The Inclusion Team

My role as North Oxfordshire Academy's Deputy SENDCO means that I work within the Inclusion team to ensure students have access to reasonable adjustments based on their individual needs. I am also responsible for organising the school's phonics scheme, working to ensure every learner leaves us with fluency and confidence in reading and writing. I have been teaching since 2009 (my degree is in English with a PGCE in Primary teaching and learning) which enables me to support our Year 7s as they transition onto their NOA journey with us. The best part about my work is seeing students believing in themselves and achieving their full potential. 

Qualifications: BA and MSC in ancient history and environmental archaeology and palaeoenvironments. Post-graduate diploma in trauma informed practice. ELSA.

My main professional experience is in ASD, anxieties, behaviour, mental health and school avoidance. I teach outdoor practical skills, animal care and the natural environment.  I studied at the University of Birmingham and obtained BA and MSc in ancient history and environmental archaeology and palaeoenvironments. I have lots of experience in woodland and remote environments, bush craft and wild food foraging. I’m obsessed with the outdoors, the natural world and promotes importance of exploring outdoors for positive mental health and local environment awareness.  I also have a background in art and design, a black belt in jujitsu and an interest in exotic animals. 

I joined NOA in November 2020, previously working at a local primary school.  Since joining NOA I have been supporting pupils in class to be able to access their lessons through my capacity as a Learning Coach. I run the gardening club at school as I believe fresh air is important for well-being. In my spare time I like to run and have completed Wolf runs and marathons. 

I like working at NOA because I know I can help make a positive impact and support our students through their years at secondary school. I have always worked within environments that uses key skills to understand change and help people develop the skills to adapt and support them to achieve the best in their future.  

I have completed my Bachelor's degree in Special Educational Needs and Inclusion (0-25).  I like that in my job I am able to use the skills I have developed while studying my degree. Each day is different and very flexible. I love being able to work with young people and support them to achieve their potential. 

I have worked at Noa for 1 year now and it’s been unlike any job I’ve ever had. Every day comes with a new challenge and the students motivate me to be better every single day. Before working at NOA I worked as a personal trainer straight out of college following a Level 2 Sports and exercise Diploma, I started in a small gym teaching classes and working my way up to becoming a 1-2-1 trainer. Alongside my job at NOA I also serve as an On-call Firefighter for Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue stationed here in Banbury. My favourite part about working at NOA is seeing students realise their potential, the moment they realise what can be achieved through having ambition and determination is a special moment. 

I started working in Education in 2006 as a Teaching Assistant at Hanwell Fields Community School. I quickly fell in love with working with young people and began my Teacher Training shortly after. I had the most incredible twenty-year journey working in KS2 and as a Y6 Teacher, Phase Leader and member of the Senior Leadership Team. I had always been interested in how the children's journey continued in secondary school after they left in Year 6, and I decided that I wanted to start a new chapter working with secondary school students. I also wanted to find a role which would enable me to work with children with Special Educational Needs. I had always found building the confidence of these children and supporting them to succeed in every way possible to be the most rewarding part of my job, and where I felt I could make a difference the most. I had often heard from ex-students and their parents that went on to NOA, how much they were enjoying their journey and what a fantastic school it was. After already working as part of United Learning Trust, I knew that I shared a passion for their values and opportunities. When the opportunity to become a Learning Coach as part of the SEND Team arose, it seemed like the perfect fit. From the very first day that I was shown around, I could see and feel what an inclusive, caring and supportive school NOA was, and I felt privileged to become part of the NOA family. It has been incredible to see how much love and effort is put in by all staff to support the students. I felt welcomed immediately and the wealth of knowledge that the staff have about the needs of individual children is clear to see. The SEND provision is incredible and the Thrive Team work closely with Teachers, Support Staff and parents to support specific individual needs and bring out the best in everyone. It is wonderful to see the students constantly grow in confidence and to know that they have support not just in their academic studies, but in their mental health and well-being needs too.