The Team

Mrs Lisa Hobby

Head Teacher

DSL

I have been a teacher since 1990 and I have had the privilege of being the Head of Ashurst Wood since January 2011. I started teaching in Oxfordshire and I have taught in a variety of schools in Kent and East Sussex.

I am passionate about ensuring that children experience a rich curriculum including the arts, sport and forest schools while preparing them for successful futures. I believe that every child has a talent or strength in which they can excel and that they will all forge their own path to success. This looks different for every child and I am proud to work with a dedicated team who understand that every child is an individual.

When I get time away from school I enjoy crafts and I have been known to spend my free time making props and costumes for the school show. I visit the cinema regularly and I love gardening. I have most success with roses but I did manage to grow some beetroot this year! I have one daughter who some children may know from when she ran the after school Karate club. Although she is away at University we still enjoy traveling, embracing new experiences and creating lasting memories together.

Mrs Gemma Blake Hatton

Deputy Head Teacher, SENCO & Reception Teacher

Deputy DSL

Hi everybody, my name is Mrs Gemma Blake-Hatton. I have been at Ashurst Wood for 8 years and I have been teaching for 19 years. I am the school Special Educational Needs Coordinator and also Reception/Year 1 teacher and more recently Deputy Head. 

Before becoming a teacher, I trained to be an archaeologist and I have excavated old things in Cyprus and Chester.

I have a husband and three children who are 16, 11 and 6, and in my spare time I enjoy running, gardening and doing up old houses! I also love a good dance and when I was younger I used to dance in pantomimes!

I love working at Ashurst Wood, as I love getting to know all the families and children. I enjoy helping them to find the things that make them smile and encouraging their special talents - everybody has one and they are all different!

Mrs Meena Purba

Reception Teacher

My name is Meena Purba and I have been working at Ashurst Wood Primary for 8 years, first as a supply teacher then was lucky enough to be given a permanent role.

I am Mum to 9yr old twin boys called Yuvaan and Dhiren and have a husband called Raj.

I enjoy cooking and feeding people (and eating), watching stand up comedy, socialising with friends and spending time with my boys. At school you will often see me asking for help with Eco related matters. I am also in charge of English and Phonics, R.E and my new role as Mental Health lead.

I love being a Reception Teacher and seeing how much the children progress in the year I have them, as well as the funny stories they tell me!

Mr Ed Gowers

KS2 Teacher

Hey, I’m Ed Gowers. I’ve been teaching Year 6 at Ashurst Wood for three years, where I also serve as deputy safeguarding lead and lead Computing and E4S.

Before my teaching career, I completed a foundation degree in Art & Design. After that, I travelled to places like China, New Zealand, and the USA, gaining invaluable cultural and life experiences. I then worked my way up to a management position in the hospitality industry. Eventually, I returned to university to complete a three-year degree to become a teacher.

My fiancée, Catherine, attended Ashurst Wood, as did her two sisters. Last year, I bought my first house, a fixer-upper, which has kept me busy with DIY projects and sparked a love for gardening. I enjoy various hobbies, with street photography being a current favourite. My brother is also engaged and set to marry next year.

I love teaching at Ashurst Wood because we celebrate uniqueness, and the staff are incredibly inclusive. I enjoy getting to know the children, interacting with them, and building strong relationships. No two days are the same. Year 6 can be tough since I have to say goodbye at the end of the year, but I love hearing about their successes as many come back to share their experiences from secondary school.

Mrs Hayley Davis

KS1 Teacher

My name is Mrs Hayley Davis. I have been at Ashurst Wood for 5 years and I have been teaching for 12 years. I am Key Stage One lead, as well as leading Maths and Science across the school. Many of you would have been used to seeing me in Key Stage 2, but after returning from maternity leave and having my daughter, I have come back into Hawks class and am loving every minute of it! 

After completing my degree and before working as a teacher, I was cabin crew with British Airways. I had an amazing time travelling the world and seeing some fantastic sights. This allowed me to experience a broad range of cultures and gain valuable life experience. 

I have a husband and three children who are 8, 6, and 15 months. They all keep me very busy when I am not at work!  In my spare time I enjoy spending quality time with my family; going on walks, spending time in my garden, and dancing around the kitchen with my children (this is a really good giggle)!  

