I am currently an Education Consultant at Wholehearted Learning and the UK Hub Director for an International Charity – ecl foundation. The ecl Foundation is an international charity, registered in the UK, whose work and purpose is enhancing children’s lives. We help adults to create environments that enrich the emotional well-being, creativity and learning of children and young people. Our focus is to release a child’s innate desire to learn and for them to discover joy in their learning. We have national hubs in the UK, Namibia and South Africa and representatives in Holland, America and Asia. All delivering transformational new working practices to adults working with vulnerable children and their families, who face multiple challenges, including, mental health problems, inequality, poverty, violence and addiction.

I have been a Headteacher for 18 years, most recently, the former Headteacher at Netherfield Primary and Pre-School, a larger than average primary school of 488 children in an area of significant deprivation. I joined Netherfield Primary School in September 2009. At this time the school was in special measures. In July 2013, the school was judged by Ofsted to be outstanding in all areas. My previous experience includes 12 years leading special schools including residential units for children and young people experiencing severe social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEMH).Under my leadership I have enabled and supported sustainable change. The Cedars Primary School, Beormund and Harbour were all facing considerable difficulties when I joined them. They have all now been judged by Ofsted to be outstanding.

I currently represent mainstream schools in the Gedling area at the Strategic Behaviour and Attendance Partnership (SBAP). This identifies and supports schools and children who are experiencing social, emotional and mental health difficulties.

I am an active member of the SEND London Leadership Strategy team and work directly with them through the DfE to secure positive outcomes for children and young people experiencing SEND.

I am the Advisory Head for a Primary Free School in Liverpool and have recently supported the LIPA team through the bid writing process, interview, and appointment of Head teacher. I helped to ensure the school was ready for opening in September 2014, for example, developing the curriculum. I am now very much involved in supporting recruitment, staff and families.

I am a co-opted member of Engage in Their Future, formerly NAES, and sit on the national committee that represents SEHM schools. This committee supports the development of guidance and policy with the DfE for the most vulnerable learners who have been excluded from school or who are at risk of being excluded.

I am an Ofsted team inspector and work for SERCO; I have been an inspector for 8 years. This enables me to have a detailed knowledge and understanding of the inspection process and gain new ideas and insights from different schools.

My philosophy is one of authentic inclusion. I aim for everyone within the community to see themselves as a responsible and vital part of securing positive outcomes for all. I work systemically to enable everyone to be a successful leader and a lifelong learner.

I feel privileged to take on roles within school leadership. I aim to demonstrate my philosophy in everything I do by involving everyone. I ensure every person in the organisation is clear about their role, responsibilities and accountabilities and has the highest expectations. I believe that teams working together create the necessary climate of challenge and support to bring about continuous improvement and success.

The key to ensuring value, respect and success for all lies with managers. I believe in establishing systems for rigorous monitoring and effective feedback to all members of the organisation.

I use my philosophy of firm love to model my own very high expectations. I do this through robust structures and systems that ensure everyone feels contained and confident to grow and be creative.