Our School Team

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.

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!

BA (Hons) PGCE

Hi, I’m Carissa, Assistant Headteacher and DSL as well as Communication 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.

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.

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.

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.

BA (Hons), PGCE

Hi, my name is Zoë. I am the subject leader for 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.

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.

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.

BEd (Hons), Masters in Education

My name is Jo and I have worked at Battledown as a Teacher since 2001.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Helen as one of our LPs. 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 and their families are making.

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.