Teaching Staff

Mrs K. Hanson – Headteacher

Hello my name is Mrs Hanson and it is my privilege to be the Headteacher at Richard Clarke. I have been teaching since 1994 and I love my job. It is wonderful to work in such a positive learning environment where everyone genuinely cares about everyone. I have high expectations of everyone at Richard Clarke – children, families, staff, governors and myself! We simply want to be the best school we can be that provides a fully inclusive education for every child that is fun. We aim for high standards in attainment but also high standards in fostering the arts, sport, good learning and conduct behaviour, confidence and good manners. We have a very positive and caring ethos in school.

My main hobby is dancing. I dance at least 3 hours a week including Zumba and ballroom/latin and run regular dance clubs in school.   I love to go to the theatre and particularly enjoy musicals. I have seen many, many musicals in the West End including Les Miserable five times! I also enjoy the cinema and again love musical films and I’m a massive Star Wars and James Bond fan. Sport wise I love snooker and F1.  I’m also a keen bird watcher and member of the RSPB and enjoy many walks and nature reserves with my trusty binoculars.

Mrs Austin – Assistant Head and Year 4 Teacher

Hello, my name is Mrs Austin and I am thrilled to be joining RCFS in September 2023 from a school in Burton, where I have been teaching since 2013. I am delighted to be joining you as Assistant Headteacher and Year 4 Teacher and cannot wait to work alongside fantastic staff and have the pleasure of teaching such wonderful children.
My classroom is full of creativity, fun and passion where I instil a caring ethos, love of learning and high expectations. I am passionate about reading and always have a book in my hand!
In my spare time, I enjoy playing rounders for a local league, reading for pleasure with friends in a Book Club, and spending time travelling with my family. I enjoy going to the cinema and visiting the theatre. I love spending time outdoors with my dog Cooper and my husband and children, William and George.’

Miss Salt – Year 3 Teacher

Hello! My name is Miss Salt and I am delighted to be part of the RCFS team as the Year 3 teacher! Teaching is something I have had a strong interest in from a very young age. I have a passion for providing engaging and rich learning opportunities which will equip children for their life ahead. My classroom is a place where every child feels excited to learn and explore happily and confidently. When I am not at school I enjoy long dog walks with my two dogs, spending time with family and friends as well as baking lots of cakes! I have been brought up on a farm and absolutely love the countryside!

Miss Wain – Year 2 Teacher

Hello! I am Miss Wain the year two teacher at The Richard Clarke First School. I’ve had the desire to be a teacher for as long as I can remember; with the passion to support children’s whole round development and ensure they reach their full potential. As I feel it is part of my duty to prepare learners for the ever-changing world they will grow up in. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my daughter Eliza and my fiancé as well as seeing family and friends. I am passionate about sport, particularly football. I am a Manchester United fan- which might put a few of you off! As well as football I also enjoy being creative and making things which I try to include in my teaching practice.

Miss R. Hartshorne – Y1 Class Teacher

Hello everyone! I’m Miss Hartshorne, reporting for duty in Year 1 at Richard Clarke First School. At the risk of sounding sentimental, ever since I won the prize for most enthusiastic learner at the leaver’s assembly at Richard Clarke, in 2005, my fondness for this very special place has never diminished. Given that my degree is in English Literature, I have a keen interest in the arts, and enjoy reading, going to the theatre, drama, music, photography and painting. As a teacher, I am passionate about the importance of developing literacy and the joys of reading, and therefore I am eager to instil a love of reading and of books in my class. I cherish being a part of the RCFS team and giving back to a school and a community that has shaped me.

Mrs K. Read – Reception Class Teacher

Hello, I am incredibly passionate about Early Years education and I love finding exciting ways to deliver the curriculum that enables children to feel excited about coming to school and build independence and confidence to continue further up the school.
With my husband and boys- Oscar and Max, we love going on adventures like climbing mountains and camping at the top, canoeing or swimming down rivers and mountain biking. Spending so much time in the wild, I run the eco council at school. I want to instill in the children the need to protect the beautiful environment we have for generations to come. I also love creative crafts and baking.