobs as I get to work with lots of different staff, as part of our fantastic team.

Miss Brown
KS1 Learning Support Assistant & Mid-day Assistant

My name is Miss Brown.  Since joining Pear Tree Mead in 2014, I have worked mainly within Early Years and Key stage 1. For this school year I will be working in year 1, as well as helping to cover the KS1 playground as a Mid-day Assistant.  In 2016, I completed the Advance Level 3 Apprenticeship in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.  In 2017, I went on to complete the Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism.

Mrs Hughes

KS1 Learning Support Assistant & Mid-day Assistant

Hello, I’m Mrs Hughes.

I started working as a SEND LSA at Pear Tree Mead last year, the staff and pupils have all made me feel very welcome. I’ve loved getting to know everyone and supporting the children in their learning and in their play whilst covering break and lunch times on both KS1 and KS2 playgrounds. 

Mrs Timpson
KS1 Teaching Assistant

My name is Mrs Timpson and I have been a part of Pear Tree Mead since my children attended here.  Firstly, as an Mid-day Assistant and now as a Teaching Assistant.  I find it very rewarding working with the children and watching them grow.

Mrs Devereux

KS1 Learning Support Assistant

My name is Mrs Devereux, I have been working at Pear Tree Mead school since January 2023 as a learning support assistant. I have a NVQ level 2 in Child care and a Degree in Psychology, I enjoy working within the school, getting to know the children and helping them learn

Mrs Mead
KS1 Learning Support Assistant & Mid-day Assistant

Hello! 

I’m Mrs Mead and I have been a member of staff at Pear Tree Mead since 2007.

I have worked across the school and over recent years , worked as part of the early years team in Reception which I loved. 

This year, I am excited to be joining the Yr1 team supporting Miss Sutherland. 

 

As well as working as an LSA and MDA in the school, I also work alongside Mrs Thurgood delivering Gym Trail to support children’s gross and fine motor skills.

Mrs Papaphilippou

SEND Learning Support Assistant & Nurture Group Lead

Hi, I’m Mrs Papaphilippou.  I have been part of PTM school community for the past six years, working as a SEND Learning Support Assistant within the classroom. I’m passionate about supporting children with special educational needs and helping them to thrive both academically and emotionally.

In the afternoons, I have the privilege of leading our Nurture Group provision creating a safe, supportive environment where children can build confidence, develop social and emotional skills. It’s a role I find incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud to be part of a team that puts the wellbeing of every child at the heart of what we do.

Mrs Ward
KS1 Learning Support Assistant

Hello. My name is Mrs Ward and I have worked in education for over 24 years. I have been at Pear Tree Mead for over three years and worked in key stage 2. This year I have moved to key stage 1 and I am looking forward to working in lower school in year 2. 

Miss Wilson

Casual Learning Support Assistant

 

I have been volunteering at Pear Tree Mead for 3 years. My passion is helping all children, but mostly those who need that extra support. I have now been offered a casual LSA position and love being part of such an inclusive, supportive team. I am looking forward to what the future holds.

Miss Humphreys
LKS2 Learning Support Assistant

Hi I am Miss Humphreys.

I have worked in the childcare industry for over 15 years working with a range of ages and abilities . I have a NVQ level 2 and level 3 diploma in childcare . I love teaching and helping each child grow to become their own individual person.

Mrs White
LKS2 Teaching Assistant & Mid-day Assistant

Hi, my name is Mrs White.  I have been part of the Pear Tree Mead community since my children attended the school.  I love working with the children and watching them grow and also working alongside the dedicated staff at Pear Tree Mead.

Mrs Chippett
LKS2 Teaching Assistant and Intervention Teaching Assistant

My name is Mrs Chippett and I have been working at Pear Tree Mead for 28 years.  I started working in the Nursery and have since worked with various age groups around the school.  I enjoy my current role as Hazel Class LSA and KS1 Interventions Teaching Assistant, working alongside a great KS1 team.  I work with the belief that every child matters.

Miss Harrington

LKS2 Learning Support Assistant

Hi, my name is Miss Harrington.

I joined the Pear Tree Mead team in March 2023 working in Year 2 as a SEND Learning Support Assistant. This year I am excited to be working as an MDA and LSA in Year 3.

I am thoroughly enjoying my time here. It is wonderful to see the children growing and learning together.

Miss Hammond

LKS2 Learning Support Assistant

Hi, my name is Miss Hammond and I have just recently started at Pear Tree Mead. I am happy to be joining the Oak classroom with Year 6 and will be working with some of our SEND children.

I am very excited to the coming year and getting to know all the children and supporting staff around the school.

