Natalie

Acting Headteacher

(SLT)

Since 2018, I have dedicated my career to working in Special Educational Needs (SEN), progressing from a Teaching Assistant to my role as Deputy Headteacher (currently Acting Headteacher). Supporting young people through education is a deep passion of mine, and I’m committed to creating inclusive spaces where every pupil can access learning, feel valued, and thrive.

I have been part of The Tower School team since 2021, where we work tirelessly to provide a nurturing and structured environment tailored to the needs of our pupils. Our aim is not only to support academic development but also to prepare our young people for life beyond school. We focus on helping our pupils become ready, respectful, and safe — principles that underpin their ability to reach meaningful outcomes and grow into confident, independent adults.

If you’d like to connect or just say hi, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Madeleine

Assistant Headteacher

(SLT)

My passion for inclusive, empowering education has led me to work within mainstream and specialist settings, to complete a Master’s in Teaching & Learning at the University of Oxford and to qualify as a SENCo. 

As Assistant Head for Curriculum and Exams, I’m committed to ensuring every pupil has access to a personalised, accessible and meaningful education. I care deeply about the holistic progress and wellbeing of our pupils and work closely with families to ensure the right support is in place at every stage.

The Tower School is a place where everyone is seen and valued for who they are, and I’m proud to be part of a team that works together to celebrate and unlock the full potential of every individual.

Aygul

Administration Manager

(SLT)

As the Administrative Manager at The Tower School, I am responsible for overseeing the daily operational functions that ensure the school runs efficiently and effectively. My role involves providing essential support so that both staff and pupils have access to the resources necessary to facilitate a positive educational experience.

What I find most rewarding about working at The Tower School is witnessing the meaningful impact we have on our pupils’ development. Observing their growth in confidence and life skills is a powerful reminder of the value of our work and the difference we make in their lives.

I am dedicated to maintaining a supportive and well-organised environment that enables our pupils to thrive both academically and personally.

(SLT)

With many years of dedicated teaching experience, I have built my career around supporting children with special educational needs and fostering inclusive, experiential learning environments. I am passionate about creating opportunities for every child to thrive, I combine my expertise in SEN education with a deep commitment to outdoor learning—believing strongly in the power of nature to inspire, regulate, and empower young minds.

Working with students who have additional needs has taught me the importance of patience, flexibility, and empathy. I take pride in creating inclusive learning environments where each child can progress at their own pace, feel safe, and develop confidence in who they are. Beyond the classroom, I advocate for accessible education and work closely with families and multidisciplinary teams to ensure each student receives the support they deserve.

I continue to develop my practice through ongoing training in environmental approaches and inclusive practice. My work reflects a balance of structure and spontaneity, always guided by the individual strengths and needs of the pupils.

Alison

Inclusion Manager

(SLT)

I joined The Tower School in 2024 and bring over 15 years of experience in education across a variety of settings. My background includes working within mainstream schools, enhanced provisions, as well as supporting the delivery of local and national initiatives for schools and families.

As Inclusion Manager, I am dedicated to ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to thrive and feel valued within the school community. My passion for inclusion is deeply rooted my own experience as a parent of children with additional needs, which has shaped my empathetic and holistic approach to supporting students, families, and staff alike.

Clinical Lead and OT

(SLT)

I’m passionate about helping children and young people build the tools they need to feel regulated, confident, and understood so they can access learning in a way that works best for them. My background includes working in both mainstream and specialist settings, supporting students to develop their confidence, independence, and sense of wellbeing. I’m really happy to be part of such a supportive and inclusive school community.

At The Tower School, my role involves helping young people develop the skills they need to feel calm, confident, and ready to learn through an Occupational Therapy lens. I enjoy focusing on the whole person, addressing their needs, motivations, and helping them thrive. I work closely with staff to ensure that therapeutic strategies are embedded into daily routines and the wider school environment. It’s incredibly rewarding to work alongside young people, helping them navigate their school day and reach their goals in a way that feel meaningful to them.

As a Clinical Lead, I support the therapy team in creating a joined up,  pupil-centred approach across the school. I believe that small adjustments can make a big difference, and I’m especially committed and passionate about neuroaffirming practice and creating spaces where every young person feels understood, respected and celebrated.

Senior Leader

(SLT)

It has been a great pleasure to recently join the Senior Leadership Team at The Tower School, whilst awaiting the forthcoming launch of a new Options Autism school.

On joining The Tower School, I quickly realised that it was a very special place to be and I am so thankful to all the staff and pupils for the warm welcome shown; it says so much about the kind and wholehearted nature of the school. Being immersed in the openly outstanding practice and culture has made my time at Tower so far a complete joy.

