Gayle Wilkinson

Co-Head teacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead, PSHE/RHE Lead, Pupil Premium Lead

My vision as Co- Head teacher at St. Patrick’s is to have a strong,   experienced pastoral team to help all of our children grow and thrive. I lead the staff in ensuring the focus is on the ‘whole child’ and that safeguarding is prioritised. Our staff are approachable, pro-active and  communicate well with children and their families. I am also the senior mental health lead in the school.

Lisa Pritchard

Co-Head teacher, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Attendance Lead, Curriculum Lead

As Co-Head teacher, I am available for children and parents to come and speak to me should they have any worries or problems. Being the deputy DSL, I am full trained in safeguarding. I am experienced in leading Early Helps, and have the knowledge and skills to keep our children safe.

Louise Rossi

Child and Family Support Worker, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Kidsafe Teacher

My role in school as Child & Family Worker is to support children with any barriers to learning and refer and liaise with other professionals to meet the need of each individual child. I advise and support families or sign post to other agencies where necessary.  I lead on Early Helps to ensure we have the right team around the family to achieve the best outcome for the child and  family. I am the  Early Help Champion and Domestic Abuse Champion in  school.

Emma Cooper

SENDco

As SENDco, my primary role is to ensure that St Patrick’s is an inclusive school environment where all children are valued as individuals. I ensure that our provision allows all children to have their individual needs met so that they can thrive. I am responsible for organising assessment of needs and support, both within and out of class.

Jane Johnstone

Occupational Therapist

As an Occupational therapist I can help children take part in, achieve and enjoy the activities they need and want to do at school. This includes writing, getting changed for PE, following instructions, playing with friends and moving from one class to another.  

Within my role I consider aspects of the physical, sensory, cultural and educational environment that support or limit the child’s participation, achievement and wellbeing, suggesting changes that are appropriate and relevant.  

With assessments I will identify factors that limit children’s learning and participation, finding solutions that build on their strengths and work in the school. 

Some areas I can support the children with are:

• seating 
• handwriting skills 
• break time inclusion 
• sensory-friendly classrooms 
• development of motor skills
• Use of cutlery 
• Dressing skills
• Toileting routines 
• Access to their classrooms and all other relevant areas of the school

Jasmine Casson

Nurture Teacher and ELSA Teacher (Emotional Literacy Support)

I am the nurture and SEMH teacher at St. Patrick’s. My role is to support the emotional needs of pupils and those that may be experiencing difficulties. I am responsible for planning and providing emotional literacy support and  nurture provision. This includes developing team building, self esteem, friendships, social skills, anger management and understanding emotions.

Helen Reynolds

School Counselling

Helen Reynolds, Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist & Counsellor (MBACP) DiP MSc Psychotherapy works in school once a week, offering 1:1 counselling for identified children. Helen also provides a drop-in service for Year 6 children called ‘Talking Space’ to support children's mental health and well-being. The aim of this is to give children a space to express themselves through talking and creative work, and think about any worries they might have.

Emma McDowell

KidsafeTeacher

I am fully Kidsafe trained and deliver sessions across the school. Kidsafe UK is a children’s mental Health  and safeguarding programme. The programme also supports the ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ statutory guidance, online safety and RHE curriculum.  The children know that I am a trusted adult in school. I keep up-to-date with important changes in the children’s lives that may be affecting them, such as social media.

Father Paul Johnstone

Parish Priest and Foundation Governor

Father Paul is a regular visitor, and friend, to our school. He is the Parish Priest at our local church, St. Mary’s. He offers us spiritual guidance  and support. He monitors our Catholic life of the School and ensures that our Catholic ethos underpins our pastoral vision.