Our KS1 Team

Miss Kathryn Haddon

Deputy Headteacher and Teaching & Learning Lead

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

Koalas Class teacher and Maths lead

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 

Hedgehogs Class Teacher and Art & Music Lead

(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

Hedgehogs Class teacher and History, Geography and R.E. Lead

(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

Penguins Class teacher and SEND & Inclusion Lead 

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

Giraffes Class Teacher and Science Lead

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

Owls Class Teacher and Computing and D.T. Lead

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 

Squirrels Class Teacher and Pupil Voice Lead

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