Lorna McKinnon

Teaching

Lorna has a BA Honors degree in the lifelong learning sector and professional development (2:1), she is a published author and has worked in SEN for 13 years. She has been an Assistant Head Headteacher, Curriculum Lead, Quality Manager, Literacy Teacher and SENCO.

Fiona Quinn

Teacher

Joe Wood

Teacher

Joe joined The Dales School in 2021.

Clare Downey

Teacher

Clare began working at The Dales School in January 2022. She has a BS Hons (Early Years Primary Education) and 8 years experience working with SEND children. Her specialism is teaching a therapeutic curriculum for children with profound and complex special needs; this includes Early Communication skills and engagement in learning.

Ryan Favell

Teacher

Kelly Harkus

Teacher

Laura-Beth Mayhew

Teacher

Georgia Johnson

Teacher

Caitlin McCabe

Teacher

Ashley Brodie

Teacher

B.A. (Hons) PGCE in Early Primary Education.

Ashley trained as a teacher at Northumbria University. She has worked at The Dales School since 2010, initially as an apprentice then as a qualified teaching assistant. Following this, Ashley held the position of Speech and Language Therapy Assistant before qualifying as a teacher. She also supports trainee and newly qualified teachers at The Dales.

Daniel Harrison

Teacher

BSc (Hons) Psychology, PGCE

Daniel graduated in psychology at Leeds University and went on to manage the specific learning difficulties team at a secondary school. He then led a specialised unit for children with social, emotional and mental health needs before training as a teacher at Northumbria University. After 2 years teaching mainstream, Daniel moved to The Dales School where he is now a class teacher and a mental health lead.

Daniel Sayer

HLTA

B.A. (Hons) Childhood, Youth and Family Studies.

Daniel started at The Dales School in 2014 as an Apprentice Teaching Assistant. He  is now a HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) and his particular specialism is within physical health and wellbeing. Daniel is currently teaching P.E. and Games at The Dales School and has recently begun a teacher training course.

Demi Stroughton

Teacher

Demi joined The Dales School in 2019 as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant at Ashdale site.  She has experience of working with children with complex needs and SEMH from KS1 through to Post 16. Demi is a Thrive Practitioner and leads learning in class and also supports parents of pupils at Ashdale site.

Emma Allison

HLTA

Emma started working at The Dales School in 2013 as an apprentice and now works as an HLTA. She currently leads the Rebound Therapy sessions at our Ashdale site.

Emma Bannister

Teacher

B.A. (Hons) Children and Young People

Emma has worked at The Dales School since 2017 having previously worked in a private day nursery.

Erin Spencer

Teacher

First class BA Hons - Childhood youth & family studies.
QTS - Assessment only route

Erin has worked at The Dales School since 2012, starting as an apprentice. She now teaches the Early Years class on our Ashdale site. Erin also works as part of a team leading and developing the use of P&I across school, supporting classes and training staff in the use of de-escalation, restraint and other supportive strategies.

Holly Clark

Teacher

B.A. (Hons) Children and Young People

Holly joined The Dales School in 2011. She oversees pupil voice and school council in school. Holly is a class teacher and recently completed her NPQML.

James Groundwater

HLTA

B.A. (Hons)
James joined The Dales School in 2010 following working in a mainstream school. James teaches Outdoor Learning and Rebound Therapy. He holds an FA football coaching certificate and is a member of our Outdoor Learning Team.

Jennifer Tatters

Teacher

B.A. (Hons) Primary Education

Jen joined The Dales School in 2020. She is based at Ashdale site and before becoming a teacher, Jen was a lifeguard.

John Jennings

Teacher

B.Sc. (Hons) Computer Science, Electronic Engineering

John has worked for over 10 years with SEN children. He taught as a secondary school teacher before joining The Dales School in 2016. John teaches Key Stage 2 and his particular specialisms lie in children with Social, Emotional & Mental Health.  He is an ambassador for CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) and supports Computing and ICT across school.

Judith Palmer

Medication Co-ordinator

Judith was a parent helper when her children were at a small rural school. She was encouraged to take part in some outreach NVQs relating to primary education and this led to Judith being employed to take a role in a mainstream setting as a classroom assistant. This role developed into supporting children with additional needs. Judith then qualified as a special needs assistant and, after ten years in mainstream, she joined the East Hartford team which became The Dales School at Blyth. She now leads first aid, medication coordination and hygiene across both sites.

Kelly Donnalley

HLTA

Kelly started at The Dales School in 2010 as a volunteer. She qualified as a TA in 2011 and now leads learning as a HLTA. Kelly has an interest in supporting pupils who demonstrate behaviour that is challenging. She is based at Blythdale site.

Laura Ashburner

Teacher

B.A. (Hons) Sport Development with coaching. PGCE Primary Education

Laura studied at Northumbria university before joining The Dales School in 2014.

Teaching a range of children in school, she has completed training in the following:

Makaton
Numicon
Read, Write Inc
Rebound Therapy
Power of Reading

Laura is also a Teacher Mentor.

Laura Tully

Teacher

BA (Hons) English Language; PGCE

Laura trained as a teacher at Newcastle University. She supported children and adults with additional needs before joining The Dales School in 2016. Her particular specialisms lie in supporting children with autism. Laura is a middle leader within the Teaching and Learning Team and is a Maths lead.

Liselle Chum

Teacher

BA (Hons) PGCE

Liselle worked for a charity delivering PSHE & SRE sessions across Northumberland. She then trained as a teacher at Gateshead 3-7 SCITT and began her teaching career teaching GSCE Performing Arts at a Special School in South Tyneside before joining The Dales School in 2013. Liselle teaches in KS2 and her particular specialisms lie in performing arts and outdoor learning. She is currently studying for a Forest School qualification and is due to complete this in December 2020.

Rachel Hepburn

HLTA

B.A. (Hons) Education and Professional Development
Rachel joined The Dales School in 2009 at the old site in East Hartford.  With a background in mainstream education, Rachel came to the school as a Level 3 Teaching Assistant and has developed with the school, completing courses up to a Level 5 TA, a Certificate in Education and most recently her degree. Rachel's next step is to train to become a teacher.

Rachel Straker

HLTA

B.A. (Hons) Education and Professional Practice

Rachel joined The Dales School in 2011 as a Teaching Assistant. She completed a Certificate in Education in 2015 in which she received First Class Honours. Rachel is also a trained Thrive practitioner and has Emotional Literacy training.

Sam Hesketh

Teacher

B.A. (Hons) English, PGCE

Sam trained as a primary teacher through the School Direct programme and taught as a mainstream teacher for 5 years before joining The Dales School in April 2019. Her specialisms lie in children with behavioural needs and attachment difficulties. She is an ambassador for CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection), FRIENDS Resilience and supports Computing and ICT in school.

Sarah Doyle

Teacher

PGCE Primary Education; PGCE Special Needs and Inclusion

Sarah trained to be a teacher at Newcastle University. She taught mainstream EYFS and worked as a qualified SENCo until she joined The Dales School in 2018. Within school, Sarah is EYFS lead and specialises in working with children who have speech and language difficulties.

Stacey Gray

Teacher

B.A. (Hons)

Stacey joined The Dales School in 2012 as an apprentice. She is now training to become a teacher at Northumbria University.

Tracy Park

Teacher

Tracy Park has been a staff member at The Dales School for over 10 years. She has a Foundation Degree and also has completed a 2 year course 'Skills for Special Needs', a 1 year course in 'Spoken Language and Communication Skills for Children with Special Needs' and a 1 year course in 'Emotional Literacy Support'. In addition Tracy has also gained Bronze Art Award advisor status and is currently the Art and CDT coordinator.

Vicky Dodds

HLTA

NNEB B.A. (Hons) in Childhood, Youth and Family Studies

Vicky worked as a Nursery Nurse in mainstream schools before joining The Dales School in 2001. Vicky is a qualified ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant), Thrive Practitioner and a peer massage instructor.

Becky Fielding

Teaching Assistant

Jane Fairclough

Teaching Assistant

Sarah Ambrose

Teaching Assistant

Emmie Fisher

Teaching Assistant

Debbie Green

Teaching Assistant

Lauren Crozier

Teaching Assistant

Erin Foster

Teaching Assistant

Jane Irvine

Teaching Assistant

Chloe Day

Teaching Assistant

Adele Owens

Teaching Assistant

Libby Kyle

Teaching Assistant

Miriam Goldstein

Teaching Assistant

Sarah Owens

Teaching Assistant

Rachael Miller

Teaching Assistant

Jemma Haley

Teaching Assistant

Sebastian Pycroft

Teaching Assistant

Tracy Mitchell

Teaching Assistant

Jackie Harris

Teaching Assistant

Steph Tatters

Teaching Assistant

Charlotte Robinson

Teaching Assistant

Carl Hemsley

Teaching Assistant

Leanne Betts

Teaching Assistant

Emma Rogers

Teaching Assistant

Leone Lawson

Teaching Assistant

Emily Burt

Teaching Assistant

Melissa Stephenson

Teaching Assistant

Helen Matlby

Teaching Assistant

Natalie Birch

Teaching Assistant

Caitlin Stewart

Teaching Assistant

Emma Shannon

Teaching Assistant

Lauren Hayton

Teaching Assistant

Paige Teasdale

Teaching Assistant

Kristina Venner

Teaching Assistant

Sam Tomlin

Teaching Assistant

Sam joined The Dales School in 2012, she moved away for a period in 2019 and returned to us in 2021.

Ellie Chessher

Teaching Assistant

Melissa Thompson

Teaching Assistant

Emma Wilkinson

Teaching Assistant

Rebecca Aram

Teaching Assistant

Eireann Cosgrove

Teaching Assistant

Katie Mitchelson

Teaching Assistant

Sarah Higgins

Teaching Assistant

Erin Cavanagh

Teaching Assistant

Erin previously worked in private childcare with children who have special educational needs and their families. She holds a Foundation Degree in Early Years and will complete BA (Hons) in Childhood Studies in Summer 2023. She is trained as a rebound therapist and in Makaton to level 4. Erin is also a parent to children with additional needs.

