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...
Emma Curtis
Emma is Assistant Headteacher, Behaviour & Attitudes, and she manages the overall behaviour and inclusion across the school. She 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
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 10
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 8 and a Designated Safeguarding Lead.
pmatthews@buckinghamschool.org
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. 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 7 and a Designated Safeguarding Lead
Julie Branch
Julie is responsible for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, and for the planning and implementation of SEND provision across the school. She ensures that appropriate intervention and support is implemented for identified students. She has close links with Primary Feeder Schools and external agencies.
Julie has been at the Buckingham School for over 25 years and many of our parents remember Julie when they were here as students!
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.