Our Team
We are a small team of qualified teachers and experienced support staff, working closely together to create a nurturing, high-quality learning environment for our children. Our team will continue grow as our school grows year on year.
Carlie Powell
Headteacher
Carlie is our Headteacher. She has worked as Head of Nurseries at Growing Places since 2019 bringing a deep understanding of early childhood education and leadership. Prior to this, she worked as a primary school teacher for 15 years.
(Designated Safeguarding Lead)
How it all Began
Steph Cufley
Class Teacher
Steph is the class teacher at Growing Places Community School. She has taught Year R and Year 1 for many years and brings a wealth of experience, warmth, and enthusiasm to her teaching.
(Designated Safeguarding Lead)
How it all Began
Caroline Francis
Class Teacher
Caroline is the class teacher, job sharing with Steph. She is a very experienced teacher with a passion for learning through play and embracing the outdoors.
How it all Began
Natalie Batey
Teaching Assistant
Natalie is our full-time Teaching Assistant, bringing with her a wealth of experience across both early years and primary education. She takes great pride in supporting childrens' learning, building positive relationships and helping them grow in confidence, independence and curiosity.
How it all Began
Supporting Educators
We are fortunate to be supported by a team of experienced and passionate lead educators who work across Growing Places to enrich the learning experiences for our school children. Their specialist knowledge and expertise allow us to offer high-quality, meaningful opportunities that extend and deepen children’s learning.
Ange McGeady
Outdoor Lead
Ange is our Outdoor Lead, based at Little Acorns. She welcomes our children to learn in nature alongside our smallholding of goats, sheep, and miniature donkeys, supporting hands-on, outdoor experiences that foster care, curiosity, and connection to the natural world.
(Designated Safeguarding Lead)
How it all Began
Lauren Rutter
Forest School Lead
Lauren is a qualified Forest School Lead who delivers Forest School sessions for our children. Her work supports risk-taking, resilience, teamwork, and a strong relationship with the outdoor environment.
(Designated Safeguarding Lead)
How it all Began
Chris Warren
Physical Development Lead
Chris is our Physical Development Lead and brings vast experience in supporting children with their physical development and how this connects to all other elements of their learning. His input develops children’s coordination, confidence, team work and leadership skills.
How it all Began
Jo Cone
Artist in Residence
Jo is the Artist in Residence for Growing Places. For many years, she has worked in schools delivering creative dance and movement sessions, inspiring children to express themselves through creativity, rhythm, and movement.
How it all Began
“We are committed to enhancing lives & raising aspirations of children with successful outcomes and a lifelong love of learning.”
“Our school is part of the Growing Places learning community, growing from our established nursery provision and sharing a common Reggio-inspired pedagogy.”