Senior Leadership Team
Dave Borrell
Head Teacher/Staff Governor
Alyson McClurg
Deputy Head Teacher/SENCO
Ivan Rowell
Social, Emotional & Mental Health Lead
I’m Ivan, the SEMH Lead at Park View School. I joined the team in November 2018, and since then I’ve had the privilege of working closely with children, young people, and their families to support emotional wellbeing, positive behaviour, and healthy relationships. When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family or tending to my allotment.
My career has taken a varied and meaningful path. After leaving school, I worked in a range of jobs — from cycle repair and painting and decorating to bakery work — before returning to education to pursue a role supporting young people and families. I began as a volunteer with the Youth Offending Team in Sunderland, working mainly with young dads who were at risk of offending. This experience inspired me to qualify as a Social Worker at Northumbria University.
Since then, I’ve worked across family support, housing support, and community integration, including a secondment to HMP Durham where I helped prepare individuals for release and reduce the risk of reoffending. I have supported families across key areas such as improving school attendance, reducing anti‑social behaviour, promoting positive parenting, and preventing homelessness. During this time, I also completed specialist postgraduate training in social work with children and families, trained as a parenting practitioner, and gained therapeutic training in IAPT.
I am a trained facilitator in a range of parenting programmes, including Triple P, Early Bird/First Steps ASD, Strengthening Families, Solihull Parenting, Parent Factor (ADHD), and Incredible Years. I later managed the Newcastle Family Intervention Programme before moving into children’s mental health as a Care Coordinator within CYPS, supporting parents and young people in understanding neurodiversity, behaviour, and treatment.
At Park View School, I work directly with pupils, parents, and carers to support emotional regulation, positive behaviour management, and mental wellbeing. I have also extended my training to become a registered EMDR facilitator. Having worked with many schools in previous roles, being part of the Park View team has been especially rewarding. I’ve seen the school grow into a nurturing environment where children with SEN and SEMH needs can learn, flourish, and feel understood.
Laura Wareham
Behaviour and Attendance Lead/Staff Governor
Administration Team
Annemarie Burgess
Office Manager
I am the Office Manager at Park View School. I’ve been part of the team since 2015, and I’m one of the people working behind the scenes to make sure our school runs smoothly every day. From managing budgets to keeping our administrative systems organised, my role helps ensure that staff can focus on teaching and supporting our students.
I take pride in contributing to the calm, safe and well‑structured environment we aim to provide at Park View. Being part of a school community that is so committed to helping young people grow and succeed is something I value deeply.
When I’m not at work, you’ll usually find me crocheting my next project or planning my next weekend away.
Courtney Wightman
Senior Administration Officer
As the Senior Administration Officer at Park View, if something needs doing, I’m usually already halfway through it.
My role covers far more than the job title suggests — I’m the EVC Coordinator, medicator, first aider, occasional transport, event organiser, attendance chaser, and the guardian of petty cash, school fund, uniform and dinner money. Often all at the same time. It’s a busy job, but someone has to be the keeper of chaos.
I’m rarely at my desk for long, unless it’s to abandon yet another cup of tea that never stood a chance of staying warm. My days are a lively mix of supporting students, helping parents and carers, organising the unexpected, and keeping the school running smoothly behind the scenes. I work closely with families and staff, and I’m proud of the strong relationships I’ve built across our school community.
At home, I’m a mam to two boys, so multitasking and a good sense of humour come naturally.
I love being part of Park View — the people, the pace, and the purpose make every day feel worthwhile.
Kayleigh Clark
Senior Administration Officer (Data)
I am the Senior Admin Officer for Data at Park View School, having joined the team in May.
Before coming to PVS, I spent 11 years working in the NHS, gaining extensive experience in administration and service support.
I was ready for a new challenge and the opportunity to develop new skills in a different environment, and I’m really enjoying my new role here at PVS.
My role involves supporting the smooth running of the school by helping to update school policies, maintaining the school website, and assisting with exam officer responsibilities. This work helps ensure that staff have accurate information, up‑to‑date guidance, and the systems they need to support teaching and learning effectively.
