Senior Management Team (SMT)
Headteacher
DSL
Nikki Teague
Headteacher
DSL
Nikki Teague
NNEB, PGCE, BEd (Hons), Masters in Education
Hello my name is Nikki. I began my career at Battledown as their first NQT and have since worked across school in different classes and obtained my Masters whilst working. I have been a member of the Senior Leadership Team and I am now Headteacher, a position which I never imagined I would accomplish, but it is a challenging and rewarding role, that is made possible by the great team I have behind me supporting me all the way. Seeing the school develop and the children enjoying the wonderful facilities we have is amazing, no day is the same and the Battledown family ethos is something I am very proud to be part of.
Assistant Headteacher
DDSL, Head of Curriculum / Teaching & Learning, Behaviour Lead, Curriculum Coordinator for My Reasoning
Leah Campbell
Assistant Headteacher
DDSL, Head of Curriculum / Teaching & Learning, Behaviour Lead, Curriculum Coordinator for My Reasoning
Leah Campbell
BSc (Hons) Psychology, PGCE Primary, NPQH
Hello everyone, I’m Leah. I have been teaching in Special Educational Needs for over 11 years now. I have taught across a wide age range (3-18) and love to see the pupils progressing academically and socially. I absolutely love working with the children and their families, it is extremely rewarding and I love the challenges it brings day to day. At Battledown, I continue to lead the ever-evolving curriculum, working with the teaching team to ensure our pupils get a high level of Teaching and Learning whilst at Battledown. I love being part of the Battledown team as it continues to develop and grow.
Assistant Headteacher
Curriculum Coordinator for Myself & My Body; Primary PE Lead
Joe Page
Assistant Headteacher
Curriculum Coordinator for Myself & My Body; Primary PE Lead
Joe Page
Hi, I’m Joe. I have been teaching in SEN settings for 13 years. I completed my PGCE at Worcester University in 2009. I have taught across all ages (4-16) and love seeing the pupils make progress with both their academic and social skills. I have a passion for PE and Sport – so try to include this passion into my teaching where I can!
Pastoral Lead
Behaviour Lead, Curriculum Coordinator for My Communication
Carissa Palmer-Little
Pastoral Lead
Behaviour Lead, Curriculum Coordinator for My Communication
Carissa Palmer-Little
BA (Hons) PGCE
Hi, I’m Carissa, Lead Teacher as well as Communication and Behaviour Lead. I have been working at Battledown since September 2020 but have been working with children with Special Educational Needs for over 20 years in a number of roles. I have worked with pupils of all ages across their school careers (4-16). I love being able to inspire and motivate the pupils I work with, seeing them develop and achieve their potential. I feel very privileged to be able to work with your children! You’ll see me at school Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Outreach & Behaviour Lead
Medical Lead. Communications Champion, Curriculum Coordinator for Forest School
Karen Cooke
Outreach & Behaviour Lead
Medical Lead. Communications Champion, Curriculum Coordinator for Forest School
Karen Cooke
NNEB, ADCE, HLTA, BTEC Forest School Leader, RSH Diploma
Hi, I’m Karen. I am a Class Teacher and Forest School lead. I have worked in child care since qualifying in 1986. My eldest child benefitted from attending Battledown and I joined the staff team in September 2005 as a TA. Since joining Battledown I have qualified as a Forest School Leader and have undertaken courses on PECS, Total Communication, Portage and Behaviour Management. I thoroughly enjoy working with our children and being able to make a difference to them and their families.
Operational Lead
Deputy DSL
Jane Davis
Operational Lead
Deputy DSL
Jane Davis
CSBM
My name is Jane, I am married with two boys and I have been involved with Battledown since 2001, starting as parent, BFG chair and then working on the admin team. My current role is Operational Lead. I feel very passionate about the school and what support it offers children and families. My outlook in life has changed considerably during my Battledown journey, I feel very privileged from what the school has given me during my time here both as a parent and member of staff.
