The Team

Karen Wavish

Quality of Education EYFS and KS1

I joined the Queen Emma's Reception team in September 2020.

I have been an Early Years Lead since 2008 and have a particular interest in developing children’s literacy skills. I have enjoyed supporting local schools to develop their Early Years practice in my role as Local Authority moderator and in a range of advisory roles. I am so proud to be part of our 'outstanding' Early Years team with incredible children, experienced staff, beautiful outside spaces and a caring, nurturing ethos.

Coincidentally, my grandparents owned a sweet shop and barbers in Carterton many years ago and then moved to a house just round the corner from Queen Emma’s!

Yazmin Goodgame

SENDCo

I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to teach from Reception to Year 6 in our school community. My passion lies in nurturing healthy habits in children, both mentally and physically, ensuring they are equipped with the tools they need to thrive in and out of the school setting.

Recently, I completed a master's degree in psychoanalysis, which has deepened my understanding of mental health and its crucial role in education. This new knowledge has enhanced my practice, particularly in my role as the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). In this role, I am dedicated to advocating for our children with special educational needs, supporting them to reach their full potential across both Finstock and Queen Emma’s Primary School.

As the Mental Health Lead, I am committed to promoting a positive, supportive environment where all children can flourish, ensuring their well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

Victoria Musson

Director of Education

Florence Chapman

KS1

I graduated from Oxford Brookes University in 2022 as a qualified teacher. Before this, I worked with young people in various roles until I decided I wanted to support children right at the start of their education journey. During my teacher training year, I had the opportunity to teach for a term at Queen Emma’s. I loved seeing the positive school environment and the creativity within the curriculum and I decided then, this was the school I wanted to begin my teaching career in. 

I am a class teacher in Key Stage 1. Inside the classroom I want the children to feel confident enough to reach their full potential, adopt the love of reading I do and most importantly feel excited about coming to school every day. 

Outside of the classroom you will see me reading a book, trying to cook up a new recipe or going on a nice long run.  

Michaela Hawkins

KS1

I’m thrilled to be part of the team here at Queen Emma’s. I grew up in Oxfordshire and now have the privilege of teaching in the community that shaped me. I completed my BSc in Psychology in 2024, followed by a PGCE at the University of Gloucestershire, which I finished in 2025.

Before training as a teacher, I worked in both preschools and a primary school as a teaching assistant—experiences that deepened my passion for working with children. I’ve always been driven by a desire to inspire and encourage young minds, helping them to reach their full potential.

I’ll be working in Key Stage 1 and have a particular interest in art, literacy and history—subjects I love bringing to life in creative and engaging ways for young learners.
My aim as a teacher is to create a supportive environment where children feel confident to “have a go,” make mistakes, and grow into resilient, self-assured learners.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family and our beautiful Labrador, and we love exploring the outdoors—whether that’s geocaching or climbing waterfalls! I also love settling down with a good book when I get the chance.

Eden Southey

KS2

Having grown up in Witney and completed my final university placement at this school, it seems quite fateful that I am starting my teaching career at Queen Emma’s, with a KS1 class. I graduated from the University of Brighton in 2021 with a passion for bringing music and languages into the classroom and, like some of my own most inspiring teachers, can often be found singing my way through the corridors! My goal as a teacher is to foster children’s confidence: confidence to show off their potential and confidence to make mistakes and learn from them, which is what learning is all about. 

Peter Williams

KS2

I qualified as a teacher at York St John University in 2015 and have since taught in a range of schools across Swindon and Oxfordshire, with a brief detour to Sunderland for a year. My experience spans Years 2, 3, and 4 in mainstream settings, as well as teaching Years 5 and 6 in a trauma-informed school, which has deepened my understanding of inclusive and adaptive teaching.

I have a real passion for Maths and PE, and I enjoy creating lessons that are active, engaging, and fun. I also love football, whether I’m coaching, playing, or watching and I’ll happily watch just about any sport! Music is another big part of my life; I play several instruments including the guitar and drums, and I enjoy bringing music into the classroom whenever I can.

I’m excited to see what I can bring to Queen Emma’s Primary School and look forward to helping every child feel confident, valued, and inspired in their learning.

Carol Abberley

I have worked at Queen Emma’s Primary School as a Learning Support Assistant for many years. I have seen children grow into themselves achieving goals they only dreamt of.  Their looks of delight and amazement in what they have just discovered and wonderment to learn more, gives me encouragement and a need to develop myself in this role.  Working in most areas of the school has deepened my understanding of developmental needs and shown me where my strengths are.  I feel proud to be a part of this dedicated team.

Amanda Cox

I started working at the school in January 2005, and I have had a variety of roles since then. I started as an SEN teaching assistant, then I went on to be a Home School Link Worker, which was followed by a role as Community Engagement, Health and Mental Health Co-Ordinator. I am currently working in our Pathway class and I continue to enjoy supporting our children throughout their time at Queen Emma's. 

Sam Godfrey 

I have worked at the school for several years and am currently based in Key Stage 1. Over the years I have seen lots of children go from Foundation right through to year 6. I have also been on several residential visits, which are enriching to pupils and adults alike. 

Niki Olive

I am a qualified Nursery Nurse, this qualifies me to work with children from 0-7 years old. I also hold the certificate for the National Association of Maternal and Child Welfare. My first job was working with disabled children. I then went on to work in a nursery. Whilst bringing my stepsons and two sons up, I was a registered child minder. Then I was a supervisor at a preschool. I have been at Queen Emma's for over 25 years; working in Foundation class is such a rewarding job. The progression the children make in their first year is amazing to see. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren.