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Meet the teachers at The Firs, who together with a strong team of wider staff; including estate, office, catering, support and teaching assistants form a group of over 45 employees, who aim to provide your child with the best possible educational experience. All of our staff undergo a continuous cycle of professional development, training and moderation under the leadership of Head Teacher Rosemary Blackburn. We deliver an exceptional and inspirational learning environment for the students in our care.
Mrs Rosemary Blackburn was previously deputy-headteacher of Hoole Church of England primary school. She has extensive experience of primary education having previously worked at several primary schools in the Cheshire area. Mrs Blackburn said: “I am honoured to have been chosen as the new headteacher of The Firs Prep School. It is a great privilege to be given the opportunity to work with the fantastic team at the school and continue to lead an inspirational and very happy primary school."
Helen has been working in the Fir Cones Kindergarten at The Firs since 2006, latterly as the Leader. She has a wealth of experience with young children and a passion for creating a stimulating and creative learning environments where children feel safe, happy and able to thrive.
Sarah has been teaching in Primary schools in Chester since 2000 and has taught at The Firs since 2005. She has taught across the Primary age range. Sarah has organised art exhibitions and competitions entries for the Firs on many occasions.
Natalie graduated in 2012 specialising in Early Years and spent four years teaching across all age ranges in schools in Wales and England. I then travelled to Moscow, Russia and spent two years teaching in an independent school before returning back to England. I am delighted to join the Firs school and look forward to a bright future ahead.
Tim taught a Year 4 class at Highfield Community Primary School, Blacon for a year as part of his training, as well as a half-term in Year 2 at Christleton Primary (2011-12). He then taught Year 5 for 2 years at Weaverham Forest Primary School, Northwich (2012-2014).
Raised in Hoole, Hayley is a former student of our former French teacher, Mrs Wilcock. Hayley emigrated in 1997 and became an English teacher in Primary schools in the Golfe de Saint Tropez. After nearly 20 years there, she returned home with her husband and 2 children, to be near her Father. She joined us here at The Firs in 2017 before taking on the role of French teacher with us.
Sara completed her BA(Hons) in Early Childhood Studies in 2013, where she was lucky enough to teach at a Montessori School in Los Angeles, California. She then went on to complete a Masters of Science in Family and Child Psychology, immediately followed by her School Direct PGCE in Primary Education. Sara joined us here at The Firs in 2017.
Karla previously taught for over 23 years in a large Trafford primary school with half of this spent as EYFS practitioner and leader before coming to The Firs. She believes in creating a nurturing and stimulating environment to allow our youngest children, from Nursery, Kindergarten and Reception to flourish and develop in order to achieve their full potential.' Karla is mum to two boys.
After qualifying in 2010 David taught on a supply basis in Primary Schools in North Wales, before taking time out to go travelling in the United States. Whilst in America, David led the Adventure Programme at a summer camp, teaching children how to rock climb and overcome the obstacles on a high ropes course. Upon his return he took a job in Castell Alun, a high school near Mold, as a PE and cover teacher. David came to The Firs in 2013.
Helen qualified as a Home Economics teacher and taught in Secondary Schools in Manchester, Suffolk and Lincolnshire before moving to Texas and becoming involved in Primary education. Since retraining on her return to the UK Helen has taught in Cheshire schools for the past twelve years including four years at The Firs.
Mrs Byrne has been teaching in primary schools since 2006, teaching children from Nursery to Year 6. She worked as a Class Teacher and also as a specialist Music Teacher at schools in Liverpool and Stockport before joining The Firs. Jude plays piano and flute, and she is a member of a local amateur orchestra.
Sarah has taught all year groups from Reception through to Year 6 in a variety of schools across the country and held the post as Assistant Head at Wellingborough Pre Prep School for 4 years. Most recently she set up her own tutoring business in Kent, preparing pupils for 11+ and common entrance tests. Sarah moved back to Chester in 2017 with her husband and son ( and 2 crazy cockers!) to be nearer her family.
After completing her music degree at the University of Exeter and then her PGCE, Mrs Williamson was keen to share her passion of music with others. She has tremendously enjoyed teaching classroom music over the last 21 years and has taught children of all ages, from Kindergarten to Year 13. She strives to provide high quality, memorable musical experiences for children of all abilities, bringing the whole school community together.
Excellent – above and beyond what we expected. Best decision we ever made to move our children to The Firs.– parent