Miss Coggin

LKS2 Learning Support Assistant

Hello! I am Miss Coggin and I have worked at Pear Tree Mead since 2022. This year I will be working in the lovely Mulberry class with a fantastic year 3 team! I have over 8 years experience working in education; mostly in Reception, year 4 and year 5. I love my job and believe every child has the chance to succeed to the best of their abilities if given the right tools to do so. I believe school should be a happy, fun and safe learning environment for children and I truly believe that every member of the Pear Tree Mead staff work together to achieve this for each and every pupil. 

Mrs Hayden
UKS2 Teaching Assistant

Hi, I’m Mrs Hayden and the Teaching Assistant in Willow Class this year.  I have been working here at Pear Tree Mead for 16 years.  I am very lucky to have worked in most year groups during this time.  I find working with our pupils very rewarding, it’s great to see them learn, develop and grow into confident, young citizens.  It’s also great to be working alongside a fantastic and dedicated team.

Mrs Thorne
UKS2 Intervention Teaching Assistant & Mid-day Assistant

Hi, my name is Mrs Thorne and I have worked at Pear Tree Mead since 2000.  I have been in Year 6 for the last 14 of those years.  I really enjoy being part of the Year 6 team and working with the children to help them achieve their best.  I am also the Mid-day Assistant lead for KS2, a role I really enjoy.

Mrs Webb
UKS2 Teaching Assistant, Mid-day Assistant, Cleaner

Hi, 

My name is Mrs Webb this is my 5th year working at PTM. I have done year 5 and 4 and love working with all the children. I'm really looking forward to seeing what this year brings!

Mrs Fleming
UKS2 Learning Support Assistant

Hey, my name is Mrs Fleming. I have been a SEND Learning Support Assistant and Midday Assistant at Pear Tree Mead since May ‘22. This year I will be supporting children in Year 5 and will be leading the Year 3 life skills provision 3 afternoons a week. I have completed courses in Autism Awareness and have my Teaching Assistant level 2. I have 2 children that attend and love Pear Tree Mead. Every day is a new challenge, and I love helping the children navigate their way to their fullest potential.

Mrs Williams
Learning Mentor Team Leader

Hello, my name is Mrs Williams and I have been working at Pear Tree Mead since 2000. My first role was as a Mid-day Assistant, supporting children during their lunch in the dining hall and within the playground environment.  I became a Teaching Assistant in 2001 and three years after, in 2004, I trained to become a Higher Level Teaching Assistant  In this role I supported classes by leading the teaching; I’ve had experience in teaching Nursery through to Year 6.

I’m now a full time Learning Mentor and have been doing this role for than 11 years.  I became the Learning Mentor Team Leader in 2019.  In this role, I work alongside the children across the school and help support the students to find a positive learning and school experience.

Mr Mann
Specialist Teacher

Hello, My name is Mr Mann and I am the swimming coach at Pear Tree Mead.

Mrs Holgate

Swimming Instructor

Mrs Townsend
P.A. to the Headteacher, Attendance Officer & Clerk to the Governing Body

I started working at Pear Tree Mead in 2010.  I really enjoy my job; it is a very busy role and there is always lots to do!  As well as holding a Business and Administration qualification, I am the office manager, I have some lovely new office ladies this year , which I am super excited to be working alongside. Mrs Hayton will be your first point of contact moving forward, whilst Mrs Lyon will be looking after all the pupil administration. My job is such a varied role and this year I am going to be looking after some of the financial aspects of the school, such as payroll, HR and Health and Safety. This will give me a new challenge and makes my job at Pear Tree Mead forever interesting.  I will still be Mrs Peden’s PA and it is my job to make sure she is organised and has everything she needs daily to be a super Headteacher!

In my ‘spare’ time I am still committed to the school by providing a Clerking service to our Governing Body.  I must retain lots of legal and important information to be able to help the Governing Board be as effective as they can be. Being a Governor can be a very rewarding role, if this is of interest to you, please do contact me to find out more.

Mrs Hayton
Front of House & Communications Administrator

My name is Mrs Hayton and I joined the lovely admin team in June 2022. I thoroughly enjoy meeting and greeting pupils, parents, carers and visitors as well as staff at the front of office. I have over 14 years office experience. I look forward to the year ahead, and being part of a wonderful team!

Mrs Townsend
P.A. to the Headteacher, Attendance Officer & Clerk to the Governing Body

I started working at Pear Tree Mead in 2010.  I really enjoy my job; it is a very busy role and there is always lots to do!  As well as holding a Business and Administration qualification, I am the office manager, I have some lovely new office ladies this year , which I am super excited to be working alongside. Mrs Hayton will be your first point of contact moving forward, whilst Mrs Lyon will be looking after all the pupil administration. My job is such a varied role and this year I am going to be looking after some of the financial aspects of the school, such as payroll, HR and Health and Safety. This will give me a new challenge and makes my job at Pear Tree Mead forever interesting.  I will still be Mrs Peden’s PA and it is my job to make sure she is organised and has everything she needs daily to be a super Headteacher!

