Meet the ECF Team
Ruth Simpson
ECF Facilitator
Deputy Director at East Manchester Teaching School Hub
All young people deserve the best education available, and I firmly believe that high quality teaching is central to achieving excellent results for all. I am passionate about high quality teaching and learning and know that collaboration and continuous CPD belongs at the heart of teacher development at all stages. As teachers, we are the best resource available and it our knowledge and expertise as well as our commitment to the futures of all young people that matters most.
During my career, as well as being an English teacher at all key stages, I have been both a Head of Year and a Head of Department, and most recently 2i/c in English helping to manage a core department as well as strategically improving outcomes at all key stages. I have extensive experience in mentoring trainee teachers and ECTs and have delivered the ITE curriculum for English for the last five years. I am committed to building supportive and collaborative relationships to help all teachers grow, develop and build confidence in becoming the best classroom practitioner possible to ensure excellent outcomes for all young people.
Alex Hazzledine
ECF Facilitator
ITT/ECT Co-ordinator and a Teacher of MFL at Saddleworth School
I am delighted to be an ECF facilitator this year and I look forward to working collaboratively with ECTs and mentors across East Manchester to improve the outcomes of our pupils, while supporting the development and well-being of colleagues.
I have always been passionate about ensuring a high-quality provision of CPD for teachers. Having started my career in Germany, teaching Business English at Deutsche Bank, Total and other corporations, I then moved on to work in South Korea for four years. During this time, I facilitated the inductions and various CPD for international teachers, while working closely alongside my Korean colleagues, and completed an MA in TESOL with a focus on Teacher Education.
Since returning to the UK, I have retrained as an MFL teacher and gone on to mentor a number of trainees and ECTs, as well as becoming the induction tutor at my school. It has been a pleasure to be involved with the implementation of the ECF and I am keen to help build upon the research-focused developments in teaching and learning practices.
Amanda Underhill
ECF Facilitator
Academy Effectiveness – Secondary Learning and Teaching Coach, at South Pennine Academies.
My responsibilities include teaching and learning, bespoke training and coaching of teachers and leaders and MAT Professional Development coordinator.
I am also a facilitator for a range of Professional Development programmes including ECT training and NPQLTD through the East Manchester Teaching School Hub.
Andy Barker
ECF Facilitator
Specialist Leader of Education for ITE/ECT Mentoring and Induction Tutor at Oldham Sixth Form College.
My responsibilities include coordinating the induction of ECTs and supporting mentors both within the college and across Greater Manchester.
Anna Twist
ECF Facilitator
Professional Mentor and ECT Lead at Newsome Academy, Huddersfield.
Responsibilities include staff development, research leader, ITT provision and induction of ECTs.
Natalie Thompson
ECF Facilitator
Deputy Headteacher at Lindley CE Infant School, Huddersfield and Primary course lead for AA Teamworks SCITT
I have worked as a primary school teacher for over 10 years, mainly in EYFS and KS1. I have worked as EYFS lead, AHT and Deputy Headteacher and mentored ITT trainees and NQT’s/ ECT’s throughout the primary age range. I am responsible for leading teaching and learning, including curriculum development and am experienced at leading school improvement. I’m currently lead mentor and induction tutor at our school, as well as leading the primary programme for AA Teamworks SCITT and facilitating the ECF programme for mentors.
Chris Green
ECF Facilitator
Acting Assistant Principal at Birstall Primary Academy, Birstall.
I have been a primary school teacher for over twenty years and am still as excited about working with children and providing a quality first teaching experience as I was when I first qualified. I have been privileged to work in a variety of schools, in varied settings, across the primary age range included EYFS. I have held roles within SLT (including Deputy Head), been Key Stage Phase Leader and responsible for many different curriculum subject leader roles, throughout my career. These roles have enabled me to lead on whole school initiatives and provide appropriate CPD to colleagues. I have been a mentor for ITT student teachers and Newly Qualified Teachers and a mentor and school coordinator for the SCITT programme. These roles have been immensely fulfilling and it has been an honour to support those who are at the start of their school professions. Recently I have supported with the remote training of new mentors on the Expert Mentoring in Primary Education with the Oldham Teaching Alliance. This training has enabled mentors to facilitate a smooth confident delivery of the ECF framework in their schools.
Emma Gorton
ECF Facilitator
Year 6 teacher, SENDCo, Senior Leader in Education for SEND and member of the Senior Leadership Team at South Failsworth Primary School, Oldham.
I have led a SEND Hub supporting SENDCOs and school leaders to share practice, facilitate training opportunities and develop provision for pupils with SEND. I have also achieved the SENDIA Inclusion award for outstanding practice at Micklehurst All Saints CE Primary school. I have 20 years teaching experience throughout both Key Stage one and two and have a proven track record of outstanding teaching.
Throughout my career I have had extensive experience of coaching and supporting teaching students, NQT’s/ ECTs, teaching assistants, colleagues and teachers from other schools. As part of my SLE role, I have gained further experience of facilitating training and using my own experience and the EEF guidance to support and develop the teaching skills of others.