I also play a part in supporting students by helping to keep essential information organised, ensuring exam processes run smoothly, and contributing to a well‑managed school environment where they can focus on learning and achieving their best. I’m enjoying getting to know everyone, and always happy to help.
Dogs on Duty
Arlo
School Dog
Site Management
Phil Wightman
Site Manager
I’m the Site Manager here at Park View, and if you’ve ever tried to find me, you’ll know I’m usually somewhere on the move. My phone rings from morning to night, and contractors seem to have a built‑in radar for tracking me down wherever I am on site. On the rare occasion I manage to sneak off for five minutes of peace, it never lasts long — someone always needs something, and I’m always happy to help.
I take pride in keeping the school running smoothly and safely. That means everything from managing the vehicles and supporting the kitchen team to overseeing the cleaning staff, tackling repairs and dealing with the endless list of “little jobs” that pop up every day. I often work evenings, weekends and school holidays to make sure the building is ready for staff and students — it’s a big job, but one I genuinely enjoy.
I’m a fixer, a grafter and (I’m told!) a friendly face around the place. I like to keep things light‑hearted, have a laugh and make sure people feel comfortable coming to me when something needs sorting. The school is a busy place, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Sophie Lister
Cleaner
Claire Seales
Cook
Lisa Robinson
Cook
Teachers
Helen Beckett
Subject Lead for English
I am the Subject Lead for English at Park View School and have been part of our community for 18 years, working across both our former and current sites. Before joining Park View, I spent 11 years teaching elsewhere, and throughout my career I have always loved helping young people discover the power of reading, writing and communication.
My own love of English began when I was young. I read constantly, loved getting lost in stories, and soon became a keen creative writer. That passion for language inspired me to become a teacher—a job I have enjoyed from my very first day and continue to feel just as enthusiastic about now.
At Park View, my role is to design an English curriculum that excites and supports every student. I want all our young people to develop strong reading, writing and speaking skills so they can become confident, independent learners. This includes ensuring that students following our bespoke curriculum, as well as those in our Vocational Centre studying Entry Level and Functional Skills qualifications, receive a pathway that meets their needs and prepares them well for adulthood.
I am proud to lead a dedicated team of English teachers who share these values. Together, we regularly review our curriculum and monitor the progress of all students to make sure our teaching remains engaging, ambitious and aligned with national expectations.
Most importantly, I am incredibly proud of the progress our students make during their time with us. I hold high aspirations for every learner and will always support them to achieve the qualifications they are capable of in English.
The message I share with students is simple: be brave, be confident, and believe in yourself. At Park View, we are here to help every young person realise their potential and achieve success.
Rebecca Brown
Early Career Teacher
My name is Rebecca, and I’ve been part of Park View School team for the past two years, joining as an Early Career Teacher. I teach Maths, English and Humanities to our Key Stage 3 students, and I love helping young people discover their confidence and potential across these subjects.
I’ve always had a passion for English and Maths, and I enjoy sharing that enthusiasm in the classroom. I’m equally fascinated by history and the stories, people and events that have shaped our world. My aim is to make learning engaging, meaningful and accessible, while creating a space where every student feels valued, supported and encouraged to achieve their best.
Park View is also where I discovered my passion for working with students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. Every day brings new opportunities to build positive relationships, celebrate successes and support our students as they grow academically and personally.
Working at Park View is incredibly rewarding, and I feel privileged to be part of a team that helps every child recognise their full potential. Seeing students succeed—and knowing how proud they are of themselves—is the best part of what we do.
Jim Burnett
Teacher of IT
Sarah Daniels
Year 7 Nurture Class Teacher
My name is Sarah‑Louise Daniels and I am the Year 7 teacher in our Nurture class. I have always had a strong interest in education and a real enthusiasm for learning, which I love sharing with the children in my care. I became a qualified teacher in 2013, and throughout my teaching journey I have developed a particular passion for supporting pupils with special educational needs.
