I am proud to have been born and to have lived in Stoke on Trent for all my life. Over the last 34 years I have worked in schools in Stoke on Trent where I have gained a wealth of experience in being able to manage and support many of the complex needs and issues that young people encounter during their lives. I was extremely happy to be appointed as Special Educational Needs Coordinator at the Academy in 2015 and have become part of a very special community.

During my time as a teacher and a senior manager I have been responsible for the care, support and guidance of many students and I have been involved in offering services and interventions with the overriding aim of enabling young people of all abilities and backgrounds to achieve their full potential.

I firmly believe that the SENDCo’s role in school is to ensure that all children with SEND achieve well, so that they can lead contented and fulfilled lives. The SENDCo is vital to the success of these young people because they ensure that the support they require to help them achieve their goals and become independent is provided. I have always cared deeply about the young people with whom I have worked in enabling them to achieve their full potential.

You can contact me at diane.drew@coopacademies.co.uk.