Rapid Progression

Before joining the team at Severndale Specialist School I came from having four years experience in secondary mainstream followed by three years working with pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

I started at Severndale as a classroom teacher in September 2003.   During this time the school recognised their need to develop middle managers within the school in order to support the continuing development of the curriculum and in 2004 I was fortunate enough to be promoted to Leading Teacher of Key Stage 3.    My role was to support the running of the department as well as leading on whole school curriculum developments. 

In 2005 I was successfully appointed as Assistant Headteacher of Key Stage 3.  I was and still am privileged to lead a very motivated team of teachers and support staff who believe in team work and the sharing of skills and expertise to deliver a high level of teaching to support pupils’ learning. 

In 2007 whist still leading Key Stage 3 I also had the opportunity to become the Director of Specialism for the school.  This exciting post has allowed me to continue to develop my skills as a manager.  I get many opportunities to work with other agencies such as speech and language therapists in order to support our young peoples’ education.  I am able to lead on CPD for communication and Interaction and ensure opportunities to develop communication and interaction are met throughout the school, in our mainstream partner schools and in the local community.   

I am also an advanced Team Teach tutor, Secondary Strategy Manager and have been integral on leading on AfL through coaching within the school.  I have been instrumental in redesigning the Secondary department for 11-19 year olds and developing a curriculum to support all our young peoples’ needs. 

Sarah Llewellyn
Assistant Headteacher

I began my teaching career in a mainstream secondary school in Surrey as a Geography Teacher, however after a couple of years I knew I wanted to specialise and work with students with Special Educational Needs and so I was very excited to be offered a job at my next school as Deputy SENCO at a large comprehensive school in London.

Then in 2006 my personal circumstances changed and I moved away from the London area and was offered a teaching job at Severndale School in, what was then, the Continuing Education Department.  I got involved with many of the sporting activities and found great enjoyment and satisfaction working with the older students of the school. 

After the first year I got more involved in the organisation of clubs and other curricular activities and progressed on to a Leading Teacher Position within the C.E. Department.  This opportunity gave me a greater insight into the management and organisation at both department and whole school levels, which was a great learning experience.  I went on to attended management training courses to help develop my skills and was given opportunities within school to practice these further. 

A year on, I have come from being a Leading Teacher, to acting Assistant Headteacher for the CE department, to my current position as Assistant Headteacher for Key Stage 5.  Due to the schools’ investment and the continued support of the management team and the staff with whom I work with daily, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time progressing and developing at Severndale School so far.

Sabrina Hobbs
Assistant Headteacher

I started working at Severndale School as a Teaching Assistant in February 1999. I have been working in a variety of class settings where pupil’s achievements range between P1 and Level 3.

I have always been keen to take up any training offered by the school and have been on several courses over the years including First Aid at work, Makaton, Manual Handling and Team Teach training.

In 2006 I was offered the opportunity by Severndale School to do my NVQ 3 for Teaching Assistants. I took this opportunity to expand my knowledge and understanding and also to further my career.

In June 2007 I applied for a position as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant which has enabled me to work with many different groups of pupils with varying abilities, whilst directing other members of staff. This role has enabled me to develop my knowledge and understanding of working within the special needs sector and has been pivotal in reaching my goals.

In October 2009 I will be attending a 5 day course to become a Team Teach Trainer for Severndale School.

Monika Cooper
Higher Level Teaching Assistant