School Staff
Within Kirk Fenton there are many people, both teachers and non-teachers, who work in and around the school to help make it a safe and friendly place in which the children can develop and play.
Teachers work hard to ensure that children learn in a fun and exciting way. Whilst teaching assistants are there to help support the teachers and children in whatever way is needed.
Mrs Mel Walmsley
Headteacher
Mrs Emma Bembridge
Deputy Head / SENCO
When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a teacher. My mum says that I used to line up my teddies and pretend to play schools.
I grew up in Scarborough so chose to go to University there too. I loved living at the seaside and I visit Scarborough often as my family still live there. Once qualified, I moved to Kirklees where I got my first teaching job. I have been lucky enough throughout my career to teach children from Reception to Year 6. I have taught at Kirk Fenton for a number of years now and feel lucky to be part of such a wonderful community.
Outside of school, my husband and I are kept super busy with our three children and our pet dog. We enjoy being outdoors and love camping and walking.
Mrs Gemma Westfeld
EYFS Lead / YR Hedgehogs Teacher
Hello, I’m Mrs Westfeld and I teach the Reception class.
I have been a teacher for over twenty years and love teaching the Early Years age range. For a number of years I taught in a school near Wakefield and I have also done supply teaching across Foundation Stage and Key Stage One. I grew up in Warwick and moved north to study after completing my A Levels, eventually settling in York.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, baking and exploring the Yorkshire countryside with my husband and two children.
Miss Ruby Page
Y1 Otters Teacher
Mrs Gemma Harrison
Y2 Badgers Teacher
I have always wanted to be a teacher, when I was younger I used to show my younger brother and sister things that I had learnt at school and make them practise colours and counting! I am from Leeds but love travelling so before University I travelled around Europe, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand. During my degree, which I took at Nottingham University, I spent time in Uganda and the Dominican Republic helping to build classrooms and houses and distributing food and aid.
I worked for the Police in order to save up to return to University and study to be a teacher. My first teaching job was at a North Yorkshire school where I taught the Reception class. I decided to become a supply teacher in order to gain more experience and I was lucky enough to get to come to Kirk Fenton a lot! I have been lucky to teach at Kirk Fenton for a number of years in Reception, Year 1 and I am currently in Year 4.
I am passionate about fitness and when I am not busy at school I spend time participating in gym classes in York as well as going for long walks and riding my bike. I love animals and spend the rest of my time looking after my 2 cheeky bunny rabbits.
Mrs Catherine Wolterman
Y2 Badgers Teacher
Hello, my name is Mrs Wolterman.
Since qualifying as a teacher in 2016, I have taught in almost every primary year group, predominantly in Key Stage 2 but also in Reception and in a private nursery setting. I have been teaching at Kirk Fenton since 2021 and I love being part of the brilliant team here.
My undergraduate degree was in languages (German with Russian) and I also have a Masters degree in Conference Interpreting and Translation Studies. Before training to teach, I worked as a freelance translator and I still translate children’s fiction from German to English from time to time. I also co-founded York’s German Saturday School in 2019 and continue to be involved as a member of the Management Team. I’m a mum of two little girls who keep me very busy outside school. When I get the chance, I also really enjoy yoga.
Miss Kate Moody
Y3 Beavers Teacher
Hello, I’m Miss Moody and I am the Year 2/3 teacher here at Kirk Fenton.
Ever since I was little I always wanted to be a teacher and would alway play teachers with my two sisters. I qualified after completing my teacher training at York St John University and started my career by being a supply teacher. I began my time at Kirk Fenton as a supply teaching assistant, before taking the role as the Year 2 teacher.
I grew up in the Lake District where I enjoyed walking the dog on the beach and swimming in the lakes. Now I enjoy returning to see my family and friends. In my spare time, I am a Brownie Leader in York. I have been a part of the Girl Guiding since I was 5 years old and have had many incredible experiences including travelling to India. I enjoy travelling around the world and I cannot wait to see what my next adventure will bring!
