Welcome to Waycroft Academy

Mrs Verrinder

Lead Practitioner 2 year-olds

My association with Waycroft began in 2000 when the first of my children started nursery. Before working here I had a variety of job roles, including Wildlife Consultant, Bank Clerk, Librarian and Registered Childminder. After gaining Early Years Professional Status I joined the incredible Early Years Team at Waycroft and am now the Lead Practitioner in our Admiral Nursery for 2 year-olds. Working in Early Years you never know quite what each day will bring and this is one of the many aspects of the job that I love, as well as seeing the children grow in confidence and independence.

Mrs Ferguson

Nursery Teacher

I am Mrs Ferguson, and have taught at Waycroft since 1989, where I started my career teaching in the nursery. I have been fortunate to work under the leadership of many inspiring head teachers, and have taught across key stage 1 throughout these years. I now find myself back in nursery, the place where I first started, and where I feel my passion lies. I enjoy providing children with an environment where they are able to confidently explore and develop an enthusiasm and love of learning.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, valuing precious times spent together.

Miss Thomas

Reception Teacher/EYFS Lead

My name is Miss Thomas. I was thrilled to join the Waycroft team in 2023 as Reception Class Teacher and Early Years Phase Lead. I'm a passionate teacher with a particular focus on how young children learn and how their class environment can influence and develop their curiosity about the world. Independence and imagination are key in my classroom, and we encourage learning through children's own interests, storytelling and lots of play!
In my spare time, I enjoy seeing my family and friends and I love to travel and see the world too. I also enjoy live music and you'll often find me dancing around my kitchen!

Mrs Maxwell

Reception Teacher

My name is Mrs Maxwell. I joined Waycroft in 2002 and have taught children across the school, from reception to Year 6. I particularly enjoy teaching history, having completed a history degree at the University of Bristol, although in my role as a Foundation stage teacher I like to support children as they pursue their personal curiosities and gain an excitement for learning.

I love to travel, both for pleasure and to further my educational experiences. My adventures have taken me to places such as Canada, Thailand and Hong Kong, and I have been lucky enough to visit schools and teach in Ghana, St Lucia and Delhi.

In my spare time I like to enjoy outdoor pursuits, I used to be a regular rock climber and have even jumped out of an aeroplane, but now I have two young children of my own my happiest times are spent with them.

Mrs McGrath