Central team
Iain Simper FRSA – Director of The Learning Partnership
Iain is an experienced school and local authority education leader, running the successful and popular Peterborough Learning Partnership on behalf of Peterborough City Council between 2010-2018 before establishing The Learning Partnership. Prior to this Iain supported schools across the eastern region on behalf of the DCSF as part of the Excellence in Cities programme. Iain also supports schools in a voluntary capacity having recently supported Stilton Primary Academy, Cambs, as Vice-Chair of Governors, enjoying active trustee status of a local charity (8th Earl of Sandwich Trust) and directorship of a local cultural education partnership (PHACE: Peterborough Heritage, Arts and Cultural Education). Iain is passionate about helping schools to use CPD to drive improvements and would welcome the opportunity to meet with you, your school or Trust leaders, to identify the best programme of CPD to support your school’s needs. @ed_cpd on X
Rich Milns – Web design and web management
Rich runs the highly successful Guava Design. An experienced developer with plenty of experience creating websites, web applications and API’s using PHP frameworks (CakePHP, Phalcon, Laravel), MySQL, HTML5 (including front end frameworks like Bootstrap and UIKit), CSS and JS (jQuery, Angular, Node). @GuavaDesign on X
Ryan Hyman – Marketing and growth consultant
Ryan is our PR and Marketing Consultant. He is currently the Deputy Managing Director at Athene Communications @RyanHyman on X
Richard Couchman CTA – Finance support
Richard is Director at Couchman and Leafe Limited. Richard and his team provide effective financial support and management to the Learning Partnership
Dr Anita Devi FRSA – Strategic consultant
Dr Anita Devi is an experienced and influential education consultant who believes in collaboration and gets things done. Anita provides wise counsel and support to the Learning Partnership @ButterflyColour on X
Paul Carney – Strategic consultant
Paul Carney is a nationally recognised art consultant having delivered specialist art INSET CPD in schools across the UK and for the UK’s leading training providers. Paul provides strategic support to the partnership[ bringing his deep professional understanding of the sector @PaulCarneyArts on X
Delivery partners
Art support led by Adele Darlington: Adele Darlington is an experienced primary school teacher and art specialist delivering training to schools up and down the country. She is the author of ‘100 ideas for primary teachers: Art’ published by Bloomsbury and loves to share numerous art ideas and resources on her social media channels. Adele is passionate about raising the profile of art and design in schools and giving all children access to diverse, rich and varied art experiences.
Art support led by Kerry Howarth: Primary Art & Design specialist teacher based in the North West of England and providing school based training and primary Art & Design CPD courses. Alongside part-time primary teaching,Kerry has also worked freelance for various arts and culture organisations such as The Wordsworth Trust, The National Trust and Cumbria Arts in Education where she worked directly with schools and practitioners on the Creative Partnerships programme. Kerry is very passionate about teacher training and for the last 8 years has taught an art & design module to local School Direct students. Kerry is rightly proud to have taught both lectures and seminars on a local PGCE course too. Her wonderful mixing pot of freelance art education roles along with primary teaching has provided her with a greater understanding and appreciation of art education and the value it has in our lives.
Behaviour management support led by Jogo Behaviour: Jogo Behaviour Support’s strengths lie in both the expert knowledge and experience of their team, and also the content of the support and training they provide. All of their team have spent their careers supporting and succeeding with children, young people and families that are experiencing issues around social, emotional, mental health and behaviour
Computing support led by John Jefferies: John Jefferies is an independent Consultant for Education. A former Local Authority Consultant for ICT John has subsequently worked nationally and internationally with Naace and Becta. He currently supports schools with Computing as part of the NCCE with STEM Learning working with Regional Computing Hubs. John is a Senior Professional Development Lead Facilitator and an Advisor for Enthuse Partnerships and Computing Clusters for STEM Learning in support of Computing and D&T curriculum areas. He holds a certificate of accreditation from EPICT as a Facilitator for Online Safety and regularly provides guidance and training for all primary school stake holders including; school leaders, governors/trustees, teachers, children and parents. John is an expert in cross-curricular computing and digital skills, and in the application of Ed Tech. He also has many years’ experience supporting trainee teachers within SCITT programmes as a Visiting Tutor and Final Assessor.
