Meet The Team

Mrs Deakin - Interim Headteacher

My name is Nevin Deakin and I am currently Interim Headteacher at St Johns covering the Headteacher’s absence. I am working as an Executive Headteacher across two schools and my other school is in Macclesfield although I spend most of my time at St John’s.      

I have been a Headteacher for nearly 20 years and think I have the very best job. I feel privileged to be responsible for so many children and their learning. I never forget that every decision I make is for the benefit of every child even if that means making unpopular decisions! 

I have a grown up son who loves all things to do with football and as a family we are great football supporters, we just don’t support the same team – which means we have lots of discussions, although some may call these disagreements! I love to talk about football with the children at school and I’m well known for my ‘special assemblies’.

I’m forever thinking of new ideas at school and feel blessed to work alongside colleagues who I can call friends. I really do miss being at school in the holidays but if I do have any spare time I love travelling, spending time with family and friends and the chance to read.

Class Teachers

Miss Dean - Year 1 Teacher/SENDCO

My name is Miss Dean and I have been teaching for 13 years. I absolutely love my job and enjoy working with both children and families. 

I have a real passion for music and have enjoyed taking the children at St John's to Young Voices for the past 12 years. I am extremely proud of the singing at our school and seeing the joy on the children's faces makes my day.

Out of school, I enjoy playing the piano and spending time with my 2 daughters and family. At weekends we keep very busy and like making memories together!

Mrs Osborne - Reception Teacher

My name is Laura Osborne. I have been teaching for 14 years and I absolutely love working alongside the EYFS team to ensure that the children at our school are given the best possible start to their journey through the wonderful world of learning and education. I am passionate about providing the reception children with a stimulating, engaging and nurturing classroom environment which enables them to succeed both academically and socially, whilst preparing them for their transition into year 1.

In school, I am also responsible for leading the teaching and learning of RE, Science and Computing and I feel privileged to be the Early Career Teacher mentor and to work alongside the school Ethos Group to plan Collective Worship times and special Values Days for our whole school community. Outside of school I absolutely love spending time with my husband, our wonderful daughter and our close family. We enjoy going for days out, exploring new places, going out for family meals and we love to go on holiday together!  

Miss Durber - Year 5 Teacher

My name is Rachel Durber and I am the year 5 teacher at St John's Primary School.  I have been a teacher for over twenty years and have worked in Bedfordshire, Clackmannanshire (Scotland) and Stoke before joining the team at St John's in 2015. 
Teaching is one of those jobs where everyday is different and  that is one of the reasons why I love it. It is a privilege to be part of a child's learning journey and to witness them grow in the time that they are with you.
Outside of school, I love spending time my family and friends, especially going on walks with my little dog.

Miss Cragg - Year 2 Teacher

My name is Cat Cragg and I have worked in various roles in education over the last 14 years. I love working with the children in school and seeing lots of those lightbulb moments happen!

As well as teching Year 2 I am responsible for leading the Phonics and I am also an Early Career Teacher mentor. On a Friday I run a KS1 mindfulness, drawing and colouring club at lunchtime and I love hearing about all the things that the children have been up to during the week.

Outside of school I have three children, twin boys who are 8 and my youngest boy has just turned 2. We are always busy exploring somewhere! 

Miss Steele - Year 3 Teacher

Hi, my name is Ellie Steele and I have taught here at St John's since 2022, having completed my PGCE at the University of Chester. I completed a Law degree at the University of Manchester before working in employment law for a number of years. I couldn't resist returning to school though and I haven't looked back! I love working with the children at St John's and I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to help to shape their lives. 

In my spare time, when my head is not lost in a book, I love putting my walking boots on and exploring new places.

Mr Sawdon - Year 4 Teacher

My name is Matthew Sawdon and I am the year 4 teacher at St Johns. I joined St Johns in 2022, shortly after completing my Primary education degree at Edgehill university. I have loved working with the pupils at ST johns, no two are the same! I am passionate about teaching the weird and wonderful world of science, especially space and stars.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy a variety of sports with my friends, in particular swimming. I am always up for joining in and getting my hands muddy on an adventure, the bigger the better.

Mr Smith - Year 6 Teacher

My name is Pete Smith, I have joined St John's to help out while the Year prepare for their SATs. I have worked in many schools in Cheshire and I was also Head of an Intenational School in Spain.

