Staff who's who
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Jane Cummins I’m Jane the Headteacher. I’m responsible for all that happens at Battledown on a day to day basis and also for the long term strategic direction of the school. I trained as an Early Years and Primary teacher and worked in mainstream schools for a number of years. I developed a special interest in special needs which led me to Battledown which I joined as Deputy Head in 2000. I became Acting Headteacher in September 2005 and was appointed permanent Head in February 2007. I love my job as I get to meet so many children and parents and help them find out more about their needs and plan for the future. |
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Mary King-Stokes |
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Sue Sim QTS, Teaching Certificate Hello I am Sue and am a teacher in Purple class. I have worked here at Battledown for 17 years and enjoy being here very much. I am part of the school leadership team. It is a privilege to work with such a great team and to support children and their families. |
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Nikki Teague MA in Special Education ,BA Ed(Hons),NNEB, Hi, I’m Nikki, teacher in Green class. I have been teaching at Battledown for 7 years and was previously a nursery nurse at The Milestones School for many years, so have been in special needs education since I left school. I enjoy working with children and their families and the challenges that every day offers. There is never a dull day a Battledown and it is always so rewarding and inspiring, with opportunities to learn so much every day. |
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Sarah Moran BA Hons, PGCE My name is Sarah and I am a part time teacher at Battledown. I have a BA hons degree in English and drama and a PGCE degree. It was particularly exciting to begin working at Battledown three years ago as my youngest son had attended the school previously and as a parent I had benefited from the huge support and advice we were given. |
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Jo Tombs MA in Education,BEd(Hons), BSL My name is Jo. I am the teacher in Orange Class. I have worked at Battledown since 2001 and previously taught in two mainstream schools. At Battledown I am the Knowledge and Understanding of the World Co-ordinator and the Total Communication Co-ordinator. During my time here I have gained a great deal of experience, working with a wide variety of special educational needs. |
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Jo Rayner B Ed(Hons) My name is Jo and I’m the new teacher in Green Class, working along with Nikki until the end of July to support the increasing class numbers. Since completing my degree, I have been supply teaching at the Milestone School. This is my first teaching post, but I am not new to Battledown as I have been fortunate enough to have spent time during my course working closely with the children and students from the University of Gloucestershire during PE sessions over the last two years. I’m excited to be a part of such a great team and I’m looking forward to getting to know the children and their families and taking on the daily challenges that teaching brings. |
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Helen Dodwell Hello, my name is Helen and I started working at Battledown when it was the Children’s Hospital. I have worked for the Centre, since it opened in 1990, as an administrator, finance officer and now as the Business and Operations Manager. Prior to joining Battledown I worked in Industry, Retail and also for the NHS. I hope to start working towards the Business Manager’s Diploma in the future. In my spare time I enjoy playing in two brass bands, gardening and reading. |
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Mel Boswell BA (Hons), PGCE & MA Hello, my name is Mel and I’ve been the music therapist at Battledown since May 2005. I work one day per week with individuals and small groups of children. I really enjoy seeing children develop their interaction and communication skills through the medium of music. I worked as a teacher for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties before training as a music therapist and have a BA (Hons) degree in music, a PGCE and an MA in Music Therapy |
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Jane Davis My name is Jane, I am married with two boys and I have been involved with Battledown for over 7 years, starting as parent, BFG chair for 3 years and then working on the Admin team. My current role is a Continuous Improvement & Communications Coordinator. I feel very passionate about the school and what support it offers children and parents. I outlook in life has changed considerably during my Battledown experience, I feel very privileged from what the school has given me during my time here both as a parent and member of staff. |
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Sue Dunne NVQ3 & HLTA My name is Sue. I have 25 years experience as a Teaching Assistant working with children in early years education. I joined the staff at Battledown in October 2007. I work in Orange class and am the school first aider, I also work with the Extended Services Team during Summer Playscheme. I have NVQ3 Childcare and Education and Higher Level Teaching Assistant status. I enjoy travel, spending time with my grandsons, walking in the countryside, playing African drums and in my spare time I practice reflexology and Indian head massage. |
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Pauline Phillips BEd(Hons) I’m Pauline and I’m a teaching assistant in Purple class at Battledown. I have worked here since September 2007 prior to that I worked as Deputy Manager of a busy day nursery for nine years. I work as part of the Extended Services Team and we run a Playscheme in the Summer. I enjoy cycling, music and all things creative. |
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Bev Kenyon Hello I’m Bev and I am the Receptionist. I joined the team here at Battledown in April 2008. My role is primarily to welcome families and visitors to the Centre as well as answer the telephone, receive and distribute deliveries along with many other varied tasks. Although I don’t work directly with the children, I do get to meet many of them throughout the day one way or another and I find this very enjoyable. I am married with one son and have a few interests including cycling, walking, skittles and going to the theatre. |
