Meet our dedicated teachers and staff, who are committed to providing the highest quality educational experience for all the children at Lowther Endowed School and Little VIPs Day Care.

Michelle Clark                                                                                                                       

Headteacher

I am delighted to be joining as headteacher and working closely with the whole community. I previously spent six years as headteacher of Asby Endowed School, and before that had the privilege of teaching in Cyprus, Naples, and the Midlands, mainly in small schools. I am passionate about ensuring every child has a positive and enriching experience in school, and I enjoy creating opportunities that inspire both learning and personal growth. I also have a daughter in Key Stage 2 who attends Lowther, so I share the perspective of being both a teacher and a parent within the school community. Before my teaching career, I studied archaeology at university and served in the Intelligence Corps of the Army in my early twenties, experiences that shaped my curiosity, resilience, and commitment to working with others. Outside of school, I love spending time outdoors and taking part in activities that keep me connected to nature.

Hayley Fassam                                                                                                                                

Nursery Manager

I am delighted to be the Nursery Manager at Little VIPs and to be part of such a caring and ambitious community. I have been teaching for 14 years, mainly in the Early Years, and especially enjoyed leading on maths and nurture. My career has taken me to schools of all sizes across the UK, and two years ago my family and I relocated to Cumbria, where I worked with Children’s Services before joining Little VIPs.

With the nursery and school working together, we have a wonderful opportunity to build strong foundations for learning and create a supportive community for all. Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and exploring the outdoors.

Toinette Thomas                                                                                                                           

SENDCo                                                                                                                                           

Badgers Class Teacher & Hedgehogs PPA Teacher

I have been a teacher at Lowther Endowed School for over 20 years.  I teach across both classes, from Reception to Year 6 and coordinate the school’s special needs programme. I especially enjoy teaching English, History, Art and PE.

 

Laura Price

Business Manager

I have been part of our school community for over 10 years and I love working in the office and being the first point of contact for parents and children. No two days are ever the same and that is what makes my job so enjoyable. The most rewarding part for me is getting to know our families and watching the children grow and achieve during their time here. It is a real privilege to be part of their school life.

 

Kerry-Anne Booth 

Hedgehogs Class Teacher

I have been part of the wonderful team at Lowther Endowed School for the past 14 years, and I truly value the strong sense of community we share.  We support one another and know each other well, which makes our school a special place to work and learn.

My passion lies in Early Years and Key Stage 1, where I believe in giving children the strong foundations they need for future success.  I love watching them grow in confidence and independence as they move into Key Stage 2.

I am a creative teacher who enjoys planning engaging learning experiences that stem from the children’s own interests.  Over the years, I worked hard to refine my practice and leadership skills.  I spent two years working closely with the English Hub, developing my expertise to lead and deliver the ELS phonics scheme, a role I am very proud of.

At Lowther, I am the EYFS Lead, Phonics Lead, and Subject Leader for Art, Design Technology, and Music.  These roles allow me to combine my love for creativity and early learning, ensuring every child has the best possible start to their educational journey.

Laura Thwaites

Badgers Class Teacher

I have been teaching at Lowther for nearly 18 years, working with pupils across all year groups. I am currently a part-time teacher in Key Stage 2 and have a passion for all subjects, with a particular love for science and computing.

Amy Douthwaite

Badgers Class Teacher

I have the pleasure of teaching the Badgers class on Mondays and Tuesdays. I love getting to know each child and supporting them as they explore, learn, and grow every week.

 

 

Cynthia Gill

Higher Level Teaching Assistant

I work throughout the school supporting both staff and pupils, delivering interventions on a one-to-one basis as well as in small groups. I particularly enjoy teaching Phonics and Maths, and I love finding creative ways to deliver lessons that help children feel confident and engaged in their learning.

 

Lynn Pinkteron 

Teaching Assistant

Breakfast Club Assistant 

I support teachers and pupils throughout the school, working to create a positive and engaging learning environment. Alongside my role as a Teaching Assistant, I am also a dance teacher and enjoy teaching dance to the whole school, helping children express themselves and build confidence through movement.

Kira Tickner

Teaching Assistant

I have worked at Lowther Endowed for 7 years as a teaching assistant, supporting the staff and pupils throughout the school. Before working here, I studied music at Carlisle College of the Arts, where I was able to further my skills in singing and piano playing. My role at Lowther has given me an opportunity to share my music knowledge with all the children and I particularly enjoy the Christmas weeks preparing for special musical performances.

