From phonics and PSHE to safeguarding and wellbeing, teaching can take many forms in a single day.
Classroom Teacher Lisa Horsfield reflects on helping establish Manor Farm Academy, the responsibilities she has taken on and the support she has received across L.E.A.D. Academy Trust.
I’m a classroom teacher at Manor Farm Academy in Lincoln. Alongside teaching, I have several additional responsibilities that I’m passionate about.
As PSHE Subject Leader, I believe in delivering a proactive curriculum that reflects what children need to learn and understand in today’s world. I enjoy making these important topics engaging, meaningful and relevant for our pupils. One of my favourite parts of the role is teaching children across the academy about first aid, as well as delivering lessons to Key Stage 2 pupils about periods and growing up. These are important life skills, and I love helping children feel informed, confident and prepared.
I’m also the Phonics Lead. I work closely with colleagues to develop our phonics provision through coaching, sharing best practice and supporting teaching across the academy. It’s rewarding to see pupils grow in confidence as readers and achieve strong results.
In addition, I’m part of our safeguarding team, working alongside safeguarding officers and our safeguarding lead. I’m also a Mental Health First Aider for both children and staff. Supporting the wellbeing of our academy community is something I care deeply about, and I’m proud to help people feel safe, supported and valued.
The thing I love most about Manor Farm Academy is the people. I genuinely enjoy working with the children and staff, and I feel fortunate to be part of such a positive, caring and ambitious community.
Before joining Manor Farm Academy, I worked at Witham St Hughs Academy, which is also part of L.E.A.D. Academy Trust. When the opportunity arose to join the new Manor Farm Academy as a Reception teacher, I knew it was something I couldn’t miss.
I still remember visiting the site wearing a hard hat while the builders were laying the foundations. It was exciting to see the academy taking shape before it opened. In that first year, we started from scratch. We got to know the builders well and watched the academy grow from a construction site into a thriving community.
Being part of that journey has been one of the highlights of my career. It was an opportunity to help shape the culture, values and vision of a new academy from the beginning. Looking back now and seeing how much it has grown makes me feel incredibly proud.
One of the things I love most about my role is that there really isn’t a typical day.
I arrive nice and early while everything is still quiet. Manor Farm Academy sits in the middle of a peaceful housing estate, and there’s something special about those calm moments before the school day begins. My colleagues and I usually have a quick catch-up, often starting the morning with a laugh before the day gets underway.
Most of my day is spent teaching, but my additional responsibilities mean I’m often moving between different roles. I might be carrying out phonics drop-ins, meeting with colleagues, attending safeguarding check-ins, making phone calls to families or planning curriculum developments.
I enjoy the variety. Alongside classroom teaching, there are trips, enrichment opportunities, clubs and themed experience days. One week might include an Olympic gymnast delivering workshops, a string quartet performing for the children, a trip, a classroom transformed into a Victorian schoolroom or even a mock wedding experience as part of our curriculum. There’s always something happening, which keeps academy life fresh and engaging for both staff and pupils.
For me, it’s the opportunities.
I love being part of an organisation that invests in its staff. L.E.A.D. Academy Trust provides opportunities to learn new skills, take on additional responsibilities and progress in your career.
I particularly value the chance to connect with colleagues across the Trust. Sharing ideas, discussing best practice and learning from others has helped me develop both professionally and personally. We’re trusted to be creative and independent in how we deliver the curriculum, while having access to guidance and support whenever we need it.
Most of all, I enjoy knowing that every day I have the opportunity to make a positive difference to children’s lives, whether that’s through teaching, safeguarding, wellbeing support or helping them build confidence in themselves and their abilities.
L.E.A.D. Academy Trust has supported my professional development through training and opportunities to keep up to date with curriculum developments, policy changes and educational best practice. This helps us continue developing the skills and knowledge we need to give our pupils the best possible education.
One aspect of that support I particularly value is the quality assurance process. During these visits, leaders from across the Trust spend time exploring different aspects of academy life. They help us identify areas for further development while recognising and celebrating our strengths. The conversations are constructive and supportive, and they help us maintain a clear focus on improving.
I’ve been encouraged to learn, reflect and grow, which has helped me develop my confidence and take on leadership responsibilities.
My advice would be simple: do it!
Joining L.E.A.D. Academy Trust can open many doors. There are opportunities to connect with others, develop professionally and progress in your career, with support to help you reach your potential.
The people are one of the Trust’s greatest strengths. Teams are supportive, welcoming and willing to help one another. There’s a real sense of collaboration across academies, so you never feel like you’re working alone.
Staff wellbeing is taken seriously, too. You’re valued as a professional and as a person. If you’re looking for a place where you can make a difference, continue to grow and be part of a supportive team, L.E.A.D. Academy Trust is a wonderful place to build your career.
