Faculty and staff

Carden’s staff draw on a range of experience and specialisms, all drawn together in a unique approach to learning. To read more about any staff member, please click on a name.

Laura Sibley
Headteacher

I am really passionate about making education accessible for all and supporting children to become the best versions of themselves as well as having a positive impact in the wider community.

Paul Harrington
Deputy Headteacher / Curriculum Lead

My name is Mr Harrington and I've been at Carden for 15 years working mostly as a class teacher in Y5 and Y6 and since 2019 teaching French to KS2 classes.

Lisa Perrins
Assistant Headteacher / SENDCo

I enjoy working with all the children and teachers across the school to help to find the best ways for all children to feel safe, happy and be ready to learn in school.

Mandy Leinster
SLC Teacher in Charge

My passion for SEN led to a particular interest in Speech and Language and I studied to achieve a Master's Degree in Speech and Language Difficulties.

Claire McCullough
SLC Teacher

My name is Claire McCulloch and I am a teacher in the Speech and Language Centre.

Annemarie Morris
SLC Teacher

I love creating engaging and fun learning opportunities so that every child is excited to get involved and learn more.

Claire Judd
PE teacher

I am very excited about bringing new events to the school as I realise how important PE and School Sport is to all students

Ruth Wallis
Art teacher

I love working with and getting to know all the children at Carden and am always amazed at how creative and enthusiastic they all are.

Julia Woods
Nursery

My name is Julia Woods and I have worked at Carden for many years in Year 2, Year 3 and now in nursery

Abigail Bathurst
Reception

My name is Miss Bathurst and I have been a teacher here at Carden for 4 years.

Lisa Bryant
Year 1

Early years is my passion, so much that for 10 years I owned my own private nursery.

Stella Lyth
Year 3

I love reading and my dream is to instil a love of reading in as many children as I can!

Shani Marquis
Year 1

I have completed 2 years in Nursery, 3 years in Reception and currently teach in Year 1.

Holly Everett
Year 2

I am in my 5th year of teaching at Carden Primary school.

Emma Henry
Year 5

This is my 4th year at Carden and teaching in Year 3 although I have spent 14 years working within schools of Brighton.

Sam Smith
Year 3

I love making my lessons enjoyable, engaging and fun; taking the learning outside whenever I can.

Dennis Parkes
Year 4

I am particularly passionate about writing and feel proud when children become great storytellers.

Bernie Elder
Year 4

This is my third year teaching year 4 and I love this year group - it's such a fun age.

Rick McEwen
Year 5 and KS2 Phase Leader

I have been teaching for 16 years now and first started in London although my desire to teach came from working in Japan teaching English as a foreign language.

Rose Spence
Year 6

I really enjoyed working in Key Stage 2 so am very excited to be in Year 5 this year and I am looking forward to our exciting topics.

Ashley Channon
Year 6

Before training as a teacher, I worked for 6 years in a SEND school as a teaching assistant, which gave me my thirst for helping children to thrive and learn.

Helen Beckett
EYFS / KS1 Lead

I believe all young people have a right to a good education since it creates choice and opportunities throughout life.   Establishing positive relationships and knowing each young person as an individual is key to creating a positive learning experience for all.  I have worked in a range of different schools and feel proud to now be part of the Carden Team and am looking forward to getting to know the children and staff.  My Educational Assistance Dog, Willow has also joined the school with me and I know will have a positive impact on the school experience for lots of young people.

Karen Czucha
Learning Mentor

My name is Karen Czucha and I am an inclusion mentor. I enjoy working with children from nursery through to year 6.

Jill Taylor
Reception Teaching Assistant

My name is Jill Taylor. I am a teaching assistant, and I am currently in reception.  I love this year group. They are such fun. I have been at Carden for many years.

Alison Barnes
SLC Teaching Assistant

Hi, I’m Alison I support the children in KS1SLC both in the centre & in their mainstream classes. I have a particular interest in Speech & Language development & am looking to undertake a Masters degree in this field.

Harry Brooks
Teaching Assistant

My name is Harry and I've been working at Carden as an INA since September. I enjoy helping children with their learning and seeing them trying their best and succeeding! Outside of school, I am a keen sports enthusiast, whether that be playing or watching.

Monika Sellam
Individual Needs Assistant

Time flies when working with the children, especially here at Carden. It's a pleasure to see them growing up and becoming independent.

Donna Brooks
Reception Teaching Assistant

I have worked in Reception for over 15 years and have enjoyed seeing the children grow in confidence during their first year.  I enjoy finding new places to take my dog on long walks.

Ellie Czucha
Individual Needs Assistant

I am mainly based in Year 2 and Year 4 but I enjoy working with a variety of ages across the school.

Kerry West
Individual Needs Assistant

I have been working in school for 23 years. I first started in the school office and spent 17 years there and then changed my role to a Teaching Assistant at Carden which I really enjoy. I like working in a school environment.

Claire Pattison
Individual Needs Assistant

Hello, I'm Claire. I am a teaching and individual needs assistant here at Carden. I am very passionate about supporting children to access their work in a way that they understand.

Natasha Sothcott
SLC Teaching Assistant

I've been a Teaching Assistant in KS2 SLC for a number of years. It's not a secret that I love my job. Having a specialist provision in a mainstream setting is a great model and promotes a wonderful inclusive ethos throughout our Carden community. Carden kids develop into kind, accepting and thoughtful young people.

Caroline Webster
Individual Needs Assistant

I have worked at Carden for 9 years mainly in KS1 and enjoy working with lots of different children.

Emily Bourne
SLC Teaching Assistant / INA

My name is Emily and I have been working as a teaching assistant and INA at Carden since October. Last year I completed my PGCE and I’m enjoying working with the team at Carden to support the children while learning new skills myself.

Robert Gander
Reception INA

My name is Robert Gander, I live in Portslade with my very energetic dog (a Springer called Buddy). I have been working in Primary schools for 8 years now. I have worked as a general TA for 3 of them years and as a 1:1 SEN TA for 5 years now.

Anne Watts
Intervention Support

I carry out the, very rewarding, role of doing interventions with the children across the school. These include: Maths, English, Speech and Language.

Karen Singleton
Administrative Assistant / MDSA

I have worked in the office for 8 years as well as looking after the younger children at lunchtime. I enjoy meeting and helping parents and visitors at the front desk and the variety of work.

Zoe Heaton
Administrative Assistant / Clerk to Governors

I have worked in schools' administration for over 12 years and at Carden for 7 years, specialising in pupil admissions and, more recently, as Clerk to Governors.

Nicki Buttress
School Business Manager

I have been at Carden now for 8 years as the Business Manager, when I'm not in school I can be found walking over The Downs with my Sproker Lyla.