All our teaching staff have dual roles and some share their time between year groups. This helps us quickly get to know each child and understand their needs and learning preferences.

Our staff work very closely and meet regularly to discuss pupil progress and development. We know every child as an individual and and the children know us pretty well too. It’s this familiarity that breeds trust with our parents and allows us to tailor lessons and make them them interesting and enjoyable for the children.

Meet our school staff

Mrs Nicola Grand                                                                      

Head Teacher

“At Roby Mill everyone is treated as an individual and everyone’s uniqueness is valued and nurtured.”

Mrs Grand has been in position since September 2021. She teaches KS2 from Tuesday through to Friday mornings and focuses on her role as Head Teacher during the afternoons.

Mrs Grand trained to be a teacher at St Martin’s College in Lancaster. Before joining Roby Mill as KS1 teacher in 2016, she worked in a large primary school for 12 years, teaching all year groups and holding SENDCO responsibilities. She has been head of school, deputy head and now head teacher and part-time KS2 teacher. Away from school, she enjoys watching musicals and sport and taking long walks with friends and family.

Mrs Grand is our school SENDCO and safe guarding lead, and can be contacted on 01695 622536.

Miss Sophie Bennett

KS1 and KS2 Teacher

“Roby Mill is such a special place to learn because all children are offered individualised learning and the opportunity to experience lots of new and exciting things.”

Miss Bennett teaches Key Stage 1 and Reception in the mornings and KS2 every afternoon. She is also our designated safeguarding lead and loves the family feel of working at Roby Mill and the way everybody looks out for one another. Miss Bennett studied Primary Education at Manchester Metropolitan University, graduating in 2016. She was a teaching assistant for 3 years before starting her teaching career in 2019.

Away from school, Miss Bennett loves spending time with her family and dog. She enjoys weekends away and exploring new places.

Mrs Julie Lawson

Higher Level Teaching Assistant 

“Roby Mill is a loving and caring school and treats all pupils equally.”

Mrs Lawson started working at Roby Mill in 2004 as a Level 2 teaching assistant working one to one with a year 4 pupil. Over the years she has worked her way through the qualifications to Level 3. She is currently our Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) responsible for planning, teaching and evaluating pupils work and support at KS1. She also supervises pupils during breaks and at lunchtimes.

Away from school, Mrs Lawson can be found spending quality time with her family, walking and reading.

Mrs Ceri Willcock

School Bursar and Admin Officer

“I love working at Roby Mill because we know all the children and their families. It’s like being part of a big family.”

Mrs Willcock is our administration officer and Bursar. She’s the person at the end of the school office phone and email, responsible for all administration and managing general enquiries. After graduating with a degree in English, Mrs Willcock worked for Barclays Bank and Children’s Social Care and Housing before joining Roby Mill. She loves spending time with family and friends, eating out, reading and walking, especially in the Lake District.

Mrs Willcock works mornings. If you need to contact her please email bursar@robymill.lancs.sch.uk or call 01695 622536.

Mr John Bibby

Site Supervisor

“It’s heartwarming to see the dedication and compassion the staff show to all children to help them prepare for the next chapter of their academic life.”

John contributes to the smooth running of school by carrying out a range of caretaking duties. He enjoys the fun, friendly, family atmosphere created by our wonderful and amazing staff and pupils.

Prior to joining Roby Mill he studied marine engineering, was a ship's engineer in the Merchant Navy and then head of maintenance at a Florida resort. Away from his caretaking duties he enjoys golf, reading, music, sports, and home improvements.

Mrs Niki Ashworth 

Teaching Assistant 

"Roby Mill has a wonderful community spirit where children of all ages interact and feel safe and supported to try new things."

Mrs Ashworth started working at Roby Mill in 2022. She works with KS2 children in the morning and splits her time between KS1 and KS2 in the afternoon. Mrs Ashworth has worked in primary schools for over 15 years and has supported all year groups during that time. More recently, she has worked with year 5 and 6 children and those with SEND.  

When she is not working, Mrs Ashworth loves to travel and explore new places. She also loves to cook for her family and friends.