Central Education Team
SARAH BAGSHAW
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Worked within the Education sector nationally and within St Bede at a strategic level for over 15 years. Upholds the Christian ethos of the MAT and ensure Christianity underpins the MAT Mission. Manages the overall operations of the organisation, including development of the Trust, educational excellence, marketing, communications, and financial sustainability. Develops and approves strategies to meet Members, parents, children, educational agencies and employee needs. Communicates with people inside and outside the organisation to discover what policies, operational and marketing strategies will help the Trust move forward. Created project teams to lead the development of the MAT, from St Bede Academy conversion through to the first sponsorship from initial due diligence, to completion of a second Academy, Tonge Moor.
SARAH ROSTRON
CHIEF OPERATION OFFICER
Sarah has over 19 years’ experience in Primary School education. She is a Specialist Leader of Education with specialisms in Teaching and Learning, Curriculum Leadership and Quality Standards. She has successfully led initiatives at St. Bede and other schools to raise standards in numeracy and literacy; to improve the quality of teaching and to improve data reporting and analysis. She has also played a leading role in a number of “Deep Dive” diagnostics which have led to whole school improvements in other schools. Previously Head of School at St. Bede, a 3 form entry primary school in Bolton. In her role as COO she is dedicated to ensuring that all pupils have access to a fun, engaging curriculum that gives them the best the best start in life.
ANNA BLACK
HEAD TEACHER
Anna has over 19 years’ experience in education. She is a currently the Headteacher at St. Bede Primary Academy, a three-form entry primary school in Bolton, and is committed to providing educational excellence. She is a Specialist Leader of Education with particular expertise in the Quality of Education. Anna has been successfully deployed to support a number of schools resulting in significant impact on standards. A recent external review report stated, “The Headteacher leads with energy and vision.”
NICOLA WHITTAKER
HEAD TEACHER
Nicola has been a Headteacher since September 2019. Within three years of headship, including during the global pandemic, she has ensured sustainable whole school improvement at Tonge Moor Primary Academy from an OFSTED judgement of inadequate to good. She has almost twenty-seven years’ experience in five primary schools and senior leadership experience in four schools. During her career, she has held a variety of leadership roles including whole school responsibility for Special Educational Needs, Safeguarding, Teaching and Learning and Assessment. As a senior leader, she has been responsible for ensuring the highest standards of teaching and learning, developing positive school and pupil culture as well as the strategic planning and monitoring of continual school improvement.
KEELEY KING
DEPUTY HEAD TEACHER
Keeley has worked in education for 16 years and at St Bede CE Primary Academy for 2 years as Deputy Head and Curriculum Lead. Her role is to support subject leads in developing, monitoring and continually improving their area of the curriculum. She is also responsible for driving forward whole curriculum concepts, reviewing areas of the curriculum and researching new initiatives. She does this in collaboration with Natalie Kelleher, Deputy Head at Tonge Moor Primary Academy. Keeley and Natalie work closely to share ideas, strengths and areas for development which provides a cross school opportunity for school improvement. Subject leads are also encouraged to collaborate and share best practice as part of this model. These networking opportunities go beyond the schools within the MAT as Keeley and Natalie also work together to facilitate Curriculum Network Events for all leaders of a particular subject to meet and discuss their subject in their school which really supports subject leadership.
NATALIE KELLEHER
DEPUTY HEAD TEACHER
Keeley has worked in education for 16 years and at St Bede CE Primary Academy for 2 years as Deputy Head and Curriculum Lead. Her role is to support subject leads in developing, monitoring and continually improving their area of the curriculum. She is also responsible for driving forward whole curriculum concepts, reviewing areas of the curriculum and researching new initiatives. She does this in collaboration with Natalie Kelleher, Deputy Head at Tonge Moor Primary Academy. Keeley and Natalie work closely to share ideas, strengths and areas for development which provides a cross school opportunity for school improvement. Subject leads are also encouraged to collaborate and share best practice as part of this model. These networking opportunities go beyond the schools within the MAT as Keeley and Natalie also work together to facilitate Curriculum Network Events for all leaders of a particular subject to meet and discuss their subject in their school which really supports subject leadership.
ZOE ASHTON
SENDCO
Zoe is a SENDCO with over 5 years’ experience; having worked at both St Bede Primary Academy and most recently as the SENDCO at Tonge Moor Primary Academy, where she gained her National Award for SEND co-ordination. She has a passion for inclusive practise and for supporting teachers and special needs assistants to ensure all SEND children are able to flourish. As part of Zoe’s role as Mental Health Lead for Tonge Moor, she also works closely with other staff members across the MAT to support staff wellbeing. She has worked with other staff to implement new initiatives to reduce staff workload and has used her mental health training to support staff members in managing their own mental health. She is committed to finding ways for staff to always feel their best, so that they can provide the best experience for our pupils.
