Welcome from the Principal

Hello and welcome to The Grange Therapeutic School.

We are a school for pupils aged 8-18 who have education health care plans for social, emotional and mental health challenges. This means that they may have a diagnosis such as ADHD, OCD, PTSD, Autism or have anxiety disorders.

The school motto is – Discover potential, Enjoy success and Prepare for life!

We achieve these aims through everything we do every day through our extensive curriculum offer, our beautiful school buildings and 18 acres of rolling Leicestershire countryside.

The curriculum looks to meet the pupils’ academic needs through GCSEs, BTEC and Functional Skills qualifications. The outdoor programme helps them learn new skills, taste success and build their confidence – as well as enhancing their social skills.

We do not just develop their social skills – we give them a chance to experience and vocational qualifications in areas such as motor vehicle, small animal care and construction which helps them prepare for life.

The school has a dedicated therapeutic team including a speech and language therapist , psychotherapists and an occupational therapist. These professionals work closely with education, care staff and parents to support the pupils in our care.

We are all very proud of our school and would love to share what we do with you. I hope that this website gives you the information you need but please do not hesitate to give us a call if you would like further information or to come and come visit.

Jonathan Sleath – Principal

Jonathan Sleath joined the team in 2018 as Head of Education and was appointed Headteacher in April 2023. He brings over 29 years of experience in education, having initially trained as a Primary Teacher before gaining extensive experience across all phases of mainstream education.

Throughout his career, Jonathan has held a wide range of leadership roles, progressing through to Principal. He is passionate about developing both staff and students and, as Headteacher, is committed to supporting every member of staff to be the best they can be, whatever their role within the organisation.

Outside of education, Jonathan is a keen sports enthusiast. He has completed two marathons and a number of triathlons across different distances. He is also a passionate supporter of Leicester City Football Club.

Ed McDonald – Head of Education

Ed McDonald joined The Grange team in August 2023 as the Head of Education. Ed has worked in Special Educational Needs for over 12 years in a variety of roles including as a residential care worker, science teacher, tutor and Key Stage lead. Ed is passionate about creating an inclusive school environment where pupils have the access and support required to achieve their potential, and that developing relationships built on respect are essential to engagement in a school community.

Ed leads across education for curriculum planning, provision planning, continued professional development and is currently completing the National Professional Qualification for Headship.

Peter Dolan – Deputy heateacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead

Peter Dolan joined the Grange Therapeutic school in 2019 having worked alongside children in care and children detained in a secure unit.

In 2024 he transferred from the Head of Care role to Deputy Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead at the school, alongside a strong safeguarding team, Peter plays a key role in ensuring that every pupil at the Grange feels safe, happy, and supported to be the very best version of themselves. Peter oversees safeguarding, attendance and well-being working closely with pupils, families, and professionals to provide a holistic and child-centred approach to support.

Peter is passionate about championing the needs of children and young people and believe that positive relationships are at the heart of successful outcomes. He works collaboratively with staff and families to help pupils overcome challenges, build confidence, and achieve their individual goals.

With a strong commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing, Peter strives to create an environment where every pupil feels understood, valued, and able to flourish.

Katherine McKenna – Assistant Heateacher/ Quality of education

Katherine McKenna has been a valued member of the school community for over 22 years, having undertaken a wide range of roles throughout her career. She began her journey at the school as a Teaching Assistant before progressing to become a Class Tutor and subsequently a Class Teacher.

Katherine has held a number of leadership responsibilities, including leading what was previously the school’s Lower School site, and has played a significant role in developing Personal Development across the school. In her current role as Assistant Headteacher for Teaching and Learning, Katherine provides strategic leadership for the quality of education, supporting staff to develop their practice and ensuring that pupils receive high-quality, engaging and appropriate learning experiences.

Her extensive experience across a range of roles gives Katherine a strong understanding of the school, its pupils and its community, and she is committed to ensuring that every pupil is supported to make progress and achieve their potential.

Ryan Hurst – Assistant Headteacher/ SENCO

Ryan Hurst joined The Grange Therapeutic School in 2014 as a Teaching Assistant, having previously worked within the school through an agency since 2012. Beginning his journey at the Gables site, Ryan quickly developed a passion for supporting children and young people with a wide range of needs and barriers to learning.

After gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in Primary Education, Ryan continued to develop his leadership and specialist expertise within the school. In 2018, he completed the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO), further strengthening his commitment to ensuring that all pupils receive the individualised support they need to thrive.

As Assistant Headteacher (SENCO), Ryan is dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities that enable every pupil to achieve success both academically and personally.

 

Jo Shepherd – Assistant Headteacher/ The Gables site lead

Laura Runcorn – Clinical Lead

 

Heads of Departments

Emma Sewell- Head of English

David Overfield-Shaw – Head of Maths

Abi York – Head of PE

Jess Ward – Head of Science

Lianne Palmer – Head of KS3

Abi York – Head of KS4

FLOW team

Nichola Johnson – Head of FLOW team/Deputy DSL

Bev Sussmes – FLOW team member

Amy Stedman – FLOW team  member/ Medication lead

Wellbeing team

To help our pupils learn and thrive there is a dedicated wellbeing mentor team.  The team is always available for those who may need some time out or a place to reflect.

The wellbeing Mentors’ primary focus is to support and influence the ‘learning climate’ of the school day.  They are front line interventionalists working with pupils experiencing problems.  They pass information to their professional colleagues to ensure that communication channels are maintained across the disciplines.  They have the responsibility for monitoring all and the recording of incidents throughout the educational day.  They are fully trained in trauma informed approaches such as PACE.

Trends in incidents are produced by the pastoral team for progress meetings so that patterns of behaviour are identified and intervention or support strategies are put into the plac