Red Rose School

I am passionate about working with young people, child focused and committed to achieving the best possible outcomes, for all pupils, both socially and academically. I have been involved in education for 25 years and the journey has taken me through mainstream education as an English specialist, Head of Year and Lead Teacher.

I made the move from mainstream education approximately 11 years ago to work with young people with more complex and challenging needs. The continuation of this journey allowed me to work in a LA PRU and then into the Independent SEMH sector. Across this period, I have held a number of roles, SENDCo, Behaviour Lead, Deputy Head Teacher, Headteacher within 3 organisations and across a number of schools.

My aim is to remove barriers to education for all pupils in my care, difficult start points should not limit our expectations. I expect all staff to be aspirational for every pupil and to support and challenge each young person to be the best version of themselves.

Every day is different in an SEMH provision and my role as Headteacher is never boring!

I joined Red Rose School in September 2022 and have progressed do become I Assistant Headteacher (Curriculum Lead) and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL). Alongside my leadership responsibilities, I teach Geography and Computing - subjects that allow me to combine creativity, critical thinking, and real-world application to inspire curiosity and confidence.

As Curriculum Lead, my role promotes the development and implementation of a broad, balanced, and engaging curriculum that supports both academic progress and personal growth. I work closely with staff to ensure that teaching and learning is of a high-quality, promotes inclusivity, and is ambitious, helping every young person reach their full potential.

After completing the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL), I remain committed to driving continuous improvement, fostering innovation, and promoting a culture of collaboration and high expectations across the school. Supporting others is something I value deeply.

Before joining Red Rose, I taught a range of subjects in different settings, including a period of time teaching overseas, in Thailand. Outside of school, I am passionate about sport and a proud supporter of Manchester United and Wigan Warriors. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, and exploring the world, always striving to keep learning and developing both personally and professionally.

I am an Assistant Headteacher and the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) at Red Rose School. I hold a PGCE in ‘Teaching Learners with Additional Needs’ and the ‘National Award in SEN Coordination’, qualification that underpin my commitment to ensuring every young person receives the support and opportunities they need to thrive.

For the last five years I have taught Food Technology, at Red Rose and I have taken on extra responsibility in the delivery of Life Skills. These subjects help the students to build independence and confidence, in preparation for life beyond school. I am passionate about creating an inclusive environment where all pupils feel valued and supported.

As SENCO, I coordinate special educational needs provision across the school, working with staff, parents, and external agencies to meet individual needs of each pupil. I also serve as the ‘Exams Officer’, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), and Careers Lead, ensuring students are safe, well-supported, and prepared for each transition through their learning journeys.

Everything I do is driven by a desire to make a positive difference—helping young people feel a sense of belonging, achieve their potential, and develop the confidence they need for life beyond Red Rose School.

Outside of school, I am passionate about fitness and enjoy spending time with my family.

I have worked at Cambian Red Rose School for two and a half years, as a Teaching Assistant across all classes and, more recently as the Art Lead. I am currently training to become an Arts Award Instructor, further developing my ability to inspire creativity and self-expression through the subject.

My previous experience includes working in various nursery settings, where I achieved my Level 4 qualification in ‘Working with Children and Young People’. I have also worked with students with special educational needs, gaining specialist qualifications that enabled me to be part of a personal care team and support nurses and therapists in their daily work.

More recently, I worked with the elderly before moving into roles supporting students with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs in schools and colleges. These experiences have given me valuable knowledge and skills to support children therapeutically and to teach art in a way that promotes emotional wellbeing and personal growth.

In my spare time, I enjoy walking my collie dogs, spending time at the therapeutic riding school I am involved with, playing the drums, listening to music, attending concerts, and spending quality time with family and friends

As a recent arrival at Red Rose School, I am extremely happy to join such a proactive and empathic team. As an English teacher, I have always found that fostering a love of a subject, and the motivation to learn more, is the ultimate aim. Pupils should feel comfortable with their language and English is a great way of expressing individuality and character, through a variety of communicative channels, whether written, spoken or in print. All pupils should have the capacity to say what they mean, and mean what they say in a variety of situations, enabling success throughout their lives. For me, English is a funny, strange and fascinating subject and I eagerly look forward to sharing my passion for it with all pupils at red Rose School.

