Our Staff

A look at all those people who work on behalf of our children.

Senior Management Team

  • Mickey Kelly
    Mickey Kelly
    Executive Head Teacher
  • Dean Gordon
    Dean Gordon
    Head of School
  • Loreta Bibby
    Loreta Bibby
    Deputy Headteacher / Year 2 Class Teacher
  • Timur Kay
    Timur Kay
    Executive Business Manager
  • Rory Dearlove
    Rory Dearlove
    Senior Maths Lead
  • Karla Edwards
    Karla Edwards
    Executive English Lead
  • Holly Morse
    Holly Morse
    Executive Curriculum Lead

 

EYFS Team

  • Lydia Evans
    Lydia Evans
    SENCo and Child Protection Officer
  • Cal Byrne
    Cal Byrne
    Nursery Teacher
  • Habiba Tayabali
    Habiba Tayabali
    Nursery Nurse

Reception

  • Chantal Stewart
    Chantal Stewart
    Reception Class Teacher
  • Kamar McCarthy-Botchway
    Kamar McCarthy-Botchway
    Reception Teaching Assistant
  • Amevi Dogbo
    Amevi Dogbo
    Teaching Assistant Reception

 

Year 1

  • Samantha Harrison-Oueslati
    Samantha Harrison-Oueslati
    Year 1 Teacher
  • Kayann Reid
    Kayann Reid
    Teaching Assistant Year 1
  • Miatta Sesay
    Miatta Sesay
    Learning Support Assistant Year 1
  • Ellie Jackson
    Ellie Jackson
    Teaching Assistant Year 1

Year 2

  • Loreta Bibby
    Loreta Bibby
    Deputy Headteacher / Year 2 Class Teacher
  • Aisha Grant-Dafalla
    Aisha Grant-Dafalla
    Year 2 Class Teacher
  • Kamoya Allen
    Kamoya Allen
    Learning Support Assistant Year 1

Year 3

  • Samantha Plummer
    Samantha Plummer
    Year 3 Teacher
  • Tia Clarke
    Tia Clarke
    Learning Support Assistant Year 3
  • Lesley Lawrence
    Lesley Lawrence
    Teaching Assistant Year 3

Year 4

  • Cardella Bryce
    Cardella Bryce
    Staff Governor, Year 4 Teacher
  • Maria Ennis
    Maria Ennis
    Learning Support Assistant Year 4
  • Laraine Staples
    Laraine Staples
    Teaching Assistant Year 4

Year 5

  • Laura Rogers
    Laura Rogers
    Year 5 Teacher
  • Ardiana Mucaj
    Ardiana Mucaj
    Learning Support Assistant Year 5

Year 6

  • Kay-Ann Williamson-Smith
    Kay-Ann Williamson-Smith
    Year 6 Teacher
  • Sally-Ann Warner
    Sally-Ann Warner
    Teaching Assistant Year 6
  • Jason Grant
    Jason Grant
    Teaching Assistant – Year 6

Subject Teachers

  • Frankie
    Frankie
    Federation Sports Coach

Inclusion Team

  • Lydia Evans
    Lydia Evans
    SENCo and Child Protection Officer
  • Amber Lyseight
    Amber Lyseight
    Inclusion Officer, Learning Support Assistant

Administration Team

  • Samantha Lane
    Samantha Lane
    Office and Resources Manager
  • Susanne Platt
    Susanne Platt
    Executive Business Assistant

Technicians

  • Melissa Johnson
    Melissa Johnson
    IT Technician

Site Management

  • Patrick Arhin
    Patrick Arhin
    Premises Assistant
Mickey Kelly
Executive Head Teacher

Mickey Kelly – Executive Headteacher – Phoenix Federation

My name is Mickey Kelly and I am Executive Headteacher of the Phoenix Federation.

I was born in Belfast but came to University in Lancaster, where I met my wife Rhiannon, over forty years ago. When I came to London in the 1980s, I worked with the Irish community in Lewisham and Greenwich. As part of the programme, I did some educational work in Grinling Gibbons. This inspired me to become a teacher.

After qualifying at Goldsmiths, I taught in an Infant school in Plumstead, later in a school off the Old Kent Road in Bermondsey. Over time I worked my way to becoming Acting Headteacher. It was at this time our two children Eoin and Maeve were born.

