Read about the people who will be looking after your children.
Deb has been working in education for over 20 years, during this time she has worked for several local authorities and independent schools. She has held a variety of leadership and management roles including Designated Safeguarding Lead. Throughout her career she has been passionate about ensuring that all children reach their full potential.
Deb has been working in education for over 20 years, during this time she has worked for several local authorities and independent schools. She has held a variety of leadership and management roles including Designated Safeguarding Lead. Throughout her career she has been passionate about ensuring that all children reach their full potential.
Lucy is a kind, caring, committed and motivated teacher with 13 years’ experience in SEND education. Working with children and young adults with a range of differing needs and abilities such as autism, ASD, PDA, ADHD and SPD, from EYFS to KS3 and beyond. She is passionate about making education fun, meaningful and breaking down barriers to learning so that each individual reaches their full potential. Receiving the best educational experiences, learning skills for life.
Lucy is a kind, caring, committed and motivated teacher with 13 years’ experience in SEND education. Working with children and young adults with a range of differing needs and abilities such as autism, ASD, PDA, ADHD and SPD, from EYFS to KS3 and beyond. She is passionate about making education fun, meaningful and breaking down barriers to learning so that each individual reaches their full potential. Receiving the best educational experiences, learning skills for life.
Daniel has 8 years experience working with children and young adults with autism. After beginning his career in the care industry Daniel realised that his skillset lies within building strong relationships with both the team and the people he works with. Daniel is experienced in working with a range of needs including ASD, ADHD, SPD, Fragile X syndrome and PDA. A lifelong background of sports has encouraged a nature of energy and enthusiasm when working closely with students whilst also being able to just sit back and listen.
Daniel has 8 years experience working with children and young adults with autism. After beginning his career in the care industry Daniel realised that his skillset lies within building strong relationships with both the team and the people he works with. Daniel is experienced in working with a range of needs including ASD, ADHD, SPD, Fragile X syndrome and PDA. A lifelong background of sports has encouraged a nature of energy and enthusiasm when working closely with students whilst also being able to just sit back and listen.
Hello, I’m Jimmy, serving as the behaviour support lead at Birchwood Children’s Services School. My professional journey began in residential care settings, where I worked with both adults and young individuals with Autism. Over the years, I’ve successfully transitioned into the field of education. My primary focus lies in assisting with behaviour management and devising strategies to support young people during times of anxiety, nervousness, worry, or crisis. Working with a diverse group of students at the school is truly fulfilling, and my goal is to contribute to maintaining a joyful and secure environment for all our students.
Hello, I’m Jimmy, serving as the behaviour support lead at Birchwood Children’s Services School. My professional journey began in residential care settings, where I worked with both adults and young individuals with Autism. Over the years, I’ve successfully transitioned into the field of education. My primary focus lies in assisting with behaviour management and devising strategies to support young people during times of anxiety, nervousness, worry, or crisis. Working with a diverse group of students at the school is truly fulfilling, and my goal is to contribute to maintaining a joyful and secure environment for all our students.
Megan is a very passionate and committed Teacher with 7 years of experience in education. She has worked closely with children with a range of needs, including ASD, ADHD, GDD and Sensory Processing Needs across all key stages. Megan is particularly passionate about teaching children to read and write, and is our Phonics and Early Reading Lead here at Birchwood. Megan is looking forward to putting her years of experience into changing the lives of the children at Birchwood School.
Megan is a very passionate and committed Teaching Assistant with 5 to 7 years of experience in SEND education. She has worked closely with children with a range of needs, including ASD, ADHD, GDD and Sensory Processing Needs within EYFS to KS2. Megan is looking forward to putting her years of experience into changing the lives of the children at Birchwood School.
Kathryn Galara A teacher with experience in a wide range of educational settings including teaching at FE colleges, community settings and mainstream and SEN/SEMH schools. My first experience of working in SEN opened my eyes that this was the area I would like to work in. An enthusiastic teacher who likes to engage all learners in developing their skills, confidence and knowledge academically and socially.
Kathryn Galara A teacher with experience in a wide range of educational settings including teaching at FE colleges, community settings and mainstream and SEN/SEMH schools. My first experience of working in SEN opened my eyes that this was the area I would like to work in. An enthusiastic teacher who likes to engage all learners in developing their skills, confidence and knowledge academically and socially.