Teaching Team
Foxes Class Teacher
Curriculum Coordinator for How My World Works
Eoghan O'Connor
Badgers Class Teacher
Early Career Teacher
Taz Scoles
Hedgehogs Class Teacher (Mon - Wed)
Curriculum Coordinator for Reading & Writing
Emma Willmore
Hedgehogs Class Teacher (Mon - Wed)
Curriculum Coordinator for Reading & Writing
Emma Willmore
BEd (Hons)
Hi, I’m Emma. I am a part-time teacher and the designated teacher for Looked After and Previously Looked After Children. My first experience of Battledown was as a volunteer in 1994. I really felt I had found my ‘niche’ and from there went on to train as a teacher. In 2015, after working at schools in Gloucester and later at a local playgroup, I returned to Battledown on supply. A year later I was delighted to be offered a teaching post for a job share in Orange Class (now Foxes). Every day at Battledown brings new and exciting challenges, it is totally exhausting but immensely rewarding! It is a privilege to be part of the Battledown family, working alongside a fantastic team for the benefit of our inspirational children and their families.
Hedgehogs Class Teacher (Thu/Fri)
Curriculum Co-ordinator for Myself & My Body; Primary PE Lead
Joe Page
Hedgehogs Class Teacher (Thu/Fri)
Curriculum Co-ordinator for Myself & My Body; Primary PE Lead
Joe Page
Hi, I’m Joe. I have been teaching in SEN settings for 13 years. I completed my PGCE at Worcester University in 2009. I have taught across all ages (4-16) and love seeing the pupils make progress with both their academic and social skills. I have a passion for PE and Sport – so try to include this passion into my teaching where I can!
Squirrels Class Teacher
Curriculum Coordinator for Me & My Community; Student Council
Zoe Hadden
Squirrels Class Teacher
Curriculum Coordinator for Me & My Community; Student Council
Zoe Hadden
BA (Hons), PGCE
Hi, my name is Zoë. I am the subject leader for Me and My Community at Battledown. This covers PSHE; Personal, Social and Health Education and RSE; Relationships and Sex Education in our school curriculum. I have been teaching for over 20 years; in mainstream for 15 years as an Early Years and KS1 teacher. Leading on from a SENCo role I became interested in Special Educational Needs and began work at Belmont School. Since then, I have worked with a wide variety of families and children in special and mainstream schools. I was thrilled to begin working at Battledown in September 2020 having worked with the setting over many years, linking with the school I was working in at the time. Battledown is a wonderful place to be with fantastic children and families and a truly dedicated and inspiring staff team.
Owls Class Teacher
Curriculum Coordinator for Me & My Thinking
Becca Sefton
Owls Class Teacher
Curriculum Coordinator for Me & My Thinking
Becca Sefton
BA Hons and PGCE Primary Education
Hello! My name is Becca and I am a class teacher at Battledown. I started here in October 2023 after several years working in early years and primary education. I began my teaching career as a special needs teaching assistant and have always loved supporting children to achieve their best. I also lead our My Thinking pathway, which covers our maths curriculum.
Rabbits Class Teacher
Curriculum Coordinator for Me & My Body
Sam Hodson
Rabbits Class Teacher
Curriculum Coordinator for Me & My Body
Sam Hodson
Bsc (Hons) Sports Development, Schools Direct PGCE in Early Years
Hello, I’m Sam. I’ve taught in both mainstream and more recently SEN schools. I look forward getting to know the children and their families and making their time at school a positive and memorable experience.
Otters Class Teacher
Early Careers Teacher
Alycia Orr
Woodpeckers Class Teacher
Student Council
Cristina Muntean
Woodpeckers Class Teacher
Student Council
Cristina Muntean
QTS and Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
Hello my name is Cristina, and I am proud to be part of the Battledown team. I have been working in education for many years in SEN and mainstream settings. I am fortunate and blessed to be teaching in an amazing school that has a nurturing, loving environment where children can learn and experience new challenges that will help build their confidence and independence skills. I look forward to continuing to have a positive impact on the children’s growth and to new discoveries with an amazing team of teachers.
Interventions Teacher
Maternity Leave
Holly Hewitt
Interventions Teacher
Maternity Leave
Holly Hewitt
BA (Hons) & PGCE in Primary Education
Hello! My name is Holly and I am a Class Teacher here at Battledown. I have been working in education for many years in SEN and mainstream settings. I love being outdoors, getting messy, having fun and all things creative. I believe that happy children thrive, and as a teacher I strive to help all children feel safe, secure and settled at school.