I joined Park View School in September 2019, and what I enjoy most about working here is helping children and young people progress, grow and achieve their full potential. Seeing pupils succeed in their learning and fully participate in their school day is incredibly rewarding.
Outside of school, I enjoy going for walks at the beach, going out for meals and — I’ll admit — I love shopping. My favourite time, though, is spent with my family, especially my baby girl.
I consider myself hardworking, reliable and adaptable, and I bring motivation and enthusiasm into everything I do. My aim is always to create a classroom where children feel supported, inspired and excited to learn.
Elliott Jones
Teacher of D&T, Photography, Cycling/Student Council Lead
Steve Langley
Teacher of Physical Education & Sport/Chairman of the Wanderers Sports Association
I am a Physical Education and Sport Teacher at Park View School, where I bring 27 years of experience in PE and nearly nine years as part of the Park View community. I’m passionate about creating inclusive, engaging and active opportunities for all of our students, helping them develop confidence, resilience and a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity.
As a trained cycle leader and Wild Passport bushcraft instructor, I enjoy taking learning beyond the classroom—whether that’s cycling, outdoor exploration or practical bushcraft sessions. These experiences give pupils the chance to build teamwork, independence and a sense of achievement in a supportive environment.
Outside of school, I serve as Chairman of the Wanderers Sports Association, coordinating disability sports competitions across the North East. This includes accessible opportunities in athletics, basketball, football, gymnastics, swimming and more—something I’m incredibly proud to champion.
I was honoured to receive a national Teacher of the Year award for my work with the Lawrence Dallaglio Foundation charity, recognising my commitment to supporting young people through inclusive sport and community engagement.
I am also a qualified Level 6 First Aider, and I place a strong emphasis on safety and wellbeing in every aspect of my work. Being part of Park View is extremely rewarding, and I value the relationships I build with our students as they grow, succeed and discover what they are capable of.
Michael Perry
Teacher of Science
Lyndsay Robinson
Teacher of Art & Design
I have been teaching Art since 2003, beginning my career in mainstream education before specialising in Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) provision in 2013. I am passionate about making Art accessible, engaging and meaningful for every learner, regardless of their background, ability or previous experience.
I firmly believe that everyone can benefit from the creative process, and that Art offers powerful opportunities for self‑expression, confidence‑building, emotional wellbeing and personal growth.
In my teaching, I aim to create a creative, immersive and contemporary Art curriculum that inspires pupils through both modern artists and traditional influences. A typical Art lesson at Park View School may include painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media and sensory activities, as well as opportunities to explore the wider arts community through gallery visits and regional exhibitions.
Above all, my goal is to foster a lifelong appreciation of Art and Creativity. I want pupils to discover their own artistic voice, feel proud of their achievements, and develop a positive connection with the world around them through the arts.
High Level Teacher Assistants
Gornall Bell
High Level Teacher Assistant
Michelle Dalby
Teacher of Mathematics
Abigail Robertson-Cocks
Year 7 Nurture Class Teacher
I am a teacher in one of the Year 7 Nurture Classes at Park View School, where I have proudly worked for the past five years. I began my journey here as a Teaching Assistant before progressing into my teaching role, which has given me a strong understanding of our students’ needs and the supportive ethos of our school.
Before joining Park View, I worked with adults with autism, an experience that shaped my approach and strengthened my ability to support individuals with a wide range of needs. I am passionate about helping young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs and creating a safe, nurturing environment where every student feels valued, builds confidence and reaches their full potential.
I love building positive relationships with students and their families, and I am proud to be part of a team that makes a positive difference every day.
Kim Scott
Therapeutic Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA
Supporting emotional wellbeing, resilience and readiness to learn
As the school’s Therapeutic HLTA, I provide emotional, sensory and therapeutic support to help pupils overcome barriers to learning and reach their full potential. My role focuses on promoting positive mental health, emotional wellbeing, and resilience, ensuring every child feels safe, understood and ready to engage in school life - something I’m deeply passionate about.