My background in specialist teaching started nearly 19 years ago, in a large all-through special school for pupils with autism, severe learning difficulties and profound and multiple learning difficulties. A few years later, I moved into a leadership position at the school, where until recently I worked for 14 years as Head of Learning for Early Years, Primary and Pre-Formal/Informal Learning Pathways. I also specialise in Early English and Phonics and I am a SEN Specialist Leader of Education, which has enabled me to provide outreach support to mainstream settings where needed.

I have always been continually inspired by the children I work with, who I have never stopped learning from. It is my motivation to provide the very best education for every single child, preparing them for life and giving them the best possible opportunities for their bright future. I am driven by the ambition that every child has the right and the potential to thrive at school, in a happy, therapeutic, aspirational environment, underpinned by respectful and trusting relationships.

Hema

Family Liaison Officer

I joined The Tower School team in 2022, initially as an Autism Practitioner, and now serve as Family Liaison Officer and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. I have over 15 years of experience supporting children and young people in mainstream and specialist schools, as well as within social care.

In my current role, I support our pupils and their families by guiding them through transitions, promoting attendance, and nurturing emotional wellbeing. I also collaborate closely with external agencies to connect families with the appropriate services and resources, helping to ensure the best possible outcomes for our pupils.

What I find most rewarding about working at The Tower School is seeing the positive impact we have on our pupils every day. Watching them grow in confidence, develop new skills, and realise their potential is truly inspiring. I also value the opportunity to learn from our pupils, they constantly remind me of the importance of patience, creativity, and resilience.

The Tower School is a place where everyone is valued and supported for who they are, and I’m proud to be part of a dedicated team that celebrates individuality and helps each pupil thrive.

Ellie

Positive Behaviour Practitioner

My journey at The Tower School started over a year ago, working as an Autism Practitioner. Shortly after I was fortunate to be involved with the establishment of the first Nurture Provision for the school, supporting in Lantern class.

My role now, as Positive Behaviour Practitioner, has a strong focus on ensuring that wellbeing for the pupils comes first and foremost. I support the pupils in developing strategies to support with their regulation and make good choices, in their preparation for adulthood. I also support the pupils with 1:1 interventions where needed.

My passion for SEN started early on, through support for a family member with Global Developmental Delay, ASD and ADD. This led me to work at a school for children with severe learning difficulties as a 1:1 practitioner, supporting a wide range of complex needs such as autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.

Previous roles of mine include working in Luxury Property sales, however it was my devotion for SEN that brought me to Tower and I feel so fortunate to be a part of such a close knit, well experienced and unconditionally supportive team.

My journey into teaching has been a long one. Just over 30 years ago I decided to dedicate my life to the world of Education….and if I had the chance to start all over again, I would not change a single thing. Over the years, I have worked in Primary, Secondary and Adult education and taught English, Maths, Ethics & Philosophy and ASDAN. My specialist area is SPLD in Dyslexia and learning difficulties and I am a qualified OCR examiner in psychometric testing.

I am now on my 3rd year at The Tower School, and my pedagogical journey is growing and developing every day. As Lead Teacher in Maths and a Middle Leader of the school, I feel I have fulfilled my goals. I enjoy working at this level and being supportive and resourceful to all members of staff.

Most of all, the Tower children are an inspiration to me and they have been very rewarding to teach. I cherish every day, like my first, and I endeavour to make every step of their journey, a memorable one.

Danielle

English Lead, PSHE Lead and Middle Manager

My teaching profession has spanned across both mainstream and specialist settings, initially in primary schools where my passion for reading, and especially the promotion of reading for pleasure, saw me leading on reading across the school.

In addition to reading, another of my career passions has always been advocating for mental health, and leading on this for staff was another lead role of mine in my previous school.

It was this devotion to mental health, and a drive to provide pupils with a truly holistic education, that led me to Tower. Being diagnosed with ADHD later in life, I am wholly committed to supporting pupils to have a better, more fulfilled school journey than my own lived experience.

Alongside incredible, all-encompassing support for our pupils, the remarkable place that Tower is has additionally enabled me to unmask and regulate myself as a neurodiverse adult, and I genuinely love working here.

Gemma

English Teacher

My teaching career started many years ago after working in the banking industry for nine years. I soon realised I had found my right path, never looking back from my move to a teaching career which I have found entirely rewarding.

