Hi, I am Paul the Principal at Chaigeley and have been since September 2021, worked in SEND schools for the last 15 years and originally started as a PE teacher in Widnes back in 2001. 

I have always enjoyed the extra challenge of working with SEN pupils and watching the amazing impact you can have on a young person’s life, when you believe in them and what they want to achieve.

I also enjoy watching staff developing amazing relationships that allow a child to be themselves and develop in confidence over time.

I have always enjoyed coaching and helping others develop into strong independent learners or leaders

I enjoy mountaineering, fishing, cycling and swimming. The outdoors makes me feel alive and I encourage all pupils at Chaigeley to learn and develop in the wild, as it can change lives in incredible ways and open the mind to all types of adventures.

I am Rachel, the Deputy Principal at Chaigeley. I have worked here since September 2023. I started my teaching life as a mainstream secondary science and psychology teacher, teaching GCSE’s and A- levels and moved into specialist teaching around 20 years ago. My last job was Head of the Alternative Provision Service in St Helens.

I really enjoy working with SEND pupils and staff – the relationships between us are so important, highly valued and help us all to learn. I love the challenge of thinking about how to make things better for individuals and supporting them as whole people – not just academically, but getting ready for a happy and fulfilling life.

It is a privilege to work at Chaigeley, with such a committed group of staff with a wide variety of talents. We have the  opportunity to provide lots of different and new experiences for pupils – there might just be something they become passionate about that can enrich their lives. I was given the chance to learn to play the violin at primary school. Music has brought me so many friends and good experiences – I am still a keen amateur musician and play with the Liverpool Mozart Orchestra in my spare time.

I joined Chaigeley School in 2015 and have developed a passion for this sector of education. I am inspired by our dedicated, knowledgeable and caring staff team that regularly go above and beyond in order to help our pupils succeed. I am proud to work here and do everything I can to help drive the school forward to be at the forefront of specialist education. I regularly attend education conferences and meet with local authority officials and other school leaders to learn about and contribute to education practice and policy.

As Business & Finance Manager, I am responsible for ensuring the school makes the best possible use of the resources available. I am responsible for managing finances, human resources, administration, estates and all other non-teaching matters. I am committed to making this school a great place to work by continually reviewing and improving staff mental health and wellbeing.

I have qualifications in school business management, IOSH, Mental Health First Aid and Safeguarding. I am a deputy DSL and am part of the safeguarding team and a member of the senior leadership team. I am also the Company Secretary and work closely advising the governing body on governing matters.

Prior to working at the school, I have held senior positions within the insurance industry and retail. In my spare time I play pool for a local team and have represented my County and I play the piano when I can. I am also a football referee working with grassroots leagues locally.

My name is Robyn Shevlin and I am a Play Therapist and the school’s Therapy Lead.

As a healthcare professional I am dedicated to helping students improve in their overall wellbeing and ability to learn by alleviating their emotional, behavioural and mental health problems through tailored, child-centred interventions.  My experience and passion specialising in neurodiversity has led me to work here at Chaigeley School which feels a privilege to be able to practise in such a unique, caring and specialist setting.  

Outside of school, I like to keep active and I enjoy being creative. I play netball and I like to run. When the weather is nice you will most likely find me outdoors, getting muddy and putting in the miles with my springer spaniel or up a hill somewhere in Snowdonia or The Lake District. I also enjoy art and music which is what led me into my chosen career.

My name is Jackie and I have been a special needs teacher for 34 years until I retired. I loved my job and worked in both post 16 in school provision and an FE college. I worked the last 20 years of my working life in a school teaching mainly KS3 & KS4 pupils with severe learning difficulties and disabilities.

I can do both BSL and Makaton sign language. My main hobbies are crafting, cooking and gardening. I am married with two daughters and five grandchildren. I am very involved in the local community of Grappenhall and Thelwall and enjoy attending the craft group, church services and WI. I feel so lucky and privileged to be the Community Governor at Chaigeley School.