Staff and Structure
Helen Dickenson
Co-Principal
Upper School Lead
Emily Webster
Co-Principal
Upper School Lead
Amanda Jebb
EYFS and Lower School Lead
Laura Goodfellow
Middle School Lead
Miglena Gencheva
Upper School Lead
Teresa Frost
Business Manager
Ian Lipman
Operations Manager
Wasim Butt
Education Director OAT
Karen Ludlow
Communication and Interaction Lead
Sophie Payne
Communication and Interaction Lead
Amanda Jebb
Personal Care and Independence Lead
Chloe Flack
Personal Care and Independence Lead
Amanda Jebb
Social, Emotional Well-Being Lead
Chloe Flack
Social, Emotional Well-Being Lead
Aaron Spalding
Physical Development Lead
Jo Turner
Sensory Lead
Hazel Bone
Numeracy Lead
Wendy Shannon
Literacy Lead
Alice Moon
Literacy Lead
Laura Goodfellow
Understanding the World
Miglena Gencheva
Arts Lead
Karen Ludlow
Arts Lead (Music)
Rachel Brooke
Science and Technology Lead
Richard Smith
Science and Technology Lead
Laura Templeman
Blackbirds Class
Assessment Nursery and Reception
Chloe Flack
Nightingales Class
Reception and Key Stage 1
Sophie Payne
Swifts Class (M-W)
Key Stage 1
Mel Armstrong
Swifts Class (Th-Fr)
Key Stage 1
Jo Turner
Goldfinches Class
Key Stage 1
Karen Ludlow
Sandpipers Class
Key Stage 2
Hazel Bone
Avocets Class
Key Stage 2
Rachel Brooke
Lapwings Class
Key Stage 3
Megan Smith
Redshanks Class
Key Stage 3
Richard Smith
Falcons Class
Key Stage 3 and 4
Faye Pyecroft
Merlins Class
Key Stage 4
Aaron Spalding
Ospreys Class
Key Stage 3/4
Alice Moon
Buzzards Class (M-W)
Key Stage 3/4
Wendy Shannon
Buzzards Class (Th,F)
Key Stage 3/4
Stacey Hammond
Cover Supervisor
Charlotte Gooderham
Moving and Handling Instructor
Joe Lavington
Supply Cover Supervisor
Suzie Hawkins
Lead Specialist Support Assistant
Kelly Root
Health Care Assistant
Danielle Hayward
Health Care Assistant
Jodie Cook
Swimming Instructor
Rachel Shave
Play Leader
Josie Smith
Lead Midday Supervisor
A Multi-Professional Environment
We work in a multi-professional environment. NHS therapy teams, (physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists) are based at, and fully integrated into, the life of the academy. We employ a music therapist two days a week and SCARC, (Suffolk Communication Aids Resource Centre) is also based here. Other teams of professionals that you will see around the academy include the Intervenor team (who support children with multi-sensory impairments) and the SPLSA team (Specialist Learning Support Assistants) (who support children with complex medical needs).
Visiting Professionals and Volunteers
There are many other professionals who visit regularly to run clinics or carry out work with individuals. These include social workers, specialist sensory teachers, pediatricians, dieticians, nurses, psychologists, behaviour specialists and wheelchair services. Holding clinics and other1:1 sessions in school minimizes the impact appointments have on children’s time in school.
We recognize the uniqueness of our setting and are passionate about increasing the visibility of our children and young people both within the local community and wider society as a whole. Opening our doors to volunteers as well as other professionals for training purposes is essential for promoting inclusion and improving the life chances and experiences of our children and their families. We have a continuous programme of students and volunteers in school and a lot of positive feedback about their time with us. If you are seeking a volunteer or student placement, please contact our volunteer coordinator Amanda Jebb.
Academy-employed staff – our pastoral classes
Team-work is essential to the effective running of the academy. There are several teams across school who work in a coordinated way to meet the diverse needs of our learners. Teams are organised around pastoral classes. Each class has a team of SSAs (Special Support Assistants) who remain with the class throughout the day and support with teaching and learning as well as care needs. We also have a care team who support with the intimate care needs of each child or young person. They may be attached to a class or work across a key stage.
The pastoral teacher, (or teachers if part-time) is responsible for coordinating the pastoral and educational needs of the children in his/her class. Whilst remaining responsible for their pastoral group, secondary teachers work across the key stage, (or wider). This increased exposure to a range of teachers is one way in which we prepare our children and young people for life beyond school.
The Heads of Department have a key role across school, supporting and coordinating all staff within their departments. In addition to holding wider whole-school responsibilities, they are Safeguarding Leads and mentors for the teachers in their key stage. They play an essential part in developing the teaching and learning across the academy.
Our curriculum leads have a key role in ensuring that the intent of our curriculum is implemented and impactful.
Academy-employed staff – other teams and roles
There are many other essential roles across school which support our children and young people including health-care assistants, a moving and handling instructor, a playworker and midday supervisors. Our friendly office team will be able to guide you to relevant person for any enquiries you may have.