Kate Stevens
Executive Headteacher
Hello! I’m really excited to be leading this beautiful school: working closely with all our young people and their parents/carers , as well as supporting and developing our very talented staff.
I believe in placing the young person at the centre of all that we do and providing an individual flight path through the curriculum to enable them to achieve their dreams for their future. I have two lovely dogs at home – a handsome working cocker spaniel and a fluffy cavachon- and I love to take them on long walks and teach them tricks. I am very blessed to have a horse called Jilly – she is teaching me how to ride. I am not very good yet- but despite falling off every now and then I keep getting back on and trying!
You can always talk to me about anything that concerns you – I am a very good listener and always want to help.
I am looking forward to our journey together!
Warren Drury
Assistant Headteacher Pastoral
Since qualifying with a teaching degree in PE and Mathematics Warren has spent 20 years teaching in Yorkshire, Australia, and the Midlands. Warren is excited to join the leadership team at Oakwood and is looking forward to working with all the students and their parents or carers.
Warren believes in creating an environment where students feel safe and secure and can fulfil their potential, regardless of their starting point or background. He believes that a vital part of education is that every student has the support they require, so they are fully prepared for their next steps in life and have the greatest possible opportunities when they leave formal education. He feels that all students should be nurtured to be aspirational and independent learners, who are resilient and socially confident.
Outside of school Warren spends most of his time with his family, especially his young twins. He has a passion for sports and enjoys playing football and golf.
Siobhan Long
Assistant Headteacher Curriculum
After completing a dual BA(Hons) in History, Sociology and Social Anthropology, Siobhán went to live in Japan and Italy to teach English as a Foreign Language. On returning to the UK, she completed her PGCE in Religious Education. Siobhán went on to become Head of R.E, SENDCo and Assistant Headteacher of SEN/Inclusion at several secondary schools in Birmingham and Leicester.
Siobhán is a qualified SENDCo and assessor for access arrangements. She has completed the National Award of SEN Co-ordination and a post graduate certificate in Psychometric Testing and Access Arrangements. She is also a registered member of the British Psychological Society.
Siobhán is committed to promoting enriching education for young people, through creating a stimulating and supportive curriculum. She believes that education should enable every child to achieve their potential in a supportive, inclusive, secure, and stable environment.
Kate TUTTLE
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Kate has been a teacher for over 20 in a variety of settings. She has been a Designated Safeguarding Lead for the last eight years in three different schools and is looking forward to supporting the students, parents, carers and staff at Oakwood in her new role.
As DSL she will be ensuring that everyone at school is kept safe. This will involve making sure that all adults working with your children have been thoroughly checked to ensure they are safe to work with children. To help support pupils Kate will be liaising with outside agencies and companies who support families and students in school. She will also be monitoring attendance in school and if you have any questions, or need to report a child as absent you can call and speak with her to discuss your concerns..
Kate enjoys her role and the knowledge that she is an integral part of ensuring the pupils at school feel safe, secure, and happy. She believes that it is rewarding to know that as a school we are helping our young people to be prepared and ready to enter the wider community. Part of her role is to support students with their transition into Oakwood, ensuring they feel supported and comfortable making the next step in their journey.
Outside of work Kate enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, and visiting new places. She also enjoys running and has recently taken up crochet.
TANIA READMAN
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Tania joined Oakwood Community school in December 2017. She started as a learning mentor within the primary classes, working on a one to one basis or in small groups alongside the class teacher. She has taken great pride in watching the pupils grow emotionally and following the completion of training she has recently become the designated safeguarding lead for the school. She has undertaken a Level 3 Diploma course for Children and Young People’s Workforce: Social Care Pathway.
Her previous experience has included working with young children and running a nursery facility at a local community centre. She has also been a volunteer for Home-Start visiting families in need with young children, as well as running family groups. She has also worked as a residential care worker helping young people.
Tania is committed to developing her role at Oakwood Community school, and ensuring all the school’s pupils have a safe environment in which to grow and learn.
RAJ BUAL
Head of PE and Outdoor Learning
After completing his BA (Hons) in Sport and Psychology at the University of Derby, Raj went on to complete his PGCE in Physical Education (PE) at Loughborough University.
Raj’s involvement participating in and leading sports activities has been a huge part of his life since school and he uses PE not only to develop physical skills in young people, but also to enhance young people’s social and emotional development.
Raj has just completed his MSc at Loughborough University focusing on Forest Schools and how outdoor space can be used as a tool to facilitate learning and development. Raj leads a wide range of sporting activities and aims to improve young people’s confidence in sports whilst manifesting a lifelong love of learning.
In his spare time Raj enjoys playing Volleyball with his local club and spending quality time with his family and friends.
LEIGHA DOUGLAS
Primary lead
Leigha has worked within childcare and education for seven years, working closely with children of all ages who have SEN, SEMH and other needs.
She joined the Oakwood staff in February 2018, in the role of Primary Lead Teacher. She works closely with the children tailoring lessons and experiences to broaden their knowledge and opportunities.
She loves seeing children grow both academically and socially. Education and its impact on childhood has always been her passion and she feels very lucky to have the opportunity to help children within the school reach their goals using creative teaching methods.
In her spare time Leigha enjoys travelling to enrich her own experiences and she likes to volunteer at playschemes.
RICHARD HARDY
Class Teacher and Vocational Curriculum Lead
Richard started working at Oakwood School in April 2017. He currently teaches a wide range of subjects to the older pupils in the school helping improve functional skills in Maths and English, but he also working towards entry levels upwards in core subjects.
He has a Professional Certificate in Education (Cert-Ed) Level 5 and prior to joining Oakwood he worked with Young Offenders for ten years in a large college environment teaching NVQ 1 & 2 food preparation and cooking as well as food hygiene and functional skills in English and Maths.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and his four boys as well as coaching groups of young people at his local rugby club – he is an experienced Level 2 Rugby coach.
Hannah Johnston
Class Teacher and Presentation and Marking Lead
Hannah joined Oakwood Community School in 2016 having worked with children and young people since 2012 in mainstream schools and a residential home for children and young people. She also runs a summer playscheme and has done this for 16 years now.
During her time at Oakwood ,Hannah has worked across all age groups and classes. Hannah is currently teaching the KS3/4 students within school- working towards functional skills and developing all core subjects.
In her spare time Hannah enjoys spending time with her family and friends and travelling.
KEITH MASON-MOORE
Class Teacher and Head of Enrichment
Keith joined Oakwood School as a Key Stage 3 teacher at the start of 2021. Before redirecting his career into education he was a distinguished Royal Marine Officer with an exemplary military service record.
Keith has over 30 years of secondary, sixth form and further education experience, with fifteen years as Head of Department and Curriculum Lead in a variety of subjects. He has been instrumental in the development of several new school initiatives, providing and facilitating a new, exciting and diverse curriculum.
He specialises in Sport and Outdoor Education and has a passion for extreme adventure, having led several international mountain and polar expeditions. He has also competed in a range of water-based activities across the globe, he even rowed across the Atlantic Ocean in a 7m rowing boat in the 1st Atlantic Rowing Race in 61 days!
A competitive sportsman, through and through who still enjoys a regular run out with his rugby team on a Saturday afternoon!
AnitA Burden
Teaching Assistant and ELSA
Anita has an NCFE CACHE Level 2 certificate supporting teaching and learning, working along side children with additional needs and on a one to one basis. She works closely with children who need extra support and guidance.
She has gained broad experience in different job roles and has considerable experience in business management. She has studied performing arts and worked to achieve her Level 2 in Food Hygiene. She is a very creative and outgoing person, always willing to develop her knowledge and she truly believes that every day is an opportunity to learn something new.
In her spare time she enjoys singing and dancing. She loves the outdoors and exploring new adventures.
CHRIS EDWARDS
Teaching Assistant and Therapeutic Coordinator
Chris joined Oakwood after working within a range of educational settings for three years. He has supported pupils in both academic and pastoral capacities, as well as leading on creative arts-based initiatives and projects. Chris takes a person-centred approach with children and young people, believing in patience, creativity and a sense of humour as being pivotal to his work.
Prior to his work in education, Chris was a professional dancer and composer, having performed in and curated projects across England and Europe. Chris also enjoys a range of hobbies, including circus skills, drumming, yoga and longboarding.
LISA VERWAERDE
Lisa has been teaching English for 25 years in both mainstream and special school settings. She is passionate about pastoral care and the mental health of young people and knows the importance of this in relation to academic achievement. She endeavours to ensure that each and every student is able to be the absolute best that they can be, whatever their background or circumstance.
Lisa is a guardian to her granddaughter who has special needs, which gives her a personal perspective on the needs of SEN children.
In her spare time, Lisa enjoys walking the dog, holidays abroad, baking, reading and listening to music.
KYLE GIBSON
Teaching Assistant and Student Mental Health First Aider
Kyle has worked in education for five years and is a respite carer. He has specifically worked with SEMH students as a T.A. focusing on challenging behaviours and supporting students to improve their self-esteem. Kyle has worked with students in one-to-one interventions based around social stories, understanding, and managing feelings.
