Linda has worked in the field of education since qualifying as at teacher in 1978.Her area of expertise is leadership in Special Schools,especially SEND/SEMH; working with vulnerable pupils in a variety of contexts and whole school improvement. Her most recent work has been as part of school improvement work in the specialist area of ASD. Linda has experience of working in challenging environments bringing about necessary change to create success in terms of Ofsted inspection and pupils’ outcomes.Her previous work as Consultant Head successfully lead the school to quickly bring about change following an 'inadequate' inspection, the subsequent inspection being ‘good’.Having held the posts of Executive Head,Virtual Head and School Principal, Linda has vast experience in operational and strategic leadership.Linda has trained Social workers and Educationists regarding meeting the educational, social and therapeutic needs of vulnerable children, understanding how trauma effects a child's ability to learn and how to address 'attachment disorder' type behaviours in the classroom.She has a Bachelor of Education degree and a Master of Arts in SEN and Behaviour Management. She has gained the NPQH award.Linda has studied Advanced Business Development at Warwick, and achieved a certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Adolescents at University of the West of England Linda has worked within Local Authority, mainstream and independent schools. She has experience of mentoring, advocacy and whole school improvement.Linda has been a Trustee of a Learning Partnership in Poole with a particular responsibility for safeguarding and child protection.Linda subsequently moved to a Somerset Trust in January 2019 which was in a 'challenging' situation. The Trust voted her as Deputy Chair in January 2020. She worked closely with the Chair and CEO to bring about the rapid change required.Since September 2019, Linda has worked as Director of Education for a small independent school in Somerset carrying out Quality Assurance work and School Improvement. The School achieved a 'Good' Ofsted rating at its first inspection.