You can find out more about various members of our team below. If you would like to speak to a member of the team, find out how to get in touch.
Rachel Allan - Deputy Head Teacher
I have had the honour of working in education in Gateshead for the last 25 years. Initially as a mainstream secondary science teacher and moving to a leadership role promoting inclusion for all in particular those with SEND, EAL and CiOC. I joined virtual school in 2022 and promptly studied a postgraduate course in Trauma, Attachment and Mental Health. I am a passionate advocate for vulnerable young people and am thrilled to be supporting our education partners to understand developmental trauma and implement relational practices as a whole school culture, to enable young people of Gateshead to thrive in Education and beyond.
Judith Sewell - Post 16 Case Work Lead
I have worked in Education for the last 21 years, where I worked as a career advisor before joining the Virtual School. Alongside my work, I returned to university to do a Post Grad course in Trauma informed Education and Teaching, and I feel passionate about supporting education partners to understand the impact Trauma can have on our young people.
Hi, I'm Marianna. I have had the privilege of working in education for over fifteen years, initially as an English teacher and then SENCO in a mainstream secondary school, and since April 2024 as a caseworker for the Virtual School. No day in education is the same - I love this. The young people I support inspire me each and every day!
Jade Taplin - Primary and EYS Casework Lead
I'm Jade, Case Lead for EYFS and Primary. I have worked in education for 18 years providing children and young adults with the appropriate support to help them succeed, socially, emotionally and academically. I have a master's degree in psychology and a bachelor's degree in advice, guidance, counselling, and early years education. I am passionate about VR developmental trauma training and helping others to gain positive well being outcomes. Outside of work I enjoy being a mother to my three beautiful children and my favourite hobby is dancing.
Errin Bolam - Post 16 Caseworker
Hi, I'm Errin! I have worked within the local authority for 11 years and my background ranges from recruitment, job coaching, Post 16 education and careers advice. I am Level 6 qualified in Career Information Advice and Guidance and my aim is to guide young people to a career pathway they are passionate about, as well as help remove barriers along the way to make this possible.
Alex Spiller - Secondary Casework Lead
Hi, I'm Alex, I have worked in and around Outdoor Education and Youth Work for nearly 25 years, during this time I also worked in both Primary and Secondary Schools. I've been in Gateshead Virtual School for the last 7 years. It is great to work here in Gateshead and work with in our young people in our Secondary Schools. It's wonderful to see young people achieve their goals. Coming in at yr7 and moving on after yr 11.
Chelsea Walker - EYFS and Primary Caseworker
Hi I am Chelsea! I have worked with families, children and young people in Gateshead for seven years now. I am an integrative counsellor, a Thrive and a Theraplay practitioner. I am passionate about empowering individuals to find their authentic selves. I support schools to implement early interventions for children which increases their opportunities for education. For me, the child's voice is the most important voice, and I am always reflecting on how it can be heard more!
David Humble - Casework Lead for SEND and Out-of-Area
Hi, I'm David. I'm a psychology graduate with post-graduate qualifications in careers guidance and autism. I've worked in a range of targeted youth support settings for the local authority's careers service since 2003, including youth justice and NEET engagement. I've been working in special educational needs since 2010, having a passion for helping young people with additional support needs achieve positive outcomes and move successfully into adulthood.
Rebecca Allan - Caseworker: SEND, Out-of-Borough and Alternative Provision
Hi, I'm Rebecca and I am Gateshead Virtual School's caseworker for our SEND cohort. Prior to joining the Virtual School, I was a specialist SEND teacher for over 10 years. I have taught children and young people across all ages and stages with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities. I am passionate about ensuring all children and young people are given the opportunities to achieve and thrive within education and throughout their lives. Throughout my career, I have tried to bring my love of music and creativity to the classroom, and I enjoy continuing to get involved in any opportunities the Virtual School have to offer the children and young people within our care.
