Our dedicated team includes: Specialist Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Residential Staff, Key Workers, Speech and Language Therapists, Clinical Psychologist, Consultant Psychiatrist, Occupational Therapist, Clinical Psychology Assistants, Holistic Therapist, a School Nurse and a Paediatrician.
Meet the Team
Principal
Alison Priddle
Telephone: 01590 675350
With over thirty years’ experience working in a range of social care and education settings, I have developed a wide a range of expertise in relation to special educational needs, disability, safeguarding and child protection. Prior to working in education as a teacher, I worked in residential and field social work.
As a senior leader, I developed best practice working across two middle schools through an amalgamation process. I held strategic responsibility for inclusion, safeguarding and child protection, which included leading a very large, successful SEND department in a large secondary school.
I have held leadership roles in education settings rated ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED, run my own education consultancy business, worked for SENDIASS, and more recently worked as a headteacher in two special schools to improve their educational outcomes.
Throughout my working life, my practise has been to promote the holistic development of each child/young person, ensuring their needs are identified and addressed through multi agency collaboration. This enables the development of an individualised curriculum and allows children/young people to realise their educational, social and personal potential. I trust, my significant experience of working in a multi-agency context, liaising closely with a wide range of professionals (including parents, teachers, those in social care and health services) will be of benefit to all at Southlands.
I am really looking forward to working with all stakeholders of Southlands school to ensure a nurturing and enriching environment where our children and young people feel happy and safe, with the right support and high expectations in place are enabled to achieve their future aspirations.
Head of education
Jess Holloway
With thirty years of primary education experience, I believe I bring a diverse wealth of knowledge and passion to Southlands School. Over the past fourteen years here at Southlands, I have progressed from being a classroom teacher to Head of Education. This journey means I know the school inside out and understand what makes our community so special.
I believe that for children to flourish, we need to look at the whole picture. Our Education, Care, and Well-being teams work closely together, it is an honour to work with such dedicated staff. By creating a culture where everyone supports each other we can ensure that every student gets the educational and emotional support they need.
Deputy Head of Education/SENDCo
Naomi Arthur
I have been dedicated to supporting pupils with special educational needs for over 15 years. My passion lies in ensuring that every child receives the education and support they need to reach their full potential. Throughout my career, I have worked in a variety of educational settings, including both mainstream schools and specialist provisions, which has given me a well-rounded understanding of diverse learning needs.
I have extensive experience in writing and implementing Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) and take pride in assisting parents as they navigate the complexities of the SEND system. I understand that this process can be overwhelming, and I am committed to providing guidance, clarity, and advocacy for both students and their families.
My professional background includes training as a secondary physics teacher, alongside qualifications in art, the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO), and cognitive abilities assessments. This combination of skills allows me to take a holistic approach to education, ensuring that each child’s unique strengths and challenges are recognised and supported.
I am a strong advocate for a nurturing, child-centred approach that prioritises the aspirations and well-being of every student. Their needs are always at the heart of everything I do, and I am committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where all learners can thrive.
Head of Care/Registered Manager
Jack Murphy
I have over 17 years’ experience working with children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Throughout my career, I have developed a deep understanding of care, education, and behaviour support, alongside a strong knowledge of the legislation and regulations that underpin high-quality care.
A key part of my role has been driving improvement within the home, including supporting the setting through periods of significant change and helping to strengthen practice, standards, and staff development. What matters most to me is creating a safe, nurturing environment where children feel valued, understood, and genuinely cared for, and where staff feel supported and confident to provide the very best care.
I strongly believe in the importance of working closely with education, families, and external professionals to create a truly holistic approach. By building these strong, trusting relationships, we can ensure that every child is given the opportunity to grow, develop, and flourish.
Deputy Head of Care
Lauren Stubley
My academic strengths lie within the Health and Social Care Sector. My education to date has largely been studying Health and Social care and Psychology from GCSE to degree level and more recently completing my Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare. I am currently undertaking my Level 5 in Leadership and Management in Children’s Home to help me take the next steps in my career.
My career to date has centered around management roles within the Health and Social care sector.
I thoroughly enjoy working with the children at Southlands. My current role as Deputy Head of Care involves having a senior responsibility across the residential Children's Home at Southlands School. Within this role I thrive to ensure that the children and young people are cared for in a safe and homely environment ensuring that all of the children and young people are happy and enjoy living here. I love nothing more than seeing the children flourishing and reaching their own goals and targets in life in a happy and content home away from home.
Governance Board
Termly Governance Board meetings are held at Southlands School to ensure that the management of the school is closely scrutinised and held to account in all areas of responsibility.
The agenda comprises of:
✓ Voice of the Child - student feedback
✓ Head Teachers Highlight Report outlining achievements and challenges and progress against school improvement report
✓ Outcomes for Children and Young People - Care
✓ Outcomes for Children and Young People - Education
✓ Outcomes for Children and Young People - Therapy
✓ Commercial Performance
✓ Staffing and Personnel
✓ Estates Report
✓ IT report
The Governance Board contain key individuals from outside and within the school who attend this meeting each term and parental and staff feedback is always welcomed.
Meet the Principal, Alison Priddle, in this exclusive video interview.
Alison shares insights about her role, the ethos and vision of the school, and how the team work together collectively across Education and Care to support students.
James Watson is our Regional Care Lead at Cambian Southlands School. Meet James Watson in the video interview below: