Governors

I am very pleased to contribute to Orchard House as the interim Chair of Governors. 

I currently work as the Lead Deputy Headteacher at Prospect House Primary Specialist Support School. I am responsible for Safeguarding as well as well as supporting the many other areas of school operations. Through my career, I have experience of working with children and young people with SEND from EYFS up to Post 16 and have led on various developments such as developing curriculums, opening new provisions and trust wide initiatives such as Sustainability. 

I have been at Prospect House since it first opened in 2020 and with the Prospere Learning Trust for 11 years. I feel privileged to work with such a fantastic group of pupils who make sure that every day is different and brings its own unique rewards ; I know that the same can be said of the children who attend Orchard House and I consider myself equally privileged to have been given the opportunity to contribute as a Governor and work as a critical friend with Caroline , her staff and pupils. 

I bring a range of experience and a proven track record of success to the roll of a Governor along with a solution focused approach, a sense of humour and the resilience to remain committed to long term aspirations and goals. 

Date of appointment: April 2025

Appointed by: Trust

Declarations: Trust Employee

As an experienced educational leader and SEND professional, I am passionate about championing inclusive practice and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. I currently serve as Assistant Headteacher, SENDCo and Resourced Provision Lead in a mainstream Primary school in South Manchester, where I lead on strategic school improvement, inclusion and the development of high-quality provision for pupils with additional needs. Throughout my career, I have worked across a wide range of educational settings, including mainstream primary and secondary schools, specialist Primary Provision and Resourced Provision, giving me a broad understanding of the diverse needs of children and young people and the importance of inclusive practice at every stage of education. My experience working closely with senior leaders, governors, staff, and external agencies has given me a strong understanding of effective governance and accountability. As a SEND Governor, I am committed to providing both support and challenge, promoting inclusive education and helping schools create environments where every learner can achieve their full potential. 

Date appointed: April 2025

Appointed by: Trust

Declarations: Trust Employee

Date appointed: April 2025

Appointed by: Trust

Declarations: Trust Employee

I am pleased and proud to contribute to Orchard House High School as a Governor within the Prospere Learning Trust.
I am a recently retired Headteacher with a wide range of experience across school leadership, teacher education and school improvement. During my career, I worked with the University of Manchester PGCE department as a Professional Tutor, supporting and developing trainee teachers as they began their careers in education. I currently continue to work within education through Victorious Academies Trust, where I provide support and challenge to schools as part of their improvement journey.
Throughout my career, I have been committed to improving outcomes for children and young people through strong leadership, high expectations and collaborative working. I bring to the role of Governor a breadth of strategic experience, a clear understanding of accountability and school improvement, and a reflective, solution-focused approach.
I feel privileged to be able to support Orchard House High School and to work as a critical friend to the Headteacher, staff and wider school community. I am passionate about education, committed to inclusive practice, and value the opportunity to continue making a positive contribution through governance.
 

Date appointed: April 2025

Appointed by: Trust

It’s a privilege to support the pupils and families of Orchard House as the Safeguarding and Behaviour Governor.

Outside of my role as governor, I am a SEND teacher, Specialist Curriculum Lead and Specialist Outreach Consultant. I provide sensory rich and play based learning opportunities, meaningful curriculum design, and supporting pupils with their emotional and behavioural regulation. I also help children build positive relationships and develop communication approaches that work for them. Alongside this, I deliver training across the wider sector and lecture at the University of Manchester, supporting trainee teachers and trainee Educational Psychologists to develop inclusive, child centred practice.
I’ve worked with the autistic community for many years in education, community and mental health environments, and I use this experience to support young people and their families with understanding and care. I also work with other schools, including mentoring SENCOs to strengthen inclusive practice. As an Advanced Trainer in Positive Behaviour Support and an Autism Champion, I share approaches that promote understanding, respect and dignity for everybody.
I feel privileged to be part of the Orchard House governing team. My aim is to contribute a practical, thoughtful perspective to the board, with a focus on safeguarding, wellbeing, and ensuring every child’s needs are recognised and understood.
 

Date appointed: April 2025

Appointed by: Trust

I am delighted to sit on the board of governors at Orchard House. 

At present I am employed by Manchester City Council as the Neighbourhood officer for Miles Platting and Newton Heath having been asked to move here from the Hulme ward in April 2025. 

Prior to becoming a Neighbourhood officer, I worked in education at Bridgelea Primary School PRU (formally known as the BUZZ) where I was the HLTA TA covering teacher absence and PPA. I also worked alongside the safeguarding lead. 

I was sad to leave the PRU but felt it was the right time to take on new challenges. As a Neighbourhood officer I get to work and engage with residents, schools, community groups, businesses and other departments within the council. This can range from environmental issues to housing issues where I work with housing providers, to road safety outside schools and of course waste issues and much more. I am able to be involved in the nicer side of Neighbourhoods as well, for example I was able to support Orchard House to have an enterprise stall at the Brookdale Park Christmas event.  

I feel honoured to work with the rich tapestry of people and places that contribute to Miles Platting and Newton Heath. 

I bring my experience as the staff governor from Bridgelea, my knowledge of the area, my positive outlook and can do approach to issues. 

I believe I am solution focussed and have the resilience to commit to this role as a governor long term. 

Date appointed: April 2025

Appointed by: Trust

Declarations: Neighbourhood