In 2000, I left to become Headteacher at Redriff School in Rotherhithe which was in Special measures. After a lot of work with many colleagues, we became Outstanding. In the process, I undertook school improvement in many schools, becoming a National Leader of Education. Amongst other things we became an Academy, formed a Multi Academy Trust sponsored by The City of London and founded a Free School, Galleywall, which was also judged to be Outstanding.

Last year I was asked to lead our Federation, now called the Phoenix Federation, taking up my post at Christmas – just when we went into full lockdown! It is such a pleasure to work with the children and staff of the Federation and to contribute to the dynamic growth and development of our schools. We are unique schools in a unique place, and we aim to become not just truly great schools, but to serve our children and our community.

This year I was honoured to be awarded an MBE for services to education and to the community.

Dean Gordon
Head of School

Additional Responsibilities

 

Grinling Gibbons is a fabulous place to work and I love coming here every day because of the positive energy I get from all the committed staff, the lovely children and their supportive families.

I have been Head of School since September 2015 and I haven’t had a dull moment yet. The family feel I get here at Grinling Gibbons is not comparable to any other school I’ve worked in. I believe in equality for all and that every child should feel safe and happy at school. I love everything about this school and its community.

The young people in our school are inquisitive learners who have a passion for learning and this is reflected in their high levels of weekly attendance. Our families are very supportive and work closely with the school to ensure that we offer the children the best deal in order to achieve our goal of producing lifelong learners. I am very fortunate to work with a team of people who are passionate and committed to offering the children the best quality learning experiences. This helps to make my job a whole lot easier, more enjoyable and rewarding.

Loreta Bibby
Deputy Headteacher / Year 2 Class Teacher

Loreta Bibby – Deputy Headteacher/Year 2 Teacher

Additional Responsibilities

• KS1 Lead
• English and Phonics Lead
• Curriculum Lead
• Music Lead
• Behaviour Lead
• Educational Visits Lead
• Designated Safeguarding Lead

I have been a teacher for over 34 years, teaching in many schools across Lewisham and Southwark, as well as working for a local authority as an English Adviser. My real passion is reading and I love sharing books with children. I also play the piano, guitar and recorder.
Since joining the Grinling Gibbons Primary School family 6 years ago, I can honestly say that this is a really special school, filled with enthusiastic, polite, hard-working children, who can’t wait to come to school every morning. The same could be said of our teachers and support staff too!
The best thing about my job, is that no two days are ever the same!

Timur Kay
Executive Business Manager

At the Grinling Gibbons and Lucas Vale Federation there is a really high level of commitment and dedication at all levels towards the protection and learning of the children. I feel honoured to be a part of such a fantastic team of professionals, and a part of a Senior Leadership Team that is transparent, hardworking and led with unwavering Leadership.

The staff are brilliant role models for our pupils and I often find myself being inspired by the learning that takes place in the schools. The Governors are supportive and dedicated to improving the community which they represent by investing in the development of each and every child.

The Federation is truly about creating a harmonious community in the heart of Deptford.

Rory Dearlove
Senior Maths Lead

Rory Dearlove – Executive Maths Lead

I began working with the Phoenix Federation in January 2020 on secondment from a school just across the border, in Southwark. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work in Lewisham where I was born, raised and continue to live, at schools who recognise and celebrate the wonderful place that we call home!
The Phoenix federation is such an exciting place to work and as the Senior Maths Lead working across both Grinling Gibbons and Lucas Vale, I get to work with all our fantastic teachers across the Federation as well as many of our wonderful children.

I started my career working in the Early Years, but I have worked across Key Stage 1 and 2 as well. I love being able to see how children’s learning develops as they grow. I also love working alongside other teachers. I am a Local Leader of Maths Education (LLME) for Maths Hubs London South East Plus and I have collaborated with London South Teaching School Hub and The Collaborative Lesson Research group (CLR) on a range of projects supporting teachers’ professional learning.

I’m also committed to lifelong learning and I am always looking for new and exciting opportunities to develop myself. For example, in 2017, I was part of the Impuls Immersion Programme at Tokyo Gakugei University, and in 2019, I was part of The Shanghai – England Maths Teacher Exchange.