I’ve always been drawn to work that supports young people, especially those who find school life a little more challenging. Over the years, I’ve developed a strong interest in emotional wellbeing, sensory needs and therapeutic approaches, which led me to specialise in the work I do today. I love being able to offer calm, nurturing sessions where pupils can relax, talk, regulate and simply be themselves.
Working 1:1 with pupils is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. I help children build confidence, manage anxiety, develop emotional regulation skills and learn strategies to cope with everyday challenges. Every session is personalised — no two children are the same, and that’s what makes the work so meaningful.
I also work closely with families, offering parenting programmes and practical guidance to help create consistency between home and school. Supporting the whole child is important to me, and I value the relationships I build with parents and carers along the way.
My practice is grounded in specialist training, including ELSA, SEN Massage Therapy, Sensory Needs Practitioner and Fear‑Less Triple P. These skills allow me to support a wide range of emotional and sensory needs and provide the right kind of help at the right time.
Being part of Park View School is something I’m genuinely proud of. It’s a nurturing, understanding environment where pupils can grow, feel valued and thrive — and I’m grateful to play a part in that every day.
Elliot Smith
High Level Teacher Assistant
Lisa Thompson
Catering and PSHE Teacher
I am the Catering and PSHE Teacher at Park View School, where I have the privilege of supporting students in developing both practical life skills and personal growth. Throughout my time at PVS, I have worked closely with a diverse range of young people, helping them build confidence, independence, and resilience through engaging, hands‑on learning experiences.
In Catering, I encourage students to develop essential skills in cooking, food hygiene, organisation, and teamwork. Through practical lessons, students learn to take pride in their achievements and gain valuable knowledge that supports them both in school and beyond.
In PSHE, I guide students through important topics such as health and wellbeing, relationships, personal safety, and preparation for adulthood. My aim is to create a supportive environment where students feel confident exploring ideas, asking questions, and developing the skills they need to navigate life with independence and self‑belief.
Working at Park View School is incredibly rewarding, and I am proud to be part of a dedicated team that places each student’s individual needs, achievements, and aspirations at the heart of everything we do.
Teaching Assistants
Wahaab Ahmed
Teaching Assistant
Tomas Dulson
Teaching Assistant
Harry Fisher
Teaching Assistant
Oliver Green
Teaching Assistant
Ryan Hardie
Teaching Assistant
Caitlin Page
Teaching Assistant
Gemma Reay
Teaching Assistant
Ryan Sinclair
Teaching Assistant
Kimberley Watson
Teaching Assistant
Kirsten Weedy
Teaching Assistant
Olivia Wilson
Teaching Assistant
Vocational Centre
Kyleigh Reay
Vocational Careers Co-ordinator
Hi, I’m Kyleigh! I joined Park View in 2018 as a Teaching Assistant and have since progressed to the role of Vocational Careers Coordinator at the Vocational Centre.
I love supporting our young people as they explore their future pathways, helping them build confidence, develop new skills and prepare for education, training or employment post‑16. I believe every student has their own strengths and ambitions, and it’s a privilege to be part of their journey as they work towards achieving their goals.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and keeping active at the gym.
Jeffrey Smith
Vocational Centre Programme Leader
Richard Elsy
Tutor - Vocational Centre
Keith Greener
Tutor - Vocational Centre
Chris Storey
High Level Teacher Assistant - Vocational Centre
Cathy Boyd
Casual Teacher
I teach English Functional Skills at the Vocational Centre, where I support students in building the confidence and practical skills they need for their next steps. It’s incredibly rewarding to help our learners achieve, especially as many have not had positive experiences in mainstream education. Seeing them grow, succeed, and move on to brighter futures is one of the best parts of my role.
My background includes social work, mainstream and special school teaching, and one-to-one tutoring. This experience helps me understand the individual needs of our students and provide a supportive, encouraging environment where they can thrive. I aim to make learning accessible, relevant, and engaging, helping students develop essential communication skills they can use in everyday life, further education, and employment.