Mrs Softley – Assistant Head teacher, SENDCo, Mental Health Lead
My name is Mrs Softley and I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Assistant Head Teacher, Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENDCo) and Mental Health & Wellbeing Lead for Harlow Green Community Primary School. I would like to take this opportunity to give you an overview of my aims and inform you of ways to contact me. An audio version of this letter is available below.
For the past seventeen years, I have worked in education as a primary school teacher in Sunderland Local Authority. I have worked in all primary school phases, both as a class teacher and in leadership roles, most recently in a large three-form entry school as SENDCo. I also serve on a Governing Body in Gateshead where I am the Link Governor for Early Years and Special Needs.
I feel very privileged and excited to take on the role of Assistant Head Teacher of a school with such a good reputation within the community. The experience I have gained throughout my managerial career has afforded me the skills to support staff to improve teaching and learning across the school, to the benefit of all children. I will use the qualities, skills and experience I have gained to make a difference here at Harlow Green Community Primary School ensuring that our children are provided with the opportunity to embrace new challenges in an atmosphere where they feel inspired, safe, supported, and successful.
The last three years have been difficult for many families and sectors of work. In the current climate, it has never been more vital to recognise the importance of mental health and emotional well-being. My aim as Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead is to ensure our children, staff and wider community reach their potential by developing resilience and the tools to help them manage times of change and stress. I believe we have a duty to promote positive mental health now to safeguard our children’s futures and ensure they are able to keep themselves happy, healthy and safe. Further useful guides and advice can be found on our school website and will be added to throughout this academic year:
https://www.harlowgreen.org/about-us/additional-support/mental-health-well-being/
In my role as SENDCo, I will be drawing on my prior experience, skills and knowledge to help aid and support learning for those with additional needs. I believe we can continue to build upon the successful work already undertaken by staff so that your children continue to thrive and fulfil their potential, accessing a curriculum that is equally ambitious and steered towards independence and personal development. I strongly believe it is crucial to involve children and their families in their learning journey. Therefore, by working in partnership we will nurture them to become confident individuals who are prepared for the vast possibilities that lie ahead.
I am very keen to meet parents and carers to start building positive relationships and will arrange to meet parents/carers of the children I will be specifically involved in.
Hopefully, I will get to see many families on the yard in the mornings and, if there are any queries, I will be happy to have some initial conversations.
I very much look forward to us working together to deliver the school’s vision of growing happy, healthy and successful together.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs L. Softley
Assistant Head Teacher/SENDCo/Mental Wellbeing Lead