Since qualifying in 1999, I have spent most of my career teaching in mainstream schools, specialising in Physical Education while also teaching Mathematics, English, Geography, History, and Travel and Tourism. Before joining Red Rose School in February 2022 as the Maths Teacher, I taught Maths and Physical Education in an ASD school for 18 months.

Transitioning from mainstream to specialist education has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Teaching smaller class sizes allows me to see individual progress more clearly and to design bespoke lessons that meet each pupil’s unique needs. I am passionate about ensuring that every learner makes meaningful progress, regardless of their starting point or previous educational experiences.

I strive to instil confidence, resilience, and ambition in all my pupils, encouraging them to believe in their ability to achieve and excel. I have high expectations and aim to inspire every pupil to continue their education beyond Red Rose School, equipped with valuable qualifications in Mathematics and the self-belief to succeed in whatever path they choose.

After 17 years in the fitness industry, working first as a Personal Trainer and later as a Manager, I was offered the opportunity to change career paths and move into education. I now work as a Teaching Assistant in Red Rose School’s Outdoor Education Department, supporting a wide range of activities including kayaking, climbing, and mountaineering.

I hold a MIAS Level 2 Mountain Biking Instructor Award, which enables me to lead MTB sessions, as well as a Small-Bore Rifle Range Shooting Qualification, allowing me to deliver safe and engaging shooting sessions for pupils.

I am currently studying for a Level 4 qualification in Outdoor and Adventure Therapy, further developing my skills to support students’ personal growth, wellbeing, and resilience through outdoor learning experiences.

I have been instructing Outdoor Education for the past 27 years, working with young people to develop their confidence, resilience, and teamwork through a wide range of activities. I hold National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications that allow me to deliver mountain walking, climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle-boarding, and rifle shooting.

Throughout my career, I have led numerous expeditions both in the UK and overseas, providing students with valuable opportunities to challenge themselves and grow through adventure. I am passionate about the outdoors and believe strongly in its power to promote physical health, mental wellbeing, and personal development.

My current professional focus is on Adventure Therapy, and I am studying for a Level 4 qualification in this field to further enhance my ability to use outdoor experiences as a tool for emotional growth and therapeutic support. I take great pride in helping young people embrace the challenges of the outdoors and strive to ensure every student has the opportunity to experience its many benefits.

I am a Teaching Assistant at Red Rose School and also support the delivery of Food Technology. In addition to my classroom role, I help prepare school dinners, which allows me to contribute to the school community in a practical and rewarding way, ensuring all pupils have access to nutritious, hot food each day.

I have built strong, positive relationships with the young people in school. I believe the young people see me as someone they can trust and talk to. The pupils know they can come to me at any time if something is worrying them, and I always take the time to listen and support them.

I truly love my role at school and take great pride in helping our young people feel cared for, valued, and supported every day.

I joined Cambian Red Rose School as a Teaching Assistant, specialising in the English Department, and quickly found my place among a supportive and dedicated team. My many years as an actor have helped me bring creativity, confidence, and personality into my work, allowing me to engage and connect with students in meaningful ways.

After a few months, I was given the opportunity to teach my own class, specialising in Media. This experience has been incredibly rewarding, enabling me to design engaging curriculums and rediscover my passion for teaching—particularly in a subject I know and love. Since joining Red Rose, I have taught more than I ever imagined and discovered how fulfilling it is to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people.