JEMMA HARPER
SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANT
Jemma has a great passion for raising awareness of SEN in all areas and ensuring that all children feel safe, happy and valued within the school community. Jemma has taken on a lead role ensuring that provision maps are of a high quality. This ensures that interventions are well-planned, relevant and enable the child to progress and develop at their own pace. Jemma works alongside other special needs assistants to ensure they feel comfortable in delivering high-quality interventions or group work with children, especially those children with an educational health care plan or showing signs of moderate/ significant learning difficulties. Jemma has a great passion and area of interest in language development, making sure all children can be heard regardless of their needs. Jemma trains new staff to complete assessments to identify the needs of our children. She is also able to offer guidance for teachers and support staff in completing reviews and gathering information for an educational health care plan application.
ALEX ETCHELLS
SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANT
Alex has worked in her role at St Bede for 3 years and has previously worked at Morris Green OOSC, at St Bede, as part of the senior management team. She has developed her role as an SNA completing various CPD including SEN Diploma and SEN Teaching assistant. Alex oversees the schools medical register and has undertaken relevant medical training in Epi pens, Epilepsy and Diabetes. Whilst Alex has a wide knowledge of SEN needs and EHCPs, her expertise lies with SEMH, Social Emotional Mental Health. She has a very inclusive approach for all children ‘If the children are happy in themselves, they will be happy in school and be ready to learn.’ Alex prides herself in being a voice for the children and strongly sees her role as a vocation rather than a job.
JENNA PHILBURN
ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER
Jenna is an experienced and outstanding Early Years Leader. Having previously worked in PVI settings, she has taught in the Early Years at both St Bede Primary and Tonge Moor. Jenna specialises in Teaching and Learning to which she has an incredibly creative approach. She is also heavily involved in Outdoor Play, where her creative skills come to the fore.
MICHELLE DRAKE
ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER
Michelle as Early Years Lead, uses her vast experience, passion and never-ending good humour to support other settings and schools in relation to their Early Years Provision. She played a key role in the ECaT project and is a Bolton Communication Champion. Michelle has worked collaboratively with external suppliers to create inspirational environments and is always looking for imaginative ways to provide outstanding teaching and learning.
LAUREN HIRST
DEPUTY HEADTEACHER
Michelle as Early Years Lead, uses her vast experience, passion and never-ending good humour to support other settings and schools in relation to their Early Years Provision. She played a key role in the ECaT project and is a Bolton Communication Champion. Michelle has worked collaboratively with external suppliers to create inspirational environments and is always looking for imaginative ways to provide outstanding teaching and learning.
DANIELLE LIVESEY
ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER
Danielle Livesey, as Designated Safeguarding Lead, is driven by her belief that children who are happy, safe and motivated through quality learning experiences and inclusive, creative and dynamic teaching, engage and access learning effectively. At the heart of her teaching and leadership, is the well-being of the staff and children, with an emphasis on building relationships and nurturing and supporting both staff and children to flourish and grow from their individual starting points and areas of expertise, to become well-rounded individuals. Additionally, having spent her professional life so far working at Tonge Moor Primary Academy, this has provided her with an acutely sensitive knowledge of the social, cultural and diverse needs of Tonge Moor children and families, which supports her role as Designated Safeguarding Lead.
ROCHELLE CONNOR
DEPUTY DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD
Rochelle has worked at St Bede for just over 16 years. During that time, she has had experience in a variety of roles such as Learning Mentor and Pastoral Support but has for the last 6 years has taken over the role of LAC lead and is an integral part of the safeguarding team. She is now Deputy Safeguarding Lead and is also a Year 6 class teacher. Under the guidance of DSL, and having a great knowledge of how the St Bede Safeguarding policy and outside agencies work, Rochelle acts as a source of support, advice and expertise within the school. She acts with integrity, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
NASEEM PATEL
DEPUTY DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD & ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER
Naseem is Assistant Head Teacher at St Bede Primary Academy. She is also class teacher and Deputy Safeguarding Lead at the school. She has experience in working in education for 16 years. As Deputy Safeguarding Lead, she acts as a source of support, advice and expertise for all staff. She liaises with staff especially teachers, pastoral support staff, school nurses, IT technicians, and SENCO on matters of safety and safeguarding and welfare (including online and digital safety) and when deciding whether to make a referral by liaising with relevant agencies so that children’s needs are considered holistically. As Deputy Safeguarding Lead her knowledge and skills continually refreshed via e-bulletins, weekly meeting with other safeguarding team, or simply taking time to read and digest safeguarding developments as required. She is dedicated to keep children safe and happy at all times.
CLAIRE WOODS
ADMIN MANAGER & CLERK
Claire Woods is the Office Manager at St. Bede C.E. Primary Academy and has been with the academy for almost 10 years. She is also Clerk to the Directors of the St. Bede Multi Academy Trust (MAT) and Staff Governor on the Local Governing Board. Previously, Claire worked at The Co-op for 18 years, undertaking various roles, though mainly specialising in internal communications and colleague engagement. Through her previous experience of working for a large corporate company, Claire has brought, and continues to bring, her skills, knowledge and expertise to the MAT, and continually provides support to the Senior Leadership Teams at both schools, as well as the MAT Leadership Team, in delivering their visions.
