Our Staff

Mr J Thompson

Interim Headteacher

My name is Mr Thompson, and I am the proud Headteacher of West Street Primary School. West Street is a school that holds a very special place in my heart, as I attended here as a child many years ago. What makes our school so special is the resilience and determination of our children, the dedication and care shown by our staff, and the unwavering support of our Governing Board. Having lived in Colne for more than 30 years and worked in local schools throughout my career, it is a privilege to serve the community that helped shape me. Outside of school, I enjoy taking part in a range of sporting activities, although I must admit I am slowing down a little as the years go by! Most importantly, I love spending quality time with my family and friends.

Mrs C Duerden

Deputy Headteacher

Mrs G Cumpstey

Mrs G Cumpstey

(Year 6 teacher)

I have been a part of the West Street Family for 7 years. I absolutely love the warm, welcoming family feel of our school and feel very lucky to be part of such a wonderful community. I currently teach year 6 but have taught all year group across KS2. Originally from Durham, I moved to Lancashire to live with my husband. Outside of school, I love exploring new places, going on long walks and enjoying the great outdoors when camping!

Miss A Dexter

(Year 5 teacher)

I love working at West Street because of the wonderful children and the friendly, supportive team. I particularly enjoy teaching History and DT and making lessons creative and engaging. Outside of school, I enjoy travelling, reading and going to the theatre.

Mr S Smith

(Year 4 teacher)

Hi - I'm Mr Smith and I have been a member of the West Street family since 2012 and still love it! I passionately believe that our children deserve the very best and to enjoy school as much as I still do! I try to make school as engaging, creative and exciting as possible - happy children make the best learners! In my spare time, I love spending time with my family, baking, watching great films and playing on the Playstation!

Mrs C Duerden

(Year 3 teacher)

My name is Mrs. Duerden and I am the Deputy Headteacher and the Year 3 class teacher. I am also a Designated Safeguarding Leader, along with Mr. Thompson and Mrs. Peake. I have worked at West Street since 2011 and during that time I have taught across Key Stage 2 and led Maths and Geography. My favourite part of teaching is when I see children succeed and reach their goals. Outside of school, I enjoy going out for tea with my family and walking my dog.

Mr A Filder

(Year 2 teacher)

I have been part of the West Street family since 2015 and love being part of each child’s journey, helping them develop a love of learning and giving them opportunities to shine. I’m a dad of three young children and love spending time with my family, especially getting outdoors for walks, trips to the park or simply playing in the garden. I enjoy keeping active by playing football, badminton and padel, and I also enjoy going to church each week. A fun fact about me is that I wear odd socks every single day – matching pairs are far too boring!

Mrs M Heppenstall

(Year 1 teacher)

My name is Mrs Heppenstall and I have been at West Street since 2022. I enjoy teaching in KS1 and embedding all the foundational skills. When I am not in school, I love going to the lakes and spending time with my dog Sweep. 

Mrs A Kozlow

(EYFS teacher)

I am proud to have been a member of the West Street team since July 2023 and it has been real pleasure to be part of such a welcoming and supportive school community. I am passionate about helping all children to thrive and reach their full potential. Outside of school, I love reading, going to the theatre and travelling! I also have dachshund called Bluey and we love walking.

Miss G Ingham

(Nursery Manager)

Hello, I'm Miss Ingham, the Nursery Manager at West Street. I have worked in early years for 20 years with 11 of those years spent at West Street. I absolutely love working with young children as every day is different. Outside of nursery I like to keep active by going to the gym and getting out with my tow dogs, Turbo and Tilly.

Mrs S Reynolds

( Nursery Teaching Assistant)

Hello, I'm Mrs Reynolds and work in nursery with our youngest children and have been at West Street since 2016. West Street has always been a part of my life with attending the school myself and my 4 grown up children also attending! In my spare time I like to go walking with my dog, Rupert and spending time with my family.

Miss A Edwards

(EYFS Teaching Assistant)

Hi, I'm Miss Edwards and have worked in Early Years for over 16 years! I have real passion for helping children get the very best start in their education. I am particularly passionate about creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can develop their confidence, independence and love learning. Outside of school I love spending time with my daughter.

Mrs B Duerden

(EYFS Teaching Assistant)

I am Mrs Duerden and I have been at West Street since 2017 and have worked in Early Years for over 14 years. I am passionate about supporting our youngest learners as they explore, discover and grow. Outside of school, my husband and I are kept busy by our 3 young boys and you will often find us cheering them on at the football pitch or enjoying family time!

Miss M Spencer

(Year 1 Teaching Assistant)

Hello, I'm Miss Spencer and have been part of the school community for over 12 years. I feel very lucky to have spent so many years supporting our children as they learn, grow and develop. I love the variety in the job and how every day is different - especially all the funny, wonderful things that children say! Outside of school, I am the proud mum to 4 daughters and grandmother to 2 lovely granddaughters and love spending time baking, reading and walking.

Miss S Edmondson

(Year 1 Teaching Assistant)

I have been at West Street for 4 years and love being part of helping children learn and grown. Alongside working, I enjoying going on adventures with my son, reading and cooking as we as completing my Masters degree.

Miss H Bee

(Year 2 Teaching Assistant)

Hi, my name is Miss Bee and have been part of the West Street team since 2015. I enjoy supporting the learning throughout KS1, seeing the children grow in confidence and learn new skills. When I am not in work, I enjoy spending time with my children and reading a good book.

Mrs S Lohan

(KS1 HLTA)

Hello, my name is Mrs Lohan and I delighted to be part of thw wonderful West Street community. My teaching journey began in 2010 working across various primary schools in outer London. After relocating, I joined West Street in 2021. Outside of the classroom, I love spending time exploring the country in my caravan - there is nothing quite like packing up and heading off to explore beautiful new places!

Miss L Sims

(Year 3 Apprentice Teaching Assistant)

Hi, I'm Miss Sims and am an apprentice teaching assistant at West Street. I am passionate about pupils education and I give my very best to help them succeed in their lessons. In my free time I love spending time with my family and friends and I also love going to concerts and listening to music.

Miss C Bleasdale

(Year 4 Teaching Assistant)

Hi, I'm Miss Bleasdale and I love working at West Street because I enjoy being part of children's learning and watching them grow in confidence. Being a bubbly and caring person, I enjoy helping and celebrating children's achievements - big or small. Outside of school I love spending time with family and getting lost in a good book and being creative.

Miss S Howard

(KS2 HLTA)

Mr L Doda

(Year 5/Year 3 Apprentice Teaching Assistant)

Hi, I'm Mr Doda and am an apprentice teaching assistant and I love helping children grow in confidence, knowledge and working to reach their full potential. In my free time I enjoy activities which support my wellbeing such as going for walks, spending time outdoors and relaxing with friends and family.

Miss S Sagar

(Year 5 Teaching Assistant)

Hi, I'm Miss Sagar and in my second year working as a qualified teaching assistant. I'm currently studying for a degree at university alongside my role in school so I can advance to being a teacher. I really enjoy helping children learn and grow as people. Outside of school I enjoy volunteering at CYAG a few days a week and helping out at my church 's community cafe and foodbank during the holidays.

Mr S Graves

(Year 6 Teaching Assistant)

Hi, I'm Mr Graves and I am a teaching assistant in year 6. I am passionate about helping children learn, grow in confidence and achieve their potential in a positive school environment. Outside of work, I enjoy reading and am an enthusiastic cinema-goer with a keen interest in film.

Mrs P Demaine

(KS2 HLTA)

Hello, my name is Mrs Demaine and I am lucky enough to work closely with the wonderful children in year 5 and 6. I'm fortunate to get to run various fun after school clubs and watch the children across the year groups get involved in lots of exciting sports activities. Dance is definitely my favourite so if you ever need some moves - I'm your lady!

