We are a dedicated team at The Children's Trust School, where each of us is acknowledged as a leader of learning. Our staff includes school management, teachers, senior and specialist teacher assistants, a school nurse team, therapists specialising in speech and language, occupational, music, and physiotherapy, as well as an essential admin team.
All our staff undergo tailored training in SEND (special educational needs and disability) to excel in delivering education, health, therapy, and care.
Find out more about our:
Director of Therapies and Education
Melanie has spent 17 years working in the NHS, education, and charity sectors. She has led and managed a range of multi-professional teams; at The Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust and Central North West London NHS Foundation Trust, holding a varied clinical background in paediatric acquired brain injury, neurodevelopmental conditions and complex neurodisability.
Headteacher and DSL and Whistleblowing Lead
Launa brings a wealth of experience to our school community with a diverse career spanning mainstream primary education and within special schools. Notably holds qualification in teaching visually impaired young individuals (QTVI). Launa Joined The Children’s Trust in January 2016 as Deputy Head, she advanced to the role of Head of School in 2019, and as of January 2023, she has assumed the position of Headteacher.
Co-Headteacher
With over 20 years’ experience of school leadership in both mainstream secondary and special needs schools, Robin provides the school with great knowledge and understanding of the complexities of managing schools. Prior to joining us, in December 2024, Robin was Headteacher of a Special School in Oxfordshire. He has a Masters degree in Education Leadership and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).
Deputy Headteacher and DSL
Maz has been part of The Children's Trust School since 2016, initially joining as a class teacher before assuming the role of Deputy Headteacher in 2019. In addition to her responsibilities as Deputy Headteacher, she serves as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, playing a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the school community.
Head of School and Community Therapies
Susie joined our school team in September 2024. Susie has worked at The Children’s Trust for the past 13 years, working mostly with our Community Rehabilitation Service. Over the last few years, she has moved into leadership roles working with the rehabilitation therapies team. Susie is a qualified Occupational Therapist and has worked for a variety of paediatric settings before joining The Children’s Trust.
Chair of Trustees, Appointments and Remuneration Committees (Committees Chair)
Steve Flanagan is Chief Executive of CSH Surrey, an employee-owned, not-for-profit organisation providing NHS community healthcare for children and adults in Surrey.
Senior Mental Health lead
Ish, a registered Health Play Specialist, joined The Children’s Trust School therapy team in early 2021. In 2024, she moved into the role of senior mental health and behaviour support. With expertise in child development, therapeutic play, and psychosocial wellbeing, she collaborates with the multi-disciplinary team, families, and external professionals to create personalised strategies that support students’ emotional resilience and mental health. Ish is dedicated to fostering a safe, nurturing environment for every child to thrive.
School Nurse Lead
Carla has been working for The Children’s Trust as a qualified children’s nurse for the past 16 years. Over this period, has undertaken a variety of roles within the organisation including management and clinical leadership and gained additional qualifications. Carla holds a clinical teaching qualification in healthcare and continues to study to further enhance her role. In February 2023 Carla became the Lead School nurse with a clear vision to improve the health provision for the children and young people to ensure they remain healthy to be engaged and learn.
PETAL Teacher
Sarah is our PETAL (Point, Evidence, Technique, Analysis and Link) trainer.
Interim Lead School Nurse
Helen has been working for The Children’s Trust as a qualified Learning Disabilities Nurse for the past 24 years. Prior to joining the school school Helen had a Clinical Nurse specialist role as a Tissue Viability Nurse, developing a service for The Children's Trust to improve quality and practice. Since February 2025, Helen has become interim Lead School Nurse which she thoroughly enjoys and is excited about seeing the children and young people thrive within school but also developing staff practice and ensuring the child is always first within the care they provide.
Melanie Burrough
Director of Therapies and Education
Melanie has spent 17 years working in the NHS, education, and charity sectors. She has led and managed a range of multi-professional teams; at The Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust and Central North West London NHS Foundation Trust, holding a varied clinical background in paediatric acquired brain injury, neurodevelopmental conditions and complex neurodisability.
Melanie has a MSc in Professional Development, with research interests in quality improvement and knowledge translation. In 2015, she was awarded ‘outstanding occupational therapist of the year’ for a quality improvement service re-design across Camden mainstream schools. She is also Chair of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists School-based occupational therapy clinical forum.
Launa Randles
Headteacher and DSL and Whistleblowing Lead
Launa brings a wealth of experience to our school community with a diverse career spanning mainstream primary education and within special schools. Notably holds qualification in teaching visually impaired young individuals (QTVI). Launa Joined The Children’s Trust in January 2016 as Deputy Head, she advanced to the role of Head of School in 2019, and as of January 2023, she has assumed the position of Headteacher.
Robin Bertrand
Co-Headteacher
With over 20 years’ experience of school leadership in both mainstream secondary and special needs schools, Robin provides the school with great knowledge and understanding of the complexities of managing schools. Prior to joining us, in December 2024, Robin was Headteacher of a Special School in Oxfordshire. He has a Masters degree in Education Leadership and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).
