My name is Alex Devlin, and I am the Inclusion Lead and SENCo at Lady Joanna Thornhill Primary School.

I am responsible for the day-to-day operation of the school's SEN policy. I co-ordinate additional support for pupils with SEND and liaise with their parents, teachers and other professionals who are involved with them.  I am also part of the Senior Leadership Team and contribute to the schools' strategic development with regard to promoting an inclusive culture where all children are able to succeed and fulfill their potential.  

I have worked in primary education for over 15 years now.  During that time, I have been a class teacher, a trainer for the NAS Earlybird Autism Course, a Language for Learning trainer and a Specialist Teacher. When not a SENCO at Lady J, I currently also work with the TES Institute as a Pathway Tutor for trainee teachers in the UK and overseas. Before becoming a teacher I worked as a Clinical Scientist and have a Masters Degree in Psychology. More recently I completed studying for a BDA Level 3 qualification in Dyslexia as part of a school strategy to develop our provision for children with dyslexia.

If you wish to arrange a time to see me, I can be contacted via the school office or via email a.devlin@ladyj.kent.sch.uk  You can also often find me on the school playground at the beginning and end of day.

My name is Sara Holman, and I am an SEMH Support Assistant (SSA) at Lady Joanna Thornhill Primary School.  Within my role, I am responsible for delivering an effective programme of mentoring, coaching and support for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEND). 

My role as an SSA is to provide one-to-one support for key children throughout the school day, addressing the needs of children who require assistance in overcoming barriers to learning in order to achieve their true potential, or accessing the curriculum.

I work with children on a one-to-one basis or in small or large groups, acting as a listener;

facilitator for learning; encourager; motivator and role model.

I am trained in the Elklan Language Builders for Verbal ASD, Zones of Regulation, Trauma and attachment, Emotional Regulation,  the Importance of Play Therapy and the Kodály Method in music. 

I am neurodivergent and extremely passionate about mental health and childrens' well-being.

I work very closely with the SENCo, SEMH Lead, Pastoral Support Mentor,  Inclusion Support Assistant and the class teachers to ensure that all pupils have access to high quality learning and support.

If you wish to contact me I am available via email at s.holman@ladyj.kent.sch.uk

My name is Janey Read, and I am the Pastoral Support Mentor at Lady Joanna Thornhill Primary School.

My role is to help families with any problems they may have, either school related or personal. I can assist you in accessing relevant information provided by the school and support networks, or sometimes just to offer a non-judgmental, listening ear.  I will ensure that all matters are dealt with in the strictest confidence.

I run 1-1 sessions with children across the school, promoting self-esteem, well-being and nurture and I also 

assist with monitoring Attendance and the School Health Plans.

If you wish to arrange a time to see me, I can be contacted via email – j.read@ladyj.kent.sch.uk or via class dojo, you will also find me on the school playground at the beginning and end of day.

My name is Sarah Brown, and I am the Inclusion Support Assistant at Lady Joanna Thornhill Primary School.  Within my role, I am responsible for delivering an effective programme of mentoring, coaching and support for Pupils with SEND. 

My work centres around inclusive classrooms, ensuring that all children have the best possible chance to learn and be successful.  I am trained in the Zones of Regulation, and I use this to ensure that children have a voice in their learning.

I also work very closely with the SENCo, Pastoral Support Mentor and the class teachers to ensure that all pupils have access to high quality learning and support.

If you wish to contact me I am available via email at s.brown@ladyj.kent.sch.uk 

My name is Sally Rigden and I will be working in school for one day a week as a Speech and Language therapist. I will be working hard to ensure that  children with speech, language and communication needs have the very best support and provision possible.   

I have almost 10 years of experience working for the NHS and I have worked in a range of different settings, including mainstream primary schools and Special schools.  When not helping children with their speech and language, I love gardening, running and swimming.