The Year One Team

Mrs Emma Gorman - Team Leader

Mrs Jannice Boot - Class Teacher

Miss Olivia (Lily) Sewell - Class Teacher

Mrs Nikita Whiteside - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Sally Billage - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Jenny Armstrong - Teaching Assistant

Miss Courtenay Clarke -Teaching Assistant

 Mrs Jannice Boot

I have been a class teacher here at Shiphay since I qualified in 1990. I did a first degree in Fine Art, followed by a PGCE in Early Years education. I have had a number of leadership roles during my time here which have included leading the Lower School Team and being the coordinator for Key Stage One.  I have worked in a part-time capacity for the past 18 years and have enjoyed working in partnership with different colleagues. I am excited to be back teaching full time in September.

 In my time at Shiphay I have enjoyed teaching in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2.  I’m really looking forward to teaching in Year 1 again this year as it is always such an exciting year group to work with.

 I enjoy teaching all areas of the curriculum but especially enjoy teaching Literacy, as I have a real love for books and stories. I am also very interested in the Natural World and take every opportunity to include my love for nature and my enjoyment of Art into our themed work. 

I like to make my classroom a welcoming and friendly place where children are encouraged to explore and investigate together within an engaging curriculum.   I am passionate about providing every child with the opportunity to achieve their full potential, providing the children with the skills they need to become independent, confident and aspirational learners.

 Miss Lily Sewell

I have recently graduated from the University of Chester where I studied Early Years and Primary Teaching. I am honoured and excited to be joining the Shiphay team in September as an Early Career Teacher (ECT). Within my placements at university as well as South Devon College, I have had the opportunity to experience a wide range of age groups across EYFS and KS1.

Since leaving university, I have been keeping up with my studies. I am currently learning British Sign Language which I hope to bring into my teaching and the provision in order to promote inclusion for all children as well as parents and staff. I enjoy creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment for all children where the children are encouraged to reach their full potential.

I enjoy teaching all areas of the curriculum but especially enjoy phonics and literacy as I believe phonics can be used as a foundation for all other subjects in the national curriculum. Specialising in Early Years has allowed me to see the transitions from the EYFS to the national curriculum.

When I’m not teaching in school, you will usually find me reading or taking long walks along the coastal paths with my family. I also enjoy going on ski holidays and have previously taken part in competitive ski racing. 

Mrs Nikita Whiteside

I joined Shiphay Learning Academy in September 2021, working as a Teaching Assistant in the Nursery. I have been a gymnastics coach for 15 years and I have worked with children from age 3 right through to 18. My love of working with Early Years has definitely developed from coaching pre-school gymnastics. The concept of ‘learning through play’ is a concept I feel strongly about and I am also hugely passionate about Growth Mindset; I truly believe that every child can achieve great things when given the right tools to unlock the doors of opportunity.  I am a mum of two young children so life can be pretty busy, but in my spare time I enjoy weightlifting and going out for food with friends and family. 

Mrs Jenny Armstrong

I have been working at Shiphay since October 2021 as a Lunchtime Leader, in the Hub and also volunteering in the Lower School Team. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the children and am eager to use the skills and experiences I have gained in these roles going forward, while also learning developing new skills. I am excited to now be part of the Year 1 team. 
I enjoy seeing children grow and learn through play and I like to encourage children to experiment and explore the possibilities of play with a variety of resources. I particularly love the challenge of trying to answer all those tricky questions young people like to test us with!

Mrs Sally Billage

Miss Courtenay Clarke