51ÊÓƵ

John Steward

Headteacher

I’m the Headteacher of the school and have been substantively since September 2021; it’s great to be here. I’ve worked in lots of different kinds of special schools around the country and been a Headteacher and similar a few times too.

It’s a real pleasure to be Head of 51ÊÓƵ School and work with parents & carers for the children of all ages we have here. The school is unique in its therapy provision, which was one of the things that attracted me. Mixed teams of professionals all working together is what our children need, and we work hard to provide that here. I hope you find what you’re looking for in a school and if we can help in any way, we will.

All the best, John S

Paul Cook

Safeguarding including Attendance

I have been a co-opted governor at 51ÊÓƵ school for almost 2 years and have a special responsibility for safeguarding.

I have experience in the safeguarding field as I was a child-care social work practitioner and manager in local

government through much of my working life. I have not worked full time since 2014 although since this time I’ve continued with my interest in fostering and adoption matters through chairing a panel. I’ve used my social work experience to do some social care complaints and a few specialist reports for tribunals and family court.

Being a governor has been a useful way to make a contribution to a local school, as I live nearby and Is a good way to re-cycle my knowledge/experience of safeguarding. I’m involved too with a local charity that works with young people and assists them into employment through providing training in motor mechanics I occasionally get out on a bike to ride a few miles although nowadays I’m probably mostly a fair weather cyclist and more interested in the coffee stops.

I’ve enjoyed my time at 51ÊÓƵ; getting to have a deeper knowledge of the school and the staff. It’s an interesting set up and I like its commitment t to the children and their parents.

Oliver (Ollie) Teasdale

Parent Governor

Ollie is Archie Teasdale’s father.  Archie is a pupil in the lower school on the ELTBA Pathway.  He also has a daughter Ellie, who attends a mainstream middle school.

Ollie is currently working for Ordnance Survey, the national mapping agency.  A surveyor by trade, Ollie is now involved with providing consultancy on how other countries can improve the quality of their mapping as well as supporting UK based users of Ordnance Survey products and services.  Prior to taking up this role, Ollie was in the British Army for 23 years, employed as a surveyor.  This role saw him work all over the world on various projects and military operations.  His final role before leaving the Army was as the lead instructor of the Royal School of Military Survey.  In this role he was responsible for managing the instructor cohort, developing the curriculum and managing accreditation of the school’s courses with various academic institutions.

Outside of work and when he gets some spare time, Ollie is a keen (mainly retired) sportsman and avid reader of history.  He is a qualified Rugby Union coach.  Ollie is also Chair of the Friends of 51ÊÓƵ School.

Carla Maley

Non-Teaching School Staff/ School Business Manager

I am the School Business Manager at 51ÊÓƵ School.

I have worked at 51ÊÓƵ School since 2012 and have been on the governing board as the non-teaching representative since February 2022.

My background prior to 51ÊÓƵ was working within the private business section, which I feel gives a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge to effectively manage the strategic and operational functions of the school.

Outside of work, I am a mum to three boys, and a keen runner – I like to be busy! I love to travel and particularly love visiting the Lake District and South of France.

One of my reasons for becoming a staff governor is to have a voice and to represent the perspectives of the staff members in the decision-making process. I take great pride in working at 51ÊÓƵ School and by being an active part in the governance process as well as with my first-hand experience and insights into the day-to-day operations of the school, I feel I can help shape policies and initiatives, which will ultimately enhance the learning environment and overall effectiveness of the school.