Welcome from the Executive Headteacher, Paul Sanderson
As Headteacher of Orchard Manor School, I wanted to take this opportunity to briefly introduce myself to you, and to express my enthusiasm for the exciting times ahead.
Almost all my career in education has involved supporting young people with SEND, with the past twelve years being in headteacher and senior leadership roles. Our school aims to create an outstanding learning environment for children from five years old and upwards. This will be based around an ethos of care, respect and inclusivity, supported by an experienced staff team and an organisation with an enviable reputation for providing outstanding outcomes for autistic young people.
I aim to provide our pupils with a relevant academic curriculum that enables them to progress positively, regardless of their levels of ability, enriched with life skills and vocational opportunities that they can take forward into adult life.
Luke Pickford – Deputy Headteacher
As Deputy Headteacher at Orchard Manor School, I am delighted to be part of a school community that is committed to helping every young person reach their potential. I have many years of experience working within the SEND sector and have developed a strong passion for supporting children and young people to grow in confidence, develop their independence and achieve success in their own individual way.
Alongside my leadership role, sport has always been a real passion of mine. I believe sport provides fantastic opportunities for our pupils to develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and positive relationships, while also supporting their physical and emotional wellbeing. I am passionate about ensuring that our pupils have access to a wide range of sporting experiences and opportunities, regardless of their ability or starting point.
At Orchard Manor, I am committed to working alongside our pupils, families and staff to create an inclusive, supportive and ambitious environment where everyone is valued. My aim is to ensure that our young people receive a rich and meaningful education that develops not only their academic skills, but also the life skills, independence, confidence and experiences they need to thrive beyond school.
Jenna Bellwood – Deputy Headteacher
I am delighted to introduce myself as Deputy Headteacher. I have worked in Special Educational Needs for over 10 years, supporting a wide range of learners from EYFS through to Post-19. Throughout my career, I have worked my way from Learning Support Assistant to Deputy Headteacher, gaining a broad understanding of the different needs, strengths and aspirations of our pupils.
I strongly believe that every pupil has the potential to thrive when they are given the right support, opportunities, and educational provision. I am passionate about creating an inclusive, positive environment where every pupil feels valued, understood, and able to achieve their potential.
A key focus of my work is preparing pupils not just for school, but for life beyond it. I am committed to developing the skills, confidence and independence that will enable every young person to lead as fulfilling and meaningful a life as possible. I feel incredibly privileged to work within the SEN sector and to play a part in helping our pupils recognise and achieve their potential.
Lesley Osborne – SENCO
Sarah Drew – Clinical Lead and Psychotherapist
Almost all my career has involved supporting young people, with the past eleven years working within statutory and voluntary services with children, young people and families. I am qualified as a Psychotherapist and Therapeutic Counsellor.
Within my role of Clinical Lead and Psychotherapist, I manage the team of clinicians (Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy and Psychotherapy), oversee the clinical needs and provision for the school and hold a clinical caseload of pupils. I aim to provide our pupils with a clinical service that enables them to receive the support needed to access school and the curriculum, progress positively and gain the skills needed to support them into adulthood.