GRINLING GIBBONS PRIMARY SCHOOL - Key Persons


Aisha Grant-Dafalla

Job Titles:
  • Year 2 Teacher

Amber Lyseight

Job Titles:
  • Inclusion Officer, Learning Support Assistant
I joined Grinling Gibbons in March 2011 as an LSA in year 1. The child I worked with went from not being able to communicate, read or write, to being able to take his SATS, which was an amazingly rewarding achievement for us both. When he went onto secondary school, I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to join the inclusion team which is where I've been since September 2016. I get to work within a team who put the child's needs first every day and can honestly say that I love my job. Working at Grinling Gibbons, no two days are ever the same, which keeps me very busy! I try to support the Grinling Gibbons community in any way I can, from the Parent Hub, which helps get them back into education or work and gives them the opportunity to meet other parents to supervising the volunteers and work experience students, organising residential trips and events, supporting in class and wherever else I can. Grinling Gibbons is the only place I know that hugs so much. Our school is a real community - a community which supports and celebrates all cultures. One thing people notice when they come here, is how happy our children are. Being part of a place that makes children feel safe and loved, makes me very proud.

Amevi Dogbo

Job Titles:
  • Teaching Assistant Reception

Ardiana Mucaj

Job Titles:
  • Teaching Assistant - Nursery / Reception
I have been working at Grinling Gibbons since 2016, and it has been an honour to be part of such a brilliant team. We have the most talented young people, and they push me to strive professionally.

Cal Byrne

Job Titles:
  • Nursery Teacher
Hello, my name is Mr Byrne and I am the nursery teacher at Grinling Gibbons Primary School. I have been teaching here since 2015 and I love coming to school each day to see all our wonderful children and families.

Cardella Bryce

Job Titles:
  • Year 4 Teacher

Chantal Stewart

Job Titles:
  • Reception Teacher

Dean Gordon

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Senior Management Team
  • Headteacher

Habiba Tayabali

Job Titles:
  • Teaching Assistant
  • Teaching Assistant Year 3
Hello. I have been working in an early years setting since the year 2000. I love looking at the world from a child's view point: it's simple, magical and exciting!

Holly Morse

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Senior Management Team
  • Acting Deputy Head and Executive Curriculum Lead
  • Executive Curriculum Lead
I am new to GG having joined the Federation back in April 2021. I am only here for a short while having been seconded from another local school. Working on developing the curriculum is an exciting role and I am lucky enough to cover classes at times. My highlight so far has been embarking on the residential with the year sixes.

Jason Grant

Job Titles:
  • Teaching Assistant - Year 6
I am currently a teaching assistant in year 6. This year group comes with exciting challenges, however, I feel privileged to be a part of the children's growth and lucky to be working with such an amazing team. My journey at Grinling Gibbons began 3 years ago when my son joined the school. I instantly applied to be a volunteer as I believe it is important to give back to the community. I loved it straight away and realised that working with children was the career path I wanted to take. Seeing children develop is so rewarding.

Kamar McCarthy-Botchway

Job Titles:
  • Reception Teaching Assistant
I work as a Reception Teaching Assistant, teaching phonics and covering PPA every week. I have been a part of the GG family since December 2020 now and I've never felt more at home in a place of work than I have here.

Kamoya Allen


Karla Edwards

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Senior Management Team
  • Executive English Lead

Kay-Ann Williamson-Smith

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Senior Management Team
  • Assistant Head, Year 6 Teacher
I recently joined the Grinling Gibbons family in September 2017 and I am excited for the years ahead. Whilst at University, I had visited Grinling Gibbons on a two week placement and knew immediately that this was the school for me. The enthusiasm of the Head teacher, teachers, staff, as well as the passion that the children have for their learning has been infectious, heightening my drive to work in this remarkable and nurturing environment. I am proud to work in such a culturally diverse community where parents are supportive and value their children's education. I look forward to working in partnership with you in developing the future generation and in creating opportunities to further stretch them as they develop into lifelong learners.

Kayann Reid

Job Titles:
  • Learning Support Assistant - Year 1
  • Teaching Assistant Year 1
I have been working at Grinling Gibbons since September 2020 and I have loved every minute of it. The pupils and staff make the school a great place to work and create such a positive environment for us all. Seeing the children grow and develop in all aspects of their learning, and knowing that we helped them to achieve their goals, makes my job very rewarding. Not only do I love supporting teaching the children in the classroom, I also have the opportunity to run several after school clubs, including dance, hairdressing, and baking club. It is such a rewarding experience to be able to teach our pupils different skills that they really enjoy and can use throughout their lives. I am very proud to be a member of the Grinling Gibbons community.

Laraine Staples

Job Titles:
  • Learning Support Assistant - Year 4
  • Teaching Assistant Year 4
I have worked as a Teaching Assistant and Learning Support Assistant at Grinling Gibbons since 2010, but prior to this, I was a volunteer here. I have worked in a range of year groups, but for the last four years, I have had the pleasure of moving up with my class. I feel lucky to not only see our children grow as learners but also to see their confidence build each day.

Laura Rogers

Job Titles:
  • Year 5 Teacher

Lesley Lawrence

Job Titles:
  • Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Year 5
  • Teaching Assistant Year 5
Hi, I'm Miss Lesley Lawrence and I am a TA in Year 3. I have been working at Grinling Gibbons for the last 25 years and I have had the pleasure of teaching in every year group.

