Introduction from the Headteacher
At Willow Park School, we will be tireless in our pursuit of excellence, because we know what a difference it can make to the lives of the young people, their families and community. We are truly committed to maintaining very strong home-school partnerships and for all pupils to maximise their potential, it is vital that parents and carers and the school, work productively together.
You can be assured that as Headteacher of Willow Park School, all staff will strive to create the best learning environment for your child whilst they are members of our school community.
Faye Causer- Headteacher
I am delighted to be appointed as Headteacher of Willow Park School. I feel honoured to undertake this role and am keen to get to know pupils, as well as parents and staff. I have been in education for the last 23 years and I have worked as a previous head in independent special schools and will bring this experience and knowledge to Willow Park School to ensure that our learners are given the best possible education as they prepare for adulthood.
I am very passionate about community and so I would like to ensure that all key adults around our learners very much feel a part of the Willow Park journey as we aim to become established. I am also excited to be back working in Milton Keynes and developing partnerships to enhance the school programme . The learners at Willow Park will have the chance to experience real world situations to bring their learning to life as we want them to become lifelong learners and to find their passions in this ever-changing and progressive world that we live in.
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.
James Pegg – Assistant Headteacher
I am delighted to be part of the Willow Park School as Assistant Headteacher. I have previously held positions as a Pastoral and Curriculum Leader at both independent and maintained schools.
I enjoy supporting students to achieve their full potential, whilst challenging them to strive for excellence in their education and personal developments. I have completed the National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership and continue to undertake regular training courses to deepen my knowledge as a school leader.
I have a real passion for taking part in sport and physical activity as a specialist in PE and feel that outdoor learning experiences can add a real value to a students education.
Vicki Gunner – Designated Safeguarding Lead
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.