Interventions HLLP
Louise Sherlock
Interventions HLLP
Louise Sherlock
Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 2 and 3; Higher Level Teaching Level 4
Hello, my name is Louise and I am a HLLP. I have worked at Battledown since January 2020, starting as supply, before moving to a permanent role. Prior to this I worked in a mainstream school where I supported children with special educational needs. I am so lucky to be part of a fantastic school and excited to continue my career at Battledown.
PPA Cover
Curriculum Coordinator for My Creativity; School Choir
Laura Collier-Hall
PPA Cover
Curriculum Coordinator for My Creativity; School Choir
Laura Collier-Hall
BEd (Hons)
My name is Laura and I am a Class Teacher at Battledown Centre for Children and Families. I first found out about the Battledown Centre when I undertook a voluntary SEN placement at the end of my teaching degree, I noticed straight away that there was something very special and truly unique about the school. I previously worked taught at Alderman Knight School across their primary, key stage 3 and 4 phases. As an early years trained teacher, I am thrilled to be part of the team at Battledown and look forward to working with our inspirational young people and their families. In my spare time I spend as much time as I can with my family and our dogs and cats.
PPA Cover
Curriculum Co-ordinator for My Communication
Jo Doyle
PPA Cover
Curriculum Co-ordinator for My Communication
Jo Doyle
BEd (Hons), Masters in Education
My name is Jo and I have worked at Battledown as a Teacher since 2001.
PPA/HLLP
Behaviour Lead, Communications Champion, Curriculum Coordinator for Forest School
Karen Cooke
PPA/HLLP
Behaviour Lead, Communications Champion, Curriculum Coordinator for Forest School
Karen Cooke
NNEB, ADCE, HLTA, BTEC Forest School Leader, RSH Diploma
Hi, I’m Karen. I am a Class Teacher and Forest School lead. I have worked in child care since qualifying in 1986. My eldest child benefitted from attending Battledown and I joined the staff team in September 2005 as a TA. Since joining Battledown I have qualified as a Forest School Leader and have undertaken courses on PECS, Total Communication, Portage and Behaviour Management. I thoroughly enjoy working with our children and being able to make a difference to them and their families.
Learning Partners
Learning Partner
Jess Baron
Learning Partner
Jess Baron
Hi, I am Jess and I am a Learning Partner. I have worked at Battledown since October 2019. I started off being a volunteer in the school and then was able to take a full-time position. I love being part of the Battledown family especially since my youngest child started school this then meant I was able to join the team full time! One of the best things is that no two days are the same and I am always kept on my toes, learning new skills every day. I have found it incredibly rewarding being able to work with such inspiring children and staff.
Learning Partner
Claire Beck
Learning Partner
Claire Beck
Hi, I’m Claire. My son attended Battledown and loved it, he’s now in his GCSE year at a mainstream school. I have worked part time at Battledown for 10 years, I enjoy watching the children grow & develop, no two days are the same. I work with a wonderful and caring group of people.
Learning Partner
Hazel Bernales
Learning Partner
Sue Birch
Learning Partner
Sarah Broderick
Learning Partner
Sarah Broderick
BEd (Hons)
Hello my name is Sarah. I spent many years working and travelling abroad before settling back in England and working in mainstream settings. I first began volunteering at Battledown in 2016 and then in September 2017 I began working as an Early Years Practitioner part time. No two days are ever the same, I work with an amazing team and fantastic children. It is sometimes challenging but always fulfilling.
Learning Partner
Gabby Burge
Learning Partner
Bobo Chang
HLLP
Joanne Clarke
HLLP
Joanne Clarke
Best Practice H.L.T.A. qualification
Hi, I am Joanne. I started working at Battledown in April 2024. I have 20 years’ experience of working with children with SEN in Primary and Secondary Schools. I thoroughly enjoy my position as H.L.T.A working with the children, families and outside agencies. I feel privileged to be part of the Battledown family who are an amazing team of people.
Learning Partner
Andrea Davies
Learning Partner
Karen Daw
Learning Partner
Julie Dobbs
Learning Partner
Julie Dobbs
NVQ Level 3
Hello my name is Julie. I started working with children in 2000 as a childminder. After 12 years, I went into nurseries, where I worked up to deputy manager but I decided to work in schools as a SEN 1:1 teaching assistant. I joined Battledown in September 2020 and I am really enjoying the diversity of each day.
