Staff

Senior Leadership Team

Mrs Lyn Gray - Head Teacher - Currently on secondment

Lyn Gray – Head Teacher – Currently on secondment

I started my teaching career in Scotland. I attended the University of Edinburgh and on receiving my degree began life as a classroom teacher in Aberdeen. I then moved to London in 1998 and have since taught in six different primary schools across four different local authorities covering the full range from Nursery to year 6 –  Where does the time go?

I joined Grove Road Primary School in November 2014 and love being part of such a diverse school with such interesting and dynamic children. I am very passionate about helping children to do their very best and reach their goals in exciting and challenging ways. This enthusiasm for learning and achieving is still a big part of me and reminds that every day and through everyone we meet there is an opportunity to learn and grow.

I live in Surrey with my husband and two young children and whenever I have time to myself I enjoy running and reading.

Mrs Natalie Parsons - Inclusion Leader & Red Class Teacher

Natalie Parsons- Inclusion Leader & Red Class Teacher

I started my journey in education in 2005 when I studied at Roehampton University. I have worked in different boroughs and in different roles over time including lead for PSHE, RE, History, Maths, Assistant Head and SENCo. I joined Grove Road in April 2021 and have thoroughly enjoyed working with the dedicated staff and meeting the lovely children and their families. My role at Grove Road is Inclusion Leader, I have a passion for supporting all children to achieve their best and ensure their emotional well being is supported too.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my children, family and friends. I also enjoy reading and walking.

Mrs Grace Beckford - Acting Headteacher

Grace Beckford – Acting Headteacher

My journey as a teacher began in 2009 when I graduated from Roehampton University with a BA in Primary Education.  I have been teaching at Grove Road since 2011, where I have taught many different year groups and have been Deputy Headteacher since 2019.  I have always loved being a part of the Grove Road family and enjoy learning in a fun, creative way.  I  love being able to spend time working with all of the teachers and children to make Grove Road the best school it can be.

My husband and I live in Sunbury and enjoy holidays and visiting places of interest when we can.  I also love reading (especially comics), writing a journal and spending time with my family.

Ms Alex Turner - Acting Deputy Headteacher

Ms Alex Turner – Acting Deputy Headteacher

Teaching Staff

Miss Jenny Johnson - Rainbow Class Teacher, ASC Centre Leader & KS1 Leader

Jenny Johnson – Rainbow Class Teacher, ASC Centre Leader & KS1 Leader

I have been working at Grove Road Primary School since 2011, where my teaching career began in Year 2, after gaining a B Ed (Hons) from the University of Chester. Since being at Grove Road, I have enjoyed working with many wonderful children, staff and parents whilst being responsible for PSHE, RE, English and being a member of the Arts team. I have been fortunate enough to teach across many of the year groups in all three of the Key Stages. Each year group brings new and interesting opportunities whilst learning about a range of topics so I don’t think that I could pick a favourite. As Rainbow class teacher, I am enjoying seeing the children explore and learn through a wide range of experiences across the curriculum as they begin their learning journey.  I am a firm believer that you are never too old to learn and I have enjoyed looking for exciting and interesting courses and learning opportunities for staff as part of my role as CPD lead so that we are equipped with the most up to date knowledge and techniques to help our children shine. In my spare time I love reading, shopping, spending time with my family and friends and enjoying a range of food from different cuisines.

Miss Amy Morley - Orange Class Teacher & EYFS Leader

Amy Morley – Orange Class Teacher & EYFS Leader

I am a South African who moved over to the UK in 2018. I have been working with children for a total of 6 years because I decided to take an internship at one of the top boarding schools in South Africa while I studied. This meant that along with my teaching and studying, I played a role in helping to take care of (or as I like to call it ‘played mommy to’) 10 children who were a mixture of 7-9 years old. I am a very passionate person and that really shines through in my teaching as well as when I am doing ballroom and latin dancing. Another interest of mine includes reading, I mainly enjoy fantasy or sci-fi stories like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings but I do branch out into other genres from time to time.

Miss Olivia Sheldrake - Yellow Class Teacher

Olivia Sheldrake – Yellow Class Teacher

I joined Grove Road in September 2022 after completing a PGCE in Primary Education at St Mary’s University. I’m so excited that I get to teach year 1! Having grown up as a childminder’s daughter, I’ve been around a wide range of children of all ages and often chose to spend my school holidays looking after them because it was so much fun. Through this experience, I’ve seen the value of educating children with a mindset of giving them a space to be themselves, explore their curiosities and feel loved.

Outside of school I love playing guitar, doing ballet, looking after my gerbils, reading and writing fiction poetry.

