I’ve been a Deputy Head of Studies at WQE since 2019, working closely with our PPM team and a wide range of support staff, teachers and parents to support students with their progress, learning and social behaviours, personal development and academic outcomes. Prior to my current role, I was a Progress Coach for four years, having first joined the support staff team at WQE as an Academic Coach in 2015.
Before coming to WQE, I worked as a Level 3 Teaching Assistant in a city secondary school, supporting students with additional needs within the Science & Technology department. Whilst there, I studied for a degree in Learning and Teaching which gave me an in-depth understanding of the critical role of support staff in education. I continue to have an active interest in education research and the broader landscape of post-16 provision.
I was previously an Organiser for a family support charity and qualified as a community and employment mediator for Leicestershire Mediation Service. Within both organisations, I worked closely with the Board of Trustees to provide essential insights into service provision. I also have hands-on experience of running a successful business as an import agent.
As Support Staff Governor, I aim to offer our trustees an objective and balanced perspective drawn from working with a wide range of support staff here, as well as from my work as DHoS and 17 years’ experience in support staff roles within education.