Teaching and Curriculum Development

Teaching and Curriculum Development

Working with us to develop the curriculum we have a growing team of highly experienced teachers and therapists currently employed in Mainstream and Special Schools including a Headteacher, primary and secondary teachers and specialists in particular areas of therapy, as well as:

Lucy Rickford-Barnes
Lucy was born and brought up in Maidenhead, she attended Maidenhead College School and then gained a BA (Hons) from Wolverhampton University, in European Studies and French. After graduating, she worked initially in publishing and then went on to obtain her Post Graduate Certificate in Education from Roehampton University in 1993 and has worked in education ever since, including some time teaching at a bilingual school in France.

She has taught in Primary Schools in Slough, Windsor & Maidenhead and Wokingham, holding a number of senior roles across the schools. Whilst teaching at Bisham Church of England Primary School, she was selected by the Royal Borough to work with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority on developing aspects of the English National Curriculum. She then went on to work for Slough Education Action Zone where she provided support to a number of schools to improve standards across the curriculum. She was appointed Deputy Head teacher at Lea Infant School in 2004 and subsequently appointed Head teacher in 2006. She gained the National Professional Qualification for Head teachers and has been a Headteacher since September 2006. She has a special interest in Nurture Groups and the support of children with additional educational and/or social and emotional needs.

Kerry Carter
Giving children the opportunity to grow and develop in a stimulating, positive environment has always been at the forefront of Kerry’s mind throughout her teaching career. Whether teaching in the independent or state sector, be it primary or secondary, these varied experiences have reiterated that in order for children to achieve their potential, happiness and high self-esteem are vital. Trained as a Music teacher, Kerry’s experiences have broadened over the years to include Drama and Performing Arts, and much involvement with pupils with varying Special Needs. Kerry has a particular interest in children with social and emotional vulnerabilities, and attachment difficulties, both in her professional and personal life.

Jo and Rosie Armstrong
Jo Armstrong and her daughter Rosie will run the animal smallholding at Beech Lodge. Their role is to involve the students in all aspects of animal care. With many years experience in handling animals in film, stage and television as well as children’s parties and corporate events, they fully understand the importance of confident animal interaction. Through their own personal experience of home education, Jo and Rosie fully appreciate that conventional, mainstream schooling may not be for everyone. They are committed to introducing young people the benefits of caring for animals; including building relationships, self-esteem and learning new skills.

Rachel Cassidy
Following background in business, mother of two Rachel has for many years worked in both state and private schools as a Learning Support Assistant for children with Attachment Difficulties, ADHD, Autism and Learning Difficulties. She understands the very need for an empathic and holistic approach to learning.

Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts
Working with us to create and implement our drama curriculum is actress Pauline Quirke and a team of professionals from PQA who work in education, performing arts and the entertainment industry delivering high educational value combined with realistic industry practice. Set up in 2007 PQA now has over 30 thriving weekend academies throughout the country.

Pauline set up the Pauline Quirke Academies marking an amazing 40 years in showbusiness which has included a variety of film and TV roles, her first at the age of 9 in Dixon of Dock Green and of course her role of ‘Sharon’ in 101 episodes of Birds of a Feather. A mother of two, Pauline is also vice-patron to the Rhys Daniels Trust, an Honorary member of the NSPCC, a patron of the Ian Rennie Hospice at Home and supporter of Children in Crisis.