Members of the Lea Hall Local Academy Council (LAC)
Melanie Keating
Mel decided to become a teacher because she wanted to make a difference! Her dedication and passion sit firmly within SEND and she has deep rooted commitment and interest in social, emotional, and mental health needs (SEMH).
Mel has had a rich and varied career which has provided her with lots of opportunities to work in creative and psychologically sound ways with some of the hardest to reach children within the West Midlands. She has been a school leader for over 14 years.
Mel is honoured to be part of Forward Education Trust as Head Teacher of Lea Hall Academy. As Head Teacher, she is proud of the devotedness and skill within the staff group.
Mel is looking forward to working with the Local Academy Council to lead Lea Hall Academy on this exciting journey.
Helen Redican – Chair
Helen has worked both within schools and as a school improvement advisor for many years, supporting schools that need rapid improvement. She has considerable expertise in the evaluation of educational standards across a range of settings, leadership and governance of schools of all phases and types, early years provision and partnership working with local authorities and officers of the DFE.
Helen is a trustee at Forward Education Trust and is currently the Chair of the Education Committee.
Helen Pearcey
After working as a teacher and a headteacher in mainstream primary schools for nearly 20 years, Helen began teaching in a school for pupils with SEMH needs 6 years ago and started at Lea Hall Academy as a class teacher in January 2022. Working in a school with children who need additional nurture and support is very rewarding and it is her mission to give the children at Lea Hall Academy an educational experience which is positive, helping them to learn and grow. Having previously been a school governor at four different schools in Wiltshire and the West Midlands, Helen brings a wealth of experience which she is looking forward to using as a staff representative on the Local Academy Council.
Natalie Haymes
Natalie has extensive experience of working with, and engaging, parents, professionals and local communities in supporting and improving positive outcomes for children and their families.
Natalie possess over 18 years of progressive experience working with children and their families. During this time, she has demonstrated she has the skills to reflect on individual needs and change approaches where needed to support those individual needs most effectively to provide the best outcomes. She believes the knowledge and skills built up during this time will be invaluable to her in her role on the LAC.
Natalie’s main priority is making sure our children have a safe and secure environment to learn in and to thrive. Natalie would also like to ensure all children at Lea Hall Academy have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Her nephew’s future is of the upmost importance to her sister and herself, therefore, she is delighted to have the opportunity to make a difference in the education of not just her nephew but the school as a whole.
Sarah Kelly
Sarah is an experienced senior leader having worked in education over 20 years. Sarah has worked in a number of special and mainstream schools. Until Dec 2021 she was the Headteacher of a local Special school. Sarah also brings experience as having served as a staff governor historically. Sarah looks forward to bringing a focus to the quality of education and to the discussions and questions that support the development of Lea Hall Academy.
Megan Wilson
I am a teaching assistant and work in half terms supporting children and young adults with additional needs. I wanted to join the LAC as I want to support the school I work in. I am really keen to support the school community and help build the Trust.