Meet The Key Stage 1 Team

My name is Katie Sams and I have been teaching at West Rise for the past seven years. I have a degree in English Literature and enjoy teaching early reading and writing. I absolutely love working with children - there is never a dull moment and I honestly think teaching is one of the best jobs in the world! I treasure the time I get to spend with the children here at West Rise and it is amazing to watch them grow and shine.

Hi, I’m Melissa Gilkes and I am the Deputy Headteacher, the SENDCO and the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

I have been teaching at West Rise since 2001 when I joined as a Final Teaching Practice Student. As a teacher I love getting to know new
children and watching them as they blossom and fly into beautiful people, full of passion and creativity in their learning.

I have two children of my own, Thomas and Sebastian, who both attended West Rise Nursery. In my own time I enjoy singing in a choir and spending time reading quietly.

My name is Allyson Hurst and I have been a teacher at West Rise Infant School since 2014.  I currently teach in Year Two, and I am the lead teacher for reading and writing in year 2 across the school. I have previously taught in other schools.

I love teaching at West Rise Infants where every child and adult is cared for individually, and enabled to thrive.