Mrs S Stringer

Deputy Head Teacher;

Inclusion

After initially training and working as a nurse for 6 years, I then retrained as a primary teacher at the University of Sussex in 1998. I taught in three different schools across East Sussex and Brighton & Hove (mainly in Key Stage 2) before arriving at Northgate as a Year 5 teacher and Phase leader for Years 5 & 6 in 2007. There is something very special about Northgate and I immediately felt it when I joined the staff team.

After two years, I became Assistant Head for Teaching and Learning, covering for a maternity leave and then taking on the job permanently. I then had some maternity leave of my own to have my eldest daughter and I then returned in the same role but on a part-time basis. I have been Deputy Headteacher for Inclusion for nearly 5 years now and have grown to love the role. Every day brings with it new challenges and obstacles, but these can be overcome with the support and expertise of the dedicated team with whom I work.

It is an absolute privilege to work with the children and families of Northgate. I am excited for the future of the school under its new leadership and for the development of our Nurture group and trauma informed approach across the school.

Mrs R Risby-Tester

SENCO

I come from a teaching background, with both my parents and 3 sisters all being teachers. My dad worked in a special needs school in Chichester and my mum went from West Green to being a teacher in charge of a SEN unit in Reigate and then went onto being a special needs advisor for the early years and childcare service in surrey, so you could say working with special needs children is in my DNA. I have been teaching for 12 years, starting at a small school in Surrey before moving to Northgate 10 years ago, I started as an intervention teacher, moved into reception before being based in Nursery for 8 years, 5 of which I was early years leader. 

Being in nursery was certainly a learning curve but I loved every minute of it, it is the first port of call for all children especially those with higher needs, this is where my passion for children with special needs developed. I have had many children through my doors, all at different parts of their journeys, I learnt how to support and develop families and their children’s needs. In order to continue to do this I decided it was time to move from Nursery, although I am still their SENCo into the mainstream.

My job involves ensuring the best possible provision is in place for every child with whom are on the SEN register, to liaises closely with colleagues and external professionals to support this provision. I ensure I am up to date with best practice in a multitude of SEN areas.  I endeavor to build strong relationship with the children under my care, and with the adults who support them.  This enables me to develop each child's provision in a personalised, bespoke manner. I am currently learning all about Trauma and supporting the school with a nurture room provision. 

Mrs T Hollands

Inclusion Assistant

I joined Northgate Primary School  18 years ago as a Teaching Assistant, mainly in upper KS2, a role in which I became  interested in Special Education Needs, in particular how to assist children with Dyslexia to access learning.

I became a part of the inclusion Team in my role of Inclusion Assistant in June 2019.

As part of the team, my responsibilities include liaising with Mrs Risby-Tester and Mrs Stringer to assist them with administration and collation of evidence that we need to apply for Educational Heath Care Plans for our children.  I also work with our SEND children and administer screening programmes to ensure that we are providing our children with the best possible support in school.

I feel very privileged to be part of the wonderful Northgate Team, who always strive to provide the best environment for the children’s learning and overall well-being.