In this episode of our #ChinthurstTeachers series, we are delighted to introduce our new teacher Mrs Monckton. Teaching has always been part of her world - inspired by her mum and later through her own time as a Playball coach. After an exciting career in law and sports recruitment, Mrs Monckton realised that working with children was where her heart truly lay. She trained right here at Chinthurst and now can't imagine doing anything else. Learn about her journey into teaching, the special moments that make it so rewarding, and why Chinthurst feels like family.

What inspired you to become a teacher? Teaching has always been part of my life - my mum was a primary school teacher, so I grew up watching her in the classroom and often helping out. More recently, I worked as a sports coach for Playball (some of the children here still know me as Coach Jen), and that really cemented how much I enjoyed working with children. I found I could build a genuine rapport with them - encouraging and supporting them - and I realised this was something I could do well. Watching their confidence grow made me think, this is what I want to do every day.

What has your journey into teaching looked like so far? Teaching was always something at the back of my mind that I thought I might do. However, watching a few too many episodes of Ally McBeal in my youth pointed me firmly in the direction of the law! I trained in the City as a lawyer and then spent six years at the BBC as one of their employment lawyers (a memorable incident being the abduction of Pudsey Bear by employees the week before Children in Need!).

After leaving law, I moved into sports recruitment, working with Premiership football and rugby clubs to recruit staff, before taking on a role as a sports coach with Playball. That coaching role was the real turning point - it reminded me how much I loved working directly with children and gave me the push I needed to follow my passion for teaching.

I was fortunate enough to complete my teacher training here at Chinthurst, learning from (and I may be biased in saying) some of the best teachers out there. This job is so much more than I expected - it's hard work (I don't think I've worked this hard since training to be a lawyer), but it's also incredibly rewarding and enjoyable. I honestly can't imagine doing anything else now.

What is your favourite children's book and why? It's hard to choose just one, as I have many favourites, but two that I have always loved are Dogger by Shirley Hughes and the Milly-Molly-Mandy stories by Joyce Lankester Brisley. Dogger captures childhood emotions so beautifully - the worry, the love, and ultimately the kindness that makes everything right again. The Milly-Molly-Mandy stories, though sometimes seen as a little dated, celebrate the small but meaningful adventures of everyday life. I love how both remind us that it's often the simplest moments that stay with us the longest - something I now see reflected in the classroom every day.

What subject did you enjoy most when you were at school? I'd have to say history! I loved learning about the past and how it shapes the present. And, unsurprisingly, sport was always a favourite too.

What's been your most rewarding teaching moment? I know everyone says this, but it's true - the “lightbulb” moments are the best, but what makes them even more powerful is the relationship behind them. When you've built that trust and rapport with a child, they're more willing to persevere, take risks and believe in themselves. Last year one of my pupils had been really struggling with long division, but we worked through it step by step. When it finally clicked, the pride on their face was unforgettable. It wasn't just about the maths - it was about realising they could do it. That's the real magic of teaching!

A quote or piece of advice that inspires you? During my training I came across a quote by Rita Pierson, an educator who gave a brilliant TED Talk called “Every Kid Needs a Champion.” She said: “Every child deserves a champion - an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” This really stayed with me, as it sums up what I want to be for my pupils - someone who believes in them, encourages them and helps them realise just how much they can achieve.

What do you love most about Chinthurst? That's easy - the community. From my very first day, I felt part of a family where everyone looks out for one another. I was a parent here first, and all three of my children have been - or still are - pupils. Each of them is very different, and each has flourished in their own way. That's down to the school, its culture and, above all, its teachers. The children's enthusiasm and kindness shine through every day, and there's a real buzz around the school. Having trained here and now being part of the staff team, it genuinely feels like home.