Adele Cox

Teaching Assistant

Kayleigh Ramshaw

Teaching Assistant

Adam Collins

Teaching Assistant

Karen Dine

Teaching Assistant

Emma Robinson

Teaching Assistant

Tessa Ferris

Teaching Assistant

Ashley Fairbairn

Teaching Assistant

Donna Murdy

Teaching Assistant

Donna is currently working towards a Level 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning.

Andrea Danielson

Teaching Assistant

Andrea started working at The Dales School in September 2019. She is NCFE CACHE Level 2 qualified in supporting teaching and learning. Andrea has particular interests in social and emotional development, and behaviour.

Ashley Crockett

Teaching Assistant

Bianca Bowers

Teaching Assistant

Bianca holds a certificate in Level 1 Counselling skills, Level 2 certificate in Teaching & Learning in Schools and she recently completed a Level 3 Diploma in Teaching and Learning in Schools. Bianca is based at Ashdale site.

Brogan Ainsley

Teaching Assistant

Brogan is a teaching assistant who has been at The Dales School since 2017.

Carole Hewison

Teaching Assistant

Carole has worked at The Dales School since 2000. She has worked with all the groups of children within school and is a first aider and can administer medication.

Catherine Stacey

Teaching Assistant

Chloe Park

Teaching Assistant

Cristina Stewart

Teaching Assistant

Danielle Grimshaw

Teaching Assistant

Danielle joined The Dales School as a Teaching Assistant in 2019 after previously working in a mainstream setting and supply work in other SEN settings. Danielle is currently studying a level 4 advanced practitioner course. Danielle is currently at the Blythdale site.

Denise Hudson

Teaching Assistant

Diane Burns

Teaching & Therapy Assistant

B.A. (Hons) Primary Education

Diane started working at The Dales School in 2019 and she thoroughly enjoys working with the wonderful children there. She is very interested in  continuing to develop her knowledge and practice to be part of a team that supports all children to meet their full potential.

Gemma Leighton-Sales

Teaching Assistant

Gemma qualified as a Level 3 SEN Teaching Assistant in 2016 following completion of her apprenticeship in another setting. Having worked in mainstream school for a number of years she joined The Dales School in September 2019 to make full use of her qualification. Gemma has a keen interest in SEN and is always happy to pursue further training in order to better understand our pupils.

Georgina Wilson

Teaching Assistant

John Boyle

Teaching Assistant

John has a Level 5 qualification in Sport and Exercise Therapy. He supported PE in a mainstream school before joining The Dales School as a TA in February 2020.

Katelyn Fairclough

Teaching Assistant

Laura Flanighan

Teaching Assistant

Laura started at The Dales School in September 2019 as a level 2 Apprentice Teaching Assistant, going on to complete this along with her level 3. Laura became a Teaching Assistant in September 2022.

Linda Howe

Teaching Assistant

Linda has worked at The Dales School for 14 years. She has worked across the whole school fulfilling a variety of roles. Currently, she is the lead member of staff for rebound therapy session at Blythdale site.

Marie Hartill

Teaching Assistant

Marie has been part of The Dales School since she arrived at East Hartford School back in 1986 when the school toilets were outside and school dinners were brought in from another school!

In 1995 she achieved the City and Guilds Learning Support Worker qualification and in 2000 she was one of the first people in the country to pass the European Computer Driving Licence Advanced at Northumberland College. In 2010 she was part of the team who transferred from East Hartford to the original The Dales School site (now Blythdale). Marie also has an NVQ3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development.

Matthew Bredin-Kemp

Teaching Assistant

Megan Mackie

Teaching Assistant

Megan was a student who completed a placement at The Dales School before becoming a Teaching Assistant at Easter 2019.

Michelle Tye

Teaching Assistant

Michelle joined The Dales School September 2019 as a lunchtime Supervisor. Using her personal experiences living with SEN she started supporting in classrooms. She is now a Teaching Assistant at the Ashdale site. She also has a child at The Dales School and feels lucky to have experienced it as both a member of staff and as a parent.

Olivia Monkhouse

Teaching Assistant

Pauline Maddison

Teaching Assistant

Pauline has worked at the dales for 12 years and is a teaching assistant alongside being a drawing and talking practitioner. Pauline is currently undertaking training in counseling.

Rajelyn Jobey

Teaching Assistant

B.A. (Hons) Childhood and Society Studies

Rajelyn became an active volunteer at The Dales School in 2016. She later joined The Dales School as a TA in 2019. She supports classroom teachers and helps children with their educational and social development across a number of classes.

Rio Groves

Teaching Assistant

Ruth Bateman

Teaching Assistant

Sam Whitfield

Teaching Assistant

Sarah Stevenson

Teaching Assistant

Scott Wraith

Teaching Assistant

Scott is a Teaching Assistant based at Blythdale site.

Stacie Blake

Teaching Assistant

Steph Easton

Teaching Assistant

Will Clark

Teaching Assistant

Zoe Morton

Teaching Assistant