Who I Am

I am a thirty six year old secondary education professional and I live with my four year old son in Cliftonville, which has been my home for over ten years. I grew up in Ramsgate, so have a significant amount of life experience related to both wards, and many good memories linked to both.

As a child I went to Bromstone Primary school followed by Clarendon House, and then moved to the University of Birmingham to complete my first degree in English Literature and Language.

I completed a PGCE in secondary education at CCCU in 2006 and began work at The Marlowe Academy. From there I moved upwards to managing keystages in specialist behavioural units and becoming Deputy Head at an additional needs school by my thirtieth birthday. I strongly believe that excellent educational provision is the key to reducing deprivation in South Thanet, and have fought from a lobbying standpoint to increase the chances of all our children since I began teaching.

I am from a care and adoption background. This has had a profound effect on me in terms of guiding my career path, and I have principally worked with children within the care system, in secure units, specialist units and within mainstream settings. I am also a specialist additional needs teacher, with significant experience in autism spectrum disorders and attachment disorders. I believe strongly in the need for alternative forms of schooling to be provided at a national level, and believe that public money should remain in public hands, both in education and services. The education of our children in this area is vital to underpin and support their abilities and opportunities as adults. What schools are built in this area, how they provide for our children and how they use public money is a matter of public interest, and should be a matter for consultation rather than imposition.

I am absolutely passionate about our NHS and the provision of outstanding care for both ideological and personal reasons. Five years ago I began experiencing daily joint dislocations, and after outstanding care from local and national NHS staff I was eventually diagnosed with both Ehlers Danlos syndrome and ankylosing spondylitis, a form of spinal inflammatory arthritis. As a result of this I am now a part time wheelchair user, a member of DPAC and Labour Disability and have a much greater understanding of the struggles disabled people experience every day.

Currently, less than 1% of MP’s are disabled, as compared to a rate of roughly 15% in the general population. This is a huge disparity, and I am determined to help redress that balance.

After my diagnosis I began working with clay to increase the strength in my arms and hands and am now completing an MA in Fine Art as a ceramic and glass artist, with my work stocked in several local galleries. I also work with students who are unable to maintain attendance within mainstream settings, and with local schools to develop inclusive art projects. I am currently working on a project involving six local schools, with the aim of increasing contact and integration between mainstream schools and those that provide for additional needs. I am also currently working to help set up what will hopefully be the first democratic and self-directed school in the UK, which is enormously exciting and, I feel, vital for true educational choice to become a reality in the UK.

Disability forges resilience and determination. I want to be part of providing a safe and secure future where all of us are valued, appreciated and supported, regardless of background, income or needs. I know that I can accomplish this.