Young person learning about the planting project

Our School staff

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.

Meet our leaders of learning

Melanie Burrough, Director of Therapies and Education

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.

Launa Randles, Head of School

Launa Randles

Head Teacher 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.

Maruzaan Hanlon with Indy

Maruzaan Hanlon

Deputy Head teacher 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.

Sarah

Sarah Townsend

PETAL Teacher

Sarah is our PETAL (Point, Evidence, Technique, Analysis and Link) trainer.

Carla assessing Olivia

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.

Susie Nolan, Head of School and Community Therapies

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

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.

Melanie Burrough, Director of Therapies and Education

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, Head of School

Launa Randles

Head Teacher 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.  

Maruzaan Hanlon with Indy

Maruzaan Hanlon

Deputy Head teacher 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.

Sarah

Sarah Townsend

PETAL Teacher

Sarah is our PETAL (Point, Evidence, Technique, Analysis and Link) trainer.

Carla assessing Olivia

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.

Susie Nolan, Head of School and Community Therapies

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

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.  

Governor Mike with Laura

Educational Governance Committee

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 members

Meet our teachers

Our 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.

Caroline Page, Head of EYFS Department

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

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

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, Class teacher

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

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

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 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 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.

Caroline Page, Head of EYFS Department

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

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

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, Class teacher

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

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

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 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 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 School nurse team

Nurse team with Finn

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.

What our nurse team provide:

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:

  • Effective Communication: We actively shares reports with families, professionals, and other settings to ensure seamless continuity of care and support.
  • Medication Management: We administer routine medications throughout the day, often in the classrooms, allowing students to stay engaged in their learning.
  • Competency Assurance: We empower our staff with the necessary skills to provide effective care for children with complex health needs.
  • Electronic Care Plans: utilising technology, we manage Electronic Care Plans for day learners and collaborate with residential teams to maintain and uphold accurate Electronic Health Records (ECR).
  • Health Promotion: We address various topics, educating and empowering students and staff to make informed decisions about their health.
  • Emergency Response: In case of illness, our team responds promptly, aiming to keep students in school and engaged in their learning journey.
  • Supporting Learning: We actively support the curriculum, especially within the context of the Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) program, ensuring students receive comprehensive education on crucial life topics.
  • Clinics and Vaccinations: We play a pivotal role in supporting the vaccination rollout, contributing to the health and well-being of our entire school community.
Three staff members

Feel inspired?

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

Our senior and specialist teaching assistants

Our Specialist Teaching Assistants

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:

  • Challenging and Supportive: Our STAs possess a unique blend of skills that allow them to meaningfully challenge students while providing unwavering support. They create an environment where students are encouraged to stretch their abilities while knowing they have a level of required support and assistance when needed.
  • Timely and Encouraging Feedback: They have mastered the art of delivering feedback at just the right moment. Whether it's celebrating a child's success or gently guiding them through a task, our STAs ensure that feedback is timely and constructive, fostering continuous growth.
  • Inclusive Communication: Every child is included in adult discussions about their learning. Our STAs believe in the power of involving students in their educational journey, using their mode of communication, valuing their voice and fostering a sense of ownership in their progress.
  • Responsive Partners: Our STAs are responsive partners in the learning process. They adapt their teaching delivery to cater to each child's unique needs, ensuring that every student receives the support and attention they require to thrive.
  • Patience and Processing Time: Recognising that our  learners need extra time to process information and respond, our STAs allow for this without pressure. They understand that patience is a virtue when it comes to nurturing young minds.
  • Repetition and Anticipation: In an age-respectful manner, our STAs provide opportunities for repetition and anticipation. They understand that reinforcing key concepts and allowing students to anticipate what comes next is highly effective in the learning process.
  • 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
     

 

Olivia with school volunteer

Volunteering with us

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 team

Meet our administrative team

Our dedicated administrative team at our school ensures smooth operations and safety.

Lynne Black, SEND Lead

Lynne Black

SEND Lead

Specialises in the co-ordination of the EHCP process, supporting all stakeholders in special educational needs and disabilities.

Elaine with Matthew

Elaine Lush

Compliance and Regulatory Lead

Ensures our school adheres to regulations and standards.

Joan Bannister, School Receptionist

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.

Lynne Black, SEND Lead

Lynne Black

SEND Lead

Specialises in the co-ordination of the EHCP process, supporting all stakeholders in special educational needs and disabilities.

Elaine with Matthew

Elaine Lush

Compliance and Regulatory Lead

Ensures our school adheres to regulations and standards.

Joan Bannister, School Receptionist

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.