Karla Edwards
Executive English Lead
Holly Morse
Executive Curriculum Lead

Holly Morse – Executive Curriculum Lead

 I am new to GG having joined the Federation back in April 2021. I am only here for a short while having been seconded from another local school.

Working on developing the curriculum is an exciting role and I am lucky enough to cover classes at times. My highlight so far has been embarking on the residential with the year sixes.

Lydia Evans
SENCo and Child Protection Officer

I joined Grinling Gibbons in April 2018 and have been made to feel so welcome by the children, the staff and the parents. The school truly feels like a family and I am very excited to now be a part of it. I have worked in London, both as a class teacher, and as a SENCo, and have a passion to see all children thrive, in spite of the barriers they face.

I look forward to working with you to support and challenge your fantastic children.

Cal Byrne
Nursery Teacher

Cal Byrne – Nursery Teacher

Additional Responsibilities:
• Art and Design Lead
• Computing Lead
Hello, my name is Mr Byrne and I am the nursery teacher at Grinling Gibbons Primary School. I have been teaching here since 2015 and I love coming to school each day to see all our wonderful children and families.
I am very passionate about art and encouraging children to draw and paint! I also love computing, coding, Rubik’s Cubes and all things technological!

Habiba Tayabali
Nursery Nurse

Habiba Tayabali – Nursery Nurse

Hello. I have been working in an early years setting since the year 2000. I love looking at the world from a child’s view point: it’s simple, magical and exciting!
I believe that the best way to facilitate children’s development is by providing a safe, secure and happy environment, and also to provide opportunities for them to interact, explore and practise their skills. This is something we strive to do here at Grinling Gibbons.
I love most things beginning with ‘c’ – namely conservation, creativity, cooking, cleaning, cookies and cakes! 😊

Chantal Stewart
Reception Class Teacher

Chantal Stewart – Reception Teacher

Additional Responsibilities
• EYFS Lead
I have recently joined Grinling Gibbons and I am very excited to be a part of the team. The children and staff at Grinling Gibbons have made me feel so welcome already. When I first visited the school, the children were extremely polite and friendly, and I knew straight away that this was the place where I wanted to be. In addition to this, the environment is filled with enthusiasm and genuine love and care for all.
This year I am teaching in Reception and I can’t wait to see how much the children progress and develop as the year goes on. Teaching children at such a crucial stage of their lives plays a big role in shaping the individuals they will go on to become, and I love being able to have a positive input into that.

Kamar McCarthy-Botchway
Reception Teaching Assistant

Kamar McCarthy-Botchway – Reception Teaching Assistant

I work as a Reception Teaching Assistant, teaching phonics and covering PPA every week.  I have been a part of the GG family since December 2020 now and I’ve never felt more at home in a place of work than I have here.

Working with the children at GG makes every day a new challenge. Getting to experience different personalities and enjoying each child’s presence is what makes every single day a true joy.  It makes me proud seeing the children come into reception.  Being able to contribute to their development as kids, and building relationships with them along the way, is a huge bonus. I draw so much motivation and inspiration from the wonderful people I work with, day in and day out.

Amevi Dogbo
Teaching Assistant Reception
Samantha Harrison-Oueslati
Year 1 Teacher

Samantha Harrison-Ouslati – Year 1 Teacher

Additional Responsibilities

• Religious Education (RE)

I have been working for the Phoenix Federation since 2020. I have worked across both schools and have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with all the children.

I am immensely enjoying my time here at Grinling Gibbons and I am proud to be part of a dynamic and innovating school, that is well-equipped with all of the tools needed to foster and encourage learning.

I love teaching and enjoy being part of a culturally diverse school where children feel valued, respected, acknowledged and appreciated. It is always a pleasure to see children succeed and grow

Kayann Reid
Teaching Assistant Year 1

Kayann Reid – Learning Support Assistant – Year 1

I have been working at Grinling Gibbons since September 2020 and I have loved every minute of it. The pupils and staff make the school a great place to work and create such a positive environment for us all.

Seeing the children grow and develop in all aspects of their learning, and knowing that we helped them to achieve their goals, makes my job very rewarding. Not only do I love supporting teaching the children in the classroom, I also have the opportunity to run several after school clubs, including dance, hairdressing, and baking club.