Mrs Riddle - Year 2 Teacher / PE Co-ordinator

My name is Sarah Riddle and I have been teaching for over 20 years. Sport and exercise are my passion and I love teaching PE as it keeps me active. It is a privilege to be able to work with children, help them develop and see absolute joy on their faces when they finally master a skill they have been trying to learn. Extra-curricular sport, although time consuming, is a huge part of my job and brings extra pressure and enjoyment. Watching individuals and teams develop and grow in confidence, team work and ability is an added bonus of my job. Taking children to competitions and festivals makes me really proud, I love seeing our children represent St John’s and arrive back at school ready to share their successes and stories.

My evenings and weekends are filled with sports activities for my three boys. George, my eldest, plays football, Harry, the middle one, plays rugby and Thomas, the youngest, does karate and football. There is never a dull moment and I spend many an hour standing outside in the rain and cold or driving around the country to fixtures. To keep myself fit and healthy, mentally and physically, I go to the gym before work, where I love lifting weights and doing HIIT and Hyrox classes.

Support Staff

Mr Norbury - HLTA/PPA Cover

I am Clive Norbury, I have been part of the St John’s family for over 25 years. I worked at the playgroup next door, before moving to the school in 2004.

I have done many roles in school over the years, such as; 1:1 TA, running sports clubs, computer clubs, Young Voices choir, teaching music and computing. Currently, I am the school’s ELSA and running the bespoke interventions. I also manage the school's website and social media.

I love sports, especially football, rugby and F1. I support Newcastle United, good and bad.

Outside of school, I spend time with my family and visit lots of places, particularly Chester Zoo.

Mrs McPherson –Teaching Assistant/Wrap-a-round Club Manager

My name is Sally McPherson otherwise known as Mrs Mac.  I have been a teaching Assistant for around 15 years. I studied as a mature student about 6 years ago and gained my Foundation degree then my BA.  I have been at St Johns for over 6 years starting in Reception moving through the school.  I am currently managing The Sunshine Room our newly formed Nurture Room.  I love supporting the children with their learning. I am also the After School Manager which I absolutely love.

Outside of school, I am married with two older children who live away from home.

In my spare time, I run a choir as I love singing.  I love going to theatre, eating out with family and friends, swimming, walking in the countryside and going on mini breaks.

Miss Williams - Teaching Assistant

My name is Karen Williams, and I currently work in Year 5. I work with individual children and small groups doing interventions.

I love seeing the progress the children make over the school year. 

I also love supporting the children when doing extra curricular activities, such as going to the Young Voices concert with the choir and supporting the children at sporting events, such as Cross country & Town Sports competitions.

In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, paddle boarding and going to the gym. I love spending time watching my son play football, as well as spa days with my daughter.

Mrs Coney - Teaching Assistant

I have worked in Reception Class at St Johns since 2020 and have a passion for the learning in the EYFS years. I love watching the Reception children grow and learn so much over the first year of school.

At home, I have a husband, 3 children, Molly the cat and a crazy dog called Lola who keep me busy.   In my spare time I enjoy running, reading and travel with my family.

Mrs Redfern - Teaching Assistant

My name is Mrs Jenny Redfern. I am a Teaching assistant and have been for over 6 years now. I started at St John's in October 2022 and haven't looked back since I love working with children and helping them achieve their goals. I am currently completing my HLTA qualification. I have two daughters one that is on our school called Poppy and one that's still in nursery called Scarlett. So when I'm not in work I'm kept busy with my little two,  going the park or spending time with family. 

Miss Collyer - Teaching Assistant

My name is Jane Collyer and I currently work in year 4 and year 6 in our wonderful school. I have over 6 years of experience working alongside children of primary age. I am very passionate in supporting them in their learning and social development.

I studied Textile Design at Manchester metropolitan university, and after working in interior design in London, I decided to step back in to education. 

I currently help run netball club after school, which I love! 

In my spare time I play netball, badminton and I attend yoga classes. I love holidays, travel and spending time with friends and family. 

Miss Dodd - Teaching Assistant

My name is Amy Dodd, I work in year 2 and year 6, I also help to run the afterschool club.

I enjoy spending time with my partner, family and friends and taking my dog on long walks! 

Office Staff

Miss Craig - Admin Assistant

My name is Laura Craig and I am the admin assistant in the School office and have been at St Johns for a little over 2 years now. I have a little boy called Rex who is three and we love taking our 2 dogs out on long walks. In my spare time I love reading, being outside and socialising with my friends.

Kitchen and Midday Assistants