Mr Rick Geake
Y4 Foxes Teacher
Mrs Becky Rowley
Y5 Red Squirrels Teacher
Mrs Rachel Keetley
Y5 Roe Deer Teacher
Hello.
I’m Mrs Keetley.
I’ve been teaching across Yorkshire Primary schools (including in a dedicated special needs provision), since 2003, with side quests into College of Policing, North Yorkshire Council and Medical Education (NHS). Until recently I supported 1st Kirk Fenton Rainbows and now I am delighted to be able to contribute to the team at Kirk Fenton Primary school.
Likes:
Sunshine, long walks & picnics with my family. Film, books & gardening.
Dislikes:
Traffic. Celery. Vacuuming.
Mr Tom Symes
Y6 Pine Martens Teacher
Hello I’m Mr Symes and I’m the current year 4 teacher. I always wanted to be a teacher from a young age, however it just took me a little longer to pursue it. Before entering teaching, I had a range of jobs from snowboard instructing to being a chef. Eventually, with the support of my wife, I decided that I would finally train to be a teacher. With Kirk Fenton being my first teaching post, I can safely say that it was the right decision.
After meeting in Canada where I was living, my wife and I moved back to England and then I left the south coast to move to York to start my training. During my training, we got married and had our first daughter, and then recently we welcomed the birth of our second daughter.
Mrs Judith Mawson
Teaching Assistant / MSA
After a career in banking and then being at home with my children I became involved at their school as a parent and then a dinner lady. I really enjoyed the school environment so when the opportunity arose to work at Kirk Fenton, first as a dinner lady then as a teaching assistant I jumped at the chance. Over the many years working here I have worked with all year groups and always with a great staff team. When I'm not working I enjoy reading, baking, making things but my favourite thing is spending time with my family and friends.
Miss Lucy Rutter
Teaching Assistant
My career has taken a wonderfully winding path — starting in the performing arts, where I trained as a professional dancer in contemporary dance, classical ballet, and musical theatre. After having my daughter, I retrained as a dental therapist and worked extensively with children in Special Care Dentistry, providing calm, tailored care for young patients with additional needs.
I’ve also worked for Northern Ballet, supporting students aged 4–16 and helping to create a safe, encouraging environment for their classical ballet training.
Later, I taught at York College, delivering courses in sports science, fitness, and health and social care; during this time I completed qualifications in training and education and assessment- proof that I enjoy learning almost as much as I enjoy teaching.
All of these experiences have led me to education, where I’m excited to bring together creativity, care, and a genuine love of working with children. I’m passionate about helping young people feel confident, supported, and able to laugh — ideally with me, not at me (though I’m used to both).
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, getting lost in a good book, and crafting. Needle felting and embroidery are my most favourite hobbies — partly because they’re relaxing, and partly because they’re the only hobbies I have that don’t involve glitter, music, or someone doing pirouettes.
Mrs Karen Parnaby
Teaching Assistant / MSA
Miss Faye Moore
Teaching Assistant / MSA
I graduated from university and later qualified as a solicitor in 2010 specialising in residential property. Whilst I have enjoyed working in the legal profession for many years, it has been an ambition of mine to pursue a career in education; and I am delighted to have been offered the opportunity to do this at Kirk Fenton. I am really looking forward to the change and a new challenge. I can’t wait to start working with the children.
I have lived in Church Fenton with my family since 2010. We enjoy living here in this small community. I have two wonderful daughters, one of whom is about to start secondary school and one who continues to attend Kirk Fenton.
I don’t seem to have much free time as we are always busy with one thing or another, but I do enjoy reading, going to the theatre, long walks, visiting places of interest, being with friends and family, and holidays abroad.
Mrs Ellie Keyse
Learning Mentor
Mrs Amanda Peace
Teaching Assistant / MSA
After graduating from Durham University in 2000, I qualified as a commercial property solicitor in 2003 and worked at a couple of major law firms in Leeds before leaving legal practice at the end of 2019 to pursue a new career in private childcare. I am now a teaching assistant at the school and I am really enjoying the challenges and rewards of working with young children.
I have also been a parent governor at Kirk Fenton since the end of 2018 and have two young children, both of whom attend the school.