It is such a rewarding experience to be able to teach our pupils different skills that they really enjoy and can use throughout their lives. I am very proud to be a member of the Grinling Gibbons community.

Miatta Sesay
Learning Support Assistant Year 1
Ellie Jackson
Teaching Assistant Year 1

I have worked at Grinling Gibbons since January 2016, in the nursery and reception. It is such a fantastic place to work, as the pupils and staff make it such a special place. I love being part of such a wonderful school community, and it is a genuine pleasure to work here and teach our pupils as they are all such lovely children and enthusiastic learners.

Loreta Bibby
Deputy Headteacher / Year 2 Class Teacher

Loreta Bibby – Deputy Headteacher/Year 2 Teacher

Additional Responsibilities

• KS1 Lead
• English and Phonics Lead
• Curriculum Lead
• Music Lead
• Behaviour Lead
• Educational Visits Lead
• Designated Safeguarding Lead

I have been a teacher for over 34 years, teaching in many schools across Lewisham and Southwark, as well as working for a local authority as an English Adviser. My real passion is reading and I love sharing books with children. I also play the piano, guitar and recorder.
Since joining the Grinling Gibbons Primary School family 6 years ago, I can honestly say that this is a really special school, filled with enthusiastic, polite, hard-working children, who can’t wait to come to school every morning. The same could be said of our teachers and support staff too!
The best thing about my job, is that no two days are ever the same!

Aisha Grant-Dafalla
Year 2 Class Teacher

Aisha Grant-Dafalla – Year 2 Teacher

Additional Responsibilities:

• PSHE Subject Leader
There has never been a dull moment since I started Grinling Gibbons, in January 2020. I was warmly welcomed by the friendly staff and amazing children!
One of my favourite things about working at Grinling Gibbons is the diversity and inclusion that is embedded into the curriculum to not only represent the children of our school, but to embrace it and celebrate it – eg Windrush Day, The Phoenix Carnival, Eid and Afro Day, just to name a few.

My teaching career has spanned over many schools, both here in the UK, and overseas. Returning home to the UK, South East London, and teaching at Grinling Gibbons has been a blast, so far! The children here are incredible! They bring so much life to every lesson with their colourful personalities, humour and enthusiasm for learning. I am always blown away by their ideas which constantly put a smile on my face. To see their confidence develop, and their skills build over the academic year, is such a rewarding experience.

I have only recently been appointed the PSHE lead, however I am passionate about the subject and excited for all children to develop their skills in these areas and learn different strategies of expression.

I look forward to experiencing even more joy on my journey here at Grinling Gibbons and feel as though I am now officially a member of the GG family!

Kamoya Allen
Learning Support Assistant Year 1
Samantha Plummer
Year 3 Teacher

Samantha Plummer – Year 3 Teacher

Additional Responsibilities

• Modern Foreign Languages Lead

I am an experienced Primary school teacher, who has a great love for teaching! I have extensive experience teaching across all year groups and have also had the opportunity to work for two years as Learning Support Coordinator in Venezuela. As a new member of staff, I am excited to be part of the Phoenix Federation and look forward to the journey ahead.

I am passionate about teaching and strive to provide opportunities for all the children to succeed and to reach their full potential. I have a strong passion for creative writing and use various strategies to ignite the children’ s creativity, imagination and more importantly, instilling a lifelong love of learning.

I believe that when children learn, they can increase their general knowledge and expand their vocabulary. Only by mastering effective strategies, can a child learn the necessary knowledge and information, which will enable them to excel. I thoroughly enjoy working with children and nothing beats the feeling of knowing I can make a positive contribution to their growth and help to shape their future.

Tia Clarke
Learning Support Assistant Year 3

Tia Clarke – Learning Support Assistant – Year 3

Hello, my name is Tia, and I am a psychology graduate and a Year 3 LSA. Although my time here has only just begun, I have loved every moment and have already experienced and created so many wonderful memories.

I enjoy working at Grinling Gibbons primary school so much and love what this school stands for. Every child is important and plays a huge part in what makes this school great and every member of staff alongside them is what makes this such a special place to be!

Whether in the classroom, the playground or in an after-school club, every experience working with children is unique and filled with endless opportunities for me to learn and grow.

