Meet the staff at The Ashwood Academy.
Nicola Stevens, Headteacher
BSc Hons, PGCE, QTS, PG Cert SEMH, NASENCo, NPQH
Nikki has worked in education for over 20 years. She started her career as a Humanities teacher in a mainstream secondary school and has been a Head of Department and Assistant Head. Nikki has previously managed a Pupil Referral Unit and most recently has served as a Deputy Head in a large Special School. She is a qualified Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) and holds postgraduate certificates in Special Educational Needs and in working with learners with Social Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties.
Chris Alston, Assistant Headteacher, Behaviour, Attitudes and Personal Development
BA (Hons) Sports Coaching and Development, TESOL, QTLS
Chris has 10 years’ experience within education; he started teaching abroad in Thailand teaching English, maths and science. Chris has also worked in FE colleges in the UK as well as teaching vocational courses in a SEMH school. Chris’ most recent position before joining Ashwood was teaching within an inpatient psychiatric hospital on the CAMHS ward.
Preeti Nayyar, Assistant Headteacher SENCO and Quality of Education
BA (English Hons) PGCE (Geography), SENDCo, NPQSL
Preeti began her teaching career in a main stream school in 2008. She has over 12 years of experience in education sector. She has worked in different schools in Hampshire as an English teacher, Second in English, Head of English and Assistant SENDCo . She had the opportunity to work with SEN students in main stream and SEN schools.
Alison Burney, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Alison joined Ashwood in 2014 having worked for the Virtual Team for Looked After Children for 14 years. She initially came as Pastoral Support, including becoming a licensed Thrive Practitioner. Alison progressed to become the Deputy Safeguarding Lead, working closely with the DSL Lead and SLT. Alison is now our DSL Lead.