MEET OUR STAFF
"They provide the best care"
...a Willow Park Parent 2024
NURTURING PROFESSIONAL HIGHLY SKILLED
The Senior Leadership Team
KIMBERLEY PRESTON
Director and Head teacher
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​SENDCo
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Designated Safeguarding Lead
I am so proud to be the Head teacher at Willow Park School. I have worked with children with SEN for many years and it is my pleasure to welcome children at Willow Park School and watch them grow and develop their independence and communication.
​As a Director, I opened Willow Park School due to my passion to work with children with ASD and Speech and Language difficulties, having spent many years in mainstream education as a SENDCo and seeing how challenging it can be for these children without the right setting. I strongly believe we have the right setting for them here at Willow Park. I'm a Qualified Teacher and SENDCo

OLIVER PRESTON
Director and Business Manager
As the Business Manager I support the Principal and Head teacher by overseeing the business and its operations. Willow Park School is an exciting place, with dedicated staff supporting children with their educational development and their EHCP progress.
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Kimberley and I opened Willow Park School to children at the beginning of 2024. As a Director, I am proud of the opportunity we are providing for staff and children to thrive at Willow Park.

ALEX SMYTHE
Principal
As Principal at Willow Park School, I help the directors shape the strategic direction of the school. I bring a blend of strategic vision and educational expertise from 15 years as a Head teacher and Executive Head teacher at multiple schools. My collaborative spirit helps to drive continuous improvement and excellence in all aspects of the school's operations.
I aim to work together with all staff to lead our amazing school in delivering a world-class education for all pupils. I am a dynamic leader with a strong moral purpose, dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive school culture.
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I'm a Qualified teacher (QTS) and Hold the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)

Our Teaching and Learning Support Staff
"All the staff are very welcoming and amazing"
...a Willow Park Parent 2024
JAYNE WHITE
Teacher
Having graduated from Sheffield Hallam University in 2009 with a BA (Hons) with Qualified Teacher Status in Primary Education, Jayne taught in various primary schools in Leicestershire before finding Willow Park in 2024.
Determined to join the team at Willow Park, she said in her application "After my visit to the school, meeting the wonderful staff, who I can see really care about the job they do, meeting the children and seeing how they can thrive in the lovely learning environment at Willow Park, really made me feel as though this is somewhere I would absolutely love to work.

SAMANTHA BROWN
Teaching Assistant
with Mathematics specialism and SALT Support
Introducing Samantha Brown:
Level 3 Teaching Assistant.
Samantha Brown, a highly skilled Level 3 Teaching Assistant at Willow Park School, specializing in mathematics education. Samantha's dedication to enhancing students' mathematical abilities is evident in her innovative teaching methods and unwavering support for their learning journey. Additionally, Samantha brings unique expertises as a Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) support worker, further enriching the educational experience for all students at Willow Park School.

HELEN CULLING
Teaching Assistant
with PSHE Specialism and Sensory Support
Introducing Helen Culling:
Helen Culling, our exceptional teaching assistant and PSHE specialist at Willow Park School. Helen's passion for sensory support shines through in her dedicated work, ensuring every student receives the support they need to thrive. With her expertise in PSHE, she plays a crucial role in nurturing students' personal development, social skills, and health education. Helen's commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment makes her a valued member of our school community.

KIRSTY MADELEY
Teaching Assistant
with outdoor learning specialism
Introducing Kirsty Madeley:
Kirsty Madeley, our dedicated teaching assistant at Willow Park School, specializing in outdoor learning, British values, and protected characteristics. Kirsty's passion for outdoor education and her commitment to promoting British values and safeguarding protected characteristics enrich the learning experiences of our students. With her innovative approaches and dedication to inclusivity, Kirsty plays a pivotal role in fostering a holistic educational environment where every student can thrive.

CHLOE NICHOLS
Teaching Assistant
Introducing Chloe Nichols:
Chloe is new to the Willow Park team. She brings knowledge and skills linked to childcare and is excited about contributing to the development of our amazing pupils.

KARINA SMITH
Teaching Assistant
Introducing Karina Smith:
Karina started working at Willow Park School in Autumn 2024. Karina is very excited to be joining the team at Willow Park school. She is a teaching assistant with a wealth of knowledge and experience in Early years education and child development. She also has a huge amount of experience working with and supporting children with special educational needs.

NICKY FAITH
Teaching Assistant
Introducing Nicky Faith:
Having spent the early years of my career within the police, working closely within schools and aeound the topic of safeguarding, my desire to work with children grew; in particular, children with special educational needs.
I have worked within a specialist resource provision for a number of years and have a passion for safeguarding and behaviour management.
I also have a vast knowledge of childhood anxieties and restrictive eating and strive to ensure all children feel accepted and included in the education setting they are part of.

WENDY PRITCHARD
Volunteer - Teaching Assistant
Introducing Wendy Pritchard:
Wendy is a volunteer at Willow Park School. She brings a wealth of personal experience, knowledge and skills of children with ASD.
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Wendy is passionate about supporting the development of our pupils and, as well as classroom and admin support, provides the school with expert knowledge of implementing pupils' EHCPs

JOY WHITMORE
Volunteer - HLTA
Introducing Joy Whitmore:
Joy is a volunteer at Willow Park School, but brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. She enjoys practical activities such as gardening cooking and arts and crafts.