REBECCA O’BRIEN
ATTENDANCE OFFICER & PASTORAL LEADER
Rebecca has experienced many roles within the MAT during her 17 years of service. As Attendance and Pastoral Officer at Tonge Moor Academy she monitors attendance, removing the barriers to learning and engaging closely with families and external agencies. Rebecca continues to deliver weekly nurture sessions for children on the Child Protection register to support emotional wellbeing. Making pupil wellbeing our focus, enables our young people to make well informed, positive choices to support their journey and to ensure they have the tools they need to flourish and thrive.
DAWN BONNEY
ATTENDANCE OFFICER & BEHAVIOUR MENTOR
Dawn has worked in primary education for over 16 years. She has vast knowledge and experience of working with children and families dealing with barriers to education. Her focus is on making sure that everyone understands what young children need to thrive, to be happy and healthy. In order to gain the best outcome possible, she works proactively and collaboratively to offer support to make sure every child receives the education that they deserve.
SARAH HOBSON
LEARNING MENTOR
Sarah is a learning mentor as part of her role she supports pupils through offering sessions on mindfulness, children’s well-being and safeguarding as well as offering pupils support relating to issues of anti- bullying, bereavement and pupil anxieties. She attends safeguarding core and conference meetings and leads on Early Help support for families. Part of Sarah’s role is to ensure that staff follow the wave systems in pupil support and intervention.
LEAH JENNINGS
ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER
Leah started her teaching career at St. Bede CE Primary in 2014 and later, in 2020, secured the position of Assistant Head at Tonge Moor Primary Academy. Leah, who has taught across KS2 at both schools, has been based in Year 6 for the last seven years. She has held a number of curriculum leadership responsibilities in Maths, Science, RE and Geography. Leah works within the assessment team and has a secure understanding of the different statutory assessment requirements at the end of each key stage. She has led various projects to raise standards and is currently leading the National Tutoring Programme. During the pandemic, Leah led the remote learning offer and worked closely with other members of the Trust to ensure Covid risk assessments were in-line with current national guidance. She is also an ECT induction lead and is part of the Local Governing Body at St Bede Primary Academy. In 2019, Leah successfully completed NPQML and is currently undertaking her NPQH.
DEBBIE HARDMAN
HR & STAFF ATTENDANCE LEAD
Debbie began her journey with St Bede 20 years ago. During that time, she has worked in various roles within the Childcare Charity and within the Central Services Team. Having worked in several areas of the school has enabled Debbie to enhance her skills and knowledge through training either in house or externally. Working with staff and the senior team to promote and support attendance and wellbeing has become Debbie’s core role within the MAT.
JOANNE AINSWORTH
SYSTEMS & ADMIN OFFICER
Joanne has over 20 years’ experience working in an Admin environment within the education sector. She plays a crucial role in the day-to-day life of school by providing a wide range of administrative support to keep everything running as smoothly as possible. Joanne’s main responsibility is to maintain the school’s data system ‘Bromcom’ and process and submit all relevant reports in accordance with DfE and Local Authority requirements. She helps to create a good relationship between school, parents/carers and the wider community by providing home-school and general communications, sharing them via email, school website and social media platforms.
ROBINA DURANI
ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER
Robina Durrani is the Year 4 teacher, Assistant Head and Phase Lead for Year 3 and 4 at Tonge Moor Primary Academy. She has a broad wealth of teaching experience covering over 28 years’, across 8 primary schools. She has been a subject lead for Science, English, RE, DT and PSHRE. She has also completed the NPQSL (National Professional Qualifications in Senior Leadership). She has a passion for providing children with goals and aspirations. She has gained funding from a variety of government/ charitable agencies to enhance different areas of the curriculum including funding for staff CPD and trips. She has mentored, guided and motivated staff at different points in their professional careers. She has a sound understanding of the role of a governor as she has been a Parent / Co-opted governor at local high school for five years.
LOUISE GREENWOOD
ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER
Louise has worked at St Bede CE Primary Academy for 20 years, initially as a Teaching Assistant and SNA before becoming a qualified teacher. She is currently Assistant Head for Key Stage One, having taken on this role in 2019. Louise has been teaching for over 16 years and has a wealth of teaching experience in both Key Stage One and Key Stage Two. Louise is English Lead and has a real passion for this subject, having led whole school improvement and delivered training across the MAT in this subject area. She is instrumental in supporting and ‘growing others’ through her role as Senior Lead Mentor for SCITT/ITT trainees, as well as supporting whole school staff development. Louise is currently working towards gaining her NPQH.
YVONNE TRIMBLE
ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER
Yvonne has over 25 years’ experience in Primary School education. She is currently Assistant Head Teacher, with responsibility for Years 5 and 6, and teaches in Year 6. Yvonne is the Maths Lead at St Bede and has completed the NCETM Primary Maths Specialist with PD Lead Training, which supports the development of the Mastery approach in Maths. Part of this role has involved leading TRGs – Teacher Research Groups – to support Maths Leads and practitioners to develop the Teaching for Mastery approach in their schools.