Mrs Ariet Garces - Green Class Teacher

Ariet Garces – Green Class Teacher

I am South African born with Portuguese heritage and have made London my home for the past 20 years. My teaching journey began in 2017 when I decided to leave my career in retail and hospitality to follow a lifelong dream of being an educator. I joined Roehampton University and undertook an Education Studies degree which I then followed up with a PGCE in Primary Education. I am fortunate to have joined the Grove Road Primary School this year, at the start of my teaching career, and look forward to growing as a teacher and building lifelong relationships.

I am a mother of two and enjoy travelling, experiencing different cuisines, theatre and spending time with my family.​

Mrs Lucy Cotter - Blue Class Teacher

Lucy Cotter – Blue Class Teacher

I have been teaching for two and a half years and am really excited to be continuing my journey with Grove Road.  Before training to be a teacher, I was a Teaching Assistant for about five years.  I really enjoy learning with the children and watching them discover how the world works.  I did an Open University degree in Childhood and Youth studies whilst my own children were small and then a PGCE at St Marys University.  In my spare time I like musical theatre, knitting socks, reading and long walks.

Miss Harsimar Kaur - Indigo Class Teacher

Harsimar Kaur – Indigo Class Teacher

Mrs Farhana Letzelter - Violet Class Teacher

Farhana Letzelter – Violet Class Teacher

Teachers and support staff play an important role in shaping the lives of young individuals. They inspire, motivate and encourage learners and guide them to make a positive impression in their community and the world around them. They hold great responsibilities and are widely skilled in helping children across all ages, languages, ethnicities, subjects and abilities. There are challenges, rewards and triumphs in this profession.

For these reasons, my passion for teaching young learners was ignited and I embarked on my career path into teaching in 2007 when I acquired a position in a primary school as a Teaching Assistant. Over the years, my accumulated experience and skills allowed me opportunities for career progression as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant and then onwards to becoming a Special Educational Needs Assistant to the SENDCo. As my interest in the pedagogy of children increased,  combined with the desire to become a qualified teacher, my next challenge was to study for a BA honours in SEN and Inclusive Practice at Kingston University which I completed in 2021.

I joined Grove Road Primary School in September 2021 and I am very happy being a part of the friendly and diverse school community.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, going to the gym (when I feel motivated!) and going for long walks with my dog.

Mr Jamie Farnell-Warren - Gold Class Teacher and KS2 Phase Leader

Jamie Farnell-Warren – Gold Class Teacher and KS2 Phase Leader

I graduated from Roehampton University in 2007 and began my career as the head of the music department at Spring West Academy in Feltham. Later, I moved to teaching in a local Hounslow primary school, where I taught for 12 years, mostly as the head of the music department. I gained an enormous amount of experience having taught throughout most of the key stages  and embedding my passion for music throughout the school.

This year, I was lucky enough to join the Grove Road community and already feel at home in this wonderful school. The support of all the staff is clearly evident and their passion for the children’s learning and personal growth is something that really motivates me.  Personally I’m driven by a strong desire to help every child reach their potential, and that’s what motivates me every day. I truly believe that every child has a personal talent and our job as teachers is to nurture that talent and celebrate it.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing music, watching films, and playing golf whenever I can. I have a 12 year old son who I love to spend time with.

Miss Simone Baxter - PE & PPA Teacher

Simone Baxter – PE & PPA Teacher 

I joined Grove Road in 2019, where I started my teaching career. I attended St Mary’s University in Twickenham for 4 years, undergoing a 3 year degree in Physical and Sport Education and a PGCE teacher training year. I have a specialism in PE and would definitely say this is my favourite subject! When I’m not teaching, I love doing athletics and socialising with friends.

Send Staff

Miss Sam Patankar - Centre HLTA

Sam Patankar – Centre HLTA

I began my journey at Grove Road Primary school 18 years ago and I’m still a part of the furniture. I started as a mid-day supervisor and now I am a very experienced HLTA. I have had the chance to work in all classes from EYFS to year 6. I specialise in behaviour management and I’m part of the inclusion team. I enjoy working with children from diverse backgrounds and supporting them on a daily basis.

In my spare time I love spending time with my friends, family, eating out and cooking. I’m a very enthusiastic, warm and welcoming individual always ready for a challenge therefore I’m well suited in my role.

Miss Isabella Battle - Centre HLTA

Isabella Battle – Centre HLTA

I graduated from St Mary’s University 2 years ago and have been working with children for over 2 years now. I started working as a TA in a school in St Margarets where I was able to develop my skills including working with children with SEN.
I’m very excited to have joined Grove Road and build on my skill set. In my spare time I like to read and do yoga.

