Meet our Team
Tree of Life Staff
Laura Frain
Co Head Teacher and Head of Education
Laura is a highly experienced Head. Previously working with both mainstream and specialist young people.
Laura has a vast experience of being a senior Leader in specialist education along with creating and developing innovative curriculum lessons which are assessable for all.
Laura strives for each young person to move on from TOL with qualifications/assessment that best suits each individuals potential.
At the heart of Leadership, Laura strives to create a safe, engaging and productive learning environment for pupils/families and staff alike.
Catherine Widdrington
Co Head Teacher and Therapeutic Lead
DDSL
Catherine has life experiences as well as a wide range of expertise in both mainstream/ specialist education.
Catherine has leadership skills in both primary and secondary specialist provision.
Catherine's Leadership style comes from her long term vision of creating a low stimulating calm and nurturing learning environment.
This is where her vision comes to light. creating a magical, calming working environment with specialist furniture and aids individually sourced for need.
Catherine firmly believes that working with an individuals mental health firstly will accelerate lost learning and therefore allowing great future prospects and skills for life.
Chloe Hayes
Assistant Lead
DDSL
Chloe has a vast amount of experience and expertise in working with young adults in the community, these skills have helped many young adults work towards independent living and real life skills.
Chloe leads with a great amount of creative and dynamic curriculum based activities to achieve qualifications for all.
This is a talent that is very transferable to working and supporting our cohort for a successful future ahead developing independence across all areas.
Tracy Chapman-Ward
DSL
SENCO
Tracy has a wide range of experience working within the EYFS sector, creating a play based knowledge to bring out the best of each individual young person.
Tracy liaises with all staff, schools and parents to ensure that we are all working cohesively to meet each individuals EHCP targets both holistically and academically.
Tracy works proactively within her safeguarding role, ensuring that all legal legislations policies and procedures are followed to perfection.
Sarah Cryer
Attendance Officer
Acorns Lead
Sarah has outstanding levels of experience working with early years whom have specialist needs.
Creating an awe inspiring environment to hook the young peoples learning is a talent with which she excels at.
Sarah individualises and develops activities and learning opportunities within our SEND children using dance/ rebound and theatrical therapies which enhances social and communication skills.
Sarah shines in her creative abilities, using technology to celebrate young peoples kinaesthetic achievements.
Jo Halkyard
Woodlands Lead
Jo is an experienced HLTA who leads the Woodland Phase at Tree of Life, bringing creativity, energy, and a love of outdoor learning to her role. She has a strong commitment to supporting children’s holistic development, ensuring that every pupil feels included, confident, and inspired in their learning.
Her wide-ranging expertise, combined with her inclusive and compassionate approach, makes Jo a highly valued member of the Tree of Life team. She is committed to fostering an environment where every child can flourish—whether through outdoor exploration, creative expression, or tailored classroom support.
Danny Frain
Specialist HLTA/Transport Manager
Danny has a wide range of experience working with young people of differing behavioural needs.
Danny brings a warm sense of calm into the setting along with an ability to work with or alongside children of all needs.
Danny has skills and expertise in long distance driving and is our transport manager for our pupils.