Maruzaan Hanlon
Deputy Headteacher and DSL
Maz has been part of The Children's Trust School since 2016, initially joining as a class teacher before assuming the role of Deputy Headteacher in 2019. In addition to her responsibilities as Deputy Headteacher, she serves as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, playing a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the school community.
Susie Nolan
Head of School and Community Therapies
Susie joined our school team in September 2024. Susie has worked at The Children’s Trust for the past 13 years, working mostly with our Community Rehabilitation Service. Over the last few years, she has moved into leadership roles working with the rehabilitation therapies team. Susie is a qualified Occupational Therapist and has worked for a variety of paediatric settings before joining The Children’s Trust.
Steve Flanagan
Chair of Trustees, Appointments and Remuneration Committees (Committees Chair)
Steve Flanagan is Chief Executive of CSH Surrey, an employee-owned, not-for-profit organisation providing NHS community healthcare for children and adults in Surrey. He brings decades of leadership and transformation experience within the NHS, third and private sectors. He has previously held roles as Chief Executive of The Fremantle Trust and Managing Director of Bupa Home Healthcare. He is taking up this role as a voluntary position, in addition to his ongoing full-time role at CSH Surrey.
Ishbel Harris
Senior Mental Health lead
Ish, a registered Health Play Specialist, joined The Children’s Trust School Therapy team in early 2021. In 2024, she moved into the role of senior mental health and behaviour support.
With expertise in child development, therapeutic play, and psychosocial wellbeing, she collaborates with the multi-disciplinary team, families, and external professionals to create personalised strategies that support students’ emotional resilience and mental health. Ish is dedicated to fostering a safe, nurturing environment for every child to thrive.
Carla Chadwick
School Nurse Lead
Carla has been working for The Children’s Trust as a qualified children’s nurse for the past 16 years. Over this period, has undertaken a variety of roles within the organisation including management and clinical leadership and gained additional qualifications. Carla holds a clinical teaching qualification in healthcare and continues to study to further enhance her role. In February 2023 Carla became the Lead School nurse with a clear vision to improve the health provision for the children and young people to ensure they remain healthy to be engaged and learn.
Sarah Townsend
PETAL Teacher
Sarah is our PETAL (Point, Evidence, Technique, Analysis and Link) trainer.
Helen Wimms
Interim Lead School Nurse
Helen has been working for The Children’s Trust as a qualified Learning Disabilities Nurse for the past 24 years. Prior to joining the school school Helen had a Clinical Nurse specialist role as a Tissue Viability Nurse, developing a service for The Children's Trust to improve quality and practice. Since February 2025, Helen has become interim Lead School Nurse which she thoroughly enjoys and is excited about seeing the children and young people thrive within school but also developing staff practice and ensuring the child is always first within the care they provide.
Our Educational Governance Committee (The Children's Trust School Governing Body) meets termly and is made up of representatives from the community, parents and school staff.
Find out about our membersOur teaching team's dedication and expertise create a nurturing and enriching learning environment for all our students. We are proud to have these exceptional educators shaping the future of our school.
Head of EYFS Department
Caroline is an experienced practitioner with a remarkable ability to support families during the crucial start of the EHCp process. Her commitment to early childhood education is truly inspiring.
Yellow Class Lead and MUSST Lead for Cognition
Molly oversees our primary-aged children in Yellow Class and leads our Making Us Subject Specialist Teams (MUSST) for cognition. Her expertise lies in recognising how children learn best, ensuring tailored education for each child. Molly does support the preplacement assessments.
Purple Class Lead and MUSST Lead in Communication
In Key Stage Three, Anna leads Purple Class and serves as our MUSST lead in communication. Her dedication to fostering effective communication skills is invaluable to our students.
Green Class Lead and MUSST Lead in Essential RSE Curriculum
Janice is the lead teacher for Green Class and our MUSST lead for the essential RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) curriculum. She ensures our students receive age respectful and comprehensive education in this vital area.
Blue Class Lead and MUSST Lead for Environmental Control Technology Curriculum
In Key Stage 4 and 5, Anne heads Blue Class and is our MUSST lead for the Environmental Control Technology curriculum. Her expertise in this field equips our students with autonomy.
Platinum Class Lead , sixth Form Oversight and MUSST Lead for Physical
In our Sixth Form, Phil provides oversight for two crucial MUSST areas: physical education and Sixth Form education. He is based in Platinum, where students receive age-respectful support to prepare for adulthood. Phil does support the chairing of annual reviews.
Support for Teachers, support for MUSST lead sixth form
Ashlea plays a pivotal role in supporting our teaching team, providing essential PPA (Planning, Preparation, and Assessment) time and management assistance for our educators.
Music Education & MUSST Lead
Franz oversees music education for our entire school community, based in the Music Hub located in the Cedar Building. Franz is one of the main contacts for Challenge Partner – area of excellence.