Mrs Belinda Pereira - Centre HLTA

Mrs Belinda Pereira – Centre HLTA

Mrs Ronit Kaduri-Myerowitz - Centre LSA
Ronit Kaduri-Myerowitz – Centre LSA
I’ve been working as a SEND learning support assistant for 5 years now and I love it!
I’m very passionate and committed to supporting and integrating our special needs children into our school.
I think every child is unique. When I approach a child, they inspire me in two sentiments – tenderness for who they are and respect for what they may become.
I live in Staines Upon Thames with my husband and son and I love writing and cooking.
Miss Amy Shub - Centre LSA

Amy Shub – Centre LSA

I started a childcare course at Kingston college in 2019 for 2 years. In 2020, I spent my time here at Grove Road completing a student placement with the EYFS team. The staff here are so welcoming and made me feel comfortable not only to work with but to support my confidence in my course I was doing. I enjoyed it so much here I decided to apply to work here. I have been able to extend my experience of childcare over time and help all children learn whilst they are growing to become bigger individuals.

In my spare time, I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family. I also enjoy going on holidays.

Mrs Ellen Withanachchi - Centre LSA

Ellen Withanachchi – Centre LSA

Previous to joining Grove Road I had a wide- ranging career within Local Government.
Having worked in both the Careers and Youth Services for many years, I then became a Finance Officer for Social Services and having completed many years in the field, I thought it would be nice to do something completely different and ‘work with children’.
I was lucky enough to join the team at Grove Road in October 2017 on a supply basis. Shortly after that I worked 3 days a week and to date work 5 mornings each week. I love working in a School as every day is different and I know that what I do, does make a difference to the children’s learning. I am especially particular about teaching good manners and helping the children have respect for each other. I want to make sure the children are my priority each day and that I have enabled them to learn something new.
The actual wonderment in a child’s eye when they finally understand a new concept is a “joy to behold” and in my view this is what is so special about working in education.

Support Staff

Mrs Bini Bharaj - Red Class EYP

Bini Bharaj – Red Class EYP

I have been working at Grove Road Primary School since January 2010. I have been working in the Early Years Nursery and Reception classes, also in Year 2. I really love coming to this school and working here.  I have learnt so much and it is a great experience working with the children, parents and staff here.

In my spare time I enjoy doing babysitting, going out with friends and spending time with my family.

Ms. Baljit Bachu - Orange Class LSA

Baljit Bachu – Orange Class LSA

Mrs Lakhvir Dhaliwal- Yellow Class LSA

Lakvir Dhaliwal  – Yellow Class LSA

I joined Grove Road Primary school in 2018 and have enjoyed working with many incredible and some wonderful children along with supportive staff. I live in Cranford with my family. In my spare time,  I love watching movies (comedy), spending quality time with family and socialising  with friends.
Miss Naima Boufersaoui - Green Class LSA

Naima Boufersaoui – Green Class LSA

I grew up in France and lived for sometime in Switzerland. For the past two years,I have been working as a TA at Grove Road Primary School.
I enjoy being around children and help them achieve their targets.

Miss Chloe Romp - Blue Class HLTA

Chloe Romp – Blue Class HLTA

I joined Grove Road in 2022. I worked 2 and a half years in a special needs school and gained lots of experience to take with me into new schools. I am able to work with various needs and have been 1:1 previously and  have completed a course in ‘Attention Austism’. I feel very passionate about teaching and using Makaton and the use of PECS. I’ve worked with various age ranges from lower key stages up to college students and loved the experience. My target to myself in the next year is to start my teaching degree and hope to teach a class of my own in the near future.

In my spare time I like to go to the gym, see friends, spend lots of time with family and take my dog for walks in the park.

Mrs Bushra Bhatti - Indigo Class HLTA

 Bushra Bhatti – Indigo Class HLTA

Prior to joining Grove Road Primary school as HLTA in April 2023, I had the experience of seven years as a teaching assistant in another school. Making a positive difference in children’s lives gave me an immense sense of joy and satisfaction.

Grove Road is very special to me as it was the primary school of my daughters and I have also seen the journey of progress as a parent.

I live in Hounslow with my husband and daughters. I also serve the community through various projects and exhibitions for peace and interfaith harmony. In my spare time I enjoy research, travelling and spending quality time with family and friends.

Mrs Svitlana Taran - Violet Class HLTA

Svitlana Taran – Violet Class HLTA

For a number of years I’ve been working at primary schools as an HLTA, teaching all year groups.

