Meet the Team

Please see details below of our staff team at Cury School

Ruth Carpenter

Ruth Carpenter - Headteacher

Richard Triggs – Head of Provision, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Designated teacher for Children in Care

Richard graduated from the University of Plymouth with a first class (hons) degree in Biological Sciences. He has previously worked in mainstream education at Brannel School as a teacher of science and Head of House. He then moved into alternative provision (this provides support for pupils who, for a host of reasons, have had difficulties in their mainstream education), where he was the Principal of North Cornwall Academy for 10 years.

He is passionate about providing the best possible education for the pupils that are in his care and believes that developing positive relationships are the key to this – 'pupils should feel welcome, safe, challenged and have fun.'

Richard enjoys fishing, spending time with his family and likes to keep fit by cycling and running.

Sian Wyn-Jones - Poldhu Class Teacher

Sian spent four years teaching in a mainstream school in Birmingham where she supported children with a range of additional needs to access the National Curriculum. Before that, she coached athletics and swimming to children and delivered primary school PE lessons whilst studying Sports, Health and Exercise Science BSc at Brunel University London. Following that, Sian completed her PGCE in Primary Education. She has worked with many children with additional needs and has found a passion for working with and supporting children with SEN to help them thrive.

Sian thoroughly enjoys teaching PE, early reading and writing through phonics practice and believes in making learning as fun as possible. She is passionate about creating an environment where children are made to feel safe, part of a community and enjoy coming to school. In her spare time, Sian enjoys scuba diving, surfing, reading and live music.

Kate Donaldson - Gunwalloe Class Teacher and Reading Lead

Kate trained as a Primary Teacher in 2003. She is incredibly passionate about teaching and providing a creative, engaging and inspiring curriculum for all children. She taught previously as a Team leader in a large, inclusive mainstream primary school in Devon and was also Reading and phonics lead for the school.

Kate has had a wealth of experience supporting children with additional needs and believes every child deserves the absolute best possible education and opportunities, no matter what their barriers may be at any point. Her passion for supporting every individual to achieve their full potential has been the driving force for her decision to step from mainstream teaching into specialist provision.

Kate believes compassion, empathy and unconditional positive regard are key to developing strong attachments and relationships with children and ensures her teaching and learning environments always support children to thrive, feel safe and supported.

Kate loves all things creative and so really enjoys completing art projects, dancing and drama. She has 5 children and loves spending fun days on the beach with her family.

James McLeod - Polurrian Class Teacher

James began his teaching career in 2006 after qualifying as a primary teacher. Since then, he has gained broad experiences working in both mainstream schools in London and West Cornwall, teaching across the primary age range. He has also taught in Alternative Provision, where he spent three years teaching Mathematics to both primary and secondary pupils, developing approaches that recognise different strengths and ways of learning.

Alongside his classroom practice, James has been a member of a Senior Leadership Team and has successfully led core subjects including Mathematics and English. He is now training to become a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo), building on his commitment to inclusive education and ensuring that every child receives the right support to achieve.

James is passionate about helping children unlock their individual talents and firmly believes that school should be a rewarding, enjoyable, and engaging experience for all. He is a strong advocate for reading and literacy, recognising the vital role they play in opening doors to learning and opportunity. He also places great importance on active, hands-on learning, often seeking ways to take learning outdoors and give pupils memorable experiences that connect with the world around them.

Outside of school, James enjoys spending time by the sea and taking part in a wide range of water-based activities. He also loves travelling, sharing the experience of live music, and exploring new recipes in the kitchen. Above all, he values time with his family and is a proud husband and father of two children.

Specialist Intervention Team (SIT)

Gill Sadler - Intervention Coordinator

Gill is the Specialist Therapeutic Intervention Coordinator. She can be found offering small group and 1-1 specialist interventions; upon referral, she works on an intensive interaction basis and firmly believes that these sessions work best when they're child centred and co-creative.

Gill has specialised in inclusive dance, yoga and movement for children and young people with additional learning and SEMH needs for over 15 years. She has worked in a wide range of educational and social care settings, including other schools within the Special Partnership Trust and primary school settings.

She is a yoga therapist for children and young people and teaches adult yoga classes in the local community.

Gill lives and breathes holistic wellness. She's passionate about supporting and encouraging children and young people in a safe, positive, fun and autonomous way. Helping them to explore what brings joy and fulfilment to them, whilst they navigate the challenges that come with life and growth.

In her spare time, Gill enjoys spending time with her family and 2 dogs, dancing, practicing yoga and cold-water dipping with friends! She's happiest outdoors in nature and loves music of all kinds!

SENDCO