Meet the EYFS Team

Our EYFS Team

Within our EYFS department, each member of the team is fully devoted to instilling a love of learning and school life from the moment they meet their new classes, they have a fantastic understanding of the EYFS curriculum and the many needs of EYFS children. Their passion and commitment shines through daily and I am incredibly proud of the passionate, caring and skilled team that we have.

Miss Worthington (EYFS lead, Deputy Head Teacher) – Maternity Leave 

I feel so proud and privileged to serve the pupils and community of Ash Green Primary Academy as Deputy Head Teacher. In December 2025, I was awarded the National Professional Qualification for Headship—a milestone that reflects my commitment to leadership and school improvement. I feel incredibly thankful for the opportunity to grow with this school, progressing from class teacher to leader, and I truly believe in the power of compassion and strong relationships to help every individual excel.

Being part of the Ash Green family, within a trust dedicated to “great learning opportunities for all”, has shaped my expertise in leadership, whole-school assessment, strategic direction, and school improvement. My philosophy is simple: every child deserves a champion—someone who refuses to give up on them, who helps them discover their best self, and who lights the way forward. For me, children are the beating heart of education.

I believe educators are the decisive element in the classroom. Our approach sets the climate for learning and shapes a child’s lived experience. I strive to lead in a way that places every child at its core, guided by respect and care. Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all. This philosophy aligns with our Ash Green values: Brave, Humble, Caring, Creative, Inquisitive, and Independent.

I am immensely proud to serve alongside such dedicated and inspiring stakeholders, all united by a shared commitment to placing our pupils at the very heart of everything we do.

Mrs Murphy (Blue Reception Teacher, P4C Leader and Staff Wellbeing Lead) – Interim EYFS Leader 

I was born in Southport and later moved to Stoke-on-Trent to study Law at Keele University. Following this, I spent three rewarding years working with families in child protection before retraining as a teacher at Nottingham University. I joined Ash Green in 2017 and have since taught in Reception, Year 1, and Year 3. The children here are truly exceptional, and each day brings new opportunities for joy and discovery. I am particularly passionate about creating immersive, active learning experiences that draw on multi-sensory approaches and the natural environment. I believe that fun and laughter are essential parts of learning, and I strive to ensure they are woven into every day. Alongside my teaching, I lead Philosophy for Children (P4C) and staff wellbeing within the school.

At Ash Green, we place great importance on supporting a smooth and happy transition from Nursery or home into Reception. I am dedicated to helping children develop a positive sense of self, encouraging them to grow as independent, confident, curious, and caring individuals. Above all, I want every child to feel valued, proud of their achievements, and excited about their learning journey. I am committed to fostering a warm, welcoming environment where both children and their families feel supported and celebrated.

The Reception year is such a special time, full of wonder, growth, and discovery. Together, we share countless moments of fun and laughter as the children take their first steps into school life. One of the highlights is our much-loved Wild Wednesdays, where learning comes alive outdoors and children explore nature with curiosity and excitement. These experiences not only spark joy but also help children build resilience, independence, and a love of learning.

It is a privilege to witness the incredible progress children make during this year—growing in confidence, developing new skills, and forming friendships that will stay with them throughout their school journey. We celebrate every achievement, big or small, and ensure that Reception is a year filled with happiness, adventure, and pride in all they accomplish.

A little bit about Mrs Murphy: Get to know Mrs Murphy!

Miss Jarvie (Red Reception Teacher and SENCO)

I have always worked with children and prior to becoming a teacher, I worked with babies from 6 months old, in a physical play program called Tumble Tots, for nearly 10 years. I then worked with children within the care system, working with adolescents who suffered from Attachment disorder, Fetal Alcohol syndrome and a variety of other cognitive and behavioural disorders. After 4 years I re-enrolled at Keele University to complete my PGCE, which I finished back in 2014.  I then completed my NQT year at a number of placements before starting at Ash Green Primary in 2016, where I completely fell in love with the wonderful children and families of Trentham and they have been unable to get rid of me ever since!  When the opportunity arose, to become Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, I jumped at the chance to use my wider experience and expertise to support more families and children during what can be a very difficult and challenging time in their lives. I completed the NASENDCo Postgraduate Award in 2020 and have continued to enjoy my dual role in school, working with the best staff team to develop a curriculum and ethos which is inclusive and tolerant whilst being passionate about providing the best opportunities for all of our pupils.