Miss Georgina George-Adams - Gold Class LSA

Georgina George-Adams – Gold Class LSA

Mrs Bal Davis - EAL LSA

Bal Davis – EAL LSA

I have had the privilege of being a part of the Grove Road Primary School team for over 15 years, where I have held positions of SMSA, Parent Support Adviser and Teaching Assistant. Working with children brings me great joy and I value my role supporting children with their learning. I am blessed to have 3 wonderful sons, (2 of which attended Grove Road) and 2 beautiful grandchildren. The things I enjoy outside of work are spending time my family, learning and reading a variety of books.

 

Ms. Yasmin Abdi - School Librarian

Yasmin Abdi – School Librarian

I have been working at Grove Road since 2018 as the Librarian.  I enjoy working here and I feel so lucky to be part of the school.  Out of work, I am a Mum of 3 daughters and a son.  My spare time is spent with them and we love doing art and sharing stories.

Mrs Henriequitta Pires - Pastoral Support

Mrs Henriequitta Pires – Pastoral Support

I began working at Grove Road Primary School in 2019 as a SEN Support TA until 2021, when I went to work at the Young Offenders Institution as a Learning Support Assistant. During my time there, I attended CORE and Enhanced Support team meetings, liaised with professionals from external agencies on-site and upon my transfer to the Behaviour support hub, I had the opportunity to use my counselling skills during 1:1 and group interventions.

I came back to Grove Road Primary in 2023 as part of Rainbow Class part-time, as I am currently in my last year training to be a Qualified Counsellor.

Grove Road holds a special place in my heart, because upon entering the space, one will feel the pulse of our community with every pleasant exchange that they are sure to have with either a student or a staff member. I am very honoured to be a part of such an inspirational school and now enjoy working as a Pastoral Assistant in this very friendly and supportive school

Admin Staff

Mrs Sharon Hancock - Admin Officer

Sharon Hancock – Admin. Officer 

I came to Grove Road in June 2017 after working in three other primary schools over 13 years. Although passionate about the other schools I have worked in I have found Grove Road to be the most welcoming with its diverse culture. Everyday presents a new challenge which can be both rewarding and demanding in equal measures. Through the support of our parents and their amazing children there is nothing that cannot be achieved. I feel honoured to have met some amazing families and look forward to meeting many more in years to come.

Mrs Penny Cushen - Admin. Officer

Penny Cushen- Admin. Officer

I started my time at Grove Road in 2015 after working at my last school for 17 years as a TA/SMSA.  I have worked across the school from EYFS-Year 6 and have enjoyed every moment of working with children from diverse backgrounds and supporting them on a daily basis.  In September 2020,  I was given the opportunity to change my role and to  work as an Admin Assistant in the office, which for me is a great  challenge, but one that I am enjoying!

In my spare time, I like to spend quality time with my family & Friends and going to the Theatre.

Lunchtime Staff

Mrs Mandeep Grewal- Chef Manager

Mandeep Grewal – Chef Manager

I have been at Grove Road since 2020 and absolutely love it here.  I am the Chef Manager and enjoy seeing the children at lunchtime and introducing different foods to them which can sometimes be challenging, puddings however are not a problem!  I played hockey at school and college and now enjoy playing the sport with my two children.

Mrs Noshaba Ibrahim - Chef Assistant

Noshaba Ibrahim – Chef Assistant

Mrs Narinder Saini - SMSA

Narinder Saini – SMSA

I have been working at Grove Road Primary school since 2017 and I have really enjoyed my time here and continue to do so.
I think it is very rewarding to supervise and play with the kids during their lunch hour and in addition to this, providing any first aid and sorting any problems in the playground.
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, travelling, spending time with my family and going for long walks with our pet dog.

Mrs Harjeet Mudhar - SMSA

Harjeet Mudhar – SMSA

I have been working as an SMSA since 2016 at Grove Road primary school, I absolutely love working with the children everyday as well as having sympathetic and amazing colleagues.

I enjoy cooking and trying out new things everyday and being able to build better relationships with the children and teachers.

Premises Staff

Mr John Davis - Caretaker

John Davis – Caretaker

After joining the Grove Road Primary school team in June 2018, my time here has been overwhelmingly enjoyable. My role has given me the opportunity to give something back to our community on a daily basis. Making me feel very proud to call myself the caretaker at our beautiful school.

Ms. Carolina D'Costa - Cleaner

Carolina D’Costa – Cleaner

Mrs Harjeet Mudhar - Cleaner

Harjeet Mudhar – Cleaner

I have been working as an SMSA since 2016 at Grove Road primary school, I absolutely love working with the children everyday as well as having sympathetic and amazing colleagues.

I enjoy cooking and trying out new things everyday and being able to build better relationships with the children and teachers.