Loreta Bibby

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Senior Management Team
  • Deputy Headteacher / Year 2 Class Teacher
  • Deputy Headteacher / Year 2 Teacher

Maria Ennis

Job Titles:
  • Learning Support Assistant Year 2

Miatta Sesay

Job Titles:
  • Learning Support Assistant Year 2

Mickey Kelly

Job Titles:
  • Executive
  • Head Teacher
  • Member of the Senior Management Team
  • Executive Headteacher - Phoenix Federation
My name is Mickey Kelly and I am Executive Headteacher of the Phoenix Federation. I was born in Belfast but came to University in Lancaster, where I met my wife Rhiannon, over forty years ago. When I came to London in the 1980s, I worked with the Irish community in Lewisham and Greenwich. As part of the programme, I did some educational work in Grinling Gibbons. This inspired me to become a teacher. After qualifying at Goldsmiths, I taught in an Infant school in Plumstead, later in a school off the Old Kent Road in Bermondsey. Over time I worked my way to becoming Acting Headteacher. It was at this time our two children Eoin and Maeve were born. In 2000, I left to become Headteacher at Redriff School in Rotherhithe which was in Special measures. After a lot of work with many colleagues, we became Outstanding. In the process, I undertook school improvement in many schools, becoming a National Leader of Education. Amongst other things we became an Academy, formed a Multi Academy Trust sponsored by The City of London and founded a Free School, Galleywall, which was also judged to be Outstanding. Last year I was asked to lead our Federation, now called the Phoenix Federation, taking up my post at Christmas - just when we went into full lockdown! It is such a pleasure to work with the children and staff of the Federation and to contribute to the dynamic growth and development of our schools. We are unique schools in a unique place, and we aim to become not just truly great schools, but to serve our children and our community. This year I was honoured to be awarded an MBE for services to education and to the community.

Ms Sam Lane

Job Titles:
  • Our Office Manager
Our Office Manager - Ms Sam Lane will respond to all enquiries as soon as possible.

Patrick Arhin

Job Titles:
  • Premises Assistant
Hi I'm Patrick, part of the premises team. I've worked across the GGLV Federation for nearly 3 years. Working at GGLV Federation I feel not only part of a family but part of the community.

Rory Dearlove

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Senior Management Team
  • Executive Maths Lead
  • Senior Maths Lead
I began working with the Phoenix Federation in January 2020 on secondment from a school just across the border, in Southwark. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work in Lewisham where I was born, raised and continue to live, at schools who recognise and celebrate the wonderful place that we call home!

Sally-Ann Warner

Job Titles:
  • Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Year 6
  • Teaching Assistant Year 6
My name is Sally-Ann Warner and I have worked at Grinling Gibbons Primary School for 13 years. I first started as an LSA/TA working 1-1 with specific children to supporting their learning needs. I now am a TA/HLTA which means I cover classes to allow the teachers to have time out of class to plan.

Samantha Harrison-Oueslati

Job Titles:
  • Year 1 Teacher

Samantha Harrison-Ouslati

Job Titles:
  • Year 1 Teacher

Samantha Lane

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Administration Team
  • Office and Resources Manager
I joined Grinling Gibbons Primary School 8 years ago as a lunch time supervisor. Since then, I have been promoted to Office and Resources Manager. In my role I manage the office on a day-to-day basis. I help staff, children, parents, and the wider community with any queries they may have. I enjoy working at Grinling Gibbons. I love working with the staff as we are a ‘team' who have a passion for teaching the children and seeing them thrive in their personal, social and educational development. So please, if you need any assistance, feel free to come in and see me! I'm always here with a smile and a friendly, welcoming attitude.

Samantha Plummer

Job Titles:
  • Year 3 Teacher

Sarah McEwen

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Administration Team
  • Executive Business Assistant

Susanne Platt

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Administration Team
  • Executive Business Assistant
In September 2009, I started my career as a parent volunteer in the nursery class and was lucky enough to be offered a Teaching Assistant Position in January 2010. During my time as a Teaching Assistant, I have worked in various year groups and enjoyed working alongside the children and seeing them progress and develop. I wanted to develop my career in the school, so, in September 2015 I became the Executive Business Assistant for the Federation. Now I work alongside the Senior Leadership Team to assist with the HR and Financial operations of both schools.

Tia Clarke

Job Titles:
  • Learning Support Assistant - Year 3
Hello, my name is Tia, and I am a psychology graduate and a Year 3 LSA. Although my time here has only just begun, I have loved every moment and have already experienced and created so many wonderful memories.

Timur Kay

Job Titles:
  • Executive Business Manager
  • Member of the Senior Management Team
At the Grinling Gibbons and Lucas Vale Federation there is a really high level of commitment and dedication at all levels towards the protection and learning of the children. I feel honoured to be a part of such a fantastic team of professionals, and a part of a Senior Leadership Team that is transparent, hardworking and led with unwavering Leadership. The staff are brilliant role models for our pupils and I often find myself being inspired by the learning that takes place in the schools. The Governors are supportive and dedicated to improving the community which they represent by investing in the development of each and every child. The Federation is truly about creating a harmonious community in the heart of Deptford.