I am excited to join the East Manchester Teaching School Hub and look forward to working with the Early Career Teachers.
Emma Higgins
ECF Facilitator
Lead Teacher for ECT’s and Coaching at Marple Hall School.
I have worked at all levels with new recruits to the profession from sitting on interview panels for PGCE, being a subject mentor, Professional mentor for ITT, jointly created our own NQT/RQT programme to now coordinating ECT’s at a whole school level working in partnership with EMTSH.
I have worked as a HOD and Asst Head to improve the outcomes for pupils and led whole school training sessions and currently lead on Coaching and jointly share the Induction Tutor role.
I really enjoy supporting teachers and leaders in the classroom, building on relationships, improving outcomes for students and developing staff individually through coaching. I have organised Teach meets for NQT’s and RQT’s.
Haili Hughes
ECF Facilitator
Senior Lecturer and mentoring lead at Sunderland University, Head of Education at IRIS Connect and author of ‘Mentoring in Schools’.
Haili oversees the mentoring provision and training at the University of Sunderland, alongside her role researching, delivering and designing CPD at IRIS Connect. She has written three education books and speaks at schools, colleges and universities all over the country as a consultant. She is in her fourth year of her PhD and facilitates the NPQLTD in her spare time.
Jennifer Ruddock
ECF Facilitator
Deputy Headteacher at Corrie Primary and Nursery School.
I have been teaching for 18 years, 7 years in Oldham and the rest in Tameside. I have been a facilitator for the Maths Hub and other national initiatives. I believe that coaching, mentoring and facilitating others enables me to develop not only other professional’s knowledge but to continue to develop my own knowledge and expertise.
I have had significant impact in all key stages and levels of leadership. I have implemented strategic initiatives to bring about change in order to drive standards higher. I have taught and led in schools that are Requires Improvement and Good ratings by OFSTED.
Throughout my career, I have taught across the full primary range, including nursery, enabling me to develop my skills and formulate my teaching philosophy and values. Having taught and led in schools that are ranked in the most deprived neighbourhoods in the country; I create a clear and ambitious vision to provide high quality, inclusive education for all. I do this through shared values, ethos, policies and modelling good practice. I am driven to raising standards and constantly finding new ways to improve outcomes for all children.
Jo Conway
ECF Facilitator
Headteacher and Appropriate Body Lead for East Manchester Teaching School Hub.
I have been a Headteacher in Oldham for nearly twenty years. I have experience of working across schools in Oldham and Greater Manchester as a specialist Leader in Education
One of my core principles is to always give back to the profession. I have done this throughout my career. As a Specialist Leader in Education I have supported leaders at all levels across various schools in Greater Manchester. I have worked with Aspirant Leaders and mentored new Headteachers. By supporting others at all levels whether they be at the start of their career or experienced leaders I gain as much myself from the experience as I believe I give to those I’m supporting.
I have facilitated training for Newly Qualified Teachers and acted as an Induction Tutor and mentor for over 15 years. During this time, I have worked alongside Newly Qualified Teachers and their mentors to help support them through the NQT process. I also have experience of working with ITT students and those as part of the School Direct programme and Teach First.
Julie Whittaker
ECF Facilitator
Headteacher at Summerseat Methodist Primary School, Bury. Master’s degree in Educational research in action and hold the NASENCO award.
My responsibilities include coordinating the induction of ECTs and supporting mentors both within the school and across the Epworth Education Trust. Specialism in curriculum, English, SEND and Early Years.
Liz O’Shaughnessy
ECF Facilitator
Executive Director for Training and Development across New Bridge Multi Academy Trust, Oldham.
I am the Executive Director for Training and Development across New Bridge Multi Academy Trust Oldham. I previously taught in Primary Schools across Trafford Local Authority before moving to Tameside to lead the everyone learning@ Teaching School Alliance. I continue to lead the School Direct Partnership and up until July 2021, the Appropriate Body. I have worked alongside Leaders across all phases of Education. More recently facilitating Early Career Teacher and Mentor development sessions as part of the Early Roll out of the Early Career Framework in partnership with UCL Institute of Education and the Oldham Research School.
Nicola Barthorpe
ECF Facilitator
ECF lead tutor, ITE Lead and Head of Humanities at Ashton Sixth Form College.
I am passionate about supporting teachers at all stages in their careers. It is my belief that excellent teachers who feel supported in their own practice will encourage learners within their care to thrive. As an experienced middle leader and member of the Teaching and Learning team, I have supported improvements in teaching and learning at departmental level as well as with individual colleagues. I regularly deliver training sessions for teachers at whole college level, university sessions for teachers as well as teacher conferences for a national training provider. Collaborative working sits at the heart of my work, encouraging and supporting those around me to be outstanding practitioners.
Nicola Jablonski
ECF Facilitator
Teaching and Learning Lead for Primary Curriculum at South Pennine Academies
My responsibilities include teaching and learning, developing curriculum, supporting subjects and coordination within Primary Schools. I have held both Middle and Senior Leadership roles within Primary Academies. I have been responsible for developing a bespoke curriculum within ITT. I am a facilitator and tutor for Huddersfield Horizon SCITT, and work within the Leadership Team.