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Lydia Vincent My name is Lydia. I am married with 3 children. I started work at Battledown in September 2008 as a School Administrator. Having worked in several schools, including special schools, has given me valuable experience, which I can now offer to Battledown. I have acquired several RSA certificates relating to administration and bookkeeping, a certificate in Total Communication and British Sign Language. |
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Tricia Campbell BaEd(Hons), BTEC Diploma in Early Years I started at Battledown when I finished my degree in September 2007 and have loved every minute since. I have previous experience working in private day nurseries and mainstream schools. I enjoy furthering my education and have enjoyed many of the training courses attended through Battledown, some of which include PECS, Total Communication and Intensive Interaction. Other roles I hold within the school include Deputy Extended Services Manager and helping Claire with the students and volunteers. I am a member of the Battledown Friends Group and enjoy helping and organising fetes and discos for the children and other fundraising events.I enjoy socialising, swimming and a range of music. I enjoy every moment I spend at Battledown and hope to continue developing my career here. |
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Helen Tharia NNEB I have worked at Battledown for many years and during my time here I have had a lot of experience working with children with a wide variety of special needs. I work in the Centre from Monday to Thursday then spend Friday working in the Child Development Centre with babies and toddlers aged 0 – 2 and their parents and carers. I find my role fun and rewarding. |
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Debbie Benton Hi, my name is Debbie. I am married with two boys. I currently work in finance as an administrator and have been at Battledown for about a year. In my spare time I am a taxi service to my two sons who are actively into sports. I enjoy watching football, and my children compete in their own chosen sports and long for a life on the Mediterranean sipping champagne! |
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Jenny Diesel BSc(OT) DAOT I am an Occupational Therapist working one day a week at Battledown. I use sensory integration therapy with some selected children to develop their sense of balance, movement, touch and body awareness. I have been working at Battledown for the last ten years. I enjoy seeing the children’s skills developing and seeing them respond in a positive way to the environment we create for them. |
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Deborah Ratcliffe Clinical Language Sciences (BSc) degree Hi my name is Debbie and I am a Speech and Language Therapist at Battledown. I work at the school two days a week on a Wednesday and Thursday. My other three days I am based in Tewkesbury as the Community Speech and Language Therapist. I work with children individually and in groups at Battledown and also work closely with the school staff to develop the children’s speech, language and communication skills. |
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Julie Matthews NNEB I have been working with children for 18 years, including in the nursery of an independent school, with special needs children ranging from reception to year 6 in a mainstream school and nanny for new born twins. I have worked at Battledown since September 1988 with some time out to have my family. Currently my role at Battledown is Outreach Support Worker where I integrate children into their local mainstream school. I can also be found working in Orange, Purple or Green class. |
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Jenny Bilas BTEC,HLTA Hello, I’m Jenny and have worked at Battledown for 7½ years. My roles as Outreach Manager are:- Integration - integrating children into various education settings within the Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and North Cotswolds area, liaising with parents, carers, educational professionals and practitioners. Outreach – As a Manager within Gloucestershire Outreach Service for children not attending Battledown providing a wide range of support to staff in educational settings to successfully meet the needs of young children with special needs. Team Around the Child – co-ordinating key workers to provide early response for very young children who have severe and complex needs and are involved with 3 or more specialists, supporting parents and carers. I am also Health & Safety Officer for Battledown and School Governor. |
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Sarah Bell My name is Sarah Bell and I am the Family Worker. I have been at Battledown for four years; initially part of the Admin Team, and more recently in this new role. As an ex-parent (my younger son attended Battledown) I can empathise with families and know first hand the difference support and understanding can make. I am here to help with a wide range of issues, for example; forms, funding, parenting advice, schools after Battledown, sourcing equipment etc. I also run INFOCUS which is an informal, informative support group lead by the needs and interests of the families here. I am a trained Befriender and an active parent rep in groups for the local authority. My hobbies include Pilates, baking and arts and crafts. |
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Karen Cooke NNEB,ADCE, BTEC Forest School Leader Hi, I’m Karen. I have worked in child care since qualifying in 1986. Having experienced Battledown from a parents perspective, I joined Purple class as a TA in 2005. Since joining Battledown I have qualified as a Forest School Leader and take a group of children to Forest School each week. I have also undertaken courses on PECS, Total Communication, Portage and Behaviour Management. |
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Mandy Owen CACHE Diploma in Child Care & Education, Forest School Leader Level 3 BTEC Advanced Hi, I’m Mandy. Following a career of just over 20 years in the Fire & Rescue Service in 2001 I went back to college for two years and gained a qualification as an Early Years Practitioner. This will be my fourth year at Battledown. Over these years I have gained a huge amount of experience and knowledge working with the children and their families. I have also had the opportunity to meet and work with a wide variety of professionals. In my current role I work in all three classes. I am involved in the planning and implementing of all activities. As a Forest School Leader along with other team members, I take groups of children up to our Forest School site. I am involved with organising and running training courses for staff on Manual Handling. |
