MEET THE TEAM
Rebecca James
Allow us to introduce Miss Rebecca James, a seasoned educator with a passion for early childhood education. With over eight years of experience in the field, Rebecca has honed her skills teaching both Reception and Nursery classes. For the past four years, she has devoted her expertise and enthusiasm to shaping the minds of Reception children, nurturing their curiosity and fostering a love for learning.
At the heart of Rebecca’s teaching philosophy lies a firm belief in the power of play and exploration as tools for learning. She is a firm advocate for making learning enjoyable and engaging, recognizing that children absorb knowledge most effectively when they are actively involved and having fun. Rebecca finds immense joy in witnessing the wonder and excitement that accompanies each new discovery made by her young students, and she thrives on guiding them along their unique learning journeys.
In her role as a Reception Class Teacher, Rebecca is dedicated to creating a supportive and stimulating environment where children feel empowered to express themselves and explore their interests. She places a strong emphasis on fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, equipping her students with the tools they need to navigate the challenges of the modern world with confidence and resilience.
Beyond the classroom, Rebecca is deeply committed to ongoing professional development, continuously seeking out new strategies and approaches to enhance her teaching practice. She firmly believes that every child deserves access to high-quality education and is dedicated to providing a learning experience that is inclusive, equitable, and tailored to the individual needs of each student.
In her free time, Rebecca enjoys immersing herself in nature through hiking and camping adventures, indulging her passion for literature through reading and writing, and exploring new cuisines through cooking and dining out. With her boundless energy, creativity, and dedication to her craft, Rebecca is a valued member of the Newton Summer School team, committed to providing an enriching and inspiring educational experience for every child in her care.
Sophie Parnell
Sophie brings a wealth of experience and a passion for early childhood development to Newton Summer School. With over three years of experience in childcare, Sophie’s journey began at Child First Welbeck, where she worked for approximately 1.5 years. During her time there, Sophie specialized in caring for children aged 3 months to 5 years old. As the lead practitioner in the baby room (0-2 years), Sophie played a pivotal role in planning activities and providing essential support to infants as they took their first steps and navigated the weaning process.
Driven by her commitment to nurturing young minds, Sophie made the transition to Ranby House over two years ago, and she hasn’t looked back since. Starting as a Teaching Assistant in N2, Sophie quickly progressed to become the lead practitioner in N1 before moving back to N2. Her journey at Ranby House has been nothing short of rewarding, as she finds immense joy in witnessing the growth and development of the children under her care. Sophie’s dedication extends beyond the classroom, as she actively collaborates with parents to provide individualized support and guidance to each child.
While Sophie continues to enrich the lives of young learners at Ranby House, she is also pursuing her own educational journey. Currently completing her degree, Sophie aspires to one day fulfill her dream of becoming a qualified teacher through teacher training. Her unwavering commitment to lifelong learning serves as an inspiration to both her colleagues and the children she teaches.
In her leisure time, Sophie enjoys exploring new destinations with her boyfriend, immersing herself in the vibrant atmosphere of festivals and concerts, and cherishing precious moments with her family on fun-filled day trips. With her vibrant personality and dedication to early childhood education, Sophie is a valued member of the Newton Summer School team, dedicated to providing an enriching and memorable summer experience for every child.
Kaitlin Heath
Greetings from Miss Kaitlin Heath! With a rich background in Early Years education, Kaitlin brings a wealth of experience and a boundless passion for nurturing young minds to Newton Summer School.
Kaitlin’s journey in education began over five years ago as an Early Years Teaching Assistant in a quaint village school. Last May, she embarked on an exciting new chapter by joining the vibrant community at Ranby House. Currently serving as the Nursery 1 lead practitioner, Kaitlin is dedicated to creating a nurturing and inspiring environment where little minds can flourish. She finds particular joy in facilitating messy play activities and fine motor provisions, recognizing the invaluable role they play in supporting children’s cognitive and physical development.
In addition to her role in the Nursery, Kaitlin is committed to furthering her own educational journey. She is currently in the midst of completing her third year of an Early Years degree, with aspirations of obtaining a full teaching degree and qualified teacher status in the near future. Her dedication to continuous learning reflects her unwavering commitment to providing the best possible educational experience for her students.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Kaitlin enjoys indulging in her love for travel, particularly soaking up the sunshine on sandy beaches during holiday getaways. She values quality time spent with her family and friends, cherishing moments shared with her little nephew as they embark on adventures and indulge in their shared love for chocolate.
With her infectious enthusiasm, warm demeanor, and dedication to Early Years education, Kaitlin is a cherished member of the Newton Summer School team, committed to providing a nurturing and enriching experience for every child under her care.
Adam Newton
Mr. Newton, bring over a decade of teaching experience from various educational settings. Having taught from Reception through to Year 6, I’ve witnessed the unique learning journeys of children at different stages of their development. Teaching isn’t just a job for me; it’s my passion, a journey that began from the moment I left school and continues to grow as I embark on my 10th year. The joy I derive from witnessing children learn and progress is immeasurable, and it’s this passion that drives me to create engaging and enriching experiences for every child at our summer school.
Beyond the classroom, I’m a family man with a bustling household of five. My partner, Beth, and our two little girls, Maeve and Addie, along with our beloved dog, Bertie, bring endless joy and inspiration to my life. Understanding the importance of family, I extend the same care and dedication to your little ones as I do to my own. Ensuring their well-being and happiness is paramount to me, creating a nurturing and supportive environment where every child feels valued and cherished.
In addition to my teaching background, I hold coaching qualifications in multi skills, athletics, football, and swimming. These credentials enable me to offer a diverse range of activities that cater to the interests and abilities of all children at Newton Summer School. Whether it’s honing their athletic prowess, refining their football skills, or making a splash in the pool, there’s something for every child to enjoy and excel in under my guidance.
Above all, I believe that enthusiasm and confidence are the cornerstones of successful learning. By instilling a sense of excitement and self-assurance in every child, I empower them to take on new challenges, explore their interests, and thrive both academically and personally. At Newton Summer School, we cultivate a culture of positivity and encouragement, ensuring that every child feels supported and inspired to reach their full potential. Join us on this adventure of learning and discovery, where every day is filled with fun, growth, and endless possibilities!