Red Rose has provided me with the opportunity to pursue a teaching career, supporting me on a pathway toward achieving my teaching qualification. The school has also encouraged me to continue following my goals as an actor, offering unwavering support in both my professional and creative pursuits. Most importantly, Red Rose has allowed me to help create a positive, safe, and inspiring environment where students can thrive. I am truly grateful for the opportunities, experiences, and relationships that both the staff and young people have brought into my life.

I joined Red Rose in January 2025, having previously taught PE at Wigan Warriors College. My experience spans a range of educational settings and roles, from teaching in primary schools and colleges to coaching in primary, secondary, and PRU environments. This diverse background has shaped my approach to teaching and learning—ensuring that every pupil can reach the same end goal through methods tailored to their individual abilities and needs.

I believe strongly in building positive relationships to create a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment where pupils can thrive and overcome challenges each day. Having played rugby at both semi-professional and international levels, teamwork and resilience are central to my practice. I value collaboration and believe that supporting one another as a collective is key to fostering a successful, nurturing, and rewarding environment where both staff and pupils can achieve their best.

Working at Cambian Red Rose is incredibly fulfilling. It provides me with the opportunity to continue learning and growing personally while helping pupils progress academically, socially, and emotionally on their individual journeys.

Frances Bradshaw

I have been part of the Red Rose School community for the past year, working as a Teaching Assistant in the Science Department. I am passionate about creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences and have developed a variety of practical activities to help bring scientific concepts to life in the classroom.

Before moving into education, I spent ten years working as a manager in the hospitality industry, where I gained valuable skills in communication, organisation, and teamwork. These skills now play a key role in how I support both students and colleagues each day.

This year, I began teaching Citizenship – an exciting new subject for the school – and I am thoroughly enjoying helping students explore important topics around community, responsibility, and personal development. I love getting involved in theme days and school celebrations, especially when there’s a chance for fancy dress!

Although I am still in the early stages of my education career, I am thoroughly enjoying my role and am committed to continuing to grow, learn, and contribute to the Red Rose community.

I joined Red Rose School in November 2022, having originally trained as a PE teacher before discovering my passion for Science. Since then, I have developed the Science curriculum from the ground up, taking great pride in creating lessons that are engaging, purposeful, and driven by curiosity. I am particularly committed to providing students with practical, hands-on learning experiences that bring scientific concepts to life and helps build confidence in their own abilities.

My background in sport has equipped me with strong skills in relationship building, teamwork, and resilience—qualities that I bring into the classroom every day. I set consistently high expectations and strive to create a supportive yet challenging learning environment where every student feels valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. My goal is for pupils to leave my lessons not only with a solid understanding of scientific principles but also with the confidence, discipline, and motivation to apply these skills beyond school life.

Outside of teaching, I have spent the past five years coaching football across a range of age groups and currently manage the district team. I also enjoy playing netball and staying active. A highlight of my time at Red Rose has been accompanying students on the 2025 residential trip to France, where I supported them as they kayaked the Ardèche—an unforgettable experience that perfectly reflected the school’s ethos of challenge, teamwork, and personal growth.

I have worked as an Intervention specialist since returning to university in 2003. Initially my focus was on learning to become a teacher, but once I achieved Qualified Teacher Status I returned to university once again to achieve the postgraduate qualifications needed to allow me to work as a SENCo, and support learners with Autism, Dyslexia and a range of SEMH needs.

I have worked in Primary, Secondary and FE settings, including secure units and CAHMS settings. In addition to my work in schools I work with examining bodies writing Entry Level Functional Skills exams, and marking GCSE Literature and Language exams.

I became interested in working as a teacher after realising mainstream schools were not a one size fits all option and that many learners thrive in a more personalised environment. I believe this approach offers the best chance of success in helping learners access the curriculum to become more independent learners.

I have worked at Red Rose School since November 2024, initially as the Humanities Teaching Assistant. Currently, I am supporting the primary class which is providing a new challenge and is something that I am really enjoying. Before joining the school, I worked in a retirement village, where I discovered how much I enjoy helping others and making lives a little easier and more enjoyable.

