Previously a primary school teacher, she also trained as a hospital play specialist working with young people in and out of hospitals, using play as a therapeutic tool. She then worked in further education providing pastoral and welfare support to college students.

Her role as Welfare Office at St Margaret’s is to help any pupils struggling with barriers to learning. Whether that is anxiety, inability to cope day to day or other concerns that are affecting their ability to thrive and learn.

We spoke to Claire about joining St Margaret's School, she said

Claire will also help pupils to develop more understanding of their own personal needs and that they are nurtured to advocate for themselves, in order to achieve their goals.

Pupils may also have questions about the feelings they are experiencing or may find it hard to function day to day at school. Claire believes that having the opportunity to talk these things through and to develop clear, coping strategies that they can use every day, is going to help these pupils to re-build confidence and resilience over time.

Lara Péchard, Head at St Margaret’s School commented on the appointment: “I’ve always been very passionate about the importance of providing the right care and professional support around pupil welfare. The more we can do to listen, support and equip children with the right tools to overcome their anxieties, the better. Our children have been through a lot in this last year or so and I am confident that in bringing Claire onto our team, we will continue to make positive strides forward.”