Lower School
Mia Dodsworth, Assistant Headteacher
With 17 years’ experience in complex special educational needs settings at both primary and secondary phases, Mia has a wealth of expertise and experience working with pupils who are multi-disabled visually-impaired, deafblind/multi-sensory impaired, MLD, ASD, SLD and those with profound and multiple learning needs, including pupils with complex physical and communication difficulties. It was during her NQT year that Mia unearthed a passion for SEND, and since has added Qualified Teacher of the Visually Impaired (QTVI) and Qualified Teacher of Multi-sensory Impairment (QTMSI) to her plethora of training.
It was the dedication and pedagogy at the heart of the school that ensures that every pupil can access high quality education, be nurtured to maximise their potential, and the opportunity to work in a committed team who make the most of every experience for each pupil at Perseid School that made her realise how much she wanted to work here.
Throughout her time at Perseid School, Mia hopes to contribute to the implementation of the school’s culture where all pupils are supported to overcome barriers and, develop the use of technology to aid communication and independence within the curriculum. Mia is particularly passionate about mental capacity and decision making, ensuring all staff understand pupils’ individual capacity, and can participate to their full potential, guarding them against making decisions they cannot comprehend.
“My first impressions of the school are how dynamic and pupil centred the school is. All staff ensure personalised provision is at the centre of all they do. The ethos, passion and motivation from staff to provide each pupil with an opportunity to maximise their potential no matter what is evident across the whole school - the pedagogy and knowledge sat across the school is amazing and it is a privilege to be part of such an inspirational team. I am most looking forward to getting to know all our pupils, families and staff. Working closely in partnership to support everyone in the school community and fulfilling my role to support and build on the schools’ successes to date”.
Emma Westwood, Assistant Headteacher
With a passion for working in special educational needs; Emma has worked at Perseid School for 11 years.
Emma was attracted to a career in teaching as a result of her desire to make a difference to children’s lives and encourage their love of learning in a fun and safe environment, an aspect of our school that we are most proud of.
As an Assistant Head, Emma sees the future ambitions of our school as developing the use of play as an integral area of pupil development, and places the vision of the Leadership Team as a key contributor to the success of the school. It is the variety of her role – teaching in class, leadership course or university lecture, supporting staff and pupils, developing lessons, mentoring an NQT that Emma believes makes her role so unique.
Seeing the pupils achieving milestones everyday as a result of the staff dedication is inspiring. I love supporting pupils with a structure and routine, but challenging them to achieve and grow everyday.
Liane Walker, Assistant Headteacher
Joining us in September 2019, Liane was inspired to join Perseid School to fulfil her passion of providing children with SEN the best possible education and was immediately drawn to a teaching career with us after experiencing the teaching and learning environment first hand.
Citing the committed and supportive staff body that work together with families to improve outcomes for our pupils as one of the key reasons she was motivated to join us, she looks forward to building positive relationships with all members of our community. Based at Lower School, Liane is committed to ensuring every child across the schools benefit from a range of enriching opportunities to enhance their learning, development and life-experiences.
“I look forward to working together with senior leaders and staff to support every learner to reach their potential in a safe and stimulating learning environment and fulfilling my role in a way that supports and builds on the schools success”.