Learning Partner
Maria Duque
Learning Partner
Lori Dyer
Learning Partner
Oliver Elliott
HLLP
Jess Goldsmith
Learning Partner
Andrea Hodges
Learning Partner
Andrea Hodges
NVQ Level 3
Hello my name is Andrea, and I’m a Learning Partner. I started working at Battledown in 2021 and really enjoy the the variety of every day here. Before I started working at Battledown I was a nursery nurse and worked my way up to Deputy Manager. When the opportunity came up to work at this great school I couldn’t wait to be part of a loving supportive team who inspire me.
Learning Partner
Ali Holtom
Learning Partner
Ali Holtom
NNEB
Hi, I’m Ali. I started as a volunteer at Battledown in 2008. I soon went on to do supply work and become a full-time Learning Partner. I am a qualified Nursery Nurse and was a nanny (special needs and mainstream) for many years before I had my own family. I love my work at Battledown. I am so grateful to work with such an amazing team and with such inspirational children and families. I am constantly learning new skills as every day brings new challenges. Each day is full special achievements and always lots of fun. I am always busy and the days go so quickly, but I wouldn’t want it any other way!
Learning Partner
Tracey Hughes
Learning Partner
Tracey Hughes
Hi my name is Tracey, I’ve worked at Battledown for over a year as Midday Supervisor and am now doing support work in school. I’ve always wanted to work with children and even more so because my daughter is non-verbal autistic. I would like to progress in the special needs education sector with the Battledown team. I learn every day from working with the children. I love making them smile and fulfil their everyday needs and more.
Learning Partner
Amy Izzard
Learning Partner
Amy Izzard
Hi, I have been working at Battledown since February 2021. I started working here after my son came here three years ago. I’ve come to know most of the staff and they are the most loveliest people and they do an amazing job with the children. So who wouldn’t want to work in a place like this?
Learning Partner
Andrise Lawisch
Learning Partner
Andrise Lawisch
BA Art & Design, Level 2 in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Learning Disabilities
Hello, my name is Andrise. I moved from London to Cheltenham in 2020 where I completed my Level 2 Certificates in ‘Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Learning Disabilities’. I began as a volunteer at Battledown School in 2021 and am now a Learning Partner. Working at Battledown is challenging but also enriching. Each day brings something different and gives me with a deeper understanding of working with children with disabilities. Whilst in London I completed my BA in Art and Design from the University of the Arts London.
Learning Partner
Atsuko Leyton
Learning Partner
Tamara Lockey-Pardoe
Learning Partner
Mareille Meakin
Learning Partner
Wing Suen Or
Learning Partner
Sophie Stanford
Learning Partner
Gemma Stephens
Learning Partner
Gemma Stephens
Supporting learning and teaching in schools level 2 and 3.
Hi, I’m Gemma and I joined the Battledown team in January 2022. Before joining Battledown I worked in a mainstream primary school in Cheltenham supporting children with Special Educational Needs on a 1:1 basis, this included children with Down Syndrome and Autism. I’m very excited to have joined the Battledown team and look forward to all the opportunities it will bring.
Learning Partner
Helen Tharia
Learning Partner
Helen Tharia
NNEB
Hello, I’m Helen and I am a Learning Partner. I have worked at Battledown for many years and during my time here I have had a lot of experience working with children with a wide variety of special needs. I really enjoy being with the children and working with such a great team here at Battledown. My role is fun, inspiring and rewarding.
Learning Partner
Safaa Thomson
Learning Partner
Zoe Uren
Learning Partner
Kate Webb
Family Support
Family Worker
Sarah Bell
Family Worker
Sarah Bell
My name is Sarah and I am the Family Worker. I started working at Battledown in 2004 after my son with additional needs moved on to his next school. I can remember how valuable Battledown’s family support was back then and the difference it made to us as a family. I aim to offer each family the support they need and can work individually or in parent groups. We have regular meet ups and cover a wide range of subjects requested by parents and learn from each other. I believe parent carers are stronger together and a big part of my role is to create opportunities for families to get together and build friendships which continue long after the children leave Battledown.
