Miss Gurdip Kaur- Headteacher

My role in our school is Headteacher, and what an awesome role this is!

I hold overall responsibility for the school and ensure the vision of ‘Inspiring the learning journey’ is central in everything we do. I am extremely proud of South End Junior and feel privileged to lead such a wonderful and skilled team. However, most of all I absolutely love the children in our school. They are simply awesome and take pride in being part of SEJ.

I am the Designated Lead person for Safeguarding and monitor the attendance of all pupils. I am regularly on duty first thing to catch up with our parents and carers. I enjoy celebrating successes during VIP assemblies and FaB Fridays

See you at the gate!

Mrs Lisa Gibbs-Deputy Head Teacher

I am privileged to lead and support dedicated and highly-skilled teaching and support staff with the shared aim of raising achievement for all. I strongly believe that providing children with the life skills to think, learn and problem solve independently are of great importance while upholding core values; therefore, these are at the heart of all decisions I make.

I lead across the school on data and assessment, the curriculum, pupil premium and oversee the leadership of the other year groups. Above all, ensuring the safety of our pupils and staff is of paramount importance and being the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead helps me to fulfil this responsibility.

Mrs Suzanne Lewis-Lead Practitioner and Year 3 Teacher

I am the class teacher for Matisse class and also the lead practitioner for the school. I continue to love my job as each new day brings new challenges, new learning (for myself and the pupils), and no two days are ever the same!

This year I will be focussing on developing oracy across the school. Oracy is a fundamental skill that underpins learning, personal development, and future success. As a school, we will empower our pupils to think critically and communicate effectively. Our aim is to develop confidence and build essential life skills, such as negotiation, persuasion, and active listening.

In my spare time, I embrace any creative opportunity from learning new art or craft skills to singing and dancing. Inspiring learners to be creative is always at the heart of my teaching as in the words of Albert Einstein, ‘Creativity is intelligence having fun!’

Mrs Amy Izycky- Director of Inclusion

I joined SEJ in 2012 as a Director of Learning and I have been the Director of Inclusion since 2016. I enjoy working in a unique school where every day is different, and every person strives to achieve their best for the children.

I am passionate about ensuring all pupils reach their full potential through giving them the individual provision that they need. I am particularly interested in supporting the emotional needs of the pupils so that they feel happy and safe in school and can therefore learn to their full ability.

My background is in Zoology, so I love travelling to different environments around the world and I enjoy spending my free time horse riding or doing outdoor activities with my family.

My name is Mrs Jennings and I teach in Year 4. I aim to make learning fun and exciting to help engage all the children at South End to give them the opportunity to thrive, succeed and have fun in their learning journey. 

I enjoy being creative and helping others find their own creative skills. Working at SEJ gives me the opportunity to help others explore new challenges and understand the importance of giving new things a go. I love supporting children to explore their imagination and develop their understanding of something new. 

Hi, I’m Mr Hodgkins and you’ll find me teaching Year 6. I have a wealth of experience and bring kindness, positivity and high expectations to the classroom. I am passionate about inspiring young minds, so I seek to add lots of fun moments and good humour to lessons! I am approachable and supportive, so that each child feels valued and motivated to succeed. As well as teaching in Year 6, I am also the Geography and History subject leader for SEJ.

 Hello! My name is Mrs Shearman, and I am thrilled to be the teacher of DaVinci class. I believe in the importance of creating a safe space where we are not afraid to try and pupils can feel confident sharing their ideas. I am driven by seeing the progress our children make, their developing personalities and celebrating the small wins along the way. French and Geography are favourite subjects of mine.

Away from school, I spend as much of my time as possible outdoors, exploring the countryside with my family and our dog Trevor.

My name is Mrs Moody and I teach in Year 5. I have been teaching for over twenty years and love how each day in the classroom is always different – a place to learn, laugh and explore new things. My aim is to challenge, encourage and support everyone in my class, encouraging a place where we foster a love of learning and make great memories to look back on.

I'm always excited to see how the amazing pupils of this school continue to challenge themselves and demonstrate how they can achieve anything, if they put their minds to it.

I am excited to be joining the team at Southend and to be teaching in Galileo Class this year! I am passionate about creating an environment where children feel valued, respected, and excited to learn. I believe that through mutual respect, fun, and high expectations, all children can thrive and reach their full potential.

This year, I will be the English Lead. I’m particularly passionate about fostering a love of reading and writing in all students. Encouraging a love of books and stories is at the heart of my teaching, and I strive to make every lesson engaging and inspiring. I want every pupil to not only grow as readers but to develop a lifelong love of learning. 