In my ‘spare’ time I am still committed to the school by providing a Clerking service to our Governing Body.  I must retain lots of legal and important information to be able to help the Governing Board be as effective as they can be. Being a Governor can be a very rewarding role, if this is of interest to you, please do contact me to find out more.

Mrs Thurgood
Inclusion Manager

Hello, my name is Mrs Thurgood and I joined Pear Tree Mead as a Classroom Teaching Assistant in 2009.  I progressed to becoming a Level 3 Teaching Assistant and then began working as an Interventions Teaching Assistant, providing phase support for Years 3 and 4.

My current job role is as an Assistant SENDco working alongside Mrs Martin.  This role enables me to work closely with pupils, staff and families to support children with additional needs.  I continue to run individual interventions for identified children and work closely with Mrs Cooper to run Gym trail.  I enjoy being part of a fantastic team that strive to help the children here to develop and reach their full potential.

I have previously been vice chair for the Friends of Pear Tree Mead committee and continue to support by being the school liaison.  I get to work alongside a group of fantastic, dedicated parents helping to arrange exciting and fun activities for the children. The fundraising helps to provide extra opportunities and equipment that help enrich the education and experiences for all the children here, at Pear Tree Mead.

Mrs Williams
Learning Mentor Team Leader

Hello, my name is Mrs Williams and I have been working at Pear Tree Mead since 2000. My first role was as a Mid-day Assistant, supporting children during their lunch in the dining hall and within the playground environment.  I became a Teaching Assistant in 2001 and three years after, in 2004, I trained to become a Higher Level Teaching Assistant  In this role I supported classes by leading the teaching; I’ve had experience in teaching Nursery through to Year 6.

I’m now a full time Learning Mentor and have been doing this role for the past 11 years.  I became the Learning Mentor Team Leader in 2019.  In this role, I work alongside the children across the school and help support the students to find a positive learning and school experience.

Stephanie Thurston-McGowan

Assistant SENDCO

Hi, I’m Mrs TM and I am the Assistant SENDCo at Pear Tree Mead Academy.  I began working with children back in 2019 at a secondary school in Harlow, I then went to work in residential foster care homes as I enjoyed working with children so much.  I joined Pear Tree Mead Academy in March 2025 and have really enjoyed my time here so far. 

I love watching our children learn and grow as individuals, I believe our children can achieve anything they want to and I’m excited to be working as part of the SEND team in  supporting them on their journey to greatness. 

Mrs Taylor
Mid-day Assistant & Cleaner

Hello, I’m Mrs Taylor, I am a Mid-day Assistant and a Cleaner at Pear Tree Mead.  I enjoy seeing the children at lunchtime and getting to know all their different personalities.  I also enjoy cleaning up after school in preparation for the next day.

Mrs Rothon 

Mid-day Assistant

Hi, I'm Mrs Rothon and I've been a Mid-Day Assistant since joining Pear Tree Mead in 2022. I work in the dinner hall helping the children with anything that they need.

I love seeing their smiling faces and hearing their stories. 

Mrs Rose

Mid-day Assistant

Hi I'm Mrs Rose. I have worked at Pear Tree Mead for a few years and have had numerous roles in the school . The job is very rewarding seeing the children develop and grow . There have been many changes within the school. The newest one is the Opal Play at lunchtime . It is great to see the children have so much fun with so much choice . 

Miss Williams

Mid-day Assistant & Breakfast Club Lead

Mrs Kluza
Kitchen Manager

Mrs Dukes
Kitchen Assistant

Mrs H Bright

Kitchen Assistant

Miss S Bright

Cook

Mr Hawkins
Site Manager

Hi, my name is Mr Hawkins, and I am the Site Manager.  I left school in 1979 and completed an apprenticeship to become an electronics engineer.  In October 1998 I joined Pear Tree Mead.  Within my time as Site Manager I have completed various courses to keep me up to date with Health and Safety & new practices, etc.  My role as Site Manager is to oversee the day to day running of the school and ensure it is a safe learning environment for both children and staff.  I am also in charge of a team of 7 cleaning staff.

Mrs Taylor
Mid-day Assistant & Cleaner

Hello, I’m Mrs Taylor, I am a Mid-day Assistant and a Cleaner at Pear Tree Mead.  I enjoy seeing the children at lunchtime and getting to know all their different personalities.  I also enjoy cleaning up after school in preparation for the next day.

Mrs Wagstaff

Cleaner