Senior Leadership at Willow Park School
At Willow Park School, relationships come first. We believe that lasting learning begins with trust, safety and connection. Our calm and nurturing environment is designed to help every young person feel secure enough to take the next steps in their learning and personal growth.
Many of our pupils have experienced disrupted education or challenges that have affected their confidence and wellbeing. We meet them where they are, using trauma-informed and relational approaches to rebuild trust and promote emotional safety. Our staff understand that behaviour is communication, and they respond with empathy, consistency and respect.
We place equal importance on academic progress, personal development and social growth. Our curriculum is designed to develop communication, self-awareness, independence and resilience. Pupils are supported to learn vital life skills — from managing daily routines and developing positive relationships, to preparing for adulthood and the world of work.
Transitions are carefully planned and supported. Whether pupils are moving between key stages, re-engaging with education after absence, or preparing for college, training or employment, we ensure that every young person is equipped with the confidence and skills to succeed beyond school.
Our dedicated team of teachers, therapists and support staff work collaboratively with families and external professionals to provide individualised support. Together, we nurture each pupil’s sense of belonging, self-belief and purpose.
At Willow Park, inclusion is our commitment and compassion is our practice. Every young person is encouraged to recognise their potential, celebrate their achievements, and take their place in the world with confidence and pride.
Paul Chambers- Headteacher
I’m truly honoured to be joining Willow Park School as Headteacher and I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about creating spaces where young people feel safe, and understood, and inspired to grow. Willow Park already has a strong foundation of care and commitment, and I’m excited to build on that together with warmth, consistency, and high expectations.
In the coming weeks , I’ll be spending time getting to know your children, your families, and the wider school community. I believe in the power of relationships, and I’m looking forward to working in close partnership with you to help every student thrive.
It’s a privilege to step into this role, and I’m truly excited for all that lies ahead at Willow Park School.
Lisa Witheyman – Deputy Headteacher
I am privileged to be Deputy Headteacher at Willow Park School. I bring over 25 years of experience in education and have worked in a range of settings. I am driven by a genuine passion for empowering students with SEMH and other needs to thrive and achieve things that they never thought possible. I am committed to working with colleagues to create a safe, inclusive environment where barriers are broken down, resilience is built and academic and personal growth flourish. I firmly believe that every student should be supported to reach their full potential.
Amy Gavin-Birch – Assistant Headteacher
I delighted to be be part of Willow Park school as Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion and SEND. My role will be to support all learners to achieve their EHCP outcomes by ensuring that all teachers have been able to work towards the targets that have been set. In addition, I will be supporting all annual reviews and working closely with the local authorities. Part of my role for inclusion is to ensure that all new learners on a transition programme are supported to feel safe in their new school and to working towards building relationships so that education becomes a place of success and opportunity. I am really looking forward to working in close partnership with our learners and their families.
Lauren Mulvaney – Assistant Headteacher
I am delighted to be part of the Willow Park School as Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for teaching and learning. I also oversee careers and assessment. I have been at Willow Park school since it opened in September 2023. I am privileged to work with the fabulous children and outstanding staff here at Willow Park.
Vicki Gunner – Head of Safeguarding and Wellbeing
I am delighted to be working as the DSL for Willow Park School. I have extensive experience of working in alternative education and within children’s social care and am passionate about my role and responsibilities to enhance students, families and staff wellbeing. I am looking forward to working with students to ensure that they feel safe in school, enjoy the working environment and learn how to prepare for adulthood. I am also looking forward to working with families as the key family support worker for the school and will be part of EHCP reviews to ensure that all learners and their families are given the best possible outcomes.
Charlotte Lopez -Ellis – Clinical Lead
I am delighted to be working at Willow Park as the Lead Clinician. I am a Registered Play and Creative Arts Therapist who has worked with children and young people who are neurodiverse and or had experienced complex and developmental trauma for 16 years. Together with the other members of the Clinical Team I will be working to ensure that all pupils therapeutic needs are met to reduce any barriers to their learning and promote positive mental health. I will work in collaboration with the staff team at Willow Park to create a school environment that is both trauma informed and neuroaffirming. I am excited to work closely with the senior leadership team at Willow Park so that together we can provide consistency and joined up thinking to help our pupils achieve the best possible outcomes.
Debra Pearce – Business Manager
I am delighted to be working at Willow Park as the Business Manager and have multiple years experience of working in SEMH provisions, I believe strong operational and financial support plays a vital role in enabling effective student wellbeing. I have been at Willow Park school since its conception in 2023.