Our staff

Find out how our teachers and staff help instil a lifelong love of learning and confidence in our happy children.

Sara Williams-Ryan, Head

Originally from Spain, Sara completed her schooling and first degree in Switzerland. After university, she moved to the UK, starting her teaching career in the state sector before transitioning to the independent sector at Ibstock Place School as Head of Modern Foreign Languages. Sara has completed her PGCE and MA in Education and has held significant responsibilities at Emanuel School, including pastoral care and languages. She also brings valuable experience as a school Governor in both state and independent sectors. Sara is married and has adult twin daughters.

Sara’s extensive experience, coupled with her vibrant and enthusiastic personality, make her the perfect choice to lead Heathside into the future. She will guide the school with energy, determination, and a clear focus on maintaining and enhancing Heathside’s unique ethos and culture.

Read more from our Headteacher

SLT

  • Zoë Humphrey – Deputy Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead
  • Donna Simon – Head of Operations
  • Madeleine Mead-Herbert – SENDCo & Deputy DSL
  • Karen Murphy – Head of Early Years

Operational Team

  • Kerry Nicholson – HR & Facilities Manager
  • Lindsay Nicholson – Finance Manager
  • Megan Jenkinson – Admissions Manager
  • Nancy Haniford – Marketing Coordinator
  • Volodymyr Kostyk – Security and Maintenance Operative
  • Andy Mirza – Data Protection
  • Tania Payne – Receptionist & Head’s PA

Safeguarding Team

  • David Goodhew – Safeguarding governor
  • Zoë Humphrey – Designated Safeguarding Lead
  • Madeleine Mead-Herbert – SENDCo & Deputy DSL

Teaching Staff

  • Abeer Farsoun – Latin Teacher
  • Alexander Cutts – Sports Coach
  • Anaïs Lacombe – Language Teacher
  • Anna Patulska – Year 4 Teacher/Science Lead
  • Belbi Kalia – Class Teacher
  • Dean Sullivan – Class Teacher
  • Duina Puig – Class Teacher
  • Fouzia Elanqaoui – Nursery Lead (Cygnets)
  • Freddie Bols – Head of Performing Arts
  • Freya Marsh – Forest School Teacher
  • Hamid Haidari – Class Teacher
  • Hannah Gibeon – Class Teacher (maternity leave)
  • Hollie Thomas – Teaching Support Assistant
  • Jelena Bogavac – SEN Specialist
  • Julia McLearon – Art Teacher
  • Lucy Corroll – Teaching Support Assistant
  • Lorna Stephens – Class Teacher
  • Maria Shepelina – Class Teacher
  • Miradije Gecaj – Early Years Teaching Support Assistant
  • Natasha Neumann – Sports / Teaching Assistant
  • Stefano Russo – Head of Maths

SEN Learning Support Team

  • Carine Spira