MEET THE TEAM 2026

It is my pleasure to introduce myself, my name is Karen Hayward and I am the Executive Principal of Sandy Secondary School. With 31 years of experience in education, the past decade here at Sandy has been a truly rewarding chapter in my career. I am deeply passionate about my role and take immense pride in fostering an environment where both staff and students can thrive.

At Sandy Secondary School, our mission is to nurture every student's potential, empowering them to excel academically, socially, and personally. I believe in leading by example, cultivating a culture of respect, collaboration, and high expectations. Supporting and inspiring our talented staff is equally important to me, as their dedication is at the heart of our school's success. Everything we do, the student is at the heart of.

Together, as a school community, we strive to provide opportunities for all students to discover their strengths, embrace challenges, and achieve their aspirations. I value the partnership we share with parents and guardians, as your involvement is crucial to the success of our young people.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. I look forward to working with you to ensure their time at Sandy Secondary School is both memorable and transformative.

The Head of School plays a key leadership role in shaping the vision, values, and day-to-day operation of the school. Responsible for ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, and student achievement, the Head of School works closely with staff, students, and families to create a safe, inclusive, and ambitious learning environment. They provide strategic direction, support staff development, and ensure that every student is given the opportunity to thrive both academically and personally. As a visible and approachable leader, the Head of School is committed to working in partnership with parents and carers to support the success and well-being of every young person in the school community.

The Strategic Team plays a critical role in ensuring the continued success and sustainability of our federation. As the group responsible for overseeing financial management, site operations, human resources, quality control, and compliance, the Team provides essential leadership and guidance to align our operations with our mission and long-term goals.

Key Functions of the Strategic Board:

• Financial Oversight: Ensuring responsible stewardship of resources by approving budgets, monitoring expenditures, and fostering financial sustainability across the federation.
• Site Management: Overseeing the maintenance and development of our facilities to create safe, efficient, and inspiring spaces for students and staff.
• Human Resources: Supporting recruitment, retention, and development strategies to nurture a high-performing, motivated, and inclusive workforce.
• Quality Control: Evaluating performance metrics to ensure the highest standards of education and operational efficiency are consistently met or exceeded.
• Compliance: Ensuring the federation adheres to legal and regulatory requirements while maintaining robust governance practices.

As strategic leaders, the Team collaborates closely with the wider Leadership team and Governing Body to provide accountability, insight, and a vision for the future. Their expertise and commitment are invaluable in shaping the federation's strategic direction, safeguarding its integrity, and championing its values.

Together, we aim to create a federation that continues to grow, innovate, and provide exceptional opportunities for our students, staff, and community.

The senior leadership team in the school plays a pivotal role in driving the vision, ethos, and strategic direction of Sandy Secondary School. The team is responsible for overseeing key areas such as curriculum development, teaching and learning, student welfare, staff performance, and achievement. By setting high expectations and fostering a culture of collaboration, the senior team ensures that the school remains focused on delivering excellent outcomes for all students. They act as role models, supporting and guiding staff while maintaining effective communication with students, parents/guardians, and the wider school community. Their leadership not only steers day-to-day operations but also paves the way for long-term growth, innovation, and success.

At Greensand Federation, our Governors play a vital role in supporting the strategic development and success of our schools (Sandy Secondary School and Moggerhanger Primary school). The Governing Body is a dedicated group of individuals who bring diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives to their roles. They work closely with the leadership team to ensure that every decision we make aligns with our mission of providing exceptional educational opportunities for all students.

The Governors oversee key areas such as school performance, financial management, safeguarding, and resource allocation. They act as critical friends, providing both challenge and support to ensure high standards are maintained across the federation. Their responsibilities also include championing the needs of students, staff, and the wider community, fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment where everyone can thrive.

By offering strategic guidance and holding the federation accountable, the Governors help us remain focused on our goals and committed to continuous improvement. Together, we are proud to work in partnership with parents/guardians to ensure that Greensand Federation provides the very best for every child.

The Achievement Team plays a vital and dynamic role in supporting students across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5 to reach their full academic and personal potential. Their work is central to the school's mission of ensuring that every young person is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.

