Arbour Vale School caters for pupils from ages of 2 to 19 with a range of educational needs including pupils with moderate learning difficulties, severe learning difficulties with profound and multiple needs as well as pupils with Autism.
This section provides key information including how the school spends the funding it receives, its policies and procedures, how students perform in exams and assessment, inspection information and the schools self-evaluation.
Our school ethos embraces the belief that all pupils have the right to learn in an environment that is safe, that stimulates, challenges, supports and encourages our young people to learn together, as well as be immersed in a curriculum that is creative, engaging and most importantly fun.
At Arbour Vale School we recognise that when you nurture a relationship with families, open up a dialogue and provide a support platform, the children ultimately benefit.
I joined the Arbour Vale Governing Body in 2017 and continued as a member of the LGB when the school joined OHCAT in 2018.
For the past 30 years I have worked in education, governance and charity management. This experience includes:
Vice-Principal Stanmore College Further Education Corporation 1985-97.
Executive Director: Further Education London Region Services (Corporation of London) 1997-2005.
Chief Executive; National Council of Faiths and Beliefs in Further Education :2008-17.
National Leader of Governance 2014.
Currently Chair of Governors: Park High School Academy, Harrow.
Michelle Healy-Wallis
Assistant Principal and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Robert Stephenson
Assistant Principal and STEM Co-ordinator
Sarah Brooks
Vice Principal of Curriculum Teaching and Learning
Appointed Principal with effect from 1st July 2018, having previously been employed as a consultant through OHCAT to support Academy improvement and leadership within the Multi Academy Trust.
I qualified as a Physical Education teacher in 1978 and following a successful career progressed into school leadership, gaining an MA (1997) and completing the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers in 2001.
Working with young people all of my professional career has been a privilege and the wealth of experience is now very much focussed on ensuring all pupils at Arbour Vale School make excellent progress in their learning and develop important communication and independent life skills that will enable them to transition beyond school. Every child’s safety and well-being is a priority.
As the staff Governor, I represent a very dedicated staff team, who are very committed in supporting and providing a creative and inspiring curriculum, to our amazing students.
I entered the teaching profession in 2002 and have previously taught Physical Education in three west London boroughs. I joined Arbour Vale School 10 years ago, following a successful spell as a School Sport Co-ordinator, in the London Borough of Ealing.
My current role is the Head of the Physical Education. Arbour Vale a former SEN Sports College, the PE Department is of key importance to a school of our unique size and nature. My other key roles within school are the School Professional Development Mentor, leading the school’s teacher and university student teacher training. I am also Head of Enrichment, extending the learning opportunities for our pupils.
I am a retired medical officer, a trustee of a newly formed charity and an active member of the steering committee for Special Voices, a Slough based voluntary organisation that assists parent carers of children with disabilities.
I decided to become a Parent Governor so that I can be a voice for the parents and hopefully play an active role in assisting, Arbour Vale School, in the provision of a high level of care and education for students.
I am first and foremost a mother of a child with significant special needs, who is passionate about improving the life chances of all SEND children. I firmly believe all SEND children should have access to a first-class education that meets their individual needs. Being Dyslexic myself, and having a child with SEND, I know the challenges and struggles that individuals and families face on a daily basis. As a Parent Governor, I wish to make it my goal to ensure every child flourishes no matter what challenges they face.
I have over 20 years’ experience within the education sector, 10 of which years have been at Senior Management level in a range of educational settings. I currently work as an Assistant Headteacher in a large 11-19 mixed secondary school in Hounslow.
In addition to this, I have extensive experience with school improvement and raising achievement gained via my role as a Senior Leader and as a National Strategy Schools Advisor for Birmingham LA. I believe that my extensive experience of leadership and governance would help me contribute positively to the governing body of Arbour Vale School.
Overall, I have the interests of Arbour Vale School very much at heart and would like to be involved in the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, in whatever ways are helpful to the school community.
