Trust Leadership Team
J. