Our KS1 Team

Miss Kathryn Haddon

Deputy Headteacher

I studied to become a teacher at Manchester Metropolitan University.  Once qualified, I taught at a primary school where I led English and Key Stage One. In September 2018, I moved to Oatlands Infant School to become the Deputy Headteacher.

Out of school I enjoy exploring new places with my fiancé, meeting up with family and friends and going for long country walks.

Angela Curran

Year 2 Class Teacher – Koalas

I started working at Oatlands Infants in 2015 and I am currently teaching in year 2. I have a degree in European Business Studies with French and then chose a change of career in 2013 when I completed a PGCE primary course.

Out of school I am kept very busy with my two children, husband and two rabbits. I enjoy running and spending lots of time outdoors with my family.

Mrs Ann Hunt 

Year 1 Class Teacher – Hedgehogs

(Mrs Hunt is the class teacher on Wednesday afternoon, all day Thursday and Friday)

Having completed my final teaching placement here, I became a teacher at Oatlands Infant School in 2005.  I am originally from Harrogate but moved away to study for my degree in Fine Art at the University of Kingston-Upon-Thames, before returning to study for my PGCE in Primary Education at the University of Leeds.  In amongst my studies, I spent a Gap Year in Dominican Republic and then, in 2010, took a year’s leave to work in a primary school in Nicaragua.

I love to sing and really enjoy my Wednesday afternoons leading Singing Assembly, as well as running Singing Club after school on Thursdays.  I currently work with Mrs. Halsall to teach Hedgehogs Class, as part of a job-share, and I also coordinate the 'We Are Artists' Team (Art, Music and Languages) throughout the school.

My husband and I live in Starbeck with our son and daughter.  Our favourite family pastimes are gardening, DIY and filling the house with friends.  I also help run a toddler group at church and volunteer with an adults' singing group, to keep me busy when I’m not at school.

Mrs Helen Halsall

Year 1 Class Teacher – Hedgehogs

(Mrs Halsall is the class teacher all day Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning)

In September 2007, I became a Reception teacher at Oatlands Infant School. I taught in Reception for three years and I currently teach in Year One. My degree is in Sociology, which I studied at The University of Sheffield. I then completed my PGCE at York St John University. I have completed a Masters in Educational Research, which I  found very interesting.

I live in Harrogate with my husband, son and daughter. In my spare time I enjoy playing tennis for a local team. Oatlands is a fantastic school to work in, with such supportive parents, children and staff.

Miss Megan Foy

SEND and Inclusion Lead and Year 2 Class Teacher - Penguins

I studied to become a teacher at Leeds Metropolitan University and once qualified, I moved to North Yorkshire from Lancashire. Since then, I have taken the National Award for SEN Coordination and returned to university part-time to become a specialist teacher in Specific Learning Difficulties.

Outside of school I live in Harrogate where I like to spend my time going for walks with friends, going to the gym and out for dinner. I love to visit my family in Lytham as much as I can.

Miss Katy Fulford

Year 2 Class Teacher – Giraffes

Growing up with such a large family, I quickly became fascinated by how children grow, develop and learn. This led to me studying Social Psychology at Loughborough, followed by a PGCE course. I have been teaching at Oatlands since 2019, mostly in Year 2. In my spare time I enjoy baking, as well as walking and meeting up with friends.

Mrs Tash Brayshaw

Year 1 Class Teacher- Owls

I have been working as a teacher for almost a decade. I completed a PGCE in Lower Primary Education at York St John University graduating in 2014, I also have a degree in Social Policy from Leeds University. I have worked at two small schools with mixed aged classes within EYFS and KS1. 

Prior to my PGCE I worked for two years in a private day nursery in Harrogate. Whilst in this position I completed an ECaT (Every Child a Talker) course about early language acquisition, leading me to become an Early Language Lead Practitioner. I'm still very interested in how children learn and I am passionate about finding out how each child learns in the best way for them.  This year I am completing an NPQ in Leading Literacy, continuing to develop my knowledge about how children learn in order to provide our children with amazing opportunities to learn. 

Out of school I love walking and camping with my husband and little dog Elvin. Also, I love music and enjoy a wide range of genres though mainly guitar based music and pop punk. I am a proud supporter of our local music scene, many of my friends are in bands and I very much enjoy seeing them play at local gigs. I enjoy concerts and festivals. I also enjoy reading, playing a variety of board games and watching films and TV shows.

Miss Janet Mitchell 

Year 1 Class Teacher- Squirrels 

I spent my childhood in West Yorkshire and dreamed of being a teacher someday, so off I went to University in the Lake District and Lancashire to get my degree. During my 25 Years as a teacher, I have worked in a variety of different schools in East and North Yorkshire. My passion for education firmly lies with working with younger children.

I started as a supply teacher at Oatlands in 2019 and have loved every moment spent at this school. I knew it was a place I’d love to work in full time with amazing staff and pupils.

In my spare time I enjoy visiting historic and national trust properties. Living in Ripon I frequently walk to Fountains Abbey. To relax I love to bake and I’m the one who decorates the birthday cakes for family and friends.

Mrs Angela Irvine

Teaching Assistant

I started working with children when my 1st child was old enough to go to Pre-School. I was at Woodlands Methodist Church for 3 years, and went on to work with a special needs pupil at Oatlands Pre-School. In September 2001 I moved to Oatlands Infant School as an MSA, at the same time as my youngest son started at the school, progressing to SMDS in May 2003. I have had great personal satisfaction from seeing very many pupils develop over the 3 years they are at the school in terms of personalities, attitudes and outlook.

In my spare time I love playing netball and supporting my boys play rugby.

Mrs Lynn Kennell

Teaching Assistant/ATA

I am currently supporting children in Key Stage One.

Out of school I have 3 children who keep me very busy.  In my spare time I enjoy walking and running.

Mrs Emma Kennedy

Teaching Assistant 

I am now in my third year at Oatlands Infants School and I love working with and supporting all our wonderful children.

Prior to having children and enjoying an extended period of time as a full-time Mum, I worked as an Events Manager for an executive recruitment company.

I work in Year 1 in Hedgehogs but also provide additional learning support to the other Year 1 classes if required. It's lovely to get to know all the children and I am looking forward to supporting them in their learning journey.

I keep very busy in my spare time looking after my two young children and two teenage stepsons. I also endeavour to keep fit whenever I can find the time!

Mrs Alex Hunter

Teaching Assistant 

I am currently a teaching assistant in the Year 2 Koala class as well as a midday supervisor.

My professional background has always been in childcare, working as a private nanny for over 17 years.

I am married with 2 cats and I have a very lively little boy who keeps me on my toes! 

Miss Sally Penn 

Teaching Assistant 

I am currently supporting children in the Year 1 Owls class and I am also a midday supervisor. I have a Level 3 qualification in Early Years.

Outside of school I have a partner, two children, a dog and a cat that keep me very busy! I love to support my children with their football training and games. I also volunteer at their football club, helping to run the cafe there. Until recently I was also a volunteer with Girlguiding UK as a Rainbows unit helper. 

In my spare time I enjoy keeping active, baking and getting together with family and friends. 

Miss Lia Joo

Teaching Assistant 

Originally from Busan, Korea, I moved to the U.K. to pursue my studies at the University of Leeds in 2022. Back in Korea, I worked as an English teacher at a private school and volunteered at a range of childcare settings as a teaching assistant. 

Out of school, I enjoy cooking a variety of international cuisines and having a stroll in nature. I'm happiest with good food and good people. 

Miss Gemma Wilson

Teaching Assistant 

I started here at Oatlands as a parent volunteer reading in various classes within the school. Alongside that I became an MSA and as I continue that role, I am also now a Teaching Assistant in the Year 1 Squirrels class.

Outside of school I enjoy spending quality time with my fiancé and 2 children, as a family we are keen Rugby fans and attend matches when we can!

Miss Daniella Lawson

Apprentice Teaching Assistant 

Miss Amy Barraclough 

Apprentice Teaching Assistant