We have a dedicated team of talented staff who are committed to delivering the highest level of teaching for each and every student in the school. These staff are led by our senior leadership team (SLT), which has responsibility for strategic leadership, decision making and overseeing the overall functioning of the school.
Mrs Nicola Pemberton – Headteacher
Nicola has worked for over 15 years supporting young people with a range of SEND. Prior to becoming head at Crosshill she worked at Elms Bank School within their senior leadership team and also within a trust-wide role as Director of Inclusion.
Within her professional career Nicola has had the opportunity to work with the most driven, compassionate and aspirational colleagues, as well as the most resilient, hardworking and determined students and in doing so has gathered much of her professional experience. She is passionate about teaching and learning and curriculum development, ensuring that no student is left behind, but rather excels in every aspect of their learning and development. She strives for ambitious outcomes for all learners, ensuring they have access to an exceptional education and she feels incredibly proud to be part of Oak Learning Partnership, where collaboration is embedded into the organisation to ensure that all of our learners are prepared and flourish.
Mrs Rachel Kenworthy – Deputy Headteacher
With over 20 years experience in education, Rachel has been a qualified SENDCO since 2015 and a senior leader since 2017, in both mainstream and special schools. During that time she has worked to improve outcomes for students with SEND.
Rachel leads on safeguarding and pastoral support at Crosshill, including behaviour and attendance. She is also a specialist leader in education for SEND and has supported numerous mainstream schools to improve their strategy for inclusion. Rachel has a real interest in trauma informed practices and how this approach can be embedded across all aspects of school life.
Rachel is also an intermediate Team Teach trainer and is the Senior Mental Health Lead at Crosshill.
Mrs Louise Cartledge - Assistant Headteacher
Louise has 19 years' experience of working in schools, 15 of which have been in two SEND schools in two different boroughs. Previously, she worked at Elms Bank School within the same trust, as a pathway lead of Discover; where she supported others with her comprehensive knowledge and understanding of ASC, to help reduce barriers to learning for all. This pathway grew into two pathways, Discover pathway and Connect pathway over the three years she led the department.
Louise’s ethos of working collaboratively with learners, other agencies and their families to achieve learners' full potential aligns with Crosshill's child-centred and holistic approach to education. Her coaching leadership style and passion for all SEND learners to access high quality education will allow Crosshill learners to be prepared and flourish as adults in the future.
Mrs Safiya Balu - Assistant Headteacher
Safiya has 15 years of leadership experience that has focused on quality of teaching, supporting the ECT programmes as an Induction Mentor and tracking whole school progress. She’s also the lead for exams and qualifications at KS4 and KS5.
She also brings with her over 20 years of teaching experience working within SEND schools, leading on core subjects.
Safiya is passionate about young people having high aspirations and leaving Crosshill with the best outcomes possible.
Mrs Kay Naylor – Operations Manager
Kay brings over 17 years of experience in education to her role as Operations Manager. As part of her role she oversees a wide range of essential functions, including health and safety, HR, administration, site facilities and catering. Kay also leads on project management and plays a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the school. She holds a level four diploma in school business management and the IOSH health and safety qualification.
With a strong background across a diverse range of educational settings, Kay is passionate about creating well-organised, safe and supportive environments for both staff and students.
