CLAIRE DWYER
YORK,NORTH YORKSHIRE
Summary
I am a passionate and highly experienced school leader with a proven track record of delivering inclusive, high-quality education for children with complex needs, including autism, communication differences, and SEMH. Currently Head of Primary at a special school for neurodivergent boys aged 9–19, I lead on curriculum design, staff development, and strategic improvement and deputise safeguarding. I bring deep expertise in SEND, having worked across both mainstream and specialist settings, including as Assistant SENCo, outreach lead, and national Lead Practitioner for curriculum design. I am a reflective, resilient leader who builds nurturing, structured environments where all learners can thrive. With strong values aligned to the Cambrian Trust’s commitment to dignity, inclusion, and excellence, I lead with empathy, high expectations, and a child-centred approach that empowers pupils, staff, and families alike.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
10063
10063
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Primary Co-ordinator & DDSL
Breckenbrough School
Thirsk, North Yorkshire
09.2020 - Current
MAIN DUTIES:
· Deputy DSL
. Class teacher
· Design and implement an appropriate curriculum – lead for English, History, Geography and Science, with overview of Maths and PSHCE
· Line manager to the Primary team
· Write, monitor and assess Subject Development Plan
· Staff performance management / appraisal
· Line manager walk through each half term
· Leading assemblies
· Reporting to Governors
· Keyworker
· Middle leader
· Implement reasonable adjustments, in line with EHCP, OT and SaLT recommendations, to ensure all can access learning
· Assess and review curriculum content and learning
· Lead on reading in the Primary department
· Liaise with KS3 staff to ensure transition into Secondary is successful
· Lead on interventions within the department to enable all to access school
C&I Co-ordinator (Teacher in Charge EMS)
King James School (Secondary)
Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
01.2018 - 07.2020
MAIN DUTIES:
Lead for Outreach team to support ten local Secondary Schools with SEND students
Assistant SENCo
Lead in-house interventions for SEND
Plan and delivery of CPD and staff training in own and outreach schools
Parent training for Autism
Class teacher (KS3&4)
Head of English
The Forest School
Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
02.2005 - 12.2017
MAIN DUTIES:
School lead for English KS1 - 4
Senior leader
Middle Leader
Class teacher - EYFS - KS4
Lead for KS3 residential trips
Teacher
Great Ouseburn Primary School
Great Ouseburn, North Yorkshire
09.2005 - 07.2006
MAIN DUTIES:
Delivering a cross-key stage curriculum to a mixed Yr2/3/4 class (maternity cover)
Teacher
Greystone Primary School
Ripon, North Yorkshire
09.2002 - 07.2004
MAIN DUTIES:
Class teacher - Year 4
Teacher (NQT)
Lakeside Primary School
Doncaster, Yorkshire
09.2001 - 07.2002
MAIN DUTIES:
Class teacher - Year 5
Trainer / Waiting staff / Back of House staff
Pizza Hut (UK) Ltd
York
09.1997 - 07.2001
Trainer
Front of House staff
Back of House staff
Education
NPQSL -
NPQ
Middle Leader -
NYCC
PGCE - Primary
The University College of Ripon and York St John
York 09.2000 - 07.2001
BA (Honours) 2:2 - History and English
The University College of Ripon and York St John
York 09.1997 - 07.2000
A-Levels - English (C) General Studies (C) History (E)
Copperfields College / Cross Green High School
LeedsGCSEs - English(C) Maths(C) Eng Lit(C) History(C) General Studies(C) Food Tech(C) French (D) Science(DD)
Cross Green High School
LeedsDesignated Safeguarding Lead -
NASS
Makaton Signing Enhanced Level -
Makaton
02.2005 - 12.2017
Basic Counselling Skills -
NYCC
BSL Level 1 -
NYCC
Skills
- Calm under pressure
- Problem-solving
- Communication skills
- Strategic planning
- Leadership
- Resourcefulness
Affiliations
- Spending time with my family, reading, cycling and cooking.
Certification
I hold a full UK driving license
Timeline
Primary Co-ordinator & DDSL
Breckenbrough School
09.2020 - Current
C&I Co-ordinator (Teacher in Charge EMS)
King James School (Secondary)
01.2018 - 07.2020
Teacher
Great Ouseburn Primary School
09.2005 - 07.2006
Head of English
The Forest School
02.2005 - 12.2017
Makaton Signing Enhanced Level -
Makaton
02.2005 - 12.2017
Teacher
Greystone Primary School
09.2002 - 07.2004
Teacher (NQT)
Lakeside Primary School
09.2001 - 07.2002
PGCE - Primary
The University College of Ripon and York St John
09.2000 - 07.2001
Trainer / Waiting staff / Back of House staff
Pizza Hut (UK) Ltd
09.1997 - 07.2001
BA (Honours) 2:2 - History and English
The University College of Ripon and York St John
09.1997 - 07.2000
NPQSL -
NPQ
Middle Leader -
NYCC
A-Levels - English (C) General Studies (C) History (E)
Copperfields College / Cross Green High School
GCSEs - English(C) Maths(C) Eng Lit(C) History(C) General Studies(C) Food Tech(C) French (D) Science(DD)
Cross Green High School
Designated Safeguarding Lead -
NASS
Basic Counselling Skills -
NYCC
BSL Level 1 -
NYCC
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