Kyle believes that working with young people allows you to make a real difference to their lives. He believes there is nothing like seeing the spark of understanding on a student’s face as a lesson “clicks” for them. Kyle hopes to have a positive impact on our students and their families to enable them to reach their full potential and further their horizons.
SANDEEP GOKANI
Teaching Assistant
Sandeep joined Oakwood in October 2020. He has been a Teaching Assistant for a number of years and his vast amount of experience dealing with children with additional needs means he is able to use a variety of strategies when supporting them to achieve their goals.
Sandeep has great people skills shown through his previous roles in customer service, as a behaviour officer and a mentor to students. He is very passionate about assisting his students to achieve their goals, and to supporting both their physical and mental wellbeing. He also believes in supporting parents and carers in dealing with their child’s educational needs. Sandeep believes it’s very important to treat each student with respect and as an individual. His previous experience children with additional needs in order for them to reach their full potential.
In his free time, Sandeep loves to play golf and go for long walks with his family. Sandeep also enjoys travelling and has had the opportunity to visit many countries from America to the Far East and Australia.
ALEX HULME
Teaching Assistant and Recognition and Incentive Coordinator
Alex joined Oakwood after many years’ experience in retail. He will be bringing all his knowledge of organisation, people management and problem solving to the world of education.
Alex passionately believes that education makes a difference to the lives of young people, enabling them to learn to emotionally develop, make positive choices in life, and inspiring them to reach their full potential.
Alex is a big sports fan and participant; he used to wrestle and likes trying new sporting activities. Alex’s goal is to start an Interschool 5 aside team to play in a local school league.
NICOLA JEMPSOM
Teaching Assistant and Home Learning Coordinator
BSc Geography Degree (July 2010), University of Leicester.
Nicola started working at Oakwood Community School in September 2017 having worked in education since January 2011. Her previous experience was in a boarding provision for international students, where she specialised in GCSE and A-Level Geography, as well as PSHE and had her own tutor group. She currently works with the oldest pupils in the school, helping them improve their functional skills in Maths and English as well as entry levels in various core subjects, such as science, humanities and the arts.
Other experience involved spending 18 months working for Leicestershire Police as a PCSO, where she got involved with various aspects of the local community.
In her spare time Nicola enjoys foreign travel and experiencing the cultures and lifestyles of different countries. She also likes to spend time with friends and family, as well as her pet dog.
CALLUM Johnston
Teaching Assistant and Maths Coordinator
Callum has recently graduated from University, achieving a 2.1 degree with honours in Business and Marketing. During his early years Callum developed his skills in a variety of sports including Football and Cricket. Callum went on to further develop his knowledge gaining qualifications in Football coaching, officiating and game play analysis.
Callum is always looking to progress himself to improve his professional and personal development. Callum is passionate about aiding the school in progressing and developing the lives of the students. He strives towards improving the life outcomes of all students at Oakwood.
jake ward
Teaching Assistant and Autistic Spectrum Condition Coordinator
Jake recently graduated from University, completing a degree in Business Economics. He is passionate about sport. In his youth, Jake represented Leeds United, Scunthorpe United and Farsley Celtic in football and golf. At a later age he went on to progress in golf playing off a 2 handicap at 15, which resulted in him playing in the Leeds team and representing Yorkshire.
Jake is a passionate individual who is really looking forward to helping the school progress and enhancing the lives of the students. He cares about having a successful impact on the students and helping them progress throughout their time at the School.
YVONNE CURRALL
Examinations officer
Yvonne began working at Oakwood in 2006 as a teacher in KS3/4. Prior to that, after gaining her Certificate of Education, she had over 25 years’ experience of teaching across both KS1/2 in primary schools.
Wanting to work more specifically with EBD children led her to Oakwood and her desire to make a positive impact on children’s learning means her enthusiasm and commitment remains undimmed.
In 2010 she took over the role of Exams Officer, a role she has thoroughly enjoyed and continues to hold in an assistant capacity since she has started to work on a part-time basis.
In her spare time she enjoys listening to music, walking, reading and spending time with her family.
glyn lethbridge
Site Supervisor
Glyn served as a Police officer with the Nottinghamshire Constabulary, leaving in 1988 to start a small Print Finishing business based in the East Midlands. After 30 years, Glyn decided to change career path to work as a Carer for people suffering with dementia and qualify as a Driving Instructor.
Glyn joined the Oakwood staff team in May 2020 as Site Supervisor at the school.
Glyn feels it is important to make a significant contribution to the futures of young people, who will benefit from the positive influences they receive at Oakwood Community School.