Caroline Page
Head of EYFS Department
Caroline is an experienced practitioner with a remarkable ability to support families during the crucial start of the EHCp process. Her commitment to early childhood education is truly inspiring.
Molly Ramsay
Yellow Class Lead and MUSST Lead for Cognition
Molly oversees our primary-aged children in Yellow Class and leads our Making Us Subject Specialist Teams (MUSST) for cognition. Her expertise lies in recognising how children learn best, ensuring tailored education for each child. Molly does support the preplacement assessments.
Anna Spencer
Purple Class Lead and MUSST Lead in Communication
In Key Stage Three, Anna leads Purple Class and serves as our MUSST lead in communication. Her dedication to fostering effective communication skills is invaluable to our students.
Janice Organ
Green Class Lead and MUSST Lead in Essential RSE Curriculum
Janice is the lead teacher for Green Class and our MUSST lead for the essential RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) curriculum. She ensures our students receive age respectful and comprehensive education in this vital area.
Anne French
Blue Class Lead and MUSST Lead for Environmental Control Technology Curriculum
In Key Stage XX Anne heads Blue Class and is our MUSST lead for the Environmental Control Technology curriculum. Her expertise in this field equips our students with autonomy.
Phil Cox
Platinum Class Lead , sixth Form Oversight and MUSST Lead for Physical
In our Sixth Form, Phil provides oversight for two crucial MUSST areas: physical education and Sixth Form education. He is based in Platinum, where students receive age-respectful support to prepare for adulthood. Phil does support the chairing of annual reviews.
Ashlea Philips
Support for Teachers, support for MUSST lead sixth form
Ashlea plays a pivotal role in supporting our teaching team, providing essential PPA (Planning, Preparation, and Assessment) time and management assistance for our educators.
Franz Allard
Music Education & MUSST Lead
Franz oversees music education for our entire school community, based in the Music Hub located in the Cedar Building. Franz is one of the main contacts for Challenge Partner – area of excellence.
Our multidisciplinary therapy team is located on-site and works within the school and residential houses during the day, providing holistic therapy provision.
Our school therapy team includes:
The children and young people we support have access to our wide range of facilities on site, including an aquatic therapy pool and assistive technology, as well as the grounds to participate in leisure activities.
The therapy team works closely with the team around each child. Individualised therapy is provided for each child as outlined within their education, health, and care plan. This could include 1-1 music therapy sessions, rebound therapy, 1-1 communication sessions, or specialist physio or occupational therapy interventions.
As well as individualised therapy, the team also offers whole school working, delivering training and support within classrooms and a range of different therapy groups. We work to enhance every child’s participation and quality of life.
When it comes to your child's health and well-being, our dedicated school nurse team is here to provide unwavering support and care, including specialised health needs and recognising the holistic vulnerability of our children and young people. We understand that a healthy child is an engaged learner and a thriving individual, and that's why we go above and beyond to ensure every student's needs are met.
We start the school day with a warm welcome, ensuring every child feels safe and cared for from the moment they step into our school. Our team provides:
If you've been inspired and feel that this might be the right career path for you, explore our job vacancy page for opportunities to join our dedicated team and help make a difference to the lives of our students.
Search School job vacancies
Across all classrooms we have allocated Specialist Teaching Assistants (STAs) to support the needs of the children across education, health, therapy and care.
These dedicated individuals play a pivotal role in supporting and enriching the learning experiences of our students, especially those with complex health conditions and multiple barriers to learning. Here are some of the essential qualities that make our STAs invaluable members of our school community:
Promoting Active Learning: Our STAs are champions of active learning. They engage students in hands-on activities, discussions, and interactive experiences that make learning both fun and meaningful.
As a parent or family member, you will often engage with our dedicated support staff, witnessing firsthand how they enhance your child's learning journey. At the Children's Trust School, we are committed to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment where every child can reach their full potential, thanks in no small part to the exceptional qualities of our Specialist Teacher Assistants
Join us in creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for our children, as you work alongside our dedicated staff to support their growth and development.
Join the volunteer teamOur dedicated administrative team at our school ensures smooth operations and safety.
SEND Lead
Specialises in the co-ordination of the EHCP process, supporting all stakeholders in special educational needs and disabilities.
Compliance and Regulatory Lead
Ensures our school adheres to regulations and standards.
School Receptionist
The welcoming face of our institution, providing assistance and facilitating communication. Interactions with this team help ensure a smooth learning journey for your child. They offer open communication, support, resources, safety, and compliance, enhancing the overall school experience for students, parents, and staff.
Lynne Black
SEND Lead
Specialises in the co-ordination of the EHCP process, supporting all stakeholders in special educational needs and disabilities.
Elaine Lush
Compliance and Regulatory Lead
Ensures our school adheres to regulations and standards.
Joan Bannister
School Receptionist
The welcoming face of our institution, providing assistance and facilitating communication. Interactions with this team help ensure a smooth learning journey for your child. They offer open communication, support, resources, safety, and compliance, enhancing the overall school experience for students, parents, and staff.
