The EYFS unit team

Laura Lewis - EYFS lead and Reception teacher

After graduating from the University of Exeter with a 2:1 Honours degree in Education I returned to Cornwall to work for a charity supporting young people with a range of special educational needs. Since then, I have gone on to have two wonderful children of my own, Lowenna and Eli. After taking time to raise my children, I decided to return to the classroom to complete a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. This qualification enabled me to study alongside classroom practice within the First Federation Trust. 

I have been lucky enough to work in many of the First Federation schools since joining them in 2017, I feel like I've found my 'home' here at Rockbeare. When not working, I can usually be found on a beach in Cornwall with my family. 

Working within the Early Years Foundation Stage is an important and rewarding role. I value and enjoy all aspects of Early Years practice and understand the importance of using play as a vital tool for learning. I strive to spark each child's love of learning by providing playful, meaningful and exciting experiences while considering each child's strengths and interests. I aim to provide joy and care throughout everyday. At Rockbeare we encourage children to become happy, confident and inquisitive learners ensuring that the children can experience lots of outdoor learning. Children have daily opportunities to be creative and explore.   

What a tremendous privilege to teach little minds. 

Sophie Lemmer - Preschool teacher

My name is Sophie Lemmer, and I am the proud Preschool teacher at Rockbeare Church of England Primary school. My journey at Rockbeare started in September 2021 as a student teacher and I explored teaching in all classes from Reception to year 6. I officially joined the amazing team here in September 2022.

I have taken part in a school direct course that was in partnership with First Federation Trust; at the end of my studies, I was awarded with a Merit in a PGCE with QTS in July 2022. I have also studied a foundation degree in teaching and learning and a bachelor's in professional practice with The Learning Institute, which is in partnership with the University of Worcester, alongside working as a Teaching Assistant for five years within the First Federation Trust prior to my teaching career.

In my previous role as a Teaching Assistant, I have gained a lot of experience in teaching all primary year groups and supporting children with additional needs. I have completed a course on attachment-based mentoring and a Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties, which has been extremely helpful in making a difference in the way I support children.  To add to this, I have worked closely with an Occupational Therapist to find ways to best support sensory needs. This provided me with a better understanding of how sensory needs can impact readiness to learn. Additionally, I took on the responsibility of supporting children who were part of a family that could not speak the English language (EAL).

I strongly believe in creating a safe, engaging, and effective learning environment in a supportive atmosphere where children's needs and wellbeing are considered constantly. I want all children to succeed and reach their full potential whilst developing confidence and self-esteem.  I also believe that one of the most important things that teachers can do to help their pupils achieve is to show them that they are capable of anything if they put their minds to it and that we should actively encourage children to take responsibility for their learning and help to instil a love for this within them. I actively support a love of learning within my classroom through providing playful and meaningful experiences that develop inquisitive and explorative learners that are up for a challenge. I am really looking forward to supporting the youngest members of our school at the very start of their learning journey.

Jenna Priddis - Reception teaching assistant

Emma Hogarth - Preschool assistant

I’m Emma Hogarth, I work as a Preschool Assistant within Acorn’s class. 

I have an NVQ level 2 in Early Years and Education, I qualified in 2000. I also have CACHE level 2 certificate in understanding children’s and young people’s mental health, and first aid qualifications. 

I have more than 20 years childcare experience ranging from babysitting and Nannying to Day Nurseries and the EYFS classroom at Rockbeare. I joined the Rockbeare team in December 2019, first within Preschool, and more recently in the new EYFS Preschool & Reception class. 

As well as raising 6 children of our own, my Husband and I also provide respite care for two children with additional needs. 

I take great pride in helping create a friendly, inclusive learning environment that puts children and their families at the heart of all we do.