Year 1 Beech
Year 1 includes children in the age range from 5-6 years of age. We believe that young learners learn best by doing and we encourage our children to take that approach and we support them in ‘having a go’. Exciting topics and play activities help make Year One a stimulating time to learn.
Miss Akhurst joined Meadowside in March 2015 and teaches Monday – Friday in year 1. She has extensive experience of how the little people’s minds work and we are very lucky to have her on our team. Miss Akhurst leads science and is very passionate about its profile in the primary curriculum. She is also a member of the English team.
“It is an absolute pleasure to come to school each day and work with such fantastic and enthusiastic children and staff! Everyone is so friendly and kind and it truly is a family atmosphere.”
Year 2 Elm Class
Year 2 includes children from 6-7 years of age and are the oldest children in the infants. We like to take on extra responsibility to set a good example to the younger children. At the end of Year 2, the children undertake SATs to help identify next steps for the beginning of Key Stage 2. A big part of our curriculum in the summer helps prepare the children for this transition.
The Year 2 Teacher is Miss Mellersh, who joined Meadowside in 2006. She has taught across all of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, making her a highly skilled and experienced member of our team. She is also member of our Senior Leadership Team. Miss Mellersh leads English and is very passionate about the difference that reading and writing can make to childrens’ lives. Miss Mellersh works Monday – Friday in Year 2.
“I thoroughly enjoy teaching at Meadowside, and think we make a fantastic school family with a love for learning and enthusiasm for life. Teaching our young children to be responsible, courteous citizens is an absolute must, and we do it brilliantly!!”
Year 1 and 2 Support Staff
Miss Akhurst and Key Stage 1 are also enthusiastically supported by the excellent Mrs Stevens a professionally qualified Teaching Assistant who joined Meadowside in 2003 and has experience in EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Keys stage 2. Mrs Stevens is qualified in Thrive and helps develop confident and resilient children.
“I love my job and look forward to work every day! I enjoy helping children to reach their potential in all aspects of their school life. I like being part of the development of a great school.”
Mr Jones joined us in Spring 2022, initially working with year 6. His incredible skillset, passion, knowledge and versatility mean that he is able to work across the school and has joined the year 2 team. Mr Jones is a qualified teacher and we are very fortunate that he has chosen to dedicate his time and energy as a teaching assistant at Meadowside.
“After spending time teaching a number of year groups last year at Meadowside I found myself wanting to stay at such a welcoming, nurturing and fun school. An opportunity arose for me to continue being part of the Meadowside family and I look forward to making many more happy memories here.”
Mrs Weaving joined Meadowside in 2018 and has worked primarily in Key Stage 1. Mrs Weaving’s kind and caring approach ensures that children flourish under her care. She has an excellent set of skills are powerful across all ages in at our school.
The year 2 team are also supported by Miss Visaranta, a professionally qualified Teaching Assistant who joined Meadowside in September 2015. Miss Visaranta works 1:1, or in very small groups across Key Stage 1. If something arty has gone up in school, you can be sure Miss Visaranta is behind it! We are very lucky to have such a talented member of our team on board!
“Hello everyone! I’m pleased to be working at Meadowside Primary School. I live local to the area and my main passion is creativity.”