Lesley Lawrence
Teaching Assistant Year 3

Lesley Lawrence – Higher Level Teaching Assistant – Year 3

Hi, I’m Miss Lesley Lawrence and I am a TA in Year 3. I have been working at Grinling Gibbons for the last 25 years and I have had the pleasure of teaching in every year group.
I love coming to work and enjoy supporting and working with the children I see every day.
Being part of the community has taught me lots of new things and I couldn’t wish for a better place to work.

Cardella Bryce
Staff Governor, Year 4 Teacher

Cardella Bryce – Year 4 Teacher

Additional Responsibilities

Maria Ennis
Learning Support Assistant Year 4
Laraine Staples
Teaching Assistant Year 4

Laraine Staples – Learning Support Assistant – Year 4

I have worked as a Teaching Assistant and Learning Support Assistant at Grinling Gibbons since 2010, but prior to this, I was a volunteer here. I have worked in a range of year groups, but for the last four years, I have had the pleasure of moving up with my class. I feel lucky to not only see our children grow as learners but also to see their confidence build each day.

Everything we do in school, is for our children and our community, and I could not be prouder to be a member of staff at such a fantastic school with the most wonderful children

Laura Rogers
Year 5 Teacher

Laura Rogers – Year 5 Teacher

Additional Responsibilities

• History ad Geography Lead

Although new to Grinling Gibbons, I have been teaching since 2008 and during this time, I have worked in several schools in Tower Hamlets, Lewisham and also in Cornwall.

I am passionate about creating warm, inclusive classroom communities in which every child can excel. Helping children to find the joy in reading and discover their voice through writing is a particular love of mine. As geography and history subject lead, I hope to enhance children’s sense of themselves as citizens on both a local and global scale while developing their critical understanding of the world as it is now, and as it has been in the past.

I am delighted to be teaching in Deptford, at the heart of such a vibrant and diverse community and very much look forward to making the most of all the resources our community has to offer in order that our curriculum can be as rich and as relevant to our children as possible

Ardiana Mucaj
Learning Support Assistant Year 5

Ardiana Mucaj – Learning Support Assistant – Year 5

I have been working at Grinling Gibbons since 2016, and it has been an honour to be part of such a brilliant team. We have the most talented young people, and they push me to strive professionally.

Every day at work is fun and exciting as we support these young people to achieve their goals. We give the children all the tools they need to succeed at school, and I learn from them as much as they learn from me.

The children make coming in every day a pleasure!

Kay-Ann Williamson-Smith
Year 6 Teacher

I recently joined the Grinling Gibbons family in September 2017 and I am excited for the years ahead. Whilst at University, I had visited Grinling Gibbons on a two week placement and knew immediately that this was the school for me. The enthusiasm of the Head teacher, teachers, staff, as well as the passion that the children have for their learning has been infectious, heightening my drive to work in this remarkable and nurturing environment.

I am proud to work in such a culturally diverse community where parents are supportive and value their children’s education. I look forward to working in partnership with you in developing the future generation and in creating opportunities to further stretch them as they develop into lifelong learners.

Sally-Ann Warner
Teaching Assistant Year 6

Sally-Ann Warner – Higher Level Teaching Assistant – Year 6

My name is Sally-Ann Warner and I have worked at Grinling Gibbons Primary School for 13 years. I first started as an LSA/TA working 1-1 with specific children to supporting their learning needs. I now am a TA/HLTA which means I cover classes to allow the teachers to have time out of class to plan.

I enjoy working at Grinling Gibbons Primary School alongside the great teaching staff we have and our amazing children.

Being an HLTA (class cover) has built my confidence in teaching and by covering different classes I have got to know most of the children across the school. Grinling Gibbons Primary School is like a second home to me, our staff are loving and caring, and I feel I can talk to any of them. Our children are totally amazing which makes it even more enjoyable working at Grinling Gibbons.

Jason Grant
Teaching Assistant – Year 6

Jason Grant – Teaching Assistant – Year 6

I am currently a teaching assistant in year 6. This year group comes with exciting challenges, however, I feel privileged to be a part of the children’s growth and lucky to be working with such an amazing team.

My journey at Grinling Gibbons began 3 years ago when my son joined the school. I instantly applied to be a volunteer as I believe it is important to give back to the community. I loved it straight away and realised that working with children was the career path I wanted to take. Seeing children develop is so rewarding.