Design and Technology led by John Jefferies: John Jefferies is an independent Consultant for Education. A former Local Authority Consultant for ICT John has subsequently worked nationally and internationally with Naace and Becta. He currently supports schools with Computing as part of the NCCE with STEM Learning working with Regional Computing Hubs. John is a Senior Professional Development Lead Facilitator and an Advisor for Enthuse Partnerships and Computing Clusters for STEM Learning in support of Computing and D&T curriculum areas. He holds a certificate of accreditation from EPICT as a Facilitator for Online Safety and regularly provides guidance and training for all primary school stake holders including; school leaders, governors/trustees, teachers, children and parents. John is an expert in cross-curricular computing and digital skills, and in the application of Ed Tech. He also has many years’ experience supporting trainee teachers within SCITT programmes as a Visiting Tutor and Final Assessor.
Drama support led by Patrice Baldwin: Patrice is Chair of the Council for Subject Associations (CfSA). She was a Primary Headteacher, Arts Education and School Improvement Adviser (Norfolk) and an Ofsted inspector. She was Sir Jim Rose’s Editorial Expert for Drama in his proposed primary national curriculum and Oak National Academy’s Primary Drama subject leader during the pandemic. She worked regularly with Pie Corbett for several years, delivering ‘Talk and Drama for Writing’ conferences. From 2012 until 2020, she arranged and offered primary curriculum courses and leadership conferences for Norfolk schools, through Inspiring Professional Development and School Improvement. Patrice is a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts and is a specialist in using Drama for learning. She has worked in almost 40 countries at conferences and in universities. She was Chair of National Drama (2004- 2015) and President of the International Drama Theatre and Education Association (IDEA) from 2010-2013. She founded and directed, Drama for Learning and Creativity (D4LC), supported by Norfolk County Council, QCA, Arts Council England, Creative Partnerships and NESTA and presented it at UNESCO’s 2nd World Arts in Education Conference in South Korea. Patrice was a BBC Education scriptwriter and series consultant. She is a prolific author. Her most recent book is Process Drama for Second Language Teaching and Learning (Bloomsbury Academic, 2022) and her next book will be published in Autumn 2023 by Taylor and Francis.
EAL support led by the EAL Academy: The EAL Academy – school improvement specialists and leaders in the fields of academic literacy, ethnic minority achievement and English as an additional language
Equality, diversity and inclusion support led by Dr Jo Trevenna: Jo leads Potential Education which specialises in the leadership of EDI in schools. Building understanding of the Equality Act (2010) and ensuring compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty, Potential Education offers training and support to increase awareness and build confidence in this crucial and enriching aspect of school life. An effective EDI strategy not only helps schools reap the rewards of a diverse workforce but it can also improve pupil outcomes, target pastoral support and rapidly improve stakeholder engagement.
EYFS support led by Early Excellence: Early Excellence is the leading Provider of Early Years Resources, Furniture and Training in the UK. To Childminders Nursery, Infant and Primary Schools.
EYFS support led by Dr Sue Allingham: https://eyoutofthebox.com/ Sue started as a teacher, finally becoming a Senior Early Years Lead in a Primary School and Lead Teacher for her Local Authority. Moving into research Sue gained an MA then a Doctorate, both in Early Childhood Education, from Sheffield University. This led to becoming a Local Authority Early Years Adviser enabling her to develop her practice working with provision across the EYFS. As an Independent Consultant, Author and Trainer, Sue is known for her practical style of working through coaching, mentoring, modelling, training and working alongside teams to develop practice and provision. Her interests in teaching and learning have led to work on emotional and physical environments that will support informed teaching and learning. This work has recently led to her being trained and accredited in the Brain-SET approach. This approach is rooted in early brain development and has added a new dimension to her work. As Consultant Editor of EYE (Early Years Educator) her writing is familiar to many and she has written two books that support practice across the Early Years and into Key Stage One – Transitions in the Early Years and Emotional Literacy in the Early Years. Both published by Practical Pre-School Books
Family engagement support led by Julie Westrop: Julie’s 22 year very successful teaching and senior leadership career saw her working in both primary and secondary schools in West Africa, London and East Anglia. She always preferred to work in schools serving communities with more disadvantage than most, welcoming the opportunities to work with families and the wider community in enhancing educational experiences, raising both aspirations and achievement and
creating strong communities of learners.