Working in close partnership with teaching staff, pastoral teams, senior leaders, and families, the Achievement Team takes a holistic approach to student development. They diligently monitor academic progress, attendance, behaviour, and wellbeing, using data and insight to identify students who may be falling behind or facing challenges. By understanding the unique needs and circumstances of each individual, the team is able to develop and implement a wide range of targeted support strategies and interventions that are tailored to maximise each learner's success.

The support provided is comprehensive and age-appropriate. For example, in Key Stage 3, the team focuses on helping Year 7 students transition smoothly from primary to secondary school, building their confidence and establishing strong foundations for learning. In Key Stage 4, they work intensively with Year 10 and 11 students, guiding them through the demands of their GCSEs, organising revision support, mentoring, and helping students to set and achieve ambitious academic goals. At Key Stage 5, the team plays a key role in supporting sixth form students as they navigate the complexities of further education, training, apprenticeships, or employment pathways. This includes UCAS support, careers guidance, and helping students develop the independent learning skills required for life beyond school.

Beyond academic support, the Achievement Team is also committed to fostering positive attitudes, resilience, and ambition. They actively promote high expectations, celebrate progress and achievements, and work to remove any barriers that might prevent students from fulfilling their potential. Their presence in the school ensures that every student is known, valued, and supported to stay on track—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Ultimately, the Achievement Team is a driving force behind the school's ethos of inclusion, aspiration, and excellence, making a lasting impact on student outcomes and future success.

Our Curriculum Leaders play a key role in shaping the quality of education within their subject areas. They are responsible for designing and delivering a well-structured, engaging, and challenging curriculum that meets the needs of all learners. Working closely with their teaching teams, they ensure high standards of teaching and learning, monitor student progress, and implement strategies to support achievement across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5. As subject specialists, Curriculum Leaders also play an important role in providing guidance to students and families about learning pathways, assessments, and future opportunities related to their subject. Their leadership helps ensure a consistent and high-quality learning experience for every student.

The Teaching and Learning Team plays a central role in driving high-quality teaching across the school to ensure that all students receive the best possible education. They support staff in developing effective classroom practice through coaching, training, and sharing innovative approaches to teaching. In addition to working with experienced teachers, the team also oversees the development of PGCE trainees and Early Career Teachers (ECTs), providing structured mentoring and guidance as they begin their teaching journey. By investing in teacher development at all stages, the Teaching and Learning Team helps to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment where both staff and students can thrive.

At Sandy Secondary School, the safety and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority and forms the cornerstone of everything we do. Our dedicated Safeguarding Team works tirelessly to ensure that all young people in our care feel safe, supported, valued, and able to thrive in both their academic and personal development. We are here to listen, help, and take appropriate action whenever a concern arises, no matter how small or significant it may seem.

We understand that safeguarding encompasses far more than just protection from harm. It involves creating an environment where every student can flourish, develop resilience, and build the confidence to navigate life's challenges. Whether concerns are related to a student's physical health, emotional wellbeing, mental health, online safety, or any other aspect of their welfare, our trained professionals are equipped to provide appropriate support and intervention.

We firmly believe that effective safeguarding requires strong partnerships between school, home, and the wider community. We encourage open communication and collaboration with parents and carers to create a secure and nurturing environment for every child. Your insights and concerns are invaluable in helping us understand your child's needs and ensure their continued safety and happiness. Our approach emphasises early identification and intervention, recognising that addressing concerns promptly can prevent issues from escalating and ensure that students receive the support they need when they need it most.

We maintain the highest standards of confidentiality whilst ensuring that information is shared appropriately with relevant professionals when necessary for a child's safety. Students, parents, and carers can be assured that all concerns will be handled with sensitivity, professionalism, and in accordance with statutory guidance and best practice. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns, however minor they may seem. We would much rather hear about something that turns out to be nothing than miss an opportunity to help a young person in need.

The SEND Department at Greensand Federation is committed to ensuring that every child with additional needs receives tailored support to access learning, thrive in the classroom, and make meaningful progress. We work closely with students, parents, teaching staff, and external agencies to put effective, individualised provisions in place across all key stages.