I am keen to inspire, support and challenge others to develop themselves within the fulfilling and wonderful vocation of teaching and learning.
Rachel Brokenshar
ECF Facilitator
ITT Professional Mentor, ECT Induction Tutor and Lead Practitioner at Audenshaw School.
I am responsible for developing and delivering Audenshaw’s training and support programmes for our PGCE trainees and our ECTs. I also work to support staff throughout the school on our coaching programme.
Sarah Chandler
ECF Facilitator
Deputy Principal at Werneth Primary School, Oldham.
My responsibilities include, Reading, Personal Development, Teaching and Learning, and Assessment. Experience of leading both KS1 and KS2 as well as leading on Mathematics, including School to School support.
Sue Leech
ECF Facilitator
Year 6 teacher and Literacy lead.
I am an experienced CPD provider, delivering training sessions to senior leaders, teachers, TAs and student teachers in colleges and schools across the local authority.
As an ECT facilitator, I am motivated by the need to develop teachers new to the profession; support them to link research to practice and enhance their pedagogy.
I strongly believe that providing a foundation of solid, research-based evidence for Early Career Teachers, will enable them to embed good practice and springboard their career.
Natasha Morgan
ECF Facilitator
Deputy Headteacher
I am the Deputy Head Teacher at Burnley Brow Community School. I am a Specialist Leader of Education (SLE) for Teaching and Learning and an outstanding classroom practitioner, I have extensive experience in securing and sustaining effective teaching and learning. I am the Induction Tutor for our newly qualified teachers and the Professional Mentor for all trainees. I train class mentors in classroom observation and feedback. I am responsible for the quality assurance all of our class mentors.
I have led the induction process for newly qualified teachers for five years. With this experience, and the experience I have gained from being a Professional Mentor, I have a deepened understanding of the Teacher Standards and coaching newly qualified teachers around progression towards the standards.
Jenna Sly
ECF Facilitator
Assistant Headteacher, SLE, English Lead and ECT Induction Tutor at St. Mary’s RC Primary, Denton
I am the Deputy Head Teacher at Burnley Brow Community School. I am a Specialist Leader of Education (SLE) for Teaching and Learning and an outstanding classroom practitioner, I have extensive experience in securing and sustaining effective teaching and learning. I am the Induction Tutor for our newly qualified teachers and the Professional Mentor for all trainees. I train class mentors in classroom observation and feedback. I am responsible for the quality assurance all of our class mentors.
I have led the induction process for newly qualified teachers for five years. With this experience, and the experience I have gained from being a Professional Mentor, I have a deepened understanding of the Teacher Standards and coaching newly qualified teachers around progression towards the standards.
Jessica Mellor
ECF Facilitator
Director of AA Teamworks West Yorkshire SCITT and Research School, Great Heights Multi Academy Trust
Jess is the head of the SCITT and Research School; teaching on the programme and also personal tutor to some of the trainees. Jess has supported primary and secondary teachers to improve their knowledge and practice and leads the school improvement work carried out by Teamworks alongside a team of SLEs (Specialist Leaders in Education). Prior to starting at Teamworks, Jess was a lead practitioner for the Abbey Trust in Leeds, and she completed her Master’s at Leeds Beckett University.
Josh Rankin
ECF Facilitator
Maths teacher & KS3 Curriculum Lead, The Blue Coat School, Oldham
I am a secondary maths teacher at the Blue Coat school with responsibility for leading the KS3 curriculum. I am also a lead practitioner for the maths department. I facilitate the framework for ECTs.
Sarah Coley
ECF Facilitator
Deputy Headteacher at St George’s Primary School
I have worked as a Primary Teacher for over 20 years, and have enjoyed working across EYFS, KS1 and KS2 in that time. I am currently the Deputy Headteacher at St George’s Primary School teaching Reception and my roles also include Early Years Lead and SENCo. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work in a variety of schools throughout my career, including within specialist provision, and all these experiences have helped me grow and develop as a teacher and a leader. I am a Local Cluster Lead and Moderator for Tameside and have a lead role in developing initiatives within the authority. I feel privileged to be part of the East Manchester Teaching Schools Hub and to be a facilitator for the ECF Programme – not only to be part of the professional journey of new teachers but also to continue my own professional development.
Sophie Howarth
ECF Facilitator
English Teacher at The Blue Coat School
I am an English Teacher at The Blue Coat School with a specialism in English Literature. I have experience mentoring ITT with Manchester Nexus, am presently an ECT mentor and also facilitate the Early Career Framework for ECTs.
East Manchester Teaching School Hub is proud to be part of the Cranmer Education Trust
Cranmer Education Trust is a company limited by guarantee and an exempt charity. Company registration number: 07687709. Registered Office: Cranmer Education Trust, c/o The Blue Coat School, Egerton Street, Oldham OL1 3SQ