My name is Mark Oliver, I have worked with children and young people with additional needs across both primary and secondary ages for 15 years now. After gaining a BA Hons in sports studies and physical education followed by a PGCE in advanced Early years pedagogy, I began my teaching in early years before specialising in SEND. Throughout my career I have had a range of roles and responsibilities across school, I am now privileged to be the Vice Principal of the Woodlands Academy.

As Vice Principal I have a wide range of responsibilities, including behaviour lead, teaching and learning and Educational visits Coordinator. As part of my role I work closely with all stake holders in school to ensure that students and staff have the appropriate approaches, training and development to meet the ever-changing needs of our pupils and that teaching and learning standards are maintained and remain high.

At Woodlands putting the pupil at the centre of what we do is a core value. This is underpinned by our ethos that all behaviour is a form of communication. We strongly believe in the positive role that relationships can play in supporting pupil development, as such I work closely to facilitate a relational approach to behaviour across the Academy. Helping oversee the coordination of personalised plans and approaches for pupils, completing PBS plans (positive behaviour support plans) that lead to the identification of the function or purpose of a behaviours as well as the development of alternative methods of communication.