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Introducing Laura Mills - Deputy Headteacher

Hi, I am Laura Mills and I am delighted to be the new Deputy Headteacher at Willoughby Academy.  I am family first in my thinking and I love being a mum of four children.  I try to make some time for me and run weekly as well as work closely with Bishop Grosseteste University on SEND research.

My whole teaching career has been linked to developing SEND practice. I started at Meadowgate Special School as an NQT in 2005.  I was fortunate to work in every Key Stage and taught a broad range of pupils with varying needs.  My Middle Leadership responsibility was a whole school focus on communication.  As part of my role I became an Elklan Tutor so I could deliver accredited courses to our staff.  After 13 years I progressed to becoming a Senior Specialist Teacher so I could transfer my skills. I still remained connected to Meadowgate Academy as a Trustee.  Whilst working for the Cambridgeshire Local Authority I became a SEND Reviewer supporting all different education settings across Fenland and East Cambridgeshire. I qualified as a trainer for the Autism Education Trust and Therapeutic Thinking approach to behaviour.

After lockdown I wanted to return into a school setting.  I joined the senior leadership team at a primary school that required rapid improvement, leading on behaviour and inclusion. I implemented a whole school nurture approach.  I am excited to start a new chapter of my career at Willoughby Academy and am looking forward to meeting everyone who makes up the Willoughby family.