Meadows is one of two mixed-age classes that make up our Early Years Unit (Nursery and Reception).
Mrs Cropper – Class Teacher
I am absolutely delighted to be going into my fourth year of teaching at St Matthew’s, and am doubly excited to be working in Early Years as an Early Years unit. I have taught in Reception for three years at St Matthew’s and I feel very passionate about teaching in Early Years – I absolutely love it! It is such a fun age to teach, and it’s all about building those foundations as you start your school life here at St Matthew’s. We have an amazing team in Early Years and the environment is fun and nurturing, which will help you feel confident to explore your surroundings. I know that we are going to have an exciting and fun-filled year with many new experiences, and I can’t wait to work with all of you because I know that we will have a magical year together!
Just a couple of facts about me. My favourite thing to do outside of school is spend time with my family. I have a son and a daughter. We love to spend time outside, having picnics in the park, going to the beach or enjoying day trips at the zoo! I love to be outdoors with my family, even when it’s raining! But, having said this, I also love to read books with my children or sometimes read a book myself!
It is a real privilege to work in such a friendly and community-spirited place, and be part of such a wonderful school family. One of my favourite things about St Matthew’s is that we are a Gold Rights Respecting School, because it is lovely to see how our children speak so confidently about their rights. As a Rights Respecting School, you will feel safe and inspired and your talents will always be celebrated. I can’t wait to see you thrive during our time together!
Mrs Bickmore – Teaching Assistant
I am very excited to be working across our two EYFS classes, Meadows and Woodland. I love working with our youngest children at school, and helping them as they began their journey at St Matthews. I am looking forward to getting to know our new children, and I can’t wait to have fun with both classes as the children learn and develop their individual personalities, knowledge and skills.
I have enjoyed being a part of the St Matthew’s family for eight years now, and I feel very lucky to work with our amazing children and staff.
Outside of school, I enjoy growing my own vegetables, painting, taking part in Joe Wicks workouts, learning Welsh and spending time with my family and two cats, Frida and Jessie.
I can’t wait to work with you all this year!
Mrs Kaur-Swalley – Teaching Assistant
It has been a privilege to have worked at St Matthew’s for thirteen years. During this time, I have worked alongside our fabulous teachers and support staff and so many of our wonderful and inspiring pupils. This year, I am looking forward to working across our two EYFS classes, Meadows and Woodland, and watching the children as they grow and flourish at their beginning of their school journey.
I have two children, aged 21 and 15, and as a family we enjoy spending time together and going on long walks.
Outside of school, I also like swimming, cooking and travelling.
I am really looking forward to working with you all this year, and can’t wait for all the fun we are going to have as we learn together!
Class governor friend
Each class has a ‘Class governor friend’. Your class governor friend is a member of the governing body, who will remain linked to your class throughout their time as a governor, moving through the school with you. They are looking forward to getting to know you all over the coming year!
Rev Kate Burgess
Hello, I’m Reverend Kate Burgess, known as Reverend Kate by the whole of the St Matthew’s school family. I am the Rector of St Matthew’s Church and as such I have the privilege of automatically being a Foundation Governor at St Matthew’s School. I have been Rector and Governor here for 11 years since I moved to Stretford in 2010. I have lived in a lot of places: born in Hertfordshire, I studied in Manchester then lived in Whitby, but also spent time in York, Johannesburg and West and East Yorkshire. This has given me a rich and valuable experience of different cultures, peoples and outlooks. I’m frequently out and about (often when walking my dog) and love meeting children, parents and staff to say hello to.
I also love being a governor! It is a great privilege to share the responsibility of making St Matthew’s School the best it can be, so that the children in our care are given the best education and the best opportunities to grow, develop and make wise choices in the safest environment of our school family, so that they can live out our school values and be positive role models and inspiring members of our community. I value the strong links between St Matthew’s School and Church, and enjoy leading a weekly assembly, listening to children read and welcoming the school family into Church for special services and events throughout the year.