I love teaching at Ashurst Wood as we really are a small school with a big heart. I enjoy my daily interactions with the children, getting to know them on an individual basis and building strong relationships; to me, this is fundamental to teaching.  I love hearing the children share their successes, and on occasion being a part of those achievements.  Seeing and sharing in these really special moments in teaching is great. For me, teaching is not just a job but my passion; I wish to inspire all children to reach their full potential ready for the next stage in their life, whatever that may be. 

Mrs Ilona Sutherland

KS2 Teacher

Hi, I’m Ilona Sutherland, I had been teaching year 3/4 in Falcon class for the last 2 ½ years but I am now working with the children in Reception/Year 1 in Owls Class.

Art is my favourite subject; I love experimenting with colour and medium and teaching others to share my passion.

I have five children, a stepson, 3 dogs, 2 cats. Life is never dull, but I enjoy being busy. My hobbies include swimming, painting and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Before I became a teacher, I have done many different jobs, from working in insurance, being a childminder to working in an estate agents. My career path has been varied to say the least. I found my love of teaching when I started to volunteer at my children’s school, reading with children. A teacher commented, “You are good at this, have you thought of working in a school?” This led to me becoming a teaching assistant, which I did for 15 years, working mainly as a one-to-one support. I love helping all children to find what they are good at and supporting them to achieve.

In 2016, I took the plunge and started my degree in Education studies. I completed my course while working full-time in school, something I look back on now and wonder how. After completing my degree, I went to Sussex University and completed my PGCE. I love being a teacher, watching the children in my care grow and learn. Being part of the children in my class’s journey is an honour and something for which I am very grateful.

Mrs Amber Pitcaithly

KS2 Teacher

Hello, my name is Amber Pitcaithly and I’m the class teacher for Kestrels class! I also co-ordinate PE and English in our school and lead Key Stage 2.

I wasn’t always a teacher but fell in love with the job after helping out with some art classes many years ago. I did all my teacher training in London and have experienced lots of different schools there and in West Sussex, though none as creative and unique as Ashurstwood Primary School.

I love spending time with my family, exploring new places, getting creative, learning something new each day, reading lots of books and watching a great series.

Like many of our pupils, I'm passionate about animals and nature (I grew up watching David Attenborough’s wildlife programmes and would love to meet him someday!). It's inspiring to be part of a school that really fosters environmental care and learning through our Forest sessions and our core values - 'a love of life, a love of learning, and a love of people.'

Ms Caroline Smethurst

Forest School Leader

Miss Sally Edwards

Teaching assistant, Learning Mentor

My name is Sally Edwards. I have worked at school for nearly 10 years now.  I started my time here as the Learning Mentor and then went on to be a TA as well. I have recently studied and achieved my Higher Level Teaching Assistant qualification and really enjoy covering classes throughout the school.  I love working with all the children in all my different roles. 

Before working at the school I worked in Day Nurseries and recruitment.  A memorable time in my working life was working in the French Alps as a Crèche Manager where I found my love of skiing and made lifelong friends.

When I'm not at work I love reading, swimming, spending time with my family and holidays! I have 2 children, Edith and Samuel, who are both part of Ashurst Wood School too.

Mrs Tracey Mumford

Teaching assistant

I'm Tracey Mumford

I have been a Teaching Assistant in the reception class at the school since 2008, having worked at the preschool previously for over 10 years. I enjoy working in early years seeing the children learning through play. I have also been lead first aider for several years.

My husband (who works at the local butchers) attended the school, as well as both my son and daughter.

I enjoy spending my spare time with my three grandchildren. I am also a keen amateur artist, drawing colour pencil pet portraits, painting watercolour pictures and cards.

Mrs Shaida Ali-Hazel

Teaching assistant

Hello, my name is Shaida Ali-Hazell. I have worked as a TA at our lovely village school for nearly 7 years. I currently provide additional support to small groups or individual pupils in specific areas of the curriculum (such as reading, phonics or maths), usually in the form of structured interventions. I also provide support in other areas of the school as and when required, and I enjoy working with and getting to know all of the children. Before becoming a TA, I worked in Information Technology.

I am mum to two teenage children, Liam and Sophie, and my husband Simon and I cherish our family time together.

Having grown up in the Caribbean, I absolutely love bright, sunny, and warm days but find cold and grey days less appealing. Hence, some of your children frequently ask why I am always wearing a coat on the playground when no one else is!

Being a somewhat adventurous spirit (when I am feeling brave), I love the thrill of rollercoasters and ziplines. In my spare time, I enjoy making and decorating cakes, cooking, and I'm still trying to find some form of hidden talents in acrylic and watercolour painting!   My passion for learning and seeing children's progress and achievements fuels my commitment to education and I enjoy nurturing young minds.