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Pat Gilbert BEd Hello, my name is Pat. I have worked part time at Battledown since March 2003 as an IT Technician after qualifying as a City & Guilds IT Support Technician. My role involves maintaining the computers and other IT equipment. In 2004 I also undertook the role of Clerk to the Governing Body which involves preparing papers for meetings, taking/writing up minutes and advising Governors on legal procedures. As a retired teacher with 25 years experience in a mainstream school which had many children with special needs I feel my experience is very useful in understanding the needs of the children at Battledown. In my spare time I edit and produce my village’s monthly magazine. I also play in a music group, enjoy gardening and occasionally sail a dinghy. |
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David Wright Hi, my name is David. I am a supply teaching assistant at Battledown. I started here as a volunteer for red (now green) and purple class. Prior to this, I volunteered for 4 years at the Parks Special Needs Nursery School in Rutland. I love working with the children at school – it is so rewarding. As a man it feels like an extra special privilege to be here. I am gradually restoring an old house in Pittville and have recently taken on a small plot at Prestbury allotments. I play tennis, enjoy long runs and fly fishing as well as old cars. |
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Claire Samuels NNEB, Teamworks Worcester Uni Hello my name is Claire. I have worked at Battledown for five years. I work as a TA in Green Class. I have valuable experience with children with special needs and complex needs. My role includes working as student co-ordinator with Tricia Campbell, organising and mentoring students which train at the Centre. I am closely involved in planning and delivery a sensor curriculum. I have worked with SEN children for the last eight years. Before working in SEN I worked in the field of mental health and behaviour difficulties. |
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Elenore Millet BSc Psychology & CACHE level 2 Playwork Hi, I’m Elenore. I have been working at Battledown since January 2008 and I work as a teaching assistant in Green Class. I also work with the Extended Services Team during the school holidays. Before I came to Battledown I worked for a local charity providing respite care and support for families who have children with additional needs. I have also been working as a volunteer in a mainstream primary school. Even though I enjoyed my previous job I decided to start working in education and I really enjoy working with the multidisciplinary team here at Battledown. |
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Sue Douglass Hello, I’m Sue and I have worked here as a Speech and Language Therapist for many years, with some time away to have 2 children. I work three days a week, mainly with the children in school to support the development of their speech, language and communication skills. I also work with other children with a range of severe and complex needs. I enjoy working closely with the class team and parents. |
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Judy Brady Hi, I’m Judy and I’m employed by the NHS as a Speech and Language Therapist, based at Battledown for the last seven years. I have a variety of qualifications relating to my work, including training in PECS, the Derbyshire Language Scheme, Hanen and Level 3 Elklan, although most of my knowledge comes from spending time with the children and excellent staff here at the centre. I work with all the children at Battledown, following programmes devised with the Speech and Language Therapists. |
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Mandy Whitefield Diploma in Pre-school Education I have been married since 1982. I have four daughters youngest being 15. I started working with children in a mainstream playgroup setting in 1991. After maternity leave I became a playleader and achieved my NVQ level ¾ Diploma. Due to my husband’s career move the whole family moved to Gloucestershire in 2001. In Feb 2002 I began working as a leader for the Early Learning Family Support Group(ELFS). Since Jan 2003 I also work as joint playleader at Christ Church Playgroup. I sing with the CC Choir and Worship group and a season ticket holder for Chelsea Football Club. |
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Kaeren Jones Foundation Degree in Learning Support and BA Early Childhood Studies. Hi, my name is Kaeren. I am a Teaching Assistant in Orange Class and Extended Services Co-ordinator. I have worked with children for over 12 years, 10 years in a mainstream setting and 1 year as deputy co-ordinator in a nursery, before joining Battledown in September 2007. I have also been involved with youth work. |
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Linda Ebdon RGN SCM (School Nurse Certificate) Hello, I am Linda, School Nurse for Battledown Centre for Children & Families as well as other local special schools in the county. I have been a school nurse for 18 years. I enjoy visiting Battledown every week when I meet up with school staff and parents to talk about any health concerns there may be about children. |
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Emma Sollis Hi, my name is Emma. I am Project Support Worker at CADCAF. My job involves running the office, organising and booking activities, events and producing our newsletter. I enjoy working with children and meeting new people. I have two children of my own and enjoy keeping fit, eating out and horse riding. |
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Peggy Newton Hello, my name is Peggy Newton and I feel very privileged to be joining the CADCAF team as Family Support Worker. I have recently completed a BSC degree in Health, Community and Social Care and I am a voluntary member for a number of my local charity organisations. My husband and I have four children aged 9, 8 and 6 year old twins. As a family, we love exploring anywhere outdoors, going to the cinema and cooking (and eating!) yummy food. I am thrilled to be taking on this position, please do not hesitate to contact me at the office. I am very excited about meeting everybody involved with CADCAF and I am looking forward to getting to know you all. |