Outside the classroom, I enjoy reading (of course!), going to the gym and spending time with my family. I have a Fox Red Labrador who I absolutely adore and love spending time walking and training her. 

I’m really excited to be joining the team at Southend and teaching in Rowling Class this year! I’m passionate about creating a classroom where children feel safe, respected and ready to learn. With a mix of fun, high expectations and mutual respect, I truly believe every child can shine and reach their full potential.

This year, I’ll be the Phase Lead for the Lower Hub, as well as leading Maths and PE. I’ve always loved both numbers and sport and I’m a big fan of getting kids moving: whether it’s in a PE lesson or adding a bit of energy into maths! I do my best to make every lesson fun, active and something the children look forward to.

I am also proud to be the Staff Governor for the school. In this role, I share the views of staff with the governing body and act as a conduit between colleagues and governors, helping to ensure staff voices are heard and considered in decision-making.

When I’m not in the classroom, I love spending time with my family, heading to the gym or getting stuck into a game – anything from football to squash. I also have two dogs who keep me busy – a labradoodle called Harlow and a cheeky dachshund called Enzo.

Hello, my name is Mrs Green, and I will be the class teacher for Lewis class this year. This will be my first time teaching in Year 4, and I am looking forward to teaching the exciting projects we do during the year including Changing Matters, Teeth and Tummies and The Deep.

I always encourage children to show a growth mindset, particularly with new challenges. It always brings a smile to my face when the children have 'lightbulb' moments after previously not getting it. The smile on their face tells the story!

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and helping my mum at craft fairs. I also love having cuddles with my two cats, Winston and Pepper. 

Hello, my name is Mr Woodcock. I am going to be the Y6 teacher of Aristotle class. My favourite subjects to teach are Maths and PE. Maths has always made sense to me and PE is something I enjoyed as a child, and I still love sport just as much as an adult. I am the Design Technology lead. 

As long as my students are trying their hardest, I am always happy to help. It is excellent teaching something and then seeing that lightbulb moment when your students finally get what they need to do and dive straight into their work. I really like it when students ask questions, it shows a real desire to learn and take ownership of their learning. You can help me help you.

Hi, I’ve been a Teaching Assistant at South End since 2006. I love being part of the South End family. I’ve supported students across all the school years, delivering interventions, small groups and general class support.

My name is Miss Scott, I have worked at South End since 2014. Before that, I have worked in a middle school and a SEN school. I am currently based in year 5 and can often be found taking pupils out for short interventions to help them fill any gaps or to boost their learning.  Most of the time I am in class supporting the excellent learning of our pupils.

Life at SEJ is very varied and so is my job role, from finding an ice pack to working out complex maths problems. Life is never dull and as our signature says staff and students always have a smile whatever the rest of the world throws at us (Let’s not mention 2020). 

My name is Sarah Martin. I am delighted to be joining the SEJ family as a Teaching Assistant in Year 4,

I have over 7 years experience in early years up to year 4. I really enjoy supporting all children regardless of any barriers to learning they may face. I will always encourage and motivate them to do the very best they can to reach their full potential, become independent learners and try new things. It's really important to have a can-do attitude. I really love my job.

I have 2 children of my own. In my spare time I enjoy going to London, watching my daughter sing in the County Youth Choir and spending time with friends and shopping!

What can I say about a day in the life of a Teaching Assistant? It is varied, to say the least, and that is probably one of the reasons that I love being one!
My day usually starts with preparing the learning base for the arrival of the children. This can, and does, include tidying the classroom, collating resources and preparing displays.

Once the children arrive, I work 1:1 with children in dyslexia interventions and for the rest of the school day mainly with small groups of children, either supporting them in their class lessons or reinforcing their learning in Read Write Inc or Speed Up sessions.

I see all aspects of my role as supporting every child within the SEJ family, whether it’s attending to a grazed knee (as a first-aider), driving children to gymnastic competitions (I have a large car) or just sitting down to listen to them.
Every day presents something new!

I have worked at SEJS as a Teaching Assistant since 2016. I support children individually and in small groups, encouraging independence and perseverance in all they do. I treat each child as an individual, respecting their unique needs. I advocate for everyone to do their best and be proud of their achievements, aspiring to be the best they can.

Another main role I have is as a First Aider. I treat ailments, administer medications and work with outside agencies. 

There is a lovely Pet as Therapy dog that visits our school weekly. I have the pleasure of bringing a select few individuals to read to him.

I am proud to be part of the SEJS team. 

