The Governors and Staff at Newton Bluecoat C of E Primary School believe that it is important to work in close partnership with parents so that each and every child is able to make the best of their time here. It is therefore important that you know who we are! Please see below to find out who’s who.
Headteacher and Teaching Staff
Liz Robinson – Headteacher
I started my role as Headteacher of Newton Bluecoat Primary School in January 2022. I came with a range of experience, having worked across Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen Local Education Authorities in a range of school settings. My career has been spent wholly in the world of education, from being a Leading Literacy Teacher in the early days of my career, through to becoming a Headteacher of a rural school in January 2018. I am delighted and honoured to lead such a fabulous school.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children, and as a family, we enjoy travelling.
Jill Mansfield – Deputy Headteacher
I have worked at Newton Bluecoat School for many years! I have taught most year groups from Year One upwards, but for the last few years I have taught Year Two. I am extremely proud to belong to such an amazing school team.
As Deputy Head Teacher my role is very varied, from supporting the Head Teacher in his duties to being English co-lead. My other responsibilities in school include Key Stage One Leader, Pupil Premium, Worship, Curriculum and Support Staff lead. In my spare time I have a keen interest in sport and also enjoy Pilates, walking and reading.
Sarah Watson – Assistant Headteacher, SENCO and Year 3 Teacher
I have been teaching at Newton Bluecoat since 2000 and the time has flown by! I have taught most year groups from Reception to Year 5 but have taught year 3 for the past two years. I am extremely proud to teach at such a wonderful school with amazing children and supportive staff. My role in school is very varied from supporting the headteacher as assistant headteacher, to being Special Educational Needs Coordinator. My responsibilities in school include Key Stage 2 team leader, PSHE and pastoral lead and designated safeguarding lead. I have a keen interest in reading, enjoy teaching all subjects, especially maths, and spend my weekends watching my sons play football and cricket.
Lucy Mansfield – Year 6 Teacher
I started working at Newton Bluecoat in September 2018 as the Year 6 Class Teacher after having previously taught a Year 5/6 class at a smaller school. I am so proud to be working at this incredible school and I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to get the children ready for their move to high school.
In school, my responsibilities include leading English and Assessment, whilst also being Educational Visits Co-Ordinator and responsible for the More Able children. I am extremely passionate about ensuring that all children reach their full potential throughout their time at our school.
Outside of school, I love going to the gym and walking in the Lake District.
Louise Dawson – Year 5 Teacher
I started working at Newton Bluecoat in September 2010 as the Year 1 Class Teacher. Since then, I have gone on to teach Year 3 , Year 4 and currently I am the Class Teacher in Year 5. I love my job and I am very proud to be part of the Newton Bluecoat family.
My responsibilities in school are – Maths and PE Subject Leader. I enjoy leading these subjects as I believe understanding number and being able to problem solve is fundamental to prepare children for the future.
I am very passionate about sport and enjoy seeing children achieve their full potential through a varied PE Curriculum and delivering extra-curricular sporting activities along with some of my colleagues.
In my spare time I enjoy swimming and going on long walks with my family.
Thomas Williams- Year 4 Teacher
I am very happy to have joined the Newton Bluecoat team! I have over 7 years teaching experience in schools in Preston and Fylde and I have experience teaching all through the KS2 phase. I am very proud to work for this lovely school ensuring that the children from across the community are given the best opportunities.
I am the computing lead in school and I have a passion for the use of digital technology in lessons to enhance and improve the delivery of the curriculum! I believe it is important to ensure that the children are digitally literate by the time they leave in us year 6. In the past, I have also led PE and school sport.
Outside of school, I enjoy playing and watching sport – mainly cricket and football! I also enjoy spending time with my partner and daughter.
Claire Short – Year 1 Teacher
Before becoming a teacher, I qualified as a Nursery Nurse and worked as a Nanny in the North East and London. I thoroughly enjoy working at Newton Bluecoat School as part of a team and during my career here I have worked with Nursery, KS 1 & KS 2 children.
