I am very lucky to be the CEO of a group of special schools and a Specialist Post-16 Institute, every day helping to ensure that our schools and college are making life-changing differences. We work with children and young people and their families and feel privileged to be part of their journey.

Tell us about your career journey from Birmingham student to where you are today

My career has been one of fortunate happenstance, as I never really wanted to be a teacher! However, becoming a volunteer at a Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) residential home, I quickly found a passion in special education. 

I already had a PGCE and, being a qualified teacher, I was asked by the RNIB to work in a newly opened resourced provision within a community secondary special school, for students from the care home, aged 16-19.  I gained my QTVI (a requirement at the time) at Birmingham and then unfortunately soon after this the RNIB moved the care home. There were a number of families who didn’t want to move their children and so I was asked to set up a specific provision for children with Multi Sensory Impairments, within the community school. 

After this I was an Assistant Headteacher at a local special primary school and worked in a number of departments across Early Years to Year 6. I developed a particular passion for communication and the drive to support pupils who presented with no formal communication, and with the school, worked across our authority providing outreach support. 

I became Deputy Head and then wanted to strike out on my own and so after gaining my NPQH moved to Headship across two federated special schools in Warwickshire, which soon converted to a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT). I helped set up Supported Internship programmes (specific employability programmes for young people with SEND) and worked closely with local colleges to look at the destinations for young people with SEND. 

I was then approached by a school back in Northamptonshire and seven years later we are now a trust of 6 special schools and a specialist college! We started with two local special schools who wanted to make sure that all children in the local area had access to a school in their community with shared values, and people at the heart. We have stuck to this philosophy, which has expanded our reach into the wider community so that the wider community is better able to embrace individuals with a range of needs from a range of backgrounds. 

Describe a typical day in your current role

There is no typical day as I am in our schools or the college, meeting with the leaders and wider team. Some days can be project-based, some can be very hands-on. However, the common thread that underpins each day is ‘making a difference’. 

What has been the most extraordinary or memorable day on the job?

One of the most memorable was in interaction with a young person that then shaped my approach to teaching and leadership. It will sound very simple, but at the time had a profound effect. I was supporting a young person who presented with challenging behaviours and was very difficult to engage, absconding and refusing to participate in any activities staff would plan. However, I found him one day playing with a toy and so joined in. 

After a little while the young person struck up a conversation and this was the spark that enabled me to engage. This has stuck with me throughout – take the time to find an interest, a link or bond, and be ‘deliberately bothered’. 

Thinking back on your time as a student, what do you know now that you wish you knew then?

To have more than one option to a problem 

What would be your top tip for students to help them make the most out of their time at Birmingham?

I would encourage them to engage in the wider aspects of community life and to look after their well-being. 

What is the best piece of advice you ever received (career or otherwise)?

My Dad – on life and driving. Making your way through life is very much like driving – you need to always consider those with you, make their journey as comfortable as possible. Anticipate the bends and bumps ahead and try to smooth them out. And finally, don’t forget that as the driver you choose your music!