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.

Carrie Myhill

Headteacher

As Headteacher at Blue Skies School I’m passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential. With a background in special educational needs and disabilities, I’ve spent my career helping young people with complex needs thrive in education and beyond. I love working closely with families, staff, and professionals to make sure our students get the best possible support and opportunities for their future.

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.

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.

Lauren Clarke-Page

Middle Leader & Teacher

I began my teaching career in Special Education Needs in 2009 and have since gained extensive experience across a variety of educational settings. My roles have included Physical Education teacher, Head of Key Stage Three, and numerous leadership positions. Throughout my career, I have developed strong skills in differentiating instruction to accommodate diverse abilities and learning styles. I am committed to fostering a positive learning environment through effective communication and building trusting, respectful relationships with all students. I believe that learning should be engaging and enjoyable, within a safe environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their starting point or background.

Samantha McRae

Middle Leader & Teacher

As a Middle Leader and teacher at Blue Skies, I am dedicated to supporting our students in a variety of areas. I primarily lead in teaching English, but I also teach PSHE, History, and provide interventions. In addition, I oversee the exam process and am proud to lead our school’s behaviour system. I am truly honoured to be part of the Blue Skies team, where the focus is not only on academic achievement but also on the holistic development of each student. I am deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive school culture where all students feel safe, valued, and equipped with the tools they need to thrive and reach their full potential.

Babatunde Badmus

Teacher

I started teaching in the year 2000 and have been teaching in England for the past 18 years. I'm passionate about teaching maths and IT, and I also enjoy teaching a bit of science. I'm excited to have joined the Blue Skies School community as a part-time teacher. Outside the classroom, I’m a big sports enthusiast, especially football, but I also enjoy playing basketball, tennis, pool, table tennis and chess. I have two children, and my son is autistic, which gives me both personal and professional insight into the importance of strong SEND provision for our pupils.

Vivienne Field

Cooking Coordinator & Senior Teaching Assistant

I joined Blue Skies in April 2015 as a Teaching Assistant, having previously worked in primary education for many years. I enjoy working with all the students, supporting them in various lessons especially in cooking which is something I love. It is great to see them preparing the food and trying new flavours and recipes each week. It has been very rewarding to support some students with their BTEC coursework and to see them pass and get their qualification. It is fantastic being part of the Blue Skies team working in a very friendly and caring environment where all students are encouraged and supported as individuals, to achieve their best academically as well as developing their personal and life skills for the future.

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.

Katie Edwards

Teaching Assistant

I joined the Blue Skies family in November 2019 as a Teaching Assistant and I feel very proud and privileged to be a part of it. I take pride in my role of supporting our students, working alongside them and building on their already shining talents.

Michaela Smidova

Administrative Assistant

I joined Blue Skies School in September 2019 as an Administrative Assistant to provide support to the staff and students. I am pleased to be a part of this amazing and caring school where all the students are encouraged and supported to achieve their best academically and personally.

Maggie Lindsay Roxburgh

School Counsellor

I began working as a counsellor at Blue Skies School in 2009. I have more than 20 years working experience as a psychotherapist and I find my work here both challenging and rewarding. Building trusting relationships with our students and seeing them grow in confidence as they progress through the school is a rare privilege.

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.