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.

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.

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

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.

Lisa Griffiths – Orange Class Teacher & EYFS Leader

Harsimar Kaur – Yellow Class Teacher

Miss Aoife McGarrity – Green 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.

Olivia Sheldrake – Indigo 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.

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.

Hayley Glenister – Gold Class Teacher and KS2 Phase Leader

I am thrilled to be a part of the incredible team at Grove Road Primary School. My teaching journey began in 2018, after I successfully completed a PGCE with a PE Specialism at St Mary’s University. Several years into my teaching career, I pursued my Master’s Degree from the Open University, graduating in 2023, focusing on inclusion in the classroom and curriculum. I have had the privilege of teaching in various schools, which has equipped me with invaluable experiences and knowledge that I now apply in my current practice.

Having taught across Key Stage 1 and 2, I am deeply passionate about promoting equality and inclusion. I am dedicated to creating a neurodiverse-friendly classroom where every child feels respected, supported, and empowered to succeed. Central to my teaching philosophy is a commitment to pupil mental well-being, which I view as fundamental to a child’s overall development. I strive to create a safe and nurturing space where students feel confident expressing themselves and growing.

Outside of school, I lead a busy life as a mum of two teenage boys who keep me on my toes. I’m also an animal lover, sharing our home with cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and fish. In my free time, I indulge in my love for books and movies, with a particular fondness for Harry Potter and Marvel films. I also enjoy the movie Inside Out, including the new one! I am slowly ticking off my bucket list of musicals, with The Lion King and Mrs Doubtfire being particular favourites.

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.

Mrs Belinda Pereira – Centre TA

Amy Shub – Centre TA

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.

Bal Davis – Centre TA

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.

Bini Bharaj – Red Class HLTA

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.

Daniella Maguire – Orange Class HLTA

Mehreen Musa – Yellow Class TA

Lakvir Dhaliwal  – Green Class TA

Svitlana Taran – Blue Class HLTA

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

 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.

Sarah Cheeseman – Violet Class HLTA

Chloe Romp – Gold Class HLTA

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Noshaba Ibrahim – Chef Assistant

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.

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.

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.

Carolina D’Costa – 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.