Strategic Lead: Safeguarding

With 20 years of experience in safeguarding, mental health, and direct work with children and families, Katie is dedicated to ensuring the best educational and care outcomes for children. Previously, she served as the Assistant Principal at a large primary school within a Multi Academy Trust. Her leadership in safeguarding, wellbeing, and pastoral care as the Designated Safeguarding and Mental Health Lead has equipped her with a deep understanding of the needs of children and families, as well as the actions schools can take to foster positive outcomes. Katie has experience working with EYFS through to Post-16.

As an NSPCC Accredited Trainer and Safer Recruitment Trainer, Katie possesses a robust skill set to enhance organisational practices. A qualified Trauma-Informed Practitioner, Strategic Lead, and Senior Trainer & Consultant with Trauma Informed Schools UK, she brings extensive knowledge in trauma-informed practices and safeguarding, helping organisations cultivate a culture of safety and support.

In 2020, Katie transitioned from education to become a qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor and psychotherapist. Her background in education and senior leadership enabled her to secure the Specialist Leader of Education (SLE) designation, and she is also an Advanced Child Exploitation Practitioner and an was previously an Instructor for MHFA England.

Katie’s expertise has led her to develop training programs for primary, secondary, and alternative provision schools, local authorities, housing providers, and private nursery providers. A strong advocate for reflective practice and supervision, she has trained with Trauma Informed Schools UK and the NSPCC to implement a school-wide approach that ensures practitioners feel supported in safe and effective environments. Additionally, Katie is a certified supervisor, qualified hypnotherapist, and certified yoga instructor for both adults and children.