Leadership Team
Janie Ashburner
Headteacher
Why you like working for Belong:
I am proud to work with such talented staff and children. I am excited that we have the flexibility to give all our students the inspirational educational diet they need, which enables them to become both successful and fulfilled.
Favourite inspirational quote: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” Helen Keller
Three words to describe yourself: Loyal, Bold and Aspirational.
Favourite Book: The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger
Sophie Barlow
Deputy Head/SENDCO
Why you like working for Belong:
Education rarely provides approaches that address the unmet needs of children; rarer still when it adapts and develops with them. At Belong School we put children first, and we learn with them, adapt to them, and help them grow.
Favourite inspirational quote: “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.” Dalai Lama
Three words to describe yourself: Creative. Driven. Adaptable.
Favourite Book: Wilt, Tom Sharpe
Emma Wagstaffe
Senior Pastoral Lead
Why you like working for Belong:
After working in education for over ten years this is the first setting I’ve worked in that truly puts the pupils first. I don’t feel like I’m coming to work because I love what I do and every day is different. I love making a difference for our pupils.
Favourite inspirational quote: “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” Helen Keller
Three words to describe yourself: Honest, Loyal and Lush!
Favourite Book: The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Heather Morris
Jade Dangerfield
Safeguarding Lead
Why you like working for Belong:
I enjoy making a difference to the lives of the students and families we work with, which gives the ultimate job satisfaction. I am immensely proud to be part of our team that are striving to meet the unmet needs of young people.
Favourite inspirational quote: “Success is not final; failure is not fatal; it’s the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill
Three words to describe yourself: Outgoing, approachable, and dependable.
Favourite Book: After, Anna Todd
Read Belong School Gloucestershire’s policies
Find out about Safeguarding at Belong Learning Schools
View Belong School Gloucestershire’s 2022/23 Calendar
Get in touch
Welcome from the Headteacher
It is my privilege to welcome you as Headteacher of Belong School Gloucestershire, an exceptional school which takes a systemic approach to education for children with an EHCP for SEMH. Our core purpose is to provide a challenging and supportive environment for the children in our care and to ensure that they are fully prepared for their future lives – something that I and all my staff are extremely passionate about.
We have very high expectations of our students with regards to their learning, interactions with others and aspirations, regardless of their starting points. This is evident in their curiosity, achievements, and happiness.
Alongside our academic curriculum and individually targeted interventions we provide a first-class experience outside of the classroom. Our bespoke programmes of learning are built to allow our students to flourish, whether learning takes place inside or outside the classroom. We believe strongly in the value of a wide and varied range of enrichment and outside learning opportunities, and their contribution to the development and success of our students as we help prepare them for adulthood.
Our website provides an indication of our values, ethos and practice; we would be happy to arrange a more comprehensive introduction to our school through a visit during a normal working day.
I look forward to meeting with you.
Janie Ashburner, Headteacher