Professional Learning Team

  EYFS Phase Specialist

Mary has been working in the Early Years sector for almost 20 years and has invaluable experience across a range of Early Years settings. She has an MA in Early Years and her passion and knowledge of how young children learn is truly embedded within her own practice. Mary is a well accomplished Early Years professional with the expert knowledge and skills necessary to build a pedagogical approach which support all elements of child development and theory. 

Mary’s previous role was as an EYFS Leader within a UK primary school and supported her team across many specialist areas within the EYFS curriculum and pedagogy.  Most recently she has moved into a new role as a college lecturer specialising in training teachers in early years practice.

She is also a personal academic tutor for the International Early Years Programme within a highly accredited UK university and as part of this role has worked towards her Associate Fellowship in Advanced Higher Education.  Mary was recently awarded her NPQ in Leading Teacher Development qualification, supporting and developing ways to plan, deliver and provide effective and informative professional development opportunities for teachers.

Secondary Phase Specialist

International Teacher Training

Safeguarding Specialist

 Helen is a highly experienced education consultant with substantial experience working in the UK and internationally. Helen has more than 20 years’ experience as a highly experienced teacher training consultant in the UK and internationally, designing and developing teacher-led and blended/ distance learning. Helen has a passion for observing teachers on the job and then making suggestions for ways to improve their teaching styles and enhance their impact on learning in a digital age. Helen is experienced in Wellbeing with a focus on inclusion and disability and integrating safeguarding into programme design. 

 International Education and Assessment Practices

iQTS Inspector

Mel is a highly experienced and dedicated education professional with a comprehensive background in teaching, quality assurance, and educational leadership. Over the course of her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments and supported individuals to develop their teaching practices.

Mel began her teaching career by working with marginalised youth and adults, delivering literacy, numeracy, ESOL, and employability skills. She obtained her PGCE from the University of Central Lancashire, balancing full-time teaching and work responsibilities. Her commitment to language teaching led to completing the CELTA, followed by an international teaching experience in Abu Dhabi.

During her 11-year tenure in the United Arab Emirates, she served as a Curriculum Coordinator for English under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Programme. Mel contributed significantly to school improvement and held various roles, including English Coordinator for Al Ain's first Emirati girl's vocational institution and a pastoral lead during her time at Brighton College Al Ain. 

Mel is a certified British Schools Overseas inspector for PENTA International, contributing to the enhancement of educational quality on a global scale.  She completed her Masters in Educational Leadership and Management with Warwick University.

Since repatriating to the UK in 2021, she has diversified her career, working as a freelance consultant, inspector, and an assessor for The Newcastle College Group. 

Mel brings a wealth of international experience, a robust educational background, and a commitment to quality assurance. Her multifaceted expertise equips her to comprehensively assess and enhance educational practices, ensuring a positive impact on both institutions and learners.

Safeguarding Specialist

Marie   has been working in safeguarding for over 25 years and has an incredibly   unique background and experience. She is one of a few professionals to have   mastered all three key statutory agencies – working within Health, Police and   Social Care. Marie is therefore an accomplished Safeguarding Professional   with expert knowledge and skills. She has a unique perspective and specialist   understanding of multi-agency safeguarding.