Hannah is an experienced teacher with a strong background in SEN and SEMH education. She has worked with students with a wide range of needs, including ASD, ADHD, PMLD, and global developmental delay, from EYFS through to KS3. Passionate about creating inclusive, supportive learning environments, Hannah is dedicated to helping every young person reach their full potential.
Hannah is an experienced teacher with a strong background in SEN and SEMH education. She has worked with students with a wide range of needs, including ASD, ADHD, PMLD, and global developmental delay, from EYFS through to KS3. Passionate about creating inclusive, supportive learning environments, Hannah is dedicated to helping every young person reach their full potential.
Brendan has worked in education for over 20 years across the UK and internationally, in both mainstream and specialist schools. His experience includes teaching and leading in a wide range of settings, from primary through to post-16, with particular expertise in supporting students with autism, SEMH, and complex additional needs. He has held senior leadership roles including SENCO, Head of Secondary, and Designated Safeguarding Lead, but his greatest passion has always been teaching and supporting young people directly.
Brendan holds a Master’s degree in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and is committed to making learning creative, meaningful, and tailored to each student’s interests. He places a strong focus on preparing young people for adult life, ensuring that skills for independence, confidence, and self-expression are built into everyday learning. By drawing on students’ own passions and strengths, Brendan works to create engaging opportunities where they can achieve academically, socially, and personally.
Brendan has worked in education for over 20 years across the UK and internationally, in both mainstream and specialist schools. His experience includes teaching and leading in a wide range of settings, from primary through to post-16, with particular expertise in supporting students with autism, SEMH, and complex additional needs. He has held senior leadership roles including SENCO, Head of Secondary, and Designated Safeguarding Lead, but his greatest passion has always been teaching and supporting young people directly.
Brendan holds a Master’s degree in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and is committed to making learning creative, meaningful, and tailored to each student’s interests. He places a strong focus on preparing young people for adult life, ensuring that skills for independence, confidence, and self-expression are built into everyday learning. By drawing on students’ own passions and strengths, Brendan works to create engaging opportunities where they can achieve academically, socially, and personally.
Zoe Smith, a dedicated Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) for over 15years I’m committed to enriching the learning environment in our school. Collaborating closely with teachers, I actively contribute to lesson planning, lead group sessions, and assess student progress. In addition to my role as an HLTA, I serve as the Lead of Career Development. Here, I guide students toward successful futures by implementing thorough career development programs in collaboration with local companies. Juggling these dual responsibilities enables me to make valuable contributions to both academic and career development, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future endeavours.
Zoe Smith, a dedicated Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) for over 15years I’m committed to enriching the learning environment in our school. Collaborating closely with teachers, I actively contribute to lesson planning, lead group sessions, and assess student progress. In addition to my role as an HLTA, I serve as the Lead of Career Development. Here, I guide students toward successful futures by implementing thorough career development programs in collaboration with local companies. Juggling these dual responsibilities enables me to make valuable contributions to both academic and career development, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future endeavours.
Chris is a creative teaching assistant, brings a unique perspective to the classroom, blending his passion for sports with his experience in the construction industry. After a successful career in construction, Chris made a career switch, driven by a desire to positively impact and shape the futures of young people. He particularly enjoys engaging students in sports activities, using his enthusiasm and creative approach to foster a love for physical education and teamwork among his students. His career change reflects his commitment to nurturing and developing the potential of the children at Birchwood children’s services.
Chris is a creative teaching assistant, brings a unique perspective to the classroom, blending his passion for sports with his experience in the construction industry. After a successful career in construction, Chris made a career switch, driven by a desire to positively impact and shape the futures of young people. He particularly enjoys engaging students in sports activities, using his enthusiasm and creative approach to foster a love for physical education and teamwork among his students. His career change reflects his commitment to nurturing and developing the potential of the children at Birchwood children’s services.
Stefania Monks has worked as a Teaching Assistant for over 6 years with children in both a mainstream and SEN setting. This has involved working as a one to one with children with additional needs, working in a SEN provision within a mainstream setting and also working in a 3-form entry primary school. Stefania has worked with children from Reception ages through to KS2. She is very passionate about making a difference and helping children to thrive.
