Our staff
Bawdsey CEVCP School Staff
Headteacher Mrs Katie Butler
I have been teaching for 20+ years, and I am proud to be part of a profession that develops children's learning, skills, confidence and lives. I taught in a number of schools prior to taking up headship, this included a number of leadership roles, the last being as a Deputy at a school in Ipswich with over 370 pupils. I became the Headteacher of Bawdsey CEVCP School in 2016. I have an Early Years specialism in education and a creative background before this with my degree being a Bachelor of Arts (Hons), which I have latterly extended with a Master of Arts (Hons) in education and an NPQEL qualification (National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership).
I am lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family and my husband and I have two sons which keep us on our toes, 3 slightly mad black cats and a corn snake called 'Fluffy'. Living locally myself, I understand the uniqueness and beauty of our location, and I am in a privileged position to be Headteacher to an amazing school.
I love the family feel of Bawdsey school and how we can help children and their families. I am lucky enough to now lead a family and community orientated school in Suffolk.
Mrs Heather Williams
Willow Class- Class 1, Years Nursery and Reception
I'm so excited to get to know you and your family, and to welcome your child to my class. Before you start, here are a few things you might like to know about me. I grew up in Suffolk, then moved Leicester where I trained and worked as a Nurse. I worked in Intensive Care and as a Community Nurse, before having my own children, two boys, who are now 5 and 10. After a career change I completed teacher training in Suffolk, specialising in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage One and I'm thrilled to be joining Bawdsey CEVC Primary School.
My background in nursing and love of gardening has given me a passion for Science and I have achieved a Primary Science Enhancement Award with the Primary Science Teaching Trust. I am also a keen pianist and enjoy providing lots of opportunities for creativity and music in my classroom.
I’m passionate about the importance of children’s first steps in education and ensure every child in my class feels safe, valued, and inspired, as I believe these elements are crucial to enabling children to reach their full potential and develop a lifelong love of learning. Play is central to our approach in the EYFS, and your child will have access to a range of engaging and exciting opportunities for play, alongside playful teaching in a nurturing environment to support their development. As a Mum I know your child’s transition into education is an exciting, but sometimes daunting time. Building a strong partnership between school and home can really support your child’s transition. I welcome your involvement and look forward to hearing about your child’s wow moments!
Miss Laura Pendle
Chestnut Class- Class 2, Years 1 and 2
Hello, the first thing to know about me is that I have always wanted to be a teacher. I completed my degree in Early and Primary Education at the University of Suffolk and my most recent position was teaching Year 2 at a small primary school in Suffolk.
I am a creative person who loves theatre and music so between lessons you will probably hear me singing to myself down the corridors. Others would describe me as hardworking, happy and tell you that I am always there to help people in any way I can. I am very excited to join Bawdsey and look forward to meeting you all.
Mr Stuart Ward
Oak Class - Class 3, Years 3 & 4
A little bit about me - I love my sport! I am a keen (semi-competitive) runner, I play cricket for Stowmarket CC and play badminton weekly on a social basis. I also lead sessions at my running club and run the junior section at Needham Market Cricket Club. Other people would describe me as tall, calm, friendly and in possession of a terrible sense of humour! :) My most recent teaching job was at Tattingstone CEVC Primary School, before that Rattlesden C of E Primary School, and previously I worked as a general teaching assistant and 1:1 teaching assistant at Hillside Primary School for several years.
Miss Emily Mee, Senior Teacher
Hazel Class - Class 3, Years 5 & 6
I have been a KS2 teacher at Bawdsey Primary for five years after completing a degree in Education and Special Educational Needs and Inclusion at Bishop Grosseteste University. I relocated to Suffolk from Lincolnshire and have been warmly welcomed into the Bawdsey community. I am keen to ensure that the sense of community I feel at Bawdsey is continued into the classroom and that Class 3 is a safe, positive and caring environment for all.
For the last two years, I have been the subject lead of mathematics at Bawdsey, and I am passionate about promoting a high-quality curriculum with a mastery focus. I am also the subject lead of PSHE and RSE and believe that it is vital that we provide children with the knowledge and skills to keep themselves happy, healthy and safe, as well as to prepare them for life and work.
Mrs Nancy Darke
Sendco, Thrive Practitioner and teacher.
Mrs Helen Rankin
Eco School and Forest School leader
I have been working at Bawdsey School since 2005. I try to create an atmosphere of care and nurturing, where every child feels valued.
My particular interest is in PE. Being active has obvious health benefits but also helps with concentration and confidence. I therefore try to deliver opportunity for activity throughout the curriculum.
I have 4 children, all of whom have attended Bawdsey School and have now moved on to high school and university. I feel that they have received a fantastic education within a caring setting during their time here, and I am proud to be part of this tradition.
Support Staff
Miss Natasha Lee
Bawdsey Office Manager
Mrs Martha Page
Bawdsey Administrative Assistant
Mrs Kelly Backhouse
Early Years Practitioner - NNEB Nursery Nurse
After qualifying in 1996 I worked as a full time Nanny for an amazing family working with children from birth to the age of nine years. Following on from there I worked as a Teaching Assistant with children from Nursery up to Year 2.
I took a break while I cared for my two girls and returned to work in 2017 working in a small Nursery. I joined Bawdsey School in 2018 where I feel very at home. I live in Sutton but have always had close contact with family living in Bawdsey.
Mrs Becci Collins
Early Years Practitioner- Academic Mentor
My love of working with children is what brought me to working at Bawdsey Primary School. I have 12 years of experience working in various settings with children of all ages. After having a break from childcare when I had my children, I just knew that education and putting my all into helping children was where my heart was. There is no greater feeling than seeing the children I work with develop in confidence.
Outside of work I love nothing more than spending quality family time with my husband, two lovely boys and crazy chocolate lab, whether it’s days out or chilled days at home.
Mrs Diane Lincoln
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), Breakfast club and After School Club Supervisor.
Mrs Hayley Berkel
Teaching Assistant.
Miss Tash Felgate
Teaching Assistant.
Mrs Helen Cave
Teaching Assistant, Academic Mentor and Breakfast Club Supervisor.
Miss Rosie Howard
Teaching Assistant and After School Club Supervisor.
Miss Emma Howard
Teaching Assistant.
Mr Tony Street
Site Manager and Caretaker
Catering
Vertas Catering
Miss Parmenter
Peripatetic
Suffolk Schools' Swimming
Mrs Howe
Xtratime Sport
Mr Calver
Woodwind Tuition
Mr Kershaw from the county music team
Premises
Vertas