Upperthong Junior and Infant School

Hi, I’m Jan Wallis and I joined the school in January 2017. I mainly work with pupils who are currently in year 6. I am also part of the PE curriculum team.

All my working life has involved working with children from birth to teens and their families. I started off as a Careers Advice and Guidance worker changing career paths to the Early years when my children were young and I jointly established and ran an Out of School Childcare Club. In more recent years I worked as a Sure Start Locality Manager and have had the privilege of working with communities in Huddersfield and Batley as we built and delivered Sure Start Children Centres. I always volunteered in my own children’s school as a parent helper and school governor. I enjoy, and find it incredibly rewarding, supporting children in their development and learning.

I am married with 2 grown up children. I enjoy running, cycling and generally keeping fit. I look forward to our holidays and love travelling around this fantastic island of ours.… and much further afield, time and money permitting!

However, my family always comes first so spending as much time with them as their busy lives will allow me too is a priority!

Hi I'm Sharron Dawson. I have lived in Holmfirth all my life, I also spent some of my earlier school days at  Upperthong and still live locally.

After becoming a parent helper when my son was in reception, I decided to go back to college and re-train as an ETA and luckily became an ETA at Upperthong Junior & Infant School. Since joining Upperthong, I have worked in both KS1 and KS2. During my time at Upperthong I have involved myself in all aspects of school life including being a member of the literacy curriculum team. It is a very fulfilling and satisfying position which I enjoy immensely.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, Shaun who left Upperthong to join Holmfirth High in 2012 and Martha who joined Upperthong in 2014.

Hi, I'm Jenni Lamburn ETA currently working 1-1 in year 2. I have worked at Upperthong for almost 3 years. Before coming here, I worked at a primary school in Golcar for 15 years.

I have 3 children (two sons and a daughter), my youngest son attended Upperthong in years 5 & 6 when we moved back to Holmfirth in 2017.

In my spare time I like to read and go for walks with our dog Roxee. I am often found in my kitchen baking cakes and cupcakes for friends, family, & on occasion the staff room.

My name is Mrs Tricia Palin, and I have worked at Upperthong for over seven years. I'm a teaching assistant. I have three boys, all of whom have attended Upperthong and they have all enjoyed their time there. 

When I'm not working I love spending time with my family, walking our dog and riding my horses.

Hi, I'm Jessica Bell.  I am a family-oriented person and love spending time with my family during my free time.

Growing up I've always been involved in sports which I have carried through to my adult life. I have a keen interest in various sports, but my two favourites are football and Formula One.

After participating in football as a child and during my teenage years, I decided to use my knowledge and football ability to help train a girls Wildcat football team.