Geography support led by Nell Seal: Salix is an Education Consultancy specialising in facilitating CPD training for teachers and other practitioners in the areas of learning for sustainability, outdoor learning and primary Geography. Based centrally in England we are able to work with schools and settings in a variety of locations
Governor support led by #TeamAdl: TeamADL is a multi-agency CIC that offers a wide range of expertise and services to support education, employment and life skills.
History support led by Andrew Wrenn: Andrew Wrenn is a freelance History Education consultant. He is also a Teacher Fellow and recent trustee of the Historical Association, a UK subject organisation which promotes the teaching of history cross-phrase. He is a former LA advisor for history and humanities and is an experienced teacher, trainer and writer.
History support led by Stuart Tiffany: Stuart (Mr T) is an experienced teacher and history specialist. He is a member of the Historical Association’s Primary Committee, regularly featured writer in a number of publications and delivers training on various aspects of primary history teaching. He is a passionate believer in using children’s natural curiosity to engage them in lessons using a mixture of enquiry and high quality source work.
Leadership support led by Colin Tapscott: Everyday Leader believes that great leaders are passionate about their calling and their cause. They believe that good leadership qualities inspire action and drive positive change. Founder, Colin Tapscott, established Everyday Leader on the ethos of leadership empowerment and a fundamental belief that anyone can be a great leader.
Leadership support led by Andy Hind: Further to his headteacher career, Andy, since 2003, has been supporting schools and other educational institutions throughout the world. His primary focus is supporting educational leaders, teachers and other staff in how they create a professional culture that ensure the very best outcomes for pupils. He supports a significant number of Multi-Academy Trusts, Teaching Hubs, Learning Alliances, Local Authorities and individual schools across the U.K., Europe, The Middle East and Asia. The support he offers is either face-to-face or virtual, but is always highly engaging, motivational and full of research-backed practices and practical suggestions
Leadership support led by Quality Assured Education: Phil Abbott is an Education Consultant with more than 25 years of experience working in education, including 13 years of successful headship in the Primary sector. Phil is also an experienced Ofsted Inspector, with a remit of Section 5 and Section 8 inspections of Primary and Special Schools across the East Midlands. Throughout his career, Phil has worked in a range of settings, including in areas of significant deprivation. His vast experience and personable character mean he has lots to bring to leaders seeking to gain insight, ideas and support in developing their own schools. Phil’s key approach is to help leaders to take complex challenges and identify clear, simple and manageable solutions. This can be achieved through a number of services, including advisory work within schools, quality assurance activities, Pupil Premium and Sports Funding reviews, headteacher appraisal, curriculum design and a vast range of bespoke training, both in person and online. His unique selling point is the diversity of services he can offer. Training and support can be tailored to the exact needs of the client.
Mathematics support led by Liz Gibbs: Liz Gibbs Author, independent national & international mathematics adviser/trainer and supporting member of COBIS. More recently, Liz has been writing lessons for BBC Bitesize and script writing for BBC Teacher Talks.
Modern Foreign Languages led by Primary Languages Network: Kate Percival: Kate is a primary MFL specialist, an experienced classroom practitioner and is nationally recognised as a well-respected figure in the world of primary languages.
