John Ayres, Executive Headteacher, RNIB Sunshine House School and Principal of The Eden Academy
John is one of the National Leaders of Education, a group of high performing Headteachers from across the country who have been selected to support schools in challenging circumstances. He has worked extensively overseas supporting schools with curriculum development, self evaluation and system management.
Alison Futerman, Speech and Language Therapist.
Alison has been qualified for 18 years and has specialised in adults and children with complex disabilities for the majority of her career, including working at the Assistive Communication Service, Charing Cross Hospital. Alison has a particular interest in creating alternative communication systems for children. She has worked at Sunshine House School for five years.
Lauren Garfield, Speech and Language Therapist.
Lauren has practiced since 2009 after qualifying from University College London. She has since been working within paediatric settings and has a special interest in autistic spectrum disorders. She is currently based at Grangewood School supporting children with severe and profound learning disabilities.
Barbara Hallett, Habilitation Specialist
Barbara has 15 years experience working with visually impaired children who have additional physical and sensory needs at Sunshine House School. During her 15 years she has worked closely with Physiotherapists and Speech and Language Therapists.
Niloofur Italia, Teacher with responsibility for ASC, Grangewood School.
Niloofur has been working in the field of severe learning difficulties for 25 years. For the last decade she has become increasingly interested in autism which led her to complete her masters in Autism in 2007. Niloofur now oversees the autism input throughout Grangewood School and runs training sessions for a range of groups.
Jackie Seaman, Head of School, RNIB Sunshine House.
Jackie has been in her position at RNIB Sunshine House School since 2008 and is enjoying the challenge as Head of School of leading an enthusiastic and dedicated team of professionals in developing the education and therapy for children who are blind or partially sighted with additional learning, physical and sensory needs.
Gill Smith, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Coordinator.
Gill has been a teacher at Grangewood School for over 20 years. In that time she has taught every age group from 3 years upwards. She has gained recognition as an Advanced Skills Teacher for pupils working at P levels and has spent her time supporting these pupils in mainstream settings. In her current role she leads curriculum developments, assessments and teaching and learning across both RNIB Sunshine House, Grangewood and Moorcroft Schools.
Emily Williams, Speech and Language Therapist.
Emily is a qualified Speech and Language Therapist. She has been qualified for seven years and has worked with children with complex disabilities and their families for the majority of her career. She has worked at Moorcroft School since February 2010. Emily has previously presented at an ACE Centre Network Day and Communication Matters 2012.
Gemma Shiffner, Music Therapist
Gemma has been practicing Music Therapy since 2009, working with children and young people with severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple disability and autism. Gemma has a special interest in transdisciplinary work, delivering sessions with Drama Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech and Language Therapists. Gemma also enjoys working with families, both in therapy sessions and in other settings.
Grace Walter, Music Therapist
Grace qualified as a Music Therapist from Roehampton University in 2011. Since qualifying she has worked with children and young people with a range of learning disabilities as well as adults with severe and enduring mental health illnesses. Grace is currently based at Grangewood School for children with severe learning disabilities.
Helen Milward, Dramatherapist
Helen qualified in 2008, and has since been practicing Drama and Movement Therapy, working with children and young people with severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple disability and autism within an educational setting. She has also been working with vulnerable children and young people who have been victims of trauma and abuse. She has a special interest in working with children and young people who present with challenging behaviour. Helen often works closely with families and other professionals.
Sussanna Brown, Music Therapist
Sussanna studied music at undergraduate level, and went on to complete her Masters degree training in Music Therapy in 2011. She has experience providing Music Therapy for adults and children with learning difficulties, and for adults in a psychiatric setting. Her specialist interest is the way in which an understanding of Attachment Theory can inform clinical practice. Sussanna has used her music therapy skills to support charity projects overseas, and currently works at both Sunshine House and Grangewood Schools.
Mark Fuell, Class Teacher at RNIB Sunshine House
Mark has worked as a class teacher for two years, teaching children with PMLD and sensory impairments, including deafblindness. He is currently completing the Mandatory Qualification in Multi-Sensory Impairment (Deaf-Blindness).
Booking your place
Early booking special offer extended! Book to attend both days before Friday 3 May 2013 and save £50. Book your place.