I love spending time outdoors, especially walking my dogs and riding my horse with my daughter. Family and friends are very important to me, and I value the time I spend with them.

I really enjoy being part of the Red Rose team—every day brings new challenges and experiences, and it’s wonderful to work in such a supportive and friendly environment.

I am delighted to have recently joined the Red Rose team as a Teaching Assistant. Throughout my career, working in care homes supporting individuals with Alzheimer’s and other vulnerabilities, I have developed strong communication skills, patience, empathy, and the ability to adapt to a wide range of needs.

As a mother of three grown-up children and a foster carer, nurturing and guiding young people has always been central to who I am, so moving into education felt like a natural and rewarding next step. I bring a calm, supportive approach, a wealth of experience in building positive relationships, and a genuine passion for helping children grow in confidence and achieve their potential.

Outside of school, I enjoy walking, cooking, travelling, and reading. I am excited to contribute my skills, experience, and enthusiasm to the Red Rose community and to play a part in supporting our pupils’ growth and success.

I came to Red Rose School in February 2015 as a Teaching Assistant and have since developed my skills and experience within the classroom, progressing to the role of Instructor, teaching PSHE and Health and Social Care.

In 2023, I became the Pastoral Lead and trained as a practitioner in LEGO Therapy and Drawing and Talking, further enhancing my ability to support the emotional wellbeing of all pupils. In 2025, I began my Level 5 Operational Manager apprenticeship alongside the Thrive Practitioner Degree, continuing my professional development in leadership and emotional education.

I am dedicated and compassionate in supporting every pupil’s personal, social, and emotional development. Throughout my time at Red Rose, I have placed pupil wellbeing at the heart of everything I do, believing that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment.

I have built strong, trusting relationships with pupils, families, and colleagues, helping to create a positive and respectful school community. Ultimately, I aspire to make a lasting difference in the lives of our pupils by ensuring they feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed both in school and beyond.

I have worked in various positions in education for the last thirty years.

My passion has always been in ensuring that all learning is inclusive, accessible and most of all, an enjoyable experience for all pupils. I feel it is important to take pride in, and celebrate, all pupil achievements. Red Rose School is a safe and comfortable place, where young people are supported so that they can thrive and develop academically, emotionally and socially.

I am honoured and often humbled to play a part in our pupils’ learning journeys.

All young people can achieve regardless of their start points.

I am a dedicated and passionate individual with over five years of experience working within early years settings, alongside two years of teaching dance to children and young people aged 8-18. My background in child psychology,criminology, and social care has given me a strong understanding of child development, behaviour, and wellbeing. I am commited to creating a supportive, engaging, and inclusive environment where every child can grow in confidence and reach their full potential.

I have been part of the Cambian Red Rose team since November 2023, working as the School Administrator. I joined the team shortly after completing my ‘Master’s Degree in Translation and Interpreting’. My excellent organisational skills, and love for communication, have been incredibly beneficial in this role. Working at school has been a challenging, but extremely rewarding, experience. I enjoy being part of a dedicated team that supports young people and creates a positive, nurturing environment where everyone can grow and thrive. I’m committed to making sure things run smoothly behind the scenes so both our staff and students can focus on what really matters, the support of our pupils’ academic, social and emotional learning and development.

I joined Cambian Red Rose in February 2023, initially working in the Secondary Department as a cover teacher delivering Maths, before teaching English and later moving to the Primary Department.

My teaching career began in mainstream primary education, where I taught across most year groups and managed both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Having a child of my own with additional needs inspired me to focus on developing SEND provision within schools. I trained as a SENDCo, a role I held for several years, supporting children with diverse needs and ensuring they received the right support to succeed.

My passion for inclusive education led me to transition into special educational needs schools, where I could create a safe, supportive, and stimulating learning environment tailored to individual needs. I find this work deeply rewarding, as it allows me to help students overcome challenges, build confidence and resilience, and reach their full potential.