Interested in learning how teaching with outstanding outcomes occurs in other cultures, I taught abroad in Singapore and Shanghai, China. On moving back to England, my teaching led me to teach across Comprehensive Schools and Grammar Schools, where alongside teaching English I also worked as Head of EAL (English as an Additional Language) and Whole School Literacy Coordinator. Additionally, during Covid, I merged both my banking and teaching skills together to deliver Corporate Training.

I have been at The Tower School for almost four years, starting just a few months after it first opened. It has been wonderful to be a part of the school changing and growing over the years. I teach English at the school and seeing the pupils progress and develop brings so much personal and professional fulfilment.

Caitlin

English Teacher

My career in education started within secondary mainstream provision, where my interest in supporting pupils with SEN led me to work within the school’s nurture department. This included leading reading intervention classes for pupils with additional needs.

Working within the nurture department, I realised that dedicating my teaching career to SEN was the route I wanted to pursue and it was this that guided me towards working at Tower.

I started at Tower nearly a year ago as an Autism Practitioner, moving soon after into an English Teacher role which I have really enjoyed.

My focus at Tower is ensuring the pupils have fun whilst working, as well as ensuring they feel safe. This builds the securest foundation for the pupils’ future learning.

I really care about pupil enjoyment within their lessons, enjoying their school experience and building trusting relationships.

Mary

SEN Teacher

I joined The Tower School in 2021 and it has been a genuine pleasure to see the school grow and go from strength to strength in this time. It has been wonderful to see the school flourish and become the Outstanding provision that it is.

My journey in specialist education started over 20 years ago. Prior to Tower, I worked as an Executive Head across two special schools, focusing on vast school improvements and raising standards.

Moving to Tower enabled me to focus on what is most important – the quality of teaching and learning and all-important family time. I am now delighted to lead the Nurture provision in Lantern Class. We focus on life-skill development and learning outside of the classroom, supporting pupils to reach their potential and become independent young adults.

Evie

SEN Teacher

Kwasi

Science and Maths Teacher

Megan

Higher Level Teaching Assistant

I come from a background working in respite foster care and SEND in the Early years. This experience, combined with knowledge gained from my Psychology degree, means I bring with me a particular understanding of trauma informed care. It is this practice that is prioritised at Tower that drew me to work here.

I joined The Tower School in 2022, starting as an Autism Practitioner in Key Stage 3 before moving into my current role as HLTA. I also work within the Inclusion Team providing pastoral sessions to our pupils that centre around mental health and well-being. Additionally, I am the schools Designated Mental Health Lead and am qualified in Mental Health First Aid, dedicating my practice beyond our classroom; extending to staff, parents and our wider community.

If you are passionate about the school’s commitment to being a mentally healthy provision or would like to be a part of our growing Mental Health Action Group, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Everybody that walks through our doors; pupils, staff and visitors are welcomed for who they are and who they want to be. I believe that each individual pupil has something unique and wonderful to contribute to the world and that The Tower helps them learn the skills to share that with others confidently.

Chloe

Higher Level Teaching Assistant

I have been a part of the Tower School team for over two years now, starting off as an Autism Practitioner and then transitioning into a HLTA position. Prior to this I studied English Literature at university. I have enjoyed working directly with several classes throughout my time here, being able to see the wonderful progress made at Tower.

I currently teach Outdoor Learning and Food Technology to Key Stage 3 classes, and I spend Fridays with our Nurture class.

Every lesson presents a new opportunity to teach different skills and have fun – something that our pupils are very good at! These subjects encourage the learning of various life skills, such as cleaning up, safely using kitchen equipment, safety in the outdoors and more. I believe these skills are really valuable and it is a joy to see our students grow into them.

Yulia

Autism Practitioner

Kerri

Autism Practitioner

It has been wonderful to join The Tower School after a background working within mental health and trauma related services. Previous roles include working as a Residential Childcare Worker in a children’s home as well as volunteering as a Personal Life Mentor for secondary pupils with adverse childhood experiences.

I also worked for ten years in an administration role for Enfield CAMHS and Educational Psychology services.

I have loved being a part of the Tower family. Supporting and spending time with the pupils makes it an amazing place to work.

Morgan

Autism Practitioner

Taylor

Autism Practitioner

Sarah

Autism Practitioner

Eden

Autism Practitioner

Simran

Autism Practitioner

Josh

Autism Practitioner

Samantha

Psychotherapist

I am a qualified Integrative Psychotherapist, having completed my training in 2014. Since then, I have worked in a range of settings, including schools, the NHS, and end-of-life care, with a particular focus on supporting emotional wellbeing in challenging environments.