Mrs Lorna Tjong

Teaching Assistant

I am Lorna Tjong and I have worked at Ashurst Wood Primary since 2015. I left briefly for one year, but missed the school so much I came back.

I have worked in KS1 and KS2 and enjoy working with all different age groups. I have worked in education for over 20 years, previously working as an Exhibition Coordinator for City & Guilds and BTEC. I have lived in two other countries – when I was a teenager, I lived in Israel and later on in life I lived in Hong Kong. I have twin boys who are 26 and a gorgeous dog (my boys are gorgeous too ☺). I love spending time with my family, going on dog walks and watching football.

Mrs Katie Stuart

Individual Needs Assistant

Hello everyone, my name is Katie Stuart and I am an Individual Needs Assistant in Hawks class three days a week and currently doing Maths Interventions two afternoons a week in KS2.

I have worked at Ashurstwood School for 4 years now and absolutely love watching the children grow in confidence as they progress through the school. My daughter also attends the school and is now in year 4.

Before joining Ashurstwood I had my own cleaning business for nearly 10 years when my boys were young ( they are now 25 and nearly 21 years old! ) I spent 9 years working as an LSA at the National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy which I loved but left after having my daughter in 2016. I was also a Maternity Care Assistant at the Princess Royal Hospital for a short time.

In my spare time I enjoy walking my dogs Luca and Buster, spending time with my family, reading ( when I get a chance too! ) and watching a good series on Netflix. On a Thursday I have my grandson Cassius who is 18 months and I feel so lucky that I get to have quality Nana time with him.

Miss Ellie Bizios

Teaching Assistant

Hello, I’m Ellie Bizios and I am a Higher Level Teaching Assistant at our lovely school.

I currently live in East Grinstead, with my daughter and partner Tom, but I was fortunate enough to live and grow up in Ashurst Wood. I have been associated with Ashurst Wood Primary School since 1997, where I attended as a child and loved it so much, I returned as an adult in 2014! I made the decision to make a career change in 2018 and became a nanny for a couple of years, before returning to our school in 2020. My Dad was also the Premises Officer for many years until 2014 and my Nan (a retired teacher) was previously a governor.

I returned from maternity leave in September and now work two days a week covering classes across the school. I love the variety this gives me and allows me to get to know all our wonderful children from reception all the way up to year 6.

I have one daughter of my own now, Ione, who is 18 months old and will be joining Ashurst Wood Pre-School in September.

In my spare time (which I don’t seem to have much of anymore since having Ione!) I enjoy cooking, watching a good series, listening to music and podcasts and days out at National Trust properties with my family.

Mrs Sallyann Card

Teaching assistant

Mrs Katie Bober

Teaching Assistant

Hello, my name is Katie Bober. I'm a teaching assistant and individual needs assistant at Ashurst Wood. I've worked here for two and a half years but I've been part of the school community for longer as my eldest, Elijah aged 13, went through Ashurst Wood before moving onto Sackville school.

My other son Osian attended too and now I have Tabitha here in year 2!

I've been lucky enough to work with a lot of the children across the year groups and really enjoy getting to know them all. I have become part of the local SEN community having been through a journey of understanding autism through Osian myself.

I grew up in Wales near the sea and went to a Welsh speaking school through my primary years. I also speak French having studied that and English Literature at Warwick university. And I lived near Dijon in France for a year which was a great experience!

In my spare time I love listening to music, playing the flute & piano, dancing, reading, walking in the South Downs and spending time with my lovely family- packing a picnic and seeking out adventures!

Miss Alice Down

Individual Needs Assistant

My name is Alice Down and I am an Individual Needs Assistant in Owls class (am) and Kestrels class (pm). I'm lucky to have worked at school for nearly a full school year now and I've loved every second! Both my children attend the school and so did my Fiancé!

I've had lots of interesting jobs before working here including being a cake maker, an eyelash artist and an apprentice mechanic at Audi. I often get questioned by the children about these jobs!

In my spare time I love to make sweet treats with my children and sit in the garden relaxing with my pet Rabbit - Nardo!

Mrs Helen Leppard

Breakfast Club Supervisor

Hi, my name is Helen Leppard, and I am the Breakfast Club Leader here at Ashurst Wood Primary.

I’ve been a parent at the school for many years, as my eldest daughter Maizie is now 13. I’ve got a 12-year-old called Lola and Joshua who is in Year 4 here at school.