Stefania Monks has worked as a Teaching Assistant for over 6 years with children in both a mainstream and SEN setting. This has involved working as a one to one with children with additional needs, working in a SEN provision within a mainstream setting and also working in a 3-form entry primary school. Stefania has worked with children from Reception ages through to KS2. She is very passionate about making a difference and helping children to thrive.
Mell has been involved in Early Years Education for nine years. Mell is deeply passionate about learning through play and sensory provisions. Mell possess a range of skills in working with children with special educational needs and working with professionals such as speech and language therapists, early help practitioners, and occupational therapists. Mell has a passion for working with children and watching them grow and develop.
Mell has been involved in Early Years Education for nine years. Mell is deeply passionate about learning through play and sensory provisions. Mell possess a range of skills in working with children with special educational needs and working with professionals such as speech and language therapists, early help practitioners, and occupational therapists. Mell has a passion for working with children and watching them grow and develop.
Jenna Barton is hard working and a committed teaching assistant with 10 years’ experience supporting children with autism. Jenna is passionate about inclusion and supporting children to advocate for themselves.
Jenna Barton is hard working and a committed teaching assistant with 10 years’ experience supporting children with autism. Jenna is passionate about inclusion and supporting children to advocate for themselves.
Hi I’m Nathan Level 3 teaching assistant with experience in SEND and mainstream schools, working in general and 1:1 situation. Nathan also has experience in the music industry, studying music production at university, hosting events and performing in multiple bands throughout his career, and is now keen to pass that music knowledge to future generations.
Hi I’m Nathan Level 3 teaching assistant with experience in SEND and mainstream schools, working in general and 1:1 situation. Nathan also has experience in the music industry, studying music production at university, hosting events and performing in multiple bands throughout his career, and is now keen to pass that music knowledge to future generations.
Ben has 2 years’ experience in education for and has worked within a schooling environment for 8 years delivering a variety of sport sessions. During this time Ben has worked with children who have a wide range of impairments. Ben is working towards a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification.
Ben has 2 years’ experience in education for and has worked within a schooling environment for 8 years delivering a variety of sport sessions. During this time Ben has worked with children who have a wide range of impairments. Ben is working towards a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification.
My names Leanne and I am Teaching Assistant here at Birchwood School. I am a dedicated professional and mother of three, including children with ADHD, autism and dyslexia, which has deeply shaped my commitment to supporting children with special educational needs. Currently at the beginning of my career in SEN education, I am particularly passionate about progressing within the wellbeing sector. I thrive on challenges and am continually focused on personal growth. Supporting the development, education, and wellbeing of young people is at the heart of everything I do
My names Leanne and I am Teaching Assistant here at Birchwood School. I am a dedicated professional and mother of three, including children with ADHD, autism and dyslexia, which has deeply shaped my commitment to supporting children with special educational needs. Currently at the beginning of my career in SEN education, I am particularly passionate about progressing within the wellbeing sector. I thrive on challenges and am continually focused on personal growth. Supporting the development, education, and wellbeing of young people is at the heart of everything I do
Toni is an EYFS Specialist with a passion for learning through play. With over 10 years of experience working in childcare, Toni also has a strong dedication to supporting SEN, particularly with ASD and ADHD. This commitment stems from both professional expertise and personal experience, as Toni’s son also has ADHD. In addition to this, Toni values inclusion and mental health, making these areas essential in both personal and professional endeavours.
Toni is an EYFS Specialist with a passion for learning through play. With over 10 years of experience working in childcare, Toni also has a strong dedication to supporting SEN, particularly with ASD and ADHD. This commitment stems from both professional expertise and personal experience, as Toni’s son also has ADHD. In addition to this, Toni values inclusion and mental health, making these areas essential in both personal and professional endeavours.
I have 7 years’ experience of working with SEN children. As the school Administrator here at Birchwood Children’s Services School, I look forward to welcoming in the pupils, building up relationships and welcoming any visitors that come through our door. I manage all phone calls, oversee documentation, HR files, attendance records and more. Additionally, I make sure that the school has all the necessary resources required.
I have 7 years’ experience of working with SEN children. As the school Administrator here at Birchwood Children’s Services School, I look forward to welcoming in the pupils, building up relationships and welcoming any visitors that come through our door. I manage all phone calls, oversee documentation, HR files, attendance records and more. Additionally, I make sure that the school has all the necessary resources required.