Family Worker Assistant
Sally Bradley
Family Worker Assistant
Sally Bradley
Hi, I’m Sally the new Family Worker Assistant at Battledown. I work part-time and help Sarah Bell, the Battledown Family Worker with her work supporting families by helping with admin such as charity funding applications and communicating with parents and carers. I’m really looking forward to meeting you all at school events and ‘Infocus’ meetings for parents and carers. I can be contacted via school reception if you need help with anything or have any questions or queries for Sarah Bell that I can also help you with.
My son, Anthony, attended Battledown when he was small and he had wonderful support as our family did at the beginning of our journey.
My original background was as a registered adult nurse and I worked in many different nursing roles for almost 30 years. I was also part of the team at Battledown for about 11 years. I supported lots of different children and I also previously enjoyed organizing stay and play sessions for new families.
Administration Team
Operational Lead
Deputy DSL
Jane Davis
Operational Lead
Deputy DSL
Jane Davis
CSBM
My name is Jane, I am married with two boys and I have been involved with Battledown since 2001, starting as parent, BFG chair and then working on the admin team. My current role is Operational Lead. I feel very passionate about the school and what support it offers children and families. My outlook in life has changed considerably during my Battledown journey, I feel very privileged from what the school has given me during my time here both as a parent and member of staff.
Finance Officer
Debbie Benton
Finance Officer
Debbie Benton
Hi, I’m Debbie and work in Finance, I have been at Battledown since April 2007. I previously worked in the Private Sector as a “change’ consultant. Everyday at Battledown is a challenge and very rewarding. Being part of such a great team, that everyday gives it everything in order that our children can continue to learn and have fun, is very inspiring.
School Administrator
Toby Jones
School Administrator
Toby Jones
Level 3 Diplomas in Business Studies and Leadership & Management
Hello my name is Toby. I have been involved with Battledown since September 2001 starting out as a pupil in Green Class (now known as Otters) for three years with Nikki Teague as my teacher. I returned to the school as a volunteer in June 2016 as I wanted to give back to the amazing school that has helped me so much and I have been here ever since. In 2018 I was nominated for the Robert Nairac and Spirit of Youth Awards and I am so grateful for the opportunities Battledown have given me. Working as a School Administrator is varied, challenging and rewarding. I am very lucky and proud to be part of the wonderful team at Battledown and to be able to see and hear about the progress the children in school are making.
Receptionist & Midday Supervisor
Souhila Ahmed Serir
Receptionist & Midday Supervisor
Souhila Ahmed Serir
Bachelor’s Degree of English Language & Literature with British & American History
Hello my name is Souhila. I am from Algeria where I worked as a teacher and executive secretary in a private company. I feel so proud to bring the passion I have and skills I have gained from both roles to Battldown. I started working at Battledown in 2023 working on reception and as a midday supervisor. I’m enthusiastic and excited about working alongside an inspirational and hard working team to help our lovely children to flourish and progress in life.
EHCP Coordinator
Emma Emmerson
Admin Volunteer
Amber Gateru
Midday Supervisors
Receptionist & Midday Supervisor
Souhila Ahmed Serir
Receptionist & Midday Supervisor
Souhila Ahmed Serir
Bachelor’s Degree of English Language & Literature with British & American History
Hello my name is Souhila. I am from Algeria where I worked as a teacher and executive secretary in a private company. I feel so proud to bring the passion I have and skills I have gained from both roles to Battldown. I started working at Battledown in 2023 working on reception and as a midday supervisor. I’m enthusiastic and excited about working alongside an inspirational and hard working team to help our lovely children to flourish and progress in life.
Midday Supervisor
Kerri Antoniak
Midday Supervisor
Charlotte Crote
Midday Supervisor
Hannah Fawson
Midday Supervisor
Olivia Moseley
Midday Supervisor
Maternity Leave
Michelle Owino
Midday Supervisor & Learning Partner Supply
Amanda Peacey
Midday Supervisor
Skye Slender
Midday Supervisor
Saffron Snow
Premises Team
Cleaner
Graham Birch
Site Lock up
Paul Davis
Cleaner
Luis De Sousa
Cleaner
Amanda Peacey
Caretaker
Jozef Solcani