Associate Teachers

Sandra Affection

I have worked at the school for many years in various jobs including Dinner Supervisor, LSA and working with special needs children. I have worked in both key stages and have experienced working in small groups.  I am happily married with 4 children. My interests include gardening, shopping, looking after my grandchildren, going on holiday and socialising with friends.

Claire Allen

I have worked in education for a number of years in key stage one.  In my spare time I like to go to the theatre and watch films. I also love socialising with friends and eating out.

Samantha Barry

My journey at Oakfield started as a parent, I then went onto volunteer whilst completing my NVQ. I joined the school as an Associate Teacher in March 2015, supporting children in our ASD provision, The ARC.

Carol Chedzoy

I have been at Oakfield since 2000.

I enjoy watching the children learning and developing throughout their school years.  During my spare time I enjoy family gatherings and seeing friends.

Emma Clarke

I am a parent of two boys and outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family. I love history and visiting museums and stately homes.

Sean Curtain - Sports Coach/Learning Mentor

I joined Oakfield as a PE Coach and Mentor in 2012, having previously worked and studied football coaching where I obtained UEAF B coaching certificate.  I enjoy teaching PE as it covers a whole spectrum of opportunities for children to develop both mentally and physically through the wide range of activities it has to offer.  Out of school I enjoy socialising and watching all sports, especially the mighty Chelsea. I can be very competitive so anyone up for a challenge at golf or darts, let me know.

Caela Deehy

I joined Oakfield in September 2015 and I am enjoying getting to know the school and working with the children. I have a degree in English Literature and some time in the future I plan to do extend my qualification to become a primary school teacher. I enjoy seeing my family and friends in my free time.

Kyle Fagan

I previously lived in Croydon and moved to Swanley in 2011. I joined Oakfield in September 2019 on an associate teacher apprenticeship, what I like about Oakfield is that all children in the school know the three values which are RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY and last but not least EQUALITY. I knew in my last year at secondary school that I wanted to work with children to make a difference so when Oakfield offered this apprenticeship I really was happy to become part of the team. ​

Sharon Freeder

I grew up in Swanley, and then went to live in Israel for a while. After returning to the UK, I had my 2 sons. Since then I have worked in a local Pre-school as well as volunteered at Sure Start Children's Centre, and at Oakfield Infant School as Classroom Support. I have achieved two Level 2 NVQs - one in Early Years Care and Education, and the other in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools. In 2009 I joined the staff as School Office Assistant, and have gone on to work as a Teaching Assistant in every year group which I've thoroughly enjoyed!  Outside of school my interests are equestrianism, reading, music and most especially spending time with my children.

Agnes Gajewska

I joined Oakfield in January 2016 as an Apprentice AT in Nursery and completed my NVQ Level 2 in Children and Young People's Workforce. During my career I have worked with children and young people of all ages, teaching Geography and English as a Foreign Language in Poland. I really enjoy my time working with young children in EYFS, supporting their confidence and sharing their enthusiasm. Outside of school I love travelling, cycling and spending time with my family.

Tilly Gosbee

I have always had a passion for working with young children and I am looking forward to supporting children in Oakfield and guiding them to becoming independent learners.

Hannah Hand

I joined Oakfield in February 2014 after completing my degree in Education (Special Educational Needs and Inclusion) at Roehampton. I have really enjoyed my time at Oakfield, working with the children and helping to support them to reach their fullest potential and become independent learners. I have always had a passion for working with children and find it extremely rewarding. I am looking forward to developing my career further at Oakfield and aim to train as a teacher in the future. ​

Natalie Hilless

As well as being an associate teacher, I am also a lunchtime support assistant.

Wendy Humphreys

I have been connected to Oakfield for many years. All four of my children and both my grandchildren attended Oakfield. I started off doing voluntary classroom support, I did this for a good many years, before getting a role as lunchtime supervisor which I did for seven years. Since November 2018 I gave up being a lunchtime supervisor and became an Associate Teacher in the nursery. I really enjoy my job. Everyday is different and I love to see the children grow. Outside of work I enjoy gardening and spending time with my family.

Marianna James

I have studied Economics but soon after graduation I decided to swap numbers for people. I have worked with children for over 20 years and I am very excited to join the Nursery this year. I have two amazing daughters who attend Oakfield. With my family (and our pet yorkie) we enjoy the outdoors and love visiting historical sites and art exhibitions.

Wendy Johnson

I have been working at Oakfield for the past 7 years, but have had a long association with the school as my 4 sons all attended here.  I am currently working in reception but previously worked in nursery and have really enjoyed being in early years.

Thamina Khan

I started at Oakfield as a volunteer with the Reception class in 2017. During this time I completed a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Childcare. Since September 2018 I have been working as an Associate Teacher in the Nursery. I love working with children and being a positive part in their development. I also have two boys who attend Oakfield. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, and have a keen interest in cooking.

Melanie King

Hi, my name is Melanie King and I have been working here at Oakfield since February 2020 as a SEN HLTA.  For the last 14 years I have worked at Milestone Academy, a Special Needs school, as a Senior Teaching Assistant.  I have experience in working across every Phase range from EYFS to Post 16.   The opportunity arose for myself to lead a new additional provision in Early Years called Owletts.  I am really looking forward to sharing my experience and finding out what the future at Oakfield brings.