We are a busy family who have two dogs and two elderly horses. I enjoy being outside and I run my own dog training business after I finish the mornings at Breakfast Club.

I enjoy long dog walks and my favourite place to be is at the beach paddle boarding!

I enjoy running the Breakfast Club and finding out what the children have been up to over the weekend.

Mrs Joanne Funnell

After School Club Leader

Hello, I'm Joanne, the after school club leader. I know lots of children and their families who attend the primary school as I work at the Pre school as well.

I have 19 year old twin boys who attended the primary school. My husband did as well. I moved down South to Sussex from Yorkshire when I was 16 and I lived on the Ashdown Forest. I have lived in Ashurst Wood for over 30 years.

One of my previous jobs I worked in was air freight. I had the opportunity to fly to America and Africa. For hobbies, I play netball. A lot of my team mates work at pre school as well. I also enjoy going for walks around Ashurst Wood and spending time with my family and friends.

Ms Debbie Hawe

School Business Manager

I have been working at Ashurst Wood for 8 years as the School Business Manager.

My role includes financial management, human resources, premises and assisting with health and safety compliance. I have been associated with the school since 2007 as both of my boys attended up until 2015.

I was a member of the committee involved in the Pre-school build, before joining the school team in 2015, and have been a staff governor since 2020.

Mrs Emma Fish

Office Manager

Hi everyone, my name is Emma Fish and many of you already know me in the school. I have been associated with Ashurst Wood Primary School since September 1998, first as a parent when my eldest daughter started here in Reception and then becoming Chair of the PTFA in 2003. I started working in the school office in January 2008 (much to the dismay of my youngest daughter who was in Year 4 at the time!).

I am married to Nick and have two grown up daughters Charlotte and Daisy. I enjoy reading, socialising and for those who know me well, I do like to shop!

My children very much enjoyed their time at Ashurst Wood and often talk about the wonderful opportunities and the fond memories they shared during their time here. It certainly put them in good stead for the careers they have now.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to pop into the office or send me an email.

Mrs Rhona Doherty

Clerical assistant

My name is Rhona Doherty and I have been working at Ashurst Wood Primary for nearly 7 years. You will see me in the school office on Fridays where I manage the School Fund, do DBS checks and maintain the school website amongst many other things. 

I worked in my first school (over 20 years ago) for 7 years before changing career when I gained my BA degree in business. But I realised that working in education was where I was happiest and have since worked in two other schools before finally joining Ashurst Wood Primary. 

I am married to Tony and have two grown up children (Chloe and Nick) and four grandchildren (Jenson, Seb, Marina and baby Leo). When I am not helping with my grandchildren I like taking aqua and pilates classes, spending time doing all sorts of crafts – sewing, crochet, art etc. and enjoy going for long walks with my friends. 

I love the school environment and the feeling of being part of a team helping to shape young people's lives.

Mrs Clare Jussen

Clerk to the Governors

Hi everyone, my name is Clare Jussen and I am the new Clerk to the Governors at Ashurst Wood Primary School. 

As some of you will know I have 2 children at the school and am, like you, passionate that they receive the best education possible, so was delighted when an opportunity arose that allowed me to support the Governors and the school.

I moved to the area during lockdown and have enjoyed exploring West Sussex and becoming familiar with Ashurst Wood and the surrounding areas. In my spare time I enjoy reading, baking, sewing and annoying my husband.

We are always looking for more parent governors so please do not hesitate to talk to me about it if you are interested.

Mrs Teresa Edwards

Cleaner and Midday Supervisor

Hi everyone, my name is Teresa Edwards and many of you already know me in the school. I have been associated with Ashurst Wood Primary School since September 2001, first as a parent when my eldest son Will started here in Reception

I started working as a Midday Meal Supervisor in school when my youngest son Liam started here in 2007 and many years later, I am still here! I have seen a number of children come through the school over the years.

I love spending time walking my dog Maisie and I am also looking forward to welcoming my first granddaughter in July.

Mrs Sue Sargent

Premises Officer

I have lived in the village for 47 years and have been associated with the school since 1991 when my eldest daughter started here. I began working in the kitchen in 1998 and then as a midday meals supervisor. I left in 2000 to look after my niece, returning in 2004 as temp lunch cover when she started school here. I became a permanent midday meals supervisor in 2005, which I continued to do until taking the job of Premises Officer.

I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, especially my 19 month old granddaughter and going out walking with my dog.

Mr Michael Box

Caretaker