Church Fenton has been our home for well over a decade now and as a family we enjoy village life and the feeling of community here. My children keep me very busy but in any spare time I am working my way through the various belt grades at a local martial arts school, practise yoga and am a big fan of comic book films!
Mrs Fiona Hillyer
Teaching Assistant / MSA
I have worked in education for many years in a range of different roles. I am loving my job as a teaching assistant at Kirk Fenton. Everyday is different and there is always something exciting going on. The school is a great place to work and is full of lovely children and staff.
When I am not at school, I enjoying spending time with my husband and daughter. I like walking my dog Pixie, reading and getting stuck in to anything crafty! Especially sewing!
Mrs Helen Darnton
Teaching Assistant / MSA
Hi I’m Mrs Darnton, I started working as a teaching assistant at Kirk Fenton in 2022.
Before having children I worked as a solicitor specialising in employment law.
I have been a parent governor since 2019 and have really enjoyed getting to know the school. I am so pleased to be working at Kirk Fenton now and everybody has made me feel very welcome.
When I am not at school I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children. We love family days out and enjoy swimming, cycling, walking and spending time outdoors discovering nature.
Mrs Sara Walton
Teaching Assistant / MSA
Miss Zoe Bednall
Teaching Assistant / MSA
Hi I’m Miss Bednall,
This is my first job since recently finishing my “Level 3 Childcare and Education course” at New college Pontefract. Through my course I have completed placements in nurseries and schools and have gained lots of experience with working with children aswell as having an amazing opportunity to travel to Thailand where I volunteered in a local school! I am really excited to join the team at Kirk Fenton and look forward to getting to know all of the children!
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, going on walks and going to festivals and concerts!
Mrs Angela Smith
Teaching Assistant / MSA
Mrs Laura Ellison
Teaching Assistant / MSA
Mrs Simona Marshall
Teaching Assistant / MSA
Mrs Ange Triffitt
Teaching Assistant
Hello, I’m Mrs Triffitt (Teaching Assistant) and I’m thrilled to be part of our amazing school family! Here's ten facts to help you get to know me a little bit;
Mr Ian Hirst
HLTA
Mrs Eleanor Edwards
Teaching Assistant
About Me
Miss Kirsty Finlay
MSA
Mrs Bev Hathaway
Administrative Assistant
Hello I'm Mrs Hathaway and I joined the admin team at Kirk Fenton in 2013. Before this I was a Bikeability Instructor – visiting primary schools in Selby and the surrounding areas teaching Y5/6s safe cycling on the roads. I have previously worked in Denmark, Nottingham and London before moving to Yorkshire where I spent a few years in the marketing department at Leeds Bradford International Airport.
I have 2 grown up children and love going on long dog walks with family and friends and also enjoy reading, crocheting, singing and visiting the cinema and theatre.
Mrs Jo Mc Keating
Office Manager
Prior to joining the Kirk Fenton team I was a stay at home mum with my 2 girls for ten years. During this time I was the treasurer of our village playgroup and mums and tots group for over 5 years. I was a Governor at our village Primary School for 8 years and am actively involved in village life taking part in our annual pantomime and murder mystery evenings.
Before becoming a mum I worked at a Chartered Accountants in Leeds preparing financial accounts for small businesses and sole traders.
I enjoy long dog walks in the countryside with my family and friends, going to the theatre and reading.
Mr Winston Archibald
Caretaker
Mrs Helen Harrison
Kitchen Staff
Mrs Jo Langdon
Kitchen Staff
Hello I am Jo and I have worked in the school kitchen for over 20 years. I have always enjoyed cooking and baking from a young age. I have two grown up children Natalie and Danny who both attended Kirk Fenton. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I particularly like visiting Northumberland and exploring the beautiful coastline.
Bobbie
School Mascot
Woof! I’m Bobbie,the school mascot. I love coming into school every Friday to celebrate all the fantastic learning you’ve been doing. I enjoy listening to stories, getting lots of fuss, and running around the field with the children—by the time I get home, I’m completely worn out!