Passionate about getting the right learning to children when they are younger, I went on to become Head of Key Stage 1 & Literacy with a special interest in how phonics was taught.

When you first qualify to become a teacher, interests you may have had then, often change. Always the creative at heart I often took learning away from the desk & into the hall as children re-enacted key periods in history/literacy texts through dance/drama/music. Not only did we cover the curriculum, but it also gave children who may have struggled in the classroom, the opportunity to shine through the arts. Recognising & nurturing children's talents in this way was so rewarding & boosted their confidence back in the classroom too.

I went onto become Advanced skills teacher of performing arts. As well as working with my incredibly talented Deputy Head/Head of Music to develop our reputation in this area, I was also seconded to work in other schools in the county to develop that part of the curriculum for them too.

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 I then diversified & became Head of Behaviour Management & Pupil Well-Being. I attending various seminars run by the incredibly inspirational Dr Bill Rogers (Behaviour Management Specialist who sketched his way through seminars rather than power-points!) His simple yet effective strategies changed the way we managed behaviour back in the classroom.  As we know, children mis-behave for a reason. If we can get to the root of it, we can work together to find ways to de-escalate a situation before a child ultimately goes into crisis. Unsurprisingly, I developed an interest & connection with Team Teach, award-winning 'positive handling' training which helps staff support pupils with challenging behaviour.