: Meet the Team

Gill is the Director of Lancashire Research School and also Deputy Headteacher of St. Mary’s RC Primary School. She has over 20 years experience as a class teacher and school leader and still loves teaching in her Y6 class base. Within her own school, she is responsible for Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, Assessment, Pupil Premium, Professional Development and is the subject lead of English and History. Gill is an SLE and has supported DfE working groups as well as many schools across Lancashire and the North West during her career.

She is the point of contact for queries about supporting Pupil Premium Strategy, Effective Implementation, whole school CPD and strategic partnership opportunities with Lancashire Research School.

Email – g.​fearns.​lancs@​researchschool.​org.​uk

Twitter – @GillianFearns

Kathryn is the Deputy Director of Lancashire Research School. Within St. Mary’s RC Primary School, she is the EYFS lead and KS1 manager. She is Phonics Manager and Science Subject Lead for the School. Currently, Kathryn teaches in a mixed Reception/​Year 1 class base and is passionate about early childhood development. In addition to her role for the Research School, she is and Early Years PD Lead for Abacus NW Maths Hub.

She is the point of contact for queries around all areas of Early Years practice, Making Best use of Teaching Assistants and Primary Science.

Email – k.​hall@​st-​marys-​haslingden.​lancs.​sch.​uk

Twitter – @Kathryn88738262

Kim is a Research School coordinator for Manchester Communication Academy as well as Trust Executive Assistant for Greater Manchester Academies Trust. Kim is in her final year of a BA Honors in Business Management and currently supports us here at Lancashire Research School. Kim’s background and previous experience is in primary education.

Kim can be contacted for any queries including those in relation to events, bookings, website, support or general questions.

Email – kimberley.​cunningham@​mca.​manchester.​sch.​uk

Erica has been the Headteacher of Whitefield Infant School, Nelson, Lancashire for the last 8 years and has over 20 years teaching experience serving disadvantaged and EAL communities. Erica’s specialism is EYFS. She is passionate about providing high quality, purposeful learning environments, ensuring a balance of play-based and adult led learning. Erica has supported other schools in Lancashire and nationally in developing their EYFS provision.

In addition to her school role, Erica is a Professional Development Lead for the NCETM. She has led training for the Local Authority and more nationally for Trusts, Academies and the English Hub. She is keen to support colleagues in EYFS to ensure children get the best possible starting points and are ready for their next phase in education.

Cat is an evidence lead in education and experienced SENDCO. She is the assistant head at St Mary’s RC Primary School and has over 10 years experience in the primary classroom. Cat has responsibility for Personal Development within school and is the Designated Mental Health Lead. She is also the Maths and PSHE subject leader. As SENDCO, Cat is passionate about meeting the needs of all pupils and promoting inclusivity in the primary sector. Cat has supported other schools through her work with the Abacus Maths Hub and is a Professional Development Lead and Research and Innovation Work group lead, undertaking projects around mixed-age Maths mastery teaching and development of mathematical oracy.

Cat is point of contact for enquiries around SEND, Personal Development and Primary Mathematics.

Email : c.​wilkinson@​st-​marys-​haslingden.​lancs.​sch.​uk

Jess has taught at Whitefield Infant School and Nursery, Nelson, Lancashire for 13 years, with most teaching experience in KS1. She is Deputy Headteacher, leading on curriculum, teaching and learning and assessment across school. She ensures a high quality, purposeful, progressive curriculum which is relevant to the community the school serves. Jess’ specialism is in English, Early Reading and Phonics, alongside being subject leader for Art and British Values. She is passionate about early language development and oracy in disadvantaged and EAL learners.

As professional development lead and ECT mentor in school, Jess enjoys supporting and coaching new teachers and is passionate about developing a culture of mutual respect and support.

Email- j.​stott@​whitefield-​inf.​lancs.​sch.​uk

Jenny has been the EYFS Lead at Whitefield Infant School, Nelson, Lancashire for the last 13 years and has over 15 years of teaching experience across the EYFS – Nursery and Reception Phase.

As the leader of a large EYFS team, Jenny’s role includes guiding and supporting her colleagues. Through coaching and modelling best practices, she empowers her team to deliver high-quality early years education. Her approach fosters a collaborative culture where educators continuously learn and grow professionally, ultimately improving outcomes for all learners.Her passion lies within the creation of stimulating and awe-inspiring EYFS learning environments – designing spaces for children that spark curiosity, creativity and exploration.

In addition to her school role, Jenny is a Leading Foundation Stage Teacher for the Local Authority and has delivered Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to both the Lancashire Local Authority, national Academies and the English Hub. She is keen to foster a culture of mutual support – dedicated to improving educational outcomes for Early Years children – centred on effective pedagogical research.

Email : j.​howarth@​whitefield-​inf.​lancs.​sch.​uk

Twitter (X) – JennyPennys

Instagram : mrshutchinsoneyfs