SEND
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities at St Jude's
"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
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Ben Gorner-PatelSENDCo
Ben Gorner-Patel
Ben has 15 years of experience in education. He has been a member of SLT for the last 5 years, and SENDCo for 4. He is passionate about inclusive, progressive education. Ben believes in the power of pupil voice, and how each educator can take their lead from this.
What is your educational background
I arrived in London, from York, in 2002, to do a 4 year degree, in Spanish and Latin-American studies, with an Erasmus year, at the University of Seville. I went on to gain a masters, at King's College London, in the same subject. I got a secondary PGCE, at the University of Education, in MFL, but much preferred the dynamism and variety of skills needed in the primary setting. Three years ago, I gained my NASENCo (National SENCo Award), again at the Institute of Education.
What skills and talents do you bring to the Federation
I love people and I am fascinated by culture. I am multilingual; Hindi was my first taste of a foreign language, and I have kept this language up, by practising regularly. Across any federation, you are going to get a beautiful range of people from different walks of life, and this enthuses me. I hope my gift for communication, and people skills make me a good leader across our family of schools.
When you're not at school what do you enjoy doing
I love reading, travelling and cooking. Any opportunity to practise my languages is considered a blessing. However, you're most likely to catch me practising yoga, or experimenting with Ayurvedic cooking, and health practises.
bgornerpatel@peterhillssouthwark.co.uk
bgorner@st-judesschool.co.uk
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Naomi PalmerCommunity Liaison
Naomi Palmer
Naomi joined our Federation in 2017 and is a valued member of the Inclusion Team. She also provides support to the St Jude's parents and pupils. She has strong links with our community and goes above and beyond to support families connecting with local services. Her tenacity is an asset to be admired.
What is your educational background
I Studied at Blackheath Bluecoats C of E School and left with VERY average grades (work hard at school kids!). I diligently set about undoing my misspent youth, reentering education and eventually retraining as a Psychodynamic therapist.
What skills and talents do you bring to the federation
I'm good at solving problems, an empowerer, a great listener, with a deep desire to help make a difference to the lives of others. I can help you with any worries you may have in relation to your child's education, behaviour and wellbeing. I am a great advocate for parents, I'm tenacious and dig deep and offer practical, and emotional support to help children and families reach their full potential. I will work with you in order to work through any barriers to getting your children to school on time and regularly! œChildren should be seen and not heard  Not on your nelly! My therapeutic core is always at the heart of what I do and I offer a safe space for children to explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences, no matter how big or small, my door is always open
When you're not at school what do you enjoy doing
I'm a real fan of music and festivals and given the time and opportunity I would spend most of my free time at one!
npalmer@peterhillssouthwark.co.uk
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Lashana BrookesAttendance (& PE lead)
Lashana Brookes
Lashana has 6 years experience working in primary education. She has worked in various schools across South London and joined St Jude's in 2017, now leading Wellbeing and PE.
What is your educational background
I did not go onto university after studying business studies and Physical education. I went on to working in the retail industry then decided I would like to work with children and followed on to do an apprenticeship working in the borough of Waltham Forest where I gained valuable experience and key skills. I am able to demonstrate the skills to teach children and motivate them through life. I know what I was like at school and physical education had its own positive impact on my life. Being patient allows children to see sports not just as a competition but to enjoy and find the sport they love. Various work experiences helped me to adapt to different situations.
When you're not at school what do you enjoy doing
I love spending time with friends and family attending concerts and festivals, creating the best memories. When I'm not dancing to the sound of some good music, catch me for a good game of Badminton.
lbrookes@st-judesschool.co.uk
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Fay O'NeillELSA Lead and Intervention TA
Fay O'Neill
Fay Joined St Jude's in 2019. She works in class and runs intervention groups, focussing on Emotional Literacy support across the school.
What is your educational background
I studied at CEBS in Camberwell. And went on to gain an A level in Business studies.
