Our passionate team of educators joined Lumiar because they want to do things differently

Meet the Head

claire walker: Director of education and Head of School

I am passionate about transforming education and love working with children. To develop the crucial attributes and life skills that children will need as adults, I believe it is essential that they take charge of their own learning, adopt a growth mindset, find the joy of learning and the curiosity and resilience to challenge themselves. I believe that as an educator, my job is to work with them and their innate playfulness and curiosity, supporting their desire and capacity to learn-rather than just turning it into school. Their experience of learning at primary age will often shape their attitude to learning in the future, so it’s important that children have the space and freedom to play, manage themselves, explore, go on adventures together and ignite their imaginations.

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

• Leadership in PE, Dance Specialism

Tutors

Learning is led by a team of inspiring people

At our school, the role of the teacher is divided into Tutors (permanent teachers) and Masters (visiting project experts). The Tutor provides the day-to-day support and really knows each child, and their strengths and challenges. They support their social and emotional development, keep track of each child’s academic progress, and make sure they are meeting age-appropriate competencies.

They are also responsible for identifying the interests and abilities of their students and then supporting them to devise projects that help them to practice their skills and grow new ones.

Marie Hobson: C2 SENIOR Tutor

My own love for learning brought me to the world of education 5 years ago and I have since had experience teaching both internationally and within the UK. My perception of the role as a ‘teacher’ was transformed while working with refugee children in Greece. I saw that education must go beyond academic achievement, but explore the limitless possibilities of each child's unique creativity. Equipping children with skills that are needed in a changing world; which is why I am so excited to be joining Lumiar School. Alongside education, I have a background in film production, a love for languages, painting, nature, and the adventure of being alive. 

• Designated Deputy Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

• Special Educational Needs Lead (SENCO)

• Art Specialism

• International Collaboration and Experience

SJ REDSHAW: C2 junior tutor

The foundation of my journey in education started as a parent visitor who came to listen to children read and attend school outings. Since then I have experienced primary and secondary education alongside study but the restrictions of the curriculum have confined my urge for creativity and a truly 'whole child' environment. I look forward to seeing the Lumiar vision in practice, facilitating children to become rounded individuals who can express themselves in a positive way and the personalities of the students emerging within the Project Based Learning framework. I am excited to join a team with a shared passion and to play a part in the development of the Lumiar ethos and community.

• Dance

• Drama

• PE

Sarah Green: C1 tutor

I have always loved to learn and because of this I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher. I have worked as a teacher for 11 years and in that time I have taught almost every age group- from nursery all the way up to Year 6. My time in mainstream education has shown me how valuable schools like Lumiar are for the future of education. I believe that the experiences of young people within education lights the spark for their future successes and that Lumiar is a place that holds the match! I am very excited to be working at Lumiar this September and to be helping in both C2 and C1 and with a lovely team of passionate people.  Alongside teaching, I enjoy crocheting, crafts, music and cultivating my collection of Crocs. 

• Music Specialism

• Science and Technology Specialism

• Evaluation and Monitoring 

FLEUR BOUCHER: tutor (currently on maternity leave)

Through my experience in Reggio influenced, mixed age and free flow settings I have developed a passion for teaching children in their earliest years. I like messy, hands-on, child centred learning and want children to have the freedom to express their individuality and know they have valuable contributions to make within the school community and wider world. I love weaving children’s interests into projects based on real life experiences and using observation, documentation and environments as tools to underpin this. I have a degree in textiles and like experimenting with colour, fabrics, knitting and dyeing. I also love books and finding new little nooks of the world to explore with my son, Asa. 

• Early Years Specialist

• Art and Crafts Specialism; Textiles, Weaving and Printing

Heather Courage: C1 support tutor

I have worked in school and nursery settings for many years, working as a HLTA in a school alongside children with ASD and as a Early Years Practitioner at Norland Nursery. I feel it is important to gain a unique understanding of each child that you work with,  to be able to adapt strategies and promote their individual growth effectively.

I believe I bring a substantial amount of knowledge and expertise in early years and also outdoor learning, as I have my advanced award in Forest School Leadership. I believe it's key to create an engaging and enriched environment at Lumiar, where children can flourish with us on their learning journey.

• Qualified Forest School Lead

Jess Ware: C2 Junior Support Tutor

I come to Lumiar with a wealth of experience supporting children in their learning, adapting and delivering learning to ensure the child is engaged and has space to be creative. I believe that the Lumiar approach to education does this for every child. This allows the students to be practical and experimental in their learning. I am passionate about working with children, ensuring their safety and happiness and giving them opportunities to be free, explore and learn-seeing them grow in confidence and develop new skills.

• Puzzling and Gaming

• Crafting

• RE

Cressie Harris: C1 Support tutor

I love reading and consuming knowledge, sketching as a means of self-expression, and engagement in community projects. I have many years experience as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant and Carer for vulnerable individuals. Alongside, I have been vigorously studying for the last seven years - most recently for a Masters in Inclusive Education. The Lumiar vision is in accordance with my passion for inclusivity that promotes inventiveness, self-realisation and social malleability. To facilitate exploration of individualism, encourage a resolute mindset and empower children to reach for the stars, is my philosophy. I am excited to unite with the team and apply a contemporary approach to learning.

• Making and Baking

• Crafting

• Inclusive Education

Rob Ware: Learning Mentor

I am very excited to be part of the team here at Lumiar. I come with experience working with children at Trowbridge Rugby Club as Head of their Minis programme. I am also a first responder with Saint Johns Ambulance and previously the facilities manager for a local academy looking after three sites. I am a dad of three and a long term foster carer to two children. I am passionate about working with children and helping them to grow and develop into confident and independent young people.

Masters

Bringing real world expertise into the classroom

While our tutors are the permanent, day-to-day teacher, we want the students to hear from real-world experts about whatever project they are currently working on. 

We invite subject matter experts – known as Masters – to come into the school to share their passion and expertise on a particular area. That might mean supporting a single project (like the architect who helped the children plan their houses) or coming into school every week – like our music and sport Masters. Usually, Masters are not “teachers” in a formal sense, but individuals who know lots about something and are passionate about sharing their enthusiasm for a topic with the children.

We also have a regular Master who visits us every week to teach PE…

Chris Walker: PE Master

Chris is a Sports and Conditioning Coach, PE teacher and the owner of Spark Sports Coaching. He has been teaching Physical Education in Primary Schools for over 10 year and is one of our regular Masters at Lumiar

Board of Governors

Lumiar School is run by an experienced education team and overseen by a Board of Governors. The Board holds ultimate responsibility for ensuring the effective operation and financial management of the school, as well as the implementation of its policies and procedures. The Board is also responsible for appointing and managing senior paid staff, who are required to report to the Board on a regular basis.

Join Us

We are always looking for masters, volunteers and supply/bank tutors. To see all opportunities or to register your interest please go to our jobs page.