Student First Team
Student First Team
The Student First Team have a wealth of experience between them. The Team work together to promote and develop all aspects of students welfare. Students come first – hence then name and students are at the forefront of all the decisions made by the Team.
The Team provide support and guidance, not only to students but to parents and carers too. The Student First Team work closely with form tutors, Heads of Year, and other key members of staff who support our students. The Team will also liaise with external organisations where needed in order to offer further support and guidance. This can include organisations such as the School Nursing Team, Womens Aid, School Police Liaison Officer, Youth Workers and Social Care, Young Carers, to name a few. The main focus is that our students are given the opportunity to realise and reach their full potential
The Student First Team are located in the Student Hub area of the school, and students can drop in to see them during breaktime and lunchtimes to speak to any one of them. From this, specific appointments may be offered to explore further what issues the students may be experiencing.
Meet the team...
Julie Branch
Julie is the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Manager (SEND) and manages the SEND team of Teaching Assistants and Higher Level Teaching Assistants.
Julie is responsible for the planning and implementation of SEND provision across the school and she ensures that that appropriate intervention and support is implemented for students
Julie has been at the Buckingham School for over 25 years and many of our parents remember Julie when they were here as students!
Jo Goodger
Jo is Director of Safeguarding and Welfare and the Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead. Jo supports students and families who may be experiencing a variety of difficulties. Jo has close links with external agencies, including the Specialist School Nursing Team and Young Carers. Jo is The Buckingham School’s main lead for Child Protection and Safeguarding matters.
Jo is also Assistant Head of Year 9
Abi Wallace
Abi is the Anti-Bullying Co-ordinator and she is responsible for overseeing reported cases of bullying and social aggression.
The Buckingham School has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying (please see the website for our anti-Bullying policies and procedures) Students are supported to report any incidents of bullying or suspected bullying.
Abi is also responsible for Student Voice where students are encouraged to take on roles and responsibilities within school and act as a voice for our students to affect change and suggest ideas to further improve their school
Abi is also Assistant Head of Year 11 and a Designated Safeguarding Lead
Paula Matthews
Paula is the Therapeutic Mentor and Senior Mental Health Lead. Paula supports, guides and gives advice to students on all aspects of therapeutic support and emotional and mental well being. Paula works 1:1 with students in a bespoke and holistic way providing therapeutic interventions. Paula also runs groups on : managing anxiety, managing strong feelings, working on self esteem and confidence
Paula is also Assistant Head of Year 7 and a Designated Safeguarding Lead
Sally Barnes
Sally is the First Aid co-ordinator and also supports the day to day running of the inclusions and behaviour management within school, supporting students to engage positively and support learning.
Sally is also a Designated Safeguarding Lead
Emma Curtis
Emma is the Lead Practioner of Inclusion and she manages the overall behaviour and inclusion across the school. Emma is responsible for the day to day interventions of students who may be struggling for a variety of reasons. Emma is also a specialist in Protective Behaviours and teaches other staff to utilise these skills to enable them to support the behaviour of students
Emma is also Teacher of English and a Designated Safeguarding Lead
Nicole Coley
Nicole is the Behaviour for Learning Teaching Assistant and she supports with students with behaviour and inclusion. Nicole also does 1:1 work with students exploring their zones of regulation in order to help students manage their feelings and behaviours.
Nicole is also Assistant Head of Year 8 and a First Aider
The Student First Team is an ever evolving team who welcome suggestions from all our students, parents, carers and members of the community in supporting our students to realise their full potential and to be offered opportunities to be able to do this.
Contact the Student First Team
To contact the Student First Team, please click on the button shown. The email will be monitored by key staff and students or adults will receive responses from an appropriate person.
Safeguarding Email Address
For safeguarding concerns, please click on the button shown here. The email will be monitored by key staff and students or adults will receive responses from an appropriate person.