I have been part of The Tower School since it first opened and continue to feel privileged to work with such a diverse and inspiring group of young people. I’m passionate about helping pupils thrive by creating a safe, supportive space where they feel seen, heard and empowered. I believe every child has the potential to grow and succeed when given the right environment, and I am committed to supporting each one on their unique journey.

Aisha

Speech and Language Therapist

I have been a Speech and Language Therapist for 10 years and during this time I have had the privilege of working with children and young people aged 4 to 25 across a range of mainstream and specialist settings. This has given me a broad understanding of the challenges young people may face, as well as the strategies and supports that can make the biggest difference.

At The Tower School, I work as part of the school’s clinical team to support our young people in developing their communication, interaction, and social skills. I collaborate closely with teachers and support staff to ensure that pupils have the right tools and strategies to express themselves, build confidence and access learning in a meaningful way. My role involves both direct therapy with pupils and wider work within the classroom to make communication accessible for all.

I am passionate about creating supportive, inclusive environments where every young person feels understood, valued, and able to reach their potential. I particularly enjoy seeing pupils grow in their independence and self-advocacy as they develop the skills to communicate in ways that work best for them.

Victoria

Therapy Assistant

In my role as Therapy Assistant, I am responsible for providing administrative support to Clinicians. I also provide classroom support through a number of different interventions and regulation opportunities.

Having been self-employed running sensory experiences for the last 12 years, it’s great to work as part of a supportive team and be part of helping to shape young peoples lives.

My favourite part of the day is our morning regulation walk where pupils of different year groups can chat informally, exercise, and forge friendships. It sets the pupils (and the staff) up for a full day of learning!

Sharon

Administrator

It has been an absolute pleasure working at The Tower School for the past year. My long history of working with children with SEN is what led me to Tower, and I am delighted to work as an Administrator here in the front reception.

Prior to this, I taught for twenty years in a specialist school for Early Years and Primary aged children with severe and complex needs. As well as Tower being a wonderful place to work, it has brought about a much happier and healthier work life balance.

My devotion to supporting people with SEN is driven by my own personal experience of my youngest son having autism, who is now 31 years old. Navigating this journey, including all the challenges that adolescence with autism brings, enables me to relate to other parents at the school and truly understand things from the same perspective.

Allison

Administrator

After several years working in visual management across Central London, I decided to pursue a more meaningful and people-focused career path.

This led me to join The Tower School where I now work in the main reception office.

Here, I often have the privilege of meeting our young people and their families when they cross our threshold for the first time.

As over the years I have watched many of them take part in their leaver’s ceremonies, it never fails to amaze me how much they grow in confidence from that very first day.

Working here is incredibly rewarding, and I am proud to be part of a team that makes such a positive difference in the lives of young people.

Tosun

Facilities Manager

With a background that spans over a decade in the police force, followed by running my own construction business, I later found my passion in education, working as a teacher supporting young adults with ASENT and special educational needs. I taught DT, Sport, Maths, History, and Health and Nutrition, gaining valuable insight into how to support diverse learning needs.

I joined Tower just over a year ago as Facilities Manager, where I am also responsible for the health and safety of the entire school, ensuring that both pupils and staff are supported in a secure and compliant environment.

Working at Tower is genuinely a pleasure, it’s an amazing place filled with dedication, care, and a strong sense of community. I feel proud to be part of a team that makes such a meaningful difference in the lives of the pupils. I take great pride in maintaining a safe, welcoming, and well-organised environment that allows every pupil to thrive. I believe that when children feel safe, respected, and supported, they’re empowered to achieve their full potential.

Yassine

Chef

My culinary career started when I was 17 years old in school in Italy. This progressed to working in Italian restaurants before moving to the UK.

In 2017 I moved to the UK and continued working in restaurants, where I was a pizza chef for 8 years. With the late-night nature of working in London restaurants, I decided to seek a better work-life balance for my family. This prompted me to move into school catering 6 years ago, where I began working as a nursery chef.

My move to Harlow 2 years ago led me to look for more local work which is when I found Tower! I love working here; everyone is so nice and I love the interaction with the pupils that the job brings.

Lucy

Kitchen Assistant

I have been working at Tower now for the past two years and I have thoroughly loved every single day. Prior to this I worked in the city managing a portfolio of properties, however, when I had my children I realised a move to another role would be a better fit for my family.

I have always been surrounded by cooking as my Dad and brother own a family catering business spanning over 100 years! From a child I helped at big events and supported with the catering paperwork.

When I saw the Tower job advertised, it really felt like a sign! I had always wanted to work in a school so to combine this ambition with my love of cooking was perfect. I enjoy coming to work every day, it is such a wonderful place to be.