My name is Mrs Shortland. I have been a Teaching Assistant for many years, in various settings. I am proud to be part of the South End Junior School team!
I love seeing the look on children’s faces when they ‘get it’, and helping them enjoy their learning.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, and taking my dog for walks in the countryside.

Mrs Lucy Vincent- Teaching Assistant

My name is Mrs Vincent and I have worked at South End Juniors for 10 years. In my time here I have worked in all year groups, but currently work in year 4. I am also one of the school first-aiders.

Mrs Hannah Rose – Teaching Assistant and Pastoral Support 

 My name is Mrs Rose. I am really excited about joining South End Junior School as a Teaching Assistant and am currently based in year 6.    I have previously worked in an early year setting and can’t wait for the new adventures that I will get to encounter at SEJS.  Outside of school I love to read a good book, I enjoy running, and I love to travel to new and exciting places. 

Mrs Sharon Fowler – Higher Level Teaching Assistant

I have been a member of the Year 6 team for many years and assist in the preparation for the SATs tests. I work with children of all abilities, helping them with Maths as this is a strength of mine.vacancy

Miss Abbie Biddlestone- Teaching Assistant  

Vacancy 

Hello, my name is Mrs Diver and my role at South End Junior is that of Administrator/ PA to the Head Teachers. I began my South End journey in 2008, firstly as a teaching assistant and then as a HLTA ( higher level teaching assistant). My job title now is Administrator/PA and my role now is predominately to oversee all things pupil-based and as we are a school full of pupils, I wear a lot of different hats! ie: admissions, intake, data and contact info, attendance reporting, photos, music lessons, meals, communication and leavers are just a few of my jobs.

I am also PA to our Headteacher and our Director of Inclusion, supporting them with the administrative part of their roles. I thoroughly enjoy my role at South End, being the link between parents, carers, our community and the school is what I consider to be a very important undertaking.

Hello, my name is Mrs Louise Blair. I joined South End Junior School in March 2015, already being very familiar with the school, having two sons who spent many happy and fulfilled years here.

My current responsibilities are assisting with the schools' finances as well as general office duties.

I am very much looking forward to spending my future years at this outstanding school.  

 My name is Mrs Nicola Dunn, and I am joining the office team. I joined South End Junior School in September 2021. 

My responsibilities include being PA to the School Business Manager and Site Manager and completing the administration for HR and premises and ordering all the resources that the teachers and children require for the classroom.

I am familiar with the school as both  my children and I attended the school. I have seen many changes over the years as the school has grown and become the great learning environment it is today. 

Hello, my name is Mr Huck and I have been working here since my family and I moved to the area in September 2009. I am the Director of Premises for both schools, and I am also an associate governor at SEJ.  My main role is to maintain the standards in the school and grounds, so the children can enjoy their learning experience, which with such a large site, keeps me very busy from early morning through to the evening.

As well as opening the school, maintaining the premises and grounds, liaising with many contractors , I am also the lunchtime lead and I organise the cleaning staff too. One of my favourite things about working at SEJ and the thing I am most proud of is the brilliant environment that myself and my team have been integral in making possible. 

Hello, my name is Mr Rogers and I work along with Mr Huck maintaining both schools. Although I only started working here in January 2022 I know the schools well as both my children came here, and am looking forward to keeping the school and grounds in great condition, helping to give the children a great learning experience! In my spare time I like walking, reading, riding my motorbike, and I’m also a Cub Scout leader.

My role within the school is to work as part of a team to supervise the children at lunchtimes. This involves interacting with the children and making sure that they are safe and happy.

As a team we ensure that lunchtimes run smoothly and that the children are ready for their afternoon lessons.

Mrs Larysa Liesava - Lunchtime Supervisor

I am Mrs Huck and I work in two different positions within SEJ; I work as a cleaner in Y3 after school and I come in every lunchtime as a supervisor in the Plaza or outside.

During lunchtimes, my colleagues and I take it in turns to do outdoor duty where we keep an eye on the children, help with friendship and behaviour issues and make sure all accidents are documented. I have been here since September 2009.

Hi, I’m Julia, and I’m a Lunchtime Supervisor here at SEJS (since November 2018). My role involves caring for and looking after groups all-year during the lunch period; this could be in the Plaza where the children sit to have their lunches, or on the playground, ensuring the children have a safe and happy environment to play.

I enjoy working at SEJS alongside the other Lunchtime Supervisors, staff and children. No two days are the same and it can be very rewarding.

My name is Michaela Isayeva. I am married and have two wonderful sons. I love spending time with my family and friends. I also very much enjoy travelling, visiting historical sites and cooking.

My true passion is spending time with children and I feel very privileged to be able to follow my passions at home as well as work.