Mrs J Wilcock

(KS2 Nurture Teaching Assistant)

From my first day working at West Street it felt like home! The staff and children made me feel very welcome ad continue to do so every day. West Street was also my primary school in the 1970's and my childhood memories came flooding back, especially the chocolate sponge and mint custard! I love nature and the outdoors, listening to the birds and going on nature walks. I also like to knit and crochet in the evenings.

Mrs L Ellison

(KS2 Nurture Lead)

I started working at West Street way back in 1998 and I have 2 sons and 2 daughters who attended West Street so I have always had a real love and passion for being a part of this amazing school. I enjoy spending time with my family especially my grandsons, walking my dogs and when I get time to myself, I love reading.

Mrs A Peake

Safeguarding Lead, Attendance Lead, Pastoral Lead

I'm Mrs Peake and I'm responsible for supporting the safety and wellbeing of all our pupils and their families and I am proud to be part of such a supportive school community and team. Outside of school I enjoy spending quality time with my family and competing in dog shows with my Border Terrier. We will be competing at Crufts again this year!

Mrs E Robinson

SENCO

Hi, my name is Mrs Robinson and I am the school SENCO. I love working at West Street because everyone is friendly and welcoming. They make you feel part of the team! In my spare time I enjoy embroidery, history and reading mysteries. My little boy and I are huge Halloween fans and my favourite season is autumn.

Helene Duerden

Play Therapist

Hi, I'm Helene and I am an occupational therapist and play therapist providing therapy within school to support children with their emotional wellbeing. I help them feel safe, understood and able to engage in school life. Outside of school, I love spending time outdoors with my two dogs.

Miss J Broadbent

(School Business Manager)

Hi, I'm Miss Broadbent. I came back to West Street to work in the school office in 2025. Before taking on this role, I worked as a teaching assistant here at West Street for 8 years. This experience gave me a valuable insight into school life and the importance of creating a positive and welcoming environment for children, staff and families. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I love to read and enjoy curling up with a hot chocolate and a good book!

Mrs J Gerrard

(Office Assistant)

My name is Julie and I have worked in the school office for over 30 years - since my daughter came to West Street! I love seeing the children every day and seeing how much they enjoy school. In my spare time I love going away in my caravan and horse riding with my daughter and granddaughter.

Mrs V Hudson

My name is Mrs Hudson and I am a welfare assistant and have been for over 25 years. I enjoy spending time with the children and seeing them enjoy breaktimes. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family as well as watching TV dramas.

Mrs J Mamood

I have worked at West Street for over 10 years as a welfare assistant. I love that every day is different and there are new challenges each day. Outside of school I enjoy travelling, walking in the countryside and spending time with my children.

Mrs J Kauser

I enjoy working as a welfare assistant at West Street as both myself and my children came to this school! Outside of school, I enjoy shopping, going on holiday and cooking.

Tina

(Kitchen Manager)

Hi, my name is Tina and I am manage the school kitchen. I have worked in catering for over 15 years and am passionate about making sure chilldren are well fed and have the energy they need to learn. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren as well as baking cakes for friends and family.

Nikki

(Kitchen Assistant)

Hi, my name is Nikki and I work in the school kitchen and have done for 5 years. Previously, I worked as a carer both in the community and within a nursing home. Outside of school, I enjoy going roller skating, looking after my children and spending time with friends.

Ghazala

(Kitchen Assistant)

Hi, my name is Ghazala and I work in the school kitchen. Outside of school I enjoy cooking and spending time with friends and family.

Mr P Abbott

(Site Supervisor)

My name is Peter and I am the site supervisor. Prior to working at West Street, I worked as a health and safety officer in various textile companies. I started my career as a chef and worked in kitchens all over the world which included working Bermuda where I became a scuba diving instructor! My biggest love is Manchester City Football club – where I also work in my spare time as a lead steward.

Mrs M Abbott

(Cleaner)

Hi, my name is Marie and I work alongside my husband, Peter, as a cleaner across the school. I have worked at West Street for over 20 years. Originally, I worked as the cook in the school kitchen but now I leave the meal preparation to Peter! Outside of school, I have written my own songs and recorded them which were then released on CD!