I enjoy inspiring children by supporting them with their learning and doing my best to be a positive role model, especially for the boys. I run after-school clubs for different year groups, including one where children learn to write and design comics for our very own GG school newspaper, which I hope children throughout the school will become involved in. I also facilitate a cooking club as I want to share my passion for healthy eating and in my past life, I trained as a chef.

I have a great passion for science and technology and hope to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, my aim is to lead by example by beginning my degree in Physics and Space shortly.

Frankie
Federation Sports Coach

I joined Grinling Gibbons in March 2019 and I received a warm welcome from Staff and Parents. Everyone is really helpful and caring. On my first day I was shown around and the children all welcomed me to the school. I look forward to coming to work and making a positive difference by motivating and encouraging the children and staff. It’s a lovely place to work; I would recommend the school to others to work here and also for parents to enrol their child/children here.

I plan, co-ordinate and deliver high quality PE lessons to groups or individuals in a manner in which they will benefit, including, the organisation and in the correct use of all equipment. I hope to impact the ethics of fair play and good sporting conduct

Lydia Evans
SENCo and Child Protection Officer

I joined Grinling Gibbons in April 2018 and have been made to feel so welcome by the children, the staff and the parents. The school truly feels like a family and I am very excited to now be a part of it. I have worked in London, both as a class teacher, and as a SENCo, and have a passion to see all children thrive, in spite of the barriers they face.

I look forward to working with you to support and challenge your fantastic children.

Amber Lyseight
Inclusion Officer, Learning Support Assistant

Amber Lyseight – Inclusion Officer

I joined Grinling Gibbons in March 2011 as an LSA in year 1. The child I worked with went from not being able to communicate, read or write, to being able to take his SATS, which was an amazingly rewarding achievement for us both.

When he went onto secondary school, I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to join the inclusion team which is where I’ve been since September 2016. I get to work within a team who put the child’s needs first every day and can honestly say that I love my job. Working at Grinling Gibbons, no two days are ever the same, which keeps me very busy! I try to support the Grinling Gibbons community in any way I can, from the Parent Hub, which helps get them back into education or work and gives them the opportunity to meet other parents to supervising the volunteers and work experience students, organising residential trips and events, supporting in class and wherever else I can.

Grinling Gibbons is the only place I know that hugs so much. Our school is a real community – a community which supports and celebrates all cultures. One thing people notice when they come here, is how happy our children are. Being part of a place that makes children feel safe and loved, makes me very proud.

Samantha Lane
Office and Resources Manager

Samantha Lane – Office and Resources Manager

I joined Grinling Gibbons Primary School 8 years ago as a lunch time supervisor. Since then, I have been promoted to Office and Resources Manager. In my role I manage the office on a day-to-day basis. I help staff, children, parents, and the wider community with any queries they may have.

I enjoy working at Grinling Gibbons. I love working with the staff as we are a ‘team’ who have a passion for teaching the children and seeing them thrive in their personal, social and educational development.

So please, if you need any assistance, feel free to come in and see me! I’m always here with a smile and a friendly, welcoming attitude.

Susanne Platt
Executive Business Assistant

Susanne Platt – Executive Business Assistant

In September 2009, I started my career as a parent volunteer in the nursery class and was lucky enough to be offered a Teaching Assistant Position in January 2010. During my time as a Teaching Assistant, I have worked in various year groups and enjoyed working alongside the children and seeing them progress and develop.

I wanted to develop my career in the school, so, in September 2015 I became the Executive Business Assistant for the Federation. Now I work alongside the Senior Leadership Team to assist with the HR and Financial operations of both schools.

Melissa Johnson
IT Technician

Working at the Grinling Gibbons and Lucas Vale Federation has been very enlightening. Whether it’s fixing a printer or laptop, showing a staff member how to use new software or making sure the Schools’ website is up to date, my days are never boring and there is always something to learn. The staff here are very dedicated and the children are great characters.

Patrick Arhin
Premises Assistant

Hi I’m Patrick, part of the premises team. I’ve worked across the GGLV Federation for nearly 3 years. Working at GGLV Federation I feel not only part of a family but part of the community.

I ensure that the schools are looking their best for the children so that they can enjoy their life at school happily & safely.