I am passionate about both children & teaching and believe that every child can achieve at school. I encourage the children to always do their very best in every area and strive to make learning fun.
Out of school I enjoy doing a variety of crafts, including embroidery, rock painting & decoupage. I love the outdoors and enjoy walking & gardening.
Harriet Watson – Reception Class Teacher
I have worked at Newton Bluecoat School for the past 5 years recently moving to Reception. Since joining Reception I have recently enjoyed working on the development of the Nursery outdoor area with Mrs Seed and we are now working together to develop the Reception outdoor area to enhance the schools outdoor learning; an exciting development! I have thoroughly enjoyed implementing the new Floppy’s phonics scheme within key stage 1 as well as the introduction of home readers online through eBooks. This year I have loved overseeing both Nursery and Reception as a whole unit and working as a team to develop the best EYFS Unit to go alongside the most incredible school and teaching team!
Before joining Newton I studied Biomedical sciences at University in Leeds and went on to do my PGCE with a specialism in Early years at Lancaster! I am very enthusiastic about Early Years and believe that learning through play is key, that each child is unique and should be the leaders of learning. I am currently Subject leader for both History and Geography, my favourite part of this role is the opportunity to interact with the rest of school and get to know children throughout the school and have an influence on their learning. In my spare time I enjoy lots of walking in the Lake District usually with my new puppy, spending time with my family, several holidays and I LOVE to eat out!
Sophie Blackburn – Nursery Teacher
I joined Newton Bluecoat Primary School in April 2021 and it has been a joy to work here since. I have ten years of experience in early years education and a passion and enthusiasm for ensuring our youngest children learn in an exciting way that recognizes their interests, talents and experiences in life.
I became interested in early years education after volunteering in a setting with my mum (an early years educator) and seeing her love and enthusiasm for the role. I started my career by earning an Early Years Education degree with QTS. Whilst studying, I acquired experience in a variety of independent nurseries. After graduating, I gained experience as a teaching assistant and a higher-level teaching assistant before applying for my first teaching post in a reception class at a Church of England Primary School. I had this role for three years. My previous role now helps me to ensure your child leaves Little Blues with the skills and knowledge they need to be ready for learning success in reception class.
I am the subject lead for Design and Technology. I acknowledge the importance of STEM and am enthusiastic about ensuring that all children at Newton Bluecoat School learn the DT skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
Outside of school, I enjoy travelling abroad, exploring new places within the UK and going on long walks with my dog.
Office Staff
June Seed – Business Manager
I have worked at Newton Bluecoat School for 21 years. I attended Newton Bluecoat School as a pupil, along with my mum, my own children and currently my granddaughter and Grandson. I enjoy my time at school, helping to maintain the school’s high quality provision. I am responsible for Human Resources, Finance, Health and Safety and Staff Wellbeing at the school. I recently successfully organised the refurbishment of our fantastic new Nursery area and am currently looking for funding to have the Reception area refurbished. I am generally involved with school life and love what I do and I work with a great team of people. In my spare time you will see my around the village walking my dog and I have an interest in crafts, I crochet, knit, sew, bake, and do cake decorating to name a few.
Emma Cookson- Office Assistant
Debbie Gornall – Office Assistant
Teaching Assistants
Tracey Stock – Year 6
I started working at Newton Bluecoat in 2010 as a 1:1 support assistance and since then I have gone on to be a Teaching Assistant in every year group and I am currently working in Year 6 alongside Miss Mansfield. I absolutely love working at Newton Bluecoat and I am so proud to be part of this fabulous team. I am very passionate about ensuring every child reaches their full potential and I always do all I can to help the children during their time at our school.
My responsibilities in school vary from supporting Mrs Dawson in her role as P.E lead, to working very closely with Year 6 children to provide specific and targeted intervention work and to deliver Speech and Language support for several children. One of favourite roles is to make sure all the displays in school are looking vibrant and fresh.