 

Chrissy Byrne

Nursery Assistant Manager

I live in Penrith with my husband, Liam, and our two grown-up children. Our daughter still lives at home, while our son is away at university studying music. I have always loved animals, birds, and nature, and at home I share my life with two cats. I am especially passionate about supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing, and I believe in creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive. In my spare time, I enjoy walking, exploring hedgerows to see what’s growing, watching the birds, and relaxing with a good book.

Hayley Greenhow 

Nursery Assistant Manager

I have cared for our Little VIPs for 17 years in the baby room. I started as a student and progressed to assistant manager. I adore the early years and being part of each child's learning and development, helping and supporting them grow and blossom. I'm passionate about creating safe and secure bonds with children and their families to make little VIPs a home-from-home environment. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, and I keep active through regular fitness classes, running and walking in our beautiful surroundings. I enjoy the great outdoors. 

Becci Cook 

Little VIPs Administrator & Finance Officer

I have been in finance and admin roles for many years and joined Little VIPs in January 2025. I was familiar with Little VIPs before I took on my role, as my eldest daughter used to be a child here! In my spare time I love being with my family and friends, making memories, travelling and being in the outdoors.

 

Abi Westhorpe 

Level 6 Childcare Practitioner 

I have worked in childcare for around 8 years in a variety of settings, including hospitals, kids' clubs abroad, schools and nurseries. I have a degree in childhood development and playwork and recently completed my early years initial teacher training. I believe that children learn through play with the support from adult-led activities and a safe and stimulating environment. I love sensory/messy and outdoor play and feel that children should be able to explore freely. In my spare time, I enjoy walking up fells, lake swimming, attending exercise classes and meeting up with friends.

Emily Dust

Level 3 Childcare Practitioner

 

 

 

 

Vicki Wordsworth

Level 3 Childcare Practitioner

I am a single parent to two girls. We live in Penrith with my parents as well. I joined Little VIPs in June 2025 after spending time in different environments, from nurseries to schools. I have a level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification as well as my Level 3 in Childcare. In my spare time, I spend time with my children exploring the surrounding outdoors. 

 

Erin Moore

Level 3 Childcare Practitioner

I have worked at Little VIPs since I qualified straight from college in 2022 and cannot imagine myself anywhere else. I live in Shap with my parents and cockapoo, Nala. In my spare time I enjoy going on walks, spending time with my family and meeting up with friends. I believe children learn through play and enjoy making the environment homely and comforting for them as a home away from home.

 

Becky Armistead

Apprentice Level 3 Childcare Practitioner

I moved to this area in 2009 and have since developed a real love for both nature and childcare. I enjoy being outdoors and watching the children explore, learn, and discover the world around them.

 

 

Mirren Pinkerton

Apprentice Level 3 Childcare Practitioner

After School Club Assistant

After completing my teaching assistant placement at Lowther, I am now delighted to be a permanent part of this lovely team. In both being the After School Club Supervisor, and an Apprentice Little VIPs Nursery Practitioner as I study towards my Level 3 EYEs qualification. I enjoy working throughout the setting with all ages and seeing the positive impact we have on their development. 

 

Sarah McNeil

Level 1 Childcare Practitioner

I can be found in ‘Red Squirrels’ class in Little VIPs daycare. One of the things I enjoy most about my role is watching children thrive and grow in a safe and happy environment and eventually starting school with confidence. At any opportunity, I love to encourage the children to learn more about nature and wildlife, which we are blessed to have right here on the doorstep in Lowther.  This year I took on the role of caring for the nursery garden and there’s been a lot of good ‘before and after’ jobs as I thrive to create a wildlife habitat and a space for children and staff to enjoy. Before my role in VIPs I worked in a wide variety of jobs, all rewarding, but I do not think you can beat the sound of belly laughs from children to brighten up your day and there is plenty of daily laughter from the Little VIP’s. Outside of work, my family absolutely comes first.  My hobbies include red squirrel conservation, photography, gardening, exploring beautiful places and being creative. 

Anthony Marques

Kitchen Manager

I have been at Lowther Primary for over 5 years, providing nutritional meals to both the school and the Little VIPs putting over two decades of hospitality knowledge to good use. I have always been passionate about food whether I am at work or at home. Working within a school environment allows for a good work-life balance to spend time with my wife, two children and our dog Izzy.

In my spare time I enjoy running and generally keeping fit by doing various activities whenever possible. I am originally from South Africa and have been living in Penrith for the last 25 years.