Lesley Letchford

I joined Oakfield Primary School in 2013 as a volunteer supporting children in Year 3, whilst completing my NVQ Level 2 Teaching Assistant. Since obtaining my NVQ Level 2, I'm now working full time as an associate teacher at Oakfield. I enjoy spending time with my family and long walks with my 2 dogs.

Ann Matthews

I recently joined Oakfield after moving from the Northeast.  I have many years of experience of working in schools and really enjoy helping children make progress and gain confidence.  Outside of work I enjoy reading, various craft activities, spending time with family and friends and visiting the many lovely and interesting places in this area.

Elizabeth Meers

I joined Oakfield Primary academy in January 2016 as an apprentice working within the Early years foundation stage. I have always enjoyed working with children supporting their learning and seeing them grow not only in their learning but as a person as well. Outside of school, I have 2 children who keep my busy but also love spending time with my family. I enjoy gardening and growing lots of different fruits and vegetables! I also love lots of different sports, watching it as well as playing netball myself. 

Liz Melbourne

I began working as a nursery nurse in 1982 for the London borough of Bexley at North Cray Infant and Nursery School.  I am married with 2 daughters who have both benefited from having their nursery education at Oakfield. I have been part of the staff of the school since 1996.  My out of school passion is to play netball which I am privileged to share with my daughters Charlotte and Megan. We also enjoy as a family being members of Bexley Cricket Club where my husband Rick plays cricket.

Valerie McBride
I joined Oakfield in 2012 after spending nearly 20 yrs working in the city for a law firm. I am currently enjoying my work and find it really rewarding.  I have 2 sets of twins who have attended Oakfield and I enjoy spending all of my spare time with them and my husband.

Samantha Murray

I am an Associate Teacher and have worked at the school since 2007.

I have worked in every year group.  I really enjoy what I do and I hope to carry on here for many years to come.

Gemma Nightingale

I have been working as an Associate Teacher since January 2008, after completing 3 years at college which I gained a level 3 qualification in childcare. I would like to train as a teacher in a few years.  I am looking forward to the challenges and new experiences ahead. I enjoy learning new things and going to new places with family and friends.

Lynne Pell

I have been involved with Oakfield Schools since 1982, first as a parent with 3 children at the school, then as a Parent Helper and Midday Supervisor. I have been an Associate Teacher since 1990 and have learnt Braille in order to help support a severely visually impaired child among other exciting opportunities to support children in their learning.  I enjoy sewing, knitting and reading.

Natalie Ross

I started my journey at Oakfield as a parent and then went on to volunteer while completing my level 3 supporting teaching and learning qualification.  I thoroughly enjoy working with children and seeing them develop and learn.  Outside of school I have two children who keep me very busy!

Balvinder Sihra

I worked at Oakfield Infant School for 12 years and was made redundant in 2006.  For the next 2 years I worked in Oakfield Junior School before continuing my role as Associate Teacher at Oakfield Primary Academy.

Donna Stevens

I have worked with children for a number of years and have recently joined Temple Hill having worked as an AT at Oakfield for many years.  I am married with two son's who keep me very busy! When I am not running around for my boys outer school activities I enjoy reading, walking and socialising with both friends and family.

Anne Snell

I started working at Oakfield in 2014. My roles are Daytime Supervisor and in the afternoon I work as a one-to-one associate teacher. I enjoy working with all the children.

Chelsea Stafford

Just like my older brother and sister I attended Oakfield throughout my primary years and have many fond memories of my time here. The teachers I had made a massive influence on my life and I always knew I wanted to work alongside children and help them be the best they can be. After taking a few different career paths I finally qualified as an AT this year and hope to go on to get my teaching qualification in the next few years. When I'm not at work I'm the biggest book worm! Especially the Harry Potter books! I also like to practise yoga and spend time with my family and friends.

Aimee Swanson

I am now in my second school year at Oakfield as an apprentice, time really does fly when you are having fun! Last year I was part of the Year 2 team and as much as I loved my time with them I am now looking forward to challenging myself in Year 1. During my free time, I enjoy being outdoors with my family, my Jack Russell Cody and my camera. I am also known for being a little bit ‘geeky’... which I love! I am ever so slightly obsessed with Harry Potter and I enjoy talking to the children about how the books, the films and the characters inspired me growing up. My hope is that the children also find the same inspiration in the books they read during their time at Oakfield. ​

Jo Wiggett

I joined Oakfield in 2013 in EYFS as a parent volunteer, after gaining my Teaching Assistant qualification I worked in the Nursery as a 1:1. I am now enjoying my new role as an EAL AT, it is very rewarding to see the children begin to flourish and develop into confident learners.  I have two lovely daughters who also attend Oakfield. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, reading and love travelling.

Helen Richardson

I’m a mum of three, two grown up sons, and a daughter, I also have two small grandchildren! I started out as a parent at Oakfield, began volunteering here a while ago, and was lucky enough to gain employment recently. Many years ago it was my intention to become a teacher, life had other plans! However, I do like children and am passionate about seeing them reach their full potential. Outside of school I’m a Scout leader, I love the outdoors, camping, all sorts of sport (both watching and taking part), spending time with my family, on my allotment, and walking my mad dog!

Debra Winchester

Hi, my name is Mrs Winchester and I’m associate teacher in the nursery.  I am originally from Hampshire but have lived in Dartford for many years with my husband and two children.  I have two cats called Lilly and Tigger and a Jackapoo Puppy called Wade.  I really enjoy taking long walks in the countryside and reading wonderful books at every opportunity.  My favourite colour is orange and my favourite food is any roast dinner.