In my spare time, I love to go on long walks with my family and go to the gym.
Sophie Burton – Family Learning Mentor – PPA Cover
I have worked at Newton Bluecoat School for 9 years. I began my career as a T.A working in both KS1 and 2.
Since September 21 I have been the Family Learning Mentor, as a Designated Safeguard Lead and recently as the Senior Mental Health Lead. I am very privileged to work with our fantastic staff, pupils and families, supporting them with any difficulties they may be experiencing. I am passionate about helping our families and pupils to overcome challenges which may affect learning and well-being.
I am married with 2 adult children, who both attended Newton Bluecoat. We love to walk our dog, socialize with friends and enjoy travelling.
Lisa Hargreaves – Year 5
I have worked at school for over 20 years, and have worked in all Key Stages. I currently work in the Year 4 Class as a teaching assistant. My other role in school is working alongside Mrs Watson (SENco) delivering 1:1 special needs provision. Helping the children to develop and achieve their full potential and personal goals is something truly special and make my job extremely worthwhile and fulfilling.
I have lived in Newton for over 30 years and love our amazing village and it’s fantastic community spirit.
Wendy Cartwright – Year 2
I first started working in a school providing support for a child with additional needs in 2002. I then moved to Newton Bluecoat in 2005 as a 1:1, where I carried on supporting various children with additional needs through to High School. My current role is working alongside Mrs Mansfield in Year 2 as a Teaching Assistant. I am also the Out of School Club Manager which I have done since 2016.
Both my children attended Newton Bluecoat and I thoroughly enjoy being part of the school’s family.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, walking my dog and going on holidays. I also enjoy going to watch AFC Fylde at the weekends.
Amy Madden- Year 4
Matthew Jackson – Reception
I started working at Newton Bluecoat School as an apprentice in 2016. I was fortunate enough to complete two teaching and learning qualifications through school and I am now the Reception Class Teaching assistant and I have experience In Years 3, 4 and the Little Blues nursery. I am the play worker at the Out of school club and have worked there since I began working at Newton. I have a keen interest in Early Years SEN and spend a lot of my time working with children who require extra support.
I really enjoy working at school because I love seeing how the children progress as the year goes on and I love that I have the ability to give children the confidence to try their best in all aspects of life.
I have two dogs at home and I love taking them for walks with friends and family in my spare time. I also keep very busy by taking my two nieces on days out.
Louise Wareing – Year 1
I started work at Newton Bluecoat School in 2002 as a teaching assistant in Little Blues nursery. Previously I had worked as a nursery nurse from babies up to pre-school. I currently work within the Little Blues nursery and have experience of working with the reception class. I am very passionate about forest school activities, enjoying getting the children outdoors and having fun in the woods. Another role I have is delivering additional phonics intervention for children who need a little extra help to reach their full potential. I am a committed member of staff and love working here and being part of the Newton Bluecoat family. I enjoy watching the children grow and learn as they progress through the school.
I have twin teenage boys and as a family we like to have many outdoor adventures together and I enjoy watching my boys play for their local football team. In my spare time I stay motivated by taking part in Zumba classes and enjoy a quite few minutes reading!
Rosalyn Plum – Year 3
Stacey Hulme- Nursery and KS2
Lucas Killgallon – Apprentice
Welfare Staff
We currently have a great team who support our children during the school lunch break whilst the teachers and other staff have a well deserved break. They have a wealth of experience on organising lunchtime activities and keeping the children safe.
Jodie Barton – Midday Supervisor
Daniel Lupton
Rachel Parkin
Sarah Clark
Kitchen Staff
Our kitchen staff are employed by Lancashire Catering Services and provided us with high quality, affordable meals.
Anneka van der Veen
Caretaking Staff – Contract Cleaners
Our caretaking and cleaning staff are employed by Maxim Cleaning Services. They keep our school clean and tidy and are valuable members of our school team.
Steve Bradshaw
Annette Hyde
