Deputy Headteacher Jo Blackbourn

A message from Mrs Blackbourn:

I have worked at St John’s since 2004 and feel very fortunate to have spent such a significant part of my career within our school community. I qualified as a teacher in 1998 and, during my time at St John’s, have worked as a class teacher, SENCO and Key Stage 1 Leader before becoming Deputy Headteacher. These different roles have given me a broad understanding of primary education and, in particular, of the importance of ensuring that every child is able to access the right support to succeed.

As Deputy Headteacher and SENCO, I lead inclusion across the school, with particular responsibility for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and those who may face additional barriers to their learning. I work closely with teachers and support staff to identify children's needs, develop appropriate provision and ensure that teaching is adapted so that all pupils can participate successfully in school life.

A particularly important part of my role is developing our provision for children with more complex needs. This includes overseeing our Acorns enhanced SEND provision and working with colleagues to develop approaches, interventions and environments that enable children to learn, communicate, regulate and become increasingly independent. I also work closely with external professionals and the Local Authority to coordinate additional support and statutory provision where this is required.

Supporting and developing staff is an important part of this work. I am passionate about helping colleagues understand the individual needs behind a child's presentation and finding practical, achievable ways of removing barriers to learning. I believe that successful inclusion is about much more than where a child is taught: it is about ensuring that every child feels that they belong, is understood and has genuine opportunities to achieve.

Alongside SEND, I lead the school's Pupil Premium Strategy. I work with colleagues to identify the barriers that disadvantaged pupils may face and to ensure that our provision and use of funding make a meaningful difference to their education. This includes considering not only academic progress but also children's wider experiences, wellbeing, attendance and opportunities to broaden their horizons.

I am also one of the school's Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads and work alongside Mrs Robinson and other members of the safeguarding team to help ensure that the safety and wellbeing of our children remains at the heart of everything we do.

One of the aspects of my role that I value most is working with families. Parents and carers know their children best, and I believe that open and honest communication between home and school is essential, particularly when a child is experiencing difficulties or needs additional support. Finding the right provision is often a process that we work through together, and I want families to feel that their views are listened to and that they are genuinely involved in decisions about their child.

After more than twenty years at St John’s, I remain extremely proud of our school and of the increasingly inclusive provision we are able to offer. My aim is simple: that every child, whatever their needs or starting point, is given the support, opportunities and encouragement they need to thrive and to let their light shine.

Mrs Blackbourn can be contacted by emailing jo.blackbourn@st-john.lincs.sch.uk