Meet the Team

Clair Swinton

I have worked in special education for 14 years and have taught pupils in EYFS right up to KS3. I have a degree in Early childhood and Education studies which I followed with a PGCE. Most recently I completed my Masters Award in Education where my assignments focused on SEN provision. My final dissertation allowed me to do extensive research about reading and writing for pupils with Down Syndrome and how best to support them. I am currently completing the National SENDCO award. I have a passion for teaching and learning and aim for this to reflect in my practice in supporting inclusion for all pupils in all settings.

Becky Houltby

I’m Becky and I have worked at St Francis School for 30 years and I have loved every moment of it. I initially trained as a TA completing City and Guilds and NVQ qualifications. I have also completed a foundation degree at Bishop Grotesque University in Learning Support. Over the years I have been mainly involved  in working with the younger pupils in school and I am really passionate about ensuring we give them all the best chances they can have to communicate and learn. I am a research driven practitioner and have completed lots of courses in relation to AAC, AT and working with pupils with complex needs. Working for PD Outreach one day a week allows me to bring my knowledge and passion to support pupils in mainstream settings. 

Helen Healey

My name is Helen, and I am the latest recruit to the Outreach Team. I studied at Bishop Grosseteste University. I have a degree in Early Childhood and Education Studies and a PGCE in primary education. I started teaching in a mainstream school and then moved over to special educational needs schools. Alongside the Outreach role I lead a Nurture room (part time) within a mainstream setting. I am currently studying part time for a Masters in ‘Language and Communication Impairment in Children’ at the University of Sheffield. Throughout my years of teaching, I have seen how good communication enables children to succeed both academically and personally. It is important to support those children who find language and communication a challenge, enabling them to gain a voice

Vanessa Fowler

I am Vanessa, and support with the moving and handling side of PD Outreach. I have worked at St Francis Special School for 25 years. I originally qualified as a Teaching Assistant.  My last 8 years was Provision Manager of an Adult Social Day Care Provision under the umbrella of St Francis School. I have gained qualifications to support my role over the years, from medical to practical moving and handling of people and now I am incredibly happy to move into my new post supporting children and young adults all over Lincolnshire with the team from PD Outreach. If I can make a young person’s life a little easier with transfers to promote independence and to support the wellbeing of the staff, then I know I am doing a valuable job.