What skills and talents do you bring to St. Jude's
Fashion was my passion and I ended up managing a number of very successful fashion boutiques in London, but after having my first son, it soon became apparent that retail didn't hold the same appeal, it had become a bit tedious. Becoming a mother In 2008 I had a career evaluation and decided to start my career in child care. I became a registered Sennie (SEND Nanny) in 2010 . As a SEND parent I am deeply passionate about helping young people of all abilities to become more independent within society, promoting positive behaviours and how, given the right support and understanding, all children can really thrive and flourish.
When you're not at school what do you enjoy doing
I adore flowers and plants, and take great pride and pleasure in my garden at home. Most of my family have relocated to the Kent coast and we spend most of our free time there, exploring the beaches, coastal walks and searching out quaint family pubs. I enjoy holidays abroad, normally with a large group of friends and their children. A favourite pastime is having an early morning mooch around a market, looking for additions to my wardrobe and furniture to upcycle. We Love animals so we adopted a French Bulldog last year and he is a massive part of our family. He goes everywhere with us.
foneill@st-judesschool.co.uk
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Terri SkatesHigh Level Teaching Assistant
Terri Skates
Terri has over 20 years experience of working in education. She joined St Judes' in 2001 and has worked in all classes and carried out many interventions with a variety of Year groups as well as after school clubs.
What is your educational background
I did not go onto university after doing 'O' levels and 'A' levels at Addey and Stanhope Grammar School in Deptford, instead I went straight into working in banking. I came to St Judes' in 2001 initially as a Teaching Assistant until I studied for my Higher Level Teaching Assistant position and passed in 2009.
What skills and talents do you bring to St Judes'
Banking introduced me to people from all walks of life and each person had to be dealt with in an individual way, something I have tried to carry with me throughout my life and fall upon when working with the children at St Jude's. I am also a mother to 3 children and 2 (With another due anyday!) grandchildren and they are invaluable to bounce ideas off when trying to find interesting and innovative ways to help all of our wonderful St Jude's community.
When you're not at school what do you enjoy doing
I like being with my family , when we can, even if now it is just zoom quiz nights! I also enjoy doing some gardening (except the weeds!) Walking is also a pastime of mine, but then it is good to sit down with a cup of tea and watch the Soaps!
tskates@st-judesschool.co.uk
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PhoenixTherapy Dog
Phoenix
Phoenix joined the federation in 2019. She loves being at school with the children and has helped support many with their emotional needs, teaching them the importance of caring for animals and showing kindness.
What skills and talents do you bring to the federation
I am really fast and my very best talent is chasing squirrels and foxes. Although I haven â„¢t caught one yet, I do get very close. I â„¢m also very good at cheering people up, especially those children, who may be having a tough day. I am a great listener and love reading with the children. Â
When you â„¢re not at school what do you enjoy doing I
n my spare time I go walkies in the forest, I must confess I do love chasing birds and the local cats. I like to get my paws wet at the park pond and chase the swans back into the water. I enjoy travelling and my favourite place in the world is Annecy. Oui! Oui!
St Jude's is a diverse school, with inclusion at the centre of our ethos. Our SEND and Inclusion Team, led by Mr Ben Gorner-Patel, works closely with all teaching staff to ensure that all children have their needs met. Therefore, we adhere to all area of the DfE SEND Code of Practice, and regularly update all relevant policies linked to the document.
At St. Jude's, we value the achievements and abilities of all pupils. We ensure that SEND pupils receive the same curriculum offer as their peers. To understand how access to the curriculum is enabled for SEND pupils, please spend a moment viewing our SEND information video.
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Click here for SEND Information Report.
Click here for ParentLine, a messaging service for parents and carers of school-aged children in Southwark and Lambeth. The ParentLine number is 07520 631 130. This is a text number only and cannot receive phone calls
Click here for Complaints Policy.
Click here for the school's Equalities Statement.