Springfield's Bright Spots

Meet our Team | Manor Hall Academy Trust

Anna Latos

Anna Latos

Strategic Leader

What I work on

“I am a strategic educational leader and trust bright spot committed to creating inclusive, high-performing systems where every child, particularly those with SEND and additional vulnerabilities, can thrive. I am passionate about transformational support for families, developing sustainable trust-wide strategies, and leading meaningful change that improves outcomes, experiences, and opportunities for all learners. Through my NPQEL and Level 7 apprenticeship, I continue to strengthen my expertise in system leadership, organisational development, and evidence-informed practice to ensure inclusion remains at the heart of educational excellence.”

Innovation
Curriculum
SEND
Helen Summers

Helen Summers

Associate Member • R&D Team

What I work on

Meet our Team | Manor Hall Academy Trust

“I am a member of the Trust’s Research and Development Team, driving innovation within the curriculum to improve outcomes for pupils across our schools. I lead and contribute to projects that develop practical, evidence-informed solutions to support teaching, learning, and assessment. My recent work includes the development of Chapter 3 and MyStory; assessment tracking and progress tools designed to better capture and celebrate the achievements of pupils with SEND. As a recognised trust bright spot, I support colleagues across the trust on curriculum and assessment matters, sharing expertise, championing best practice, and helping schools implement approaches that enhance learning and pupil progress.”

Innovation
Curriculum
SEND
Louise Smith

Louise Smith

Business School Improvement Officer

What I work on

Meet our Team | Manor Hall Academy Trust

‘’In addition to my work at Springfield, I am the Business School Improvement Officer for the trust, leading the development and improvement of systems, processes, and operational practices that enable our schools to thrive. I work closely with school leaders and central teams to ensure that strategic priorities are translated into effective actions, delivering sustainable improvement and organisational excellence. I also lead on Health and Safety at a trust level ’’

Business
Health and Safety
Operational effectiveness
Sarah Rubanski

Sarah Rubanski

Safeguarding

What I work on

‘’I am a Safeguarding Lead who champions a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and every child is protected, supported, and heard. As a recognised bright spot across the trust, I work collaboratively with leaders and staff to build capacity, strengthen safeguarding systems, and drive continuous improvement through support, challenge, and shared learning. I am committed to creating safe environments where children can thrive, ensuring that safeguarding remains at the heart of every decision, every action, and every school community. ’’

Safeguarding
Family Support
SEND
Sam Hambleton

Sam Hambleton

Maths Specialist • NCETM

What I work on

‘’ I have a particular interest in mathematics education and work closely with the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM). Recent projects have included adapting the Mastering Number programme for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), ensuring that the programme is accessible and inclusive for all learners. This work has been recognised at both regional and national levels, providing opportunities to collaborate with educators and leaders across the country to share effective practice and support wider implementation. I am also a bright spot across the trust for the leading of mathematics. ’’

Maths
SEND
Leanne Harris

Leanne Harris

Complex Needs

What I work on

‘’I have a particular interest in supporting pupils with complex needs and those whose communication is expressed through their behaviour. As a leader and bright spot across the trust, I work closely with colleagues across schools to ensure that behaviour and learning approaches are consistent, inclusive, structured and underpinned by a strong understanding of individual needs. I am a qualified PROACT-SCIPr-UK® Instructor and use this expertise to support staff in developing positive behaviour support practices, promoting de-escalation strategies, and creating learning environments where all pupils can thrive.’’

Complex Needs
Behaviour
Lucie Tunnicliffe

Lucie Tunnicliffe

PE

‘’I lead PE at Springfield and work closely with the Staffordshire Sports Partnership to ensure that all children have access to a wide range of sporting opportunities, both within school and in the wider community. In addition, I serve as a PE Bright Spot practitioner across the Trust, supporting the sharing of effective practice and contributing to the continued development of high-quality PE provision.’’
PE
SEND
Demi Walters

Demi Walters

EYFS

‘’As EYFS Lead, I collaborate with colleagues across the Trust and local schools to ensure a consistent and high-quality approach to early years education. Through this work, I support the development of effective practice that positively impacts children both at Springfield and across the wider educational community. In addition, I chair the Trust’s EYFS Network Group, facilitating professional dialogue, collaboration, and continuous improvement.”
EYFS
SEND
Danielle Norris

Danielle Norris

Adaptive Resourcing

‘’I am a creative and innovative practitioner and trust bright spot who believes that every child deserves access to high-quality learning opportunities. I design adaptive resources that support diverse needs across a range of educational settings, ensuring that children can engage, participate, and succeed. Inclusion is at the heart of everything I do, and I am passionate about developing accessible approaches that empower children with SEND and support their families. My work extends beyond Springfield School through contributions to national projects, including with the NCETM, where I have helped shape resources that make learning more accessible for all. I strive to use creativity, collaboration, and innovation to make a positive difference in the lives of children and young people’’

Community Support
SEND
Natasha Baddeley

Natasha Baddeley

Community Support

‘’I am the lead of Little Springers, a community-based provision that supports families across the local area. Through early intervention, guidance, and practical support, I help families access the advice, resources, and connections they need before their children join formal education. Little Springers extends Springfield’s expertise beyond the school community, ensuring that families who are not part of Springfield School can benefit from high-quality support at the earliest opportunity. I am passionate about building strong relationships with families, reducing barriers to support, and creating inclusive opportunities that enable children with SEND to thrive from the very start of their educational journey.’’
Community Support
SEND

Meet our Team | Manor Hall Academy Trust