At Moggerhanger Primary, our team ensures that pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities benefit from well-supported IEPs, EHCPs, and classroom strategies that reflect their unique profiles. We collaborate with teachers, Learning Support Assistants (LSAs), and the senior leadership team to ensure these provisions are delivered consistently and effectively.

At Sandy Secondary, we provide targeted support to students to ensure access arrangements for examinations are fully implemented. We coordinate with exam boards, parents, and staff to uphold equitable access and academic success for all students requiring additional arrangements.

Our work includes regular classroom learning walks and strategic oversight of LSAs to ensure that inclusive practice is embedded throughout the school. Led by a qualified SENCO with national accreditation and specialist assessor certification, the department is equipped to identify needs early, liaise with professional services, and provide timely interventions that make a real difference.

Please note: while we advocate strongly for inclusive learning and provide specialist in-school support, we also work closely with external professionals to ensure that students receive the broader clinical or therapeutic input they may require.

The Cognitive and Learning provision in our school is designed to support students with additional learning needs, ensuring they have the tools and strategies needed to achieve their full potential. This provision focuses on helping students who may face challenges with areas such as literacy, numeracy, memory, processing speed, or general learning. Through tailored interventions, in-class support, small group work, and close collaboration with teaching staff, our team works to remove barriers to learning and promote independence and confidence. By identifying individual needs early and providing targeted, ongoing support, we aim to create an inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued, understood, and empowered to succeed.

Our Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) play a key role in helping to ensure that all students, particularly those with additional learning needs, are able to access the curriculum and make the most of their time at school. Working closely with teachers and support staff, LSAs provide tailored support both in and out of the classroom, whether through in class support to some one-to-one assistance, small group work, or helping to adapt resources to meet individual needs. Their support not only helps students achieve academically but also builds confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging within the school community.

Within the Behaviour Response Unit (BRU), our team is equipped with specialised experience and training to support students in moments of behavioural crisis, emotional distress, or escalating needs. We respond swiftly and compassionately to situations across the school, using proven strategies to help students regulate, de-escalate, and return to a place of safety and learning.

Our team's diverse backgrounds include specialist roles in care, nursing, and special education, with hands-on experience supporting individuals with complex medical conditions, behavioural challenges, and additional needs. We are trained in behavioural management, autism spectrum conditions, ADHD, trauma-informed practice, sensory regulation, communication methods such as PECS and Makaton, and a wide range of other specialist approaches.

We work collaboratively with teaching and pastoral teams to understand each child's individual profile and needs, ensuring our support is personalised, consistent, and rooted in dignity and care. Whether a student needs time to regulate, a quiet space, one-to-one reassurance, or structured intervention, we adapt our approach to provide the right support at the right time.

Please note: while we provide intensive support for behaviour and emotional regulation, the BRU does not replace long-term therapeutic or clinical services. We act as an immediate, school-based response team to help maintain a safe and supportive environment for all.

Our Aspirational Provision is designed to support students from Year 9 onwards who may need a boost in motivation or a more engaging route to re-establish their connection with learning. This tailored programme focuses on reigniting students' interest in education through personalised support, practical experiences, and a clear, achievable pathway to success.

By offering targeted mentoring, hands-on activities, and regular collaboration with parents and carers, we help students to recognise their strengths, rebuild self-belief, and develop a renewed sense of purpose. The provision encourages a positive mindset, supports emotional well-being, and equips students with the skills they need to make confident and informed choices about their future.

In a supportive and inclusive environment, we aim to empower every young person to overcome barriers, embrace their potential, and work towards meaningful outcomes—both in school and in life beyond the classroom.

Our school is committed to providing comprehensive careers education and support to help students explore their aspirations, set goals, and make informed decisions about their future. Through a wide range of activities, including career workshops, one-on-one guidance sessions, work experience opportunities, and employer engagement events, we equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the world of work. By fostering self-awareness, ambition, and confidence, we aim to inspire every student to achieve their full potential and prepare for a successful and fulfilling future. Parents are valued partners in this journey, and we welcome your involvement as we support students in planning their pathways to success.