Mrs Lane (Senior Early Years Professional- SEYP)

I graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2007 with a BA Hons in Primary Education focussing on the Early Years. I have taught in two Stoke-On-Trent Schools, teaching children from Nursery to Year 4, with 7 years experience in Nursery.

I have been part of the Ash Green family for the past 5 years as a parent. Teaching in the Early Years is my passion, I believe it sets the foundation of our children’s future development and provides a strong base for life long learning.  I’m now looking forward to joining the Ash Green team as the Senior Early Years Practitioner in Nursery and providing a safe and happy environment for the children.

Mrs Boulton-Lear (Early Years Professional- EYP)

Hello, my name is Mrs Boulton‑Lear. I am a qualified Early Years Practitioner and hold a BTEC Diploma in Childhood Studies, alongside training in Paediatric First Aid. I have worked in childcare for 16 years across both private day-care settings and school nurseries/ Reception classes, supporting children aged 2–5 years. During this time, I have also provided one‑to‑one support, planning tailored activities to meet individual needs. I am a parent of two children and enjoy reading, walking, and running. I have proudly been part of the Ash Green community for the past nine years. I enjoy working alongside the amazing EYFS team to create safe, stimulating and fun environments for the children and building relationships with both children and parents. I feel one of my strengths is my caring nature, I love supporting both children and parents to settle into their new environment and helping them to achieve their best. I feel really privileged to be part of such a fantastic team.

I also run our Tiny Tots parent and baby group alongside wonderful volunteers. These are welcoming sessions designed to support early development and strengthen family connections. I plan and lead a range of age‑appropriate activities that encourage sensory exploration, early communication, and positive attachment. The group provides a nurturing space for parents and carers to meet, share experiences, and build confidence, while their babies and toddlers enjoy a calm, engaging environment tailored to their needs.

Mrs Wilkinson (Early Years Professional- EYP)

Hello my name is Victoria Wilkinson and I am a qualified Early Years Practitioner. I have worked with Education for 24 years and at Ash Green for 4 years. I previous years, I have worked with pre school children (aged 2-3 years) and also Nursery to year 4. I have completed level 1 and 2 in Makaton as well as cued articulation, which I use  to help support children with difficulty in speech by teaching them different ways to communicate. I have a certificate for paediatric first aid and also trained in the past to become a 1:1 carer for a child with type 1 diabetes. I have a passion for outdoor learning, teaching dance and I love to encourage fun, creative ways to learn.  I believe that every child matters and all children are unique.

Mrs Johnson (Early Years Professional- EYP)

Hi everyone, my name is Mrs Johnson. I have been a part of ash green for 15 years now. I started by volunteering in the nursery whilst doing my NVQ level 2 in childcare and the following year I completed my NVQ level 3 in childcare. I am currently an EYP in Reception and I have been in there for 11 years this year. My passion is in Early Years and helping our children to become readers and writers. Every child matters and every child has their very own amazing personalities.  I am also fully qualified  in paediatric first aid. Every member of staff at Ash Green has the children’s best interests at heart and I couldn’t be more proud of being a part of the ‘ash green family’. I can’t wait for many more happy years!

Mrs Chell (Early Years Professional- EYP)

Hello my name is Mrs Chell, I have been part of Ash Green Primary School for almost twenty years. After having my two children, who also attended the school, I was inspired by the morale and fantastic teaching provided for the children and decided to join the Ash Green family. I first volunteered in the Nursery whilst obtaining my NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Childcare and Education. Having had experience in Year 1 and Year 2 and after spending a number of years in Reception, this has enabled me to bring my knowledge into the Nursery setting by being aware of the next steps. As my background is in art and design I use my skills to help every child to be creative and to explore their individuality and most of all have fun, whilst learning new skills in all areas of their development. I truly believe in our school statement: “Achieving the best together”.

Mrs Crawford (Early Years Professional- EYP)

Hello I’m Mrs Crawford,  I’m so happy to be part of the Ash Green Family ,since moving to Stoke on Trent with my family in 2017 it has been a dream of mine to work at Ash Green I love the ethos of the school and how much fun and life experiences are valued. I knew it was the perfect school for me and my children to be apart of.