Our staff are our most important asset and are key to your child's education.

Our dedicated team provide personal individualised support for all our students, helping them engage in and enjoy their learning.

Lauren Higgins

Proprietor
I am privileged to be one of the Proprietor’s of Blue Skies School. Our school is filled with bright, engaged and unique students who make each day a fun learning experience, for me as much as themselves! I have worked at the school since 2011, and was previously the Channel Manager of 2 popular kids tv channels on Sky. I hold a Post Graduate Certificate in Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome from Sheffield Hallam and would love to continue my studies. I have taken on many roles within the school, but my most rewarding times are when students confide and share their worries, hopes and successes. The ability to build strong relationships with our students and their families is a real highlight. I am proud to work with a strong staff team who feel like family and work hard to ensure that students feel safe, motivated and happy to come to school.

Jonathan Higgins

Proprietor
I worked as the Head of School at Blue Skies School from 2011 to 2016 and am now one of the Proprietors. It hasn’t always been easy, but it is always fun! The students are all such individual and funny characters and are an absolute joy to teach. I am lucky to be working with such a strong team helping the students reach their true potential and I am forever grateful for the endless commitment they show to the students at Blue Skies. Our students make me proud every day and I am glad I've been able to work with such wonderful young people.

Danielle Atterbury

Deputy Headteacher
Since joining Blue Skies in 2017, I have been privileged to serve in various roles, including Lead in Math and Science as well as Middle Leader for Quality of Education and now as Deputy Head. These experiences have shaped my commitment to delivering the highest standards of teaching and learning for every student. As a proud SEN mummy, I bring both professional insight and personal passion to my work, driving my dedication to providing meaningful opportunities that prepare our students for the next stage of their journey with confidence and resilience.
Bitmoji Natalie Bucklen

Natalie Bucklen

School Business Manager
I have worked in education since 2001 and was heavily involved in the creation of Blue Skies School with Fran, the founder, in 2008. I have a varied role within the school, my job title being Business/Office Manager. Some of the work I do includes Reception, Administration, Finance and, most importantly, working with the staff and students along with their parents. Although I do not work in the classroom I am always here for the students and staff, ready for a chat or guidance whenever needed. I love working within the 'Blue Skies Family' and seeing the progression and success of each and every student.

Hayley Jenner

Wellbeing Lead and Teaching Assistant
I joined the Blue Skies family in March 2018 and I love being a part of it; I especially enjoy working alongside the children to improve their wellbeing whilst at school. Previously I have worked with youths and their families to help build better relationships, alongside working at an infant school as 1-1 support for SEN children.

Nicky McKeon

Speech and Language Therapist
I joined the Blue Skies family in 2024. I am a fully qualified Speech and Language Therapist (RCSLT, HCPC & ASLTIP registered), a qualified Elklan tutor and trained in Lego Therapy, SCERTS, Attention Autism and the Zones of Regulation frameworks. My specialist area of interest is working with autistic children and their families to achieve functional goals. When not at work, I split my time between family, my enormous dog and most importantly my favourite pastime, eating cake.

Shirley MacCormack

Teacher
I am incredibly proud to join the Blue Skies family. Over the past 22 years, I have taught in primary and secondary schools across Kent, specialising in maths. Having overcome my own childhood struggles with the subject to study it at university, I am passionate about helping students unlock their potential and find joy in learning. Growing up non-hearing taught me the vital importance of ensuring every child feels heard and supported as an individual. My proudest career moment remains receiving the Kent Teacher of the Year Award, reflecting my dedication to students with special educational needs.