The Reception team:

Mrs Emma Gorman –  Lower School Team Leader

Mrs Christine Wanostrocht – Class Teacher

Mrs Kylie Waters - Class Teacher

Mr Jon Dolman - Class Teacher

Miss Leanne Hardwell – Teaching Assistant

Mrs Sarah Dainton-Long - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Sophie Scott - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Jenny Sedgwick - Teaching Assistant

Mr Joe Giampaglia - Teaching Assistant

Chris Wanostrocht

I have been a teacher here at Shiphay for the past twelve years, teaching Year One and Reception classes. Prior to that I was employed as a Teaching Assistant at the school for eight years working with Special Needs children and I also ran a playgroup. On completing my degree in Early Years Education and finishing my Teacher Training, I was lucky enough to gain a position at the school where I could use my skills and experience.

I enjoy teaching in all areas of the curriculum but especially enjoy using Outdoor Education as a way to help children understand the world and respect nature and their environment.

In my classroom I promote a multi-sensory approach to learning, using play as an opportunity for children to think creatively, solve problems and link ideas. I aim to provide a stimulating environment that suits all types of learners, creating areas for reflection, thinking, exploring and wonder! 

Kylie Waters

I began my teaching career in Essex where I taught for 5 years, before returning to my Devon routes and joining the Shiphay team in 2013. I have been fortunate to teach a range of age groups, but I’m excited to be returning to a Reception class this year on a part time basis. It is a privilege to be trusted with the youngest members of the school as they begin their journey into education. 

In my classroom, I offer a nurturing, welcoming and safe place where the children feel a sense of belonging, excitement and desire to learn in many different creative ways, both inside and outside. I look forward to getting to know each of the children to be able to explore and develop together. 

In my spare time, I love to spend time with my 3 young children going on plenty of adventures! I’m also a keen netballer and love swimming, though I’m yet to brave any kind of cold water swimming!

Jon Dolman

I have spent the last 4 years across Key Stages One and Two at Shiphay and I am pleased to move to Reception as Bumblebee’s teacher. My motivation to teach stems from my experiences in my previous military career where nine years were spent in instructional positions; these included instructing new recruits in combat engineering and trained soldiers on their trade course at the School of Military Engineering. When I left the military I was successful in gaining a place on the ‘Troops to Teachers programme’. My teacher training was split between academic study, gaining a First Class Honours Degree in Primary Education Studies, with Brighton University and working in school for four days a week. Most of my school placements were at Shiphay Learning Academy, where I gained experience teaching Years Two and Six across the whole curriculum. I have had the opportunity to set up and run a successful after school Forest Club, which has allowed me to share my love of the outdoors with the children. I worked all around the world while I was in the army and had the opportunity to experience many different things, from working with the Kenyan Wildlife Service, helping to save Rhinos, to looking for a lost Inca city in Bolivia. It gives me a great sense of satisfaction when I can use my experiences to immerse the children in their learning

When I am not involved in activities with my family, I can usually be found maintaining the garden in some way. When I find time, I like to fish from my kayak and take long walks in the country with my dog.  I also used to take part in many physical activities whilst I served in the Army, such as cross country running and steeplechase events. I have continued to run for pleasure and as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Leanne Hardwell

After having my daughter in 2012, I knew that working with children was exactly the career path I wanted to take. I studied childcare at college, which enabled me to experience working in Nursery settings for 2 years. I furthered my education at South Devon University Centre, where I studied my Honours degree in Child Development and Education for 3 years. Prior to and during my University studies, I worked in a small school in Torquay for a total of 6 years, working with children from Reception to Year 6.
In 2021, the opportunity arose to work as a Teaching Assistant at Shiphay Learning Academy, which is a wonderful opportunity for me to further develop my skills and knowledge of supporting children in their learning and development. I am currently based in Reception two days a week and in Year 2 one day a week and I love working in both year groups. I have a nurturing, creative and fun personality and I thoroughly enjoy supporting children in all aspects of their learning.

I have two children and we love to do lots of family things together, such as dog walks, baking cakes and going on day trips.

Sarah Dainton-Long

I joined the Shiphay Learning Academy team in September 2022.  I am part of the Reception Team and currently work 3 days a week. My career has consisted of working within the same law firm for 22 years and qualifying as a lawyer. However, after having my two daughters I decided that I wanted to pursue a new career and it has always been a dream to work with children. Shiphay Learning Academy has provided me with this opportunity and I am excited to help children develop through learning and play activities. I find it extremely rewarding to see the children developing each day and being able to support them on their journey as they progress through Reception. 

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and two young daughters, family and friends and walking our Cockerpoo. I also enjoy being outside and spending time at the beach and paddle boarding. 

Sophie Scott 

The majority of my working career has been focused on caring for children, supporting their development and assisting their learning; I find it a very rewarding role. I took some time away from work to raise my two young children and now that they are both settled in school themselves, I have taken the opportunity to rejoin the school environment myself. 

I joined the Shiphay Learning Academy team in January 2020 and I am thoroughly enjoying working within the Lower School Team.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, going for bike rides, camping and eating out.

Jenny Sedgwick

I joined Shiphay Learning Academy in November 2021, working as a Teaching Assistant in both Lower and Middle School.  When I was at school I always wanted to be a teacher; when I left school, I worked as a teaching assistant for a short time.  I then decided to have children; I have three boys who all attend Shiphay. Now that I have had my family, I decided it was time for me to do what I loved and that was being a teaching assistant. In the little spare time I get, I enjoy crafting and making things.  I love to help the children to show off their creativity through their learning.  Since joining Shiphay, I have gained a passion for phonics and the positive impact it has on our children.

Joe Giampaglia