With over thirty years’ experience working in a range of social care and education settings, I have developed a wide a range of expertise in relation to special educational needs, disability, safeguarding and child protection. Prior to working in education as a teacher, I worked in residential and field social work. 

As a senior leader, I developed best practice working across two middle schools through an amalgamation process. I held strategic responsibility for inclusion, safeguarding and child protection, which included leading a very large, successful SEND department in a large secondary school.

I have held leadership roles in education settings rated ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED, run my own education consultancy business, worked for SENDIASS, and more recently worked as a headteacher in two special schools to improve their educational outcomes.

Throughout my working life, my practise has been to promote the holistic development of each child/young person, ensuring their needs are identified and addressed through multi agency collaboration. This enables the development of an individualised curriculum and allows children/young people to realise their educational, social and personal potential.  I trust, my significant experience of working in a multi-agency context, liaising closely with a wide range of professionals (including parents, teachers, those in social care and health services) will be of benefit to all at Southlands.

I am really looking forward to working with all stakeholders of Southlands school to ensure a nurturing and enriching environment where our children and young people feel happy and safe, with the right support and high expectations in place are enabled to achieve their future aspirations.