Our associate team provides exceptional experience in SpLD.
They come extremely well qualified, with abundant knowledge based on research and their own time in specialist education.
As advisors, our team will provide the benefit of both their experience and the latest research, to support an outstanding CPD and training scheme, and cutting edge curriculum design at Abbot's Way. They are advocates for our forward thinking approach and holistic environment 'This is how every child should learn' 'Your setting is so impressive, exactly what your students need'.
We look forward to working with our professionals in order to assure exemplary practice and provision.
Professor Sean F. MacBlain
C. Psychol., C. Sci., BA, MA, M.Ed. Psychol., PhD (Exon), Dip. SpLd, FRSM, AFBPsS, FHEA, AMBDA
Continued Professional DevelopmentAssociate
B.A. Hons. Psychology
M.A., Special Education in the Mainstream School
M.Ed., Psychology (Professional Training as an Educational Psychologist)
PhD. (Exeter)
Diploma in Specific Learning Difficulties/Dyslexia (Dyslexia Institute, Bath)
We welcome Sean to our AWS team.
Sean will support with the assurance of an innovative, fluid approach to learning in an advisory capacity.
Professor Sean MacBlain PhD is an internationally recognised author and academic whose publications include: MacBlain (Sage, 2020) Child Development for Teachers; MacBlain (Sage, 2018) Learning Theories for Early Years Practice, MacBlain, Dunn and Luke (Sage, 2017) Contemporary Childhood; MacBlain, Long and Dunn, (Sage, 2015) Dyslexia, Literacy and Inclusion: Child-centred Perspectives; Gray and MacBlain (Sage, 2015) Learning Theories in Childhood; MacBlain (Sage, 2014) How Children Learn.
Before retiring, Sean worked as a senior academic at the University of St Mark & St John, Plymouth where he lectured in special education and psychology and prior to that as senior lecturer in special education and developmental psychology at Stranmillis University College, Queen’s University Belfast.
Sean has worked within the field of special educational needs in primary and secondary schools and set up and led the postgraduate programme for teaching children with dyslexia at Bridgwater College, Somerset. Sean was also employed as a specialist dyslexia tutor at Millfield School. In addition to his many years of experience as a teacher, Sean is also a qualified educational psychologist and has worked in this field for over thirty years.
Sean has also been external examiner to postgraduate Master’s degree Level programmes in dyslexia at a number of universities and continues in this role at present.
Membership of professional bodies
Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society
Chartered Psychologist, British Psychological Society
Chartered Scientist, British Psychological Society
Associate Member of the British Dyslexia Association
Cathy Papworth
‘Learn to Thrive’ Curriculum DevelopmentAssociate
MSc Geography Cert. Ed.
Level 7 Diploma in Specific Learning Difficulties
We welcome Cathy to our AWS team
She will support with the assurance of a dynamic, forward thinking education and pastoral framework in a research and advisory capacity.
Cathy has 28 years of experience in education:
working initially in the state sector with 11-18 year olds, teaching Mathematics and Geography.
2 years in Accra, Ghana helping to establish The New Horizon School, the first provision in the country for children with Special Needs.
22 years at Millfield Prep School in the Junior department, the Maths department, the Language Development Centre and later on as Head of Geography with 11-13 year olds liaising with Millfield Senior School.
Although now retired, she has a continuing interest in and passion for education, with particular interest in curriculum development and Specific Learning Difficulties.
Craig Glen - Therapy Associate
Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist and Holistic Coordinator.
20 years experience within the SEN educational system
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
Post graduate Counselling and Psychotherapy
Post graduate Sensory Integration
Welcome to the team Craig
Craig has offered his private consultancy services to families and schools across the UK, France and Switzerland respectively. Craig will provide supervision, guidance and advice to our Occupational Therapy department at Abbot’s way School to ensure the very highest standards are offered and maintained.
Professional bodies:
HCPC
BAOT
SIUK
Beth Pinnell
Speech and Language Therapist
BSc Speech and Language Therapy
HCPC
MRCSLT
Beth has worked in specialist settings for the last 8 years supporting pupils and school staff with communication in and out of the classroom.
Beth graduated from Cardiff Metropolitan University, specialist in AAC and Autism.
She has a springer spaniel and enjoys Les Mis a little too much!
Sam Jackson
Venture Associate; Outdoor Learning and Forest School
B.Sc. Hons. Countryside Management & Ornithology
Level 3 Forest School Practitioner
Sam will support and advise with the assurance of exciting and positive outdoor learning experiences.
He has over 20 years of outdoor learning and Forest School experience. Before setting up his own company Sc.out.ed (Science and Outdoor Education Specialists) in 2013, he worked for organisations including the RSPB and EDF Energy, where he managed Education Centres.
Sam and the Sc.out.ed team offer engaging outdoor learning experiences to over 500 schools a year, encouraging experimentation and, in keeping with Abbot's Way, 'daring to learn'.
Sam believes learning outside the classroom provides a stimulus that cannot be found indoors. This ‘creative curriculum’ approach stimulates children’s natural curiosity where children learn key skills in a practical way – developing teamwork, decision making skills and confidence.
Sam also delivers Professional Development for schools and trainee teachers. He will be actively contributing to our INSET and CPD programme.
Sam is co-author of ‘100 Ideas for Primary Teachers: Outdoor Learning’ (Bloomsbury, 2020).
Harriet Birt
Branding and Design Associate
Harriet is an award winning Graphic & Digital designer with 12+ years of experience running a small design consultancy in the heart of the mendips just outside of Bristol. Harriet is used to working specifically with social enterprises, charities, and public sector bodies that do good in particular, challenging briefs and suggesting potential solutions, across branding, literature and digital products, such as websites and mobile apps.
In 2015 Harriet also Co-founded Holbirt - A Low environmental impact online shop, selling pieces of unique artworks that are FSC certificated and plastic free.
Being diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 6, Harriet benefited from a specialist education herself after attending several different schools. Harriet is committed to ensuring that her input contributes to driving the success of Abbots Way’s vision and the progress of all students to achieving their potential. With her specific flair, she will focus particularly on our branding and unique USP as well as ensuring that there is evidenced accountability across all areas of school.
James Watson
Having experienced a specialist education himself, James is a successful, self-made businessman and a perfect example of an entrepreneurial dyslexic who has channelled his strengths and used his learning difference to his advantage.
James’ creativity, together with his natural leadership and collaboration skills have supported his journey to where he is today.
Now based in Cornwall, James devotes his time to his outdoor business and entertainment ventures, sport, and his family. He brings energy, aspiration and absolute commitment to Abbot’s Way, with experience of assuring business viability and longevity.