Pastoral support led by Steve Russell: There has perhaps never been a greater demand placed upon schools in relation to pastoral care than that which exists now. Attachment-related needs, emotionally-based school avoidance, low self-esteem are just a few areas that schools can feel like they are wrestling with, with colleagues sometimes feeling they are being more of a psychologist or counsellor than an educator! This is where Steve comes in. His courses blend his extensive understanding of psychology with over thirty years experience in schools and support services. Participants frequently speak of how they feel empowered, encouraged and enthused, with clear ideas to take back into their settings. Alongside the CPD, Steve is also highly skilled at creating reflective safe spaces for pastoral practitioners to be able to off-load and gain a ‘super-vision’ of tricky situations they are dealing with. The emotional labour involved in pastoral care is so very real, often taking its toll, sadly, on staff – and the pastoral leaders’ network aims to provide much needed support.
Playtimes support led by Therese Hoyle: Therese Hoyle has over 25 years’ teaching experience in mainstream, special and higher education. She is the founder and Head Facilitator of Therese Hoyle Consultancies. Since 1996 Therese has worked nationally and internationally with over 495 schools and organisations and with more than 15,400 individuals inspiring them with Positive Playtime, Circle Time, Coaching Circles, Positive Parenting, Positive Behaviour Management, Emotional Literacy and Leadership Coaching programmes.
PSHE support led by PSHE Solutions: John Rees is passionately committed to enhancing the learning and life-chances of children and young people, through school improvement and the professional development of individuals and organizations. Having taught for 12 years, latterly as a senior leader, John led the transformation of a theory driven, evidence-informed health education research project from Exeter University to eventually involve 200+ schools across the UK and overseas, with unique evidence of health benefit and educational improvement.
Reading and SEND led by Dr Sarah Moseley: Sarah is an experienced headteacher who Ofsted described as “ambitious for the future of the school….. working tirelessly to improve pupils’ achievements through high-quality training and checks on teaching which has led to improvements in pupils’ learning”. Now an independent Educational Consultant specialising in school improvement and raising outcomes for all learners. Sarah has over 25 years’ experience of working in special and mainstream education, in roles from teaching assistant to Headteacher. With a solid research background which includes a Master’s Degree and PhD in Special Education, focusing on the teaching of reading for pupils with SEN and inclusion, Sarah has also presented nationally and internationally at conferences and is a published author.
School improvement support led by Synergy Education Services:
Attendance review
School review
Led by Jean and Sylvia Watt, Synergy Education Services is a school improvement specialist company. Their consultancy services are delivered by highly experienced educational professionals. They are passionate about improving education for children and young people. Offering bespoke school improvement solutions for schools and academies based on individual needs. Their consultants will join forces with you to develop tailored approaches to support you on your improvement journey. At Synergy Education Services they pride ourselves on providing excellent support for schools.
Science support led by Jane Banham: Jane has over 30 years’ experience in the education sector and continues to teach part time, which Jane thoroughly enjoys. Jane is a Chartered Science Teacher, a Fellow of the Primary Science Teaching Trust, where she received Primary Science Teacher of the Year Award, and a Senior Professional Development Lead for STEM Learning. As a former LEA advisor for science, Jane has extensive experience of training teachers at all stages in their career, Jane continues to lecture on numerous ITE University courses across the East Midlands. Jane also writes educational resources for a number of national organisations including Association of Science Education, National Farmers Union, Environment Agency and STEM Learning. Recently Jane co-wrote an academic paper published in 2022 Outhwaite, D., Banham, J. and Cummings, A. (2022), ‘A Case Study of the Benefits of the Science Learning Partnerships in Early Years and Primary Education in England’, Education Sciences: 12:2 107.
Jane enjoys working with teachers and pupils to enable them to become more knowledgeable and passionate about science, alongside developing their understanding of how science can open doors and enrich their lives
SEND support led by Dr Anita Devi: #TeamADL are a multi-agency team of specialist practitioners. As a not-for-profit, we use our expertise to capacity build in schools and colleges to bring about growth and change through innovative, yet simple solutions. We use our profits to resource schools and colleges.