Who we are
Brittany Harper
I am a SENCo, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Teacher, and PE Lead at a mainstream primary school. I bring a passionate, student-centered approach to both teaching and leadership, underpinned by a strong commitment to inclusive education.
My career began teaching English at a language school in the Czech Republic, followed by a rewarding opportunity in America where I taught sports and developed a deep understanding of holistic child development. Since returning to the UK, I have taken on the role of Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), supporting a diverse range of learners to reach their full potential through tailored, inclusive strategies.
I am currently completing the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), reflecting my ongoing dedication to school leadership and continuous professional growth. At the heart of my practice is a drive to inspire children to become curious, confident learners, and to support them through every step of their unique educational journeys.
Chloe Clarke
I’m an Assistant Headteacher with 18 years of experience working in mainstream education, and I’m passionate about creating inclusive, inspiring learning environments where every child can thrive. I’ve taught across KS1 and KS2 in a range of London schools and currently lead on curriculum, assessment, and professional development. I’m especially interested in how research can help us design better learning and support all children to remember and apply what they’ve learned.
I’m really excited about the opportunity to volunteer with Earley Springs’ Executive Board. Specialist schools like this play a vital role not just for their pupils, but for the wider community too. Being part of something with so much potential to shape lives feels incredibly rewarding, and I can’t wait to be part of Earley Springs journey.
Joanna Donegan-Edwards
I have dedicated the past 21 years to education and I am currently working as a Vice Principal, line managing the SEND team at my school. I feel a deep sense of responsibility and passion for ensuring all students receive the best possible support and opportunities. I firmly believe that every student deserves to flourish and thrive within an environment tailored to their unique needs. My experience in senior leadership has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of curriculum planning, policy development, and teaching and learning expertise, all crucial for ensuring a school’s continued success. As a Science specialist I am passionate about ensuring that every child has access to high quality enrichment activities and also role models in a variety of areas. As a female Physicist in STEM, it is important to show young people that there is a place for them in the STEM workforce and inspire them that they can do and be anything.
I am excited to be a part of the Earley Springs team and am deeply committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive culture where all students are empowered to reach their full potential.
Keith Mewes
For me, family and community are everything; that sense of belonging is vital, whether it’s within a family or a wider community, we all need to feel connected. As someone with a background as an ex-military professional, and then working at Special Needs (SEMH) boarding school in Kent for over 15 years and then having served as the Principal Instructor at the S.S.B.K. Martial Arts Organisation. I bring a unique perspective. I’m looking forward to joining Earley Springs and contributing to a new community that I hope will feel like a supportive family for the children and their families.
As a father to a neurodivergent daughter with Autism and ADHD, I have a profound personal understanding of how crucial a safe and nurturing educational environment is for all children, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). My passion lies in ensuring every child and young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
I firmly believe that when children feel secure, loved, and welcomed, they thrive. It’s evident to me that Earley Springs is dedicated to building this very supportive foundation for its students, and I’m eager to contribute to this important work.
Louise Lazell
I’m an educational psychologist experienced in working with children and young people with a range of needs from nursery-age to post-16 in mainstream, specialist and independent settings. I have a particular interest in early years education and play; I believe the early years are critical for children’s development and I advocate for effective pedagogy and play-based learning. I am thrilled to be supporting the team at Earley Springs and excited about the vast opportunities available to children here. Outside of work, I am an animal lover and most of my spare time is taken up with looking after and riding my horse around the Kent countryside.
Maggie Foreman
Having dedicated my career as a Qualified Teacher in both Infant and Primary Mainstream Schools, I recently retired from a very rewarding, though at times challenging, position as the SENCo of a large Primary School in Medway. In this role, I was deeply committed to supporting and enabling pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to achieve the educational outcomes they deserved.
My understanding extends beyond my professional life, as I am also a parent to an autistic young lady who now lives in supported living. Her education within various SEN provisions across Medway and Kent has given me invaluable insight into the process of understanding and negotiating for the correct educational setting she needed at different stages to flourish and grow. This personal journey has made me very proficient in navigating the landscape of SEND support.
It is with this combination of professional experience as a Teacher and SENCo, coupled with my personal experience as a parent of an adult with SEND, that I hope to support Earley Springs in its educational journey as a member of the Executive Board. I believe my unique perspective will be a valuable asset in helping the school continue to empower its students.
Toni Kenny-Purcell
I am an experienced Assistant Headteacher with 12 years of teaching experience and a great passion for ensuring all students have the opportunity to build confidence with communication and reading so they can be successful in the wider world. I have worked with school communities to build staff expertise with adapting curriculums and lessons so all learners, despite any learning barriers, can thrive. I am looking forward to working with the other members of the Executive Board for Earley Springs.