Our School Staff
Head Teacher
Nicki Gilbert
My involvement with Westfield School commenced in September 2002, when I took on the role of the key stage 4/5 teacher, which was, at the time, one of four classes. Following many altered roles since then, and an increase in students and staff of more than 100%, I became Head Teacher in September 2011.
Having lived the experience of multiple roles across three decades, (and one pandemic) I understand the daily situations encountered by our close-knit team of colleagues, and still regularly experience these first-hand. Education in the 21st century brings multiple new challenges, initiatives, risks and priorities, all of which we tackle head-on, in true Westfield spirit, and I can honestly say no two years, or indeed days, are the same.
It remains a privilege coming to work each day as part of what has become a veritable second family.
Our School Staff
Our Team of Teaching Assistants
It is impossible to underestimate the importance of our large team of Teaching Assistants, without whom, the successful and safe education and care of our learners would be inconceivable.
As the number of pupils has increased over time, so has the number of Teaching Assistants: we now have approximately 40 colleagues supporting learners across the whole age-range. Each class has an allocated core team, the number varying dependent upon individual and group needs.
Our Teaching Assistants support in-class learning, breaktimes, lunchtimes, community-based activities, therapeutic interventions, physiotherapy, speech and language, emotional development, work experience, swimming, small group and individual activities, and many more.
Some of our team have been in post for over 25 years, others are new to the school, or on apprenticeship pathways. Every single one is valued and supported to follow personal aspirations, including higher level qualifications, undertake specialist roles, or indeed pursue a route into teaching. See individual class pages for further details.
Admin Staff
School Staff
We have a dedicated team of lunch time superintendents and caretakers who aid the safety and welfare of out pupils on a daily basis.