At Sandy Secondary School, the Pastoral Leadership Team plays a crucial role in creating a positive, safe, and nurturing environment where every student can thrive. This dedicated team oversees key aspects of school life, including behaviour, student welfare, and attendance, ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed both academically and personally.

The Pastoral Leadership Team works closely with students, parents/guardians, and staff to promote high standards of conduct and engagement. They are committed to fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and inclusivity, while addressing challenges with care and understanding. From monitoring attendance to encouraging positive behaviour and well-being, the team's efforts are central to maintaining a harmonious and productive school community.

With a focus on both prevention and intervention, the team implements strategies to address individual needs, provide pastoral care, and celebrate successes. Their work ensures that every student feels valued and supported, empowering them to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.

We are proud of the unwavering commitment and expertise of our Pastoral Leadership Team, who strive to make Sandy Secondary School a place where students feel secure, motivated, and ready to achieve great things.

Pastoral Support Assistants play a vital role in creating a positive, caring environment where students feel safe, supported, and valued. They are a key part of the school community, working closely with students to provide emotional support, guidance, and practical help with any difficulties they may face.

Whether it's offering a listening ear, helping to resolve conflicts, or supporting mental health and well-being, Pastoral Support Assistants build strong, trusting relationships with students. They're often the first point of contact for those who are struggling and work hard to ensure that every child knows they're not alone.

They also collaborate with teachers, parents, and external professionals to create a joined-up approach to care, ensuring that no student falls through the gaps. By helping to remove barriers to learning, build resilience, and promote self-confidence, Pastoral Support Assistants empower students to overcome challenges and reach their full potential—both in school and beyond.

At Sandy Secondary School, the House Leaders play an integral role in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive. As dedicated champions of pastoral care and student well-being, our House Leaders are committed to ensuring that each individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

The House Leaders oversee the pastoral system within their respective houses, providing guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging for all students. They work closely with students, families, and staff to address any concerns, celebrate achievements, and nurture personal growth. Their role focuses on the emotional, social, and personal development of every student in their care.

Through initiatives, house events, and daily interactions, our House Leaders aim to build strong relationships and create a culture of respect, kindness, and resilience. They are a cornerstone of our commitment to developing well-rounded individuals who are not only academically successful but also confident and compassionate members of the community.

We are proud of the dedication and passion our House Leaders bring to their roles, ensuring every student at Sandy Secondary School feels supported and inspired to achieve their best.

The wider Pastoral Support Team is committed to ensuring every student feels safe, supported, and empowered to thrive in school and beyond. Our team works closely with students who face mental health challenges, behavioural concerns, or safeguarding issues, providing tailored support and guidance to address their unique needs. By fostering a culture of care and understanding, we help students build resilience, develop positive behaviours, and navigate difficult circumstances. In collaboration with parents, teachers, and external agencies, we prioritise the well-being of every child, ensuring they have access to the resources and support necessary to overcome challenges and succeed both academically and personally.

The Attendance Team is dedicated to ensuring every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential by promoting and supporting excellent school attendance. We work closely with students, parents, and staff to identify and address barriers to regular attendance, offering guidance, resources, and practical solutions tailored to individual needs. From monitoring attendance patterns to providing early interventions and collaborating with external agencies, our team is committed to creating a positive school experience for all students. By working together, we aim to foster a culture where attendance is valued and students are empowered to succeed both academically and personally.

Our Pupil Premium Champions play a vital role in ensuring that students who are eligible for Pupil Premium funding receive the support they need to thrive both academically and personally. Working closely with teaching staff, support teams, and families, they help to identify and remove barriers to learning, monitor progress, and coordinate targeted interventions and opportunities. Their focus is on raising aspirations, closing attainment gaps, and ensuring that all students—regardless of background—have equal access to the resources, guidance, and experiences needed to succeed. Pupil Premium Champions are passionate advocates for equity and inclusion within the school community.

Welcome to our school community! We understand that your child's education is a shared journey, and we are here to support both you and your child every step of the way. Our Reception, Office, and Student Services teams are dedicated to ensuring a positive and productive experience for students and their families.

Reception serves as the welcoming hub of our school. Whether you are visiting in person, calling with questions, or seeking information, our friendly reception team is here to assist you. They can guide you to the right resources, help you navigate the school environment, and ensure you feel connected to our community. Students have their own reception point, where they can gain support with checking their timetable, borrowing uniform or asking for support.

The Office is the backbone of our school's operations. Our team handles administrative tasks, from enrollment and attendance to communications and record-keeping. If you need assistance with forms, schedules, or general inquiries, the office staff is always available to help.

We value the partnership between families and our school, and we are committed to fostering open communication and mutual support. Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of these teams if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions. Together, we can ensure that your child thrives both academically and personally.

The school's First Aid Department provides immediate care for injuries and illnesses, assessing each situation to determine whether professional medical assistance is required. Our team ensures that all first aid equipment is available, maintained, and ready for use at all times. We also keep accurate accident records and contact parents or guardians when a student needs to go home, offering clear guidance on next steps and further care.

During any incident, our First Aiders respond quickly and confidently, applying appropriate treatments until help arrives and providing a calm, reassuring presence to those who are injured or unwell. Their role includes delivering essential life-saving procedures such as CPR or the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) when trained and necessary. They work to stabilise the casualty, treat minor injuries, control bleeding, support fractures, and place unconscious individuals in the recovery position.

First Aiders are also responsible for ensuring the safety of both themselves and the casualty, protecting against infection, and removing individuals from danger where it is safe to do so. They assess the cause and nature of the injury or illness, manage any immediate risks, and contact emergency services if required, providing them with a clear handover of the casualty's condition. After each incident, the details are reported to the relevant staff or management in line with school policy.

In summary, our school First Aiders are the first point of contact for any medical emergency within the school. They are trained and certified to deliver immediate first aid, manage first aid resources, and safeguard the wellbeing of students and staff. While not medically qualified professionals, our team provides an essential link between initial care and professional medical treatment. The school is supported by over thirty trained First Aid at Work staff.

The finance team in schools plays a vital role in ensuring that resources are effectively managed to support students' learning experiences. They oversee budgets, manage funding allocations, process payments, and ensure compliance with financial regulations. Their work directly impacts the availability of teaching materials, extracurricular activities, and facility maintenance. Parents/carers can support the finance team by ensuring timely payments for school-related expenses, participating in fundraising initiatives, and maintaining open communication regarding financial matters. By working together, parents/carers and the finance team can help create a well-resourced and thriving educational environment for all students. They are also there to help with questions about trips, lockers or other resources you may wish to purchase for your son/daughter or to ask about pupil premium funding.

The Human Resources (HR) team plays an essential role in supporting the smooth and effective running of the school by managing all aspects of staffing and personnel. From recruiting and onboarding new staff to ensuring ongoing training, safeguarding compliance, and staff well-being, the HR team helps create a professional and supportive working environment. Their work behind the scenes ensures that the school is staffed with skilled, motivated professionals who are well-equipped to provide the best possible education and care for our students.

Our IT technical team plays a crucial behind-the-scenes role in supporting teaching, learning, and communication across the school. They are responsible for maintaining and managing the school's digital infrastructure, ensuring that computers, networks, and online systems run smoothly and securely. From setting up classroom technology and supporting online learning platforms to troubleshooting issues and protecting data, the IT team helps create a reliable and modern learning environment.

In addition to these core responsibilities, the team also manages and maintains the Federations websites, CCTV systems, and door access control infrastructure, ensuring both digital and physical security across the site. They are also responsible for overseeing and enforcing the school's branding across public-facing platforms, ensuring consistency and professionalism in all external communications and materials. Their broad remit enables both staff and students to make effective use of technology as part of everyday school life, while also safeguarding the school's image and infrastructure.

At our school, the site team plays a vital role in creating a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all students, staff, and visitors. Working behind the scenes, they are responsible for the maintenance and security of the school buildings and grounds, ensuring that everything runs smoothly on a day-to-day basis. From managing repairs and setting up for school events to maintaining hygiene standards and responding quickly to emergencies, the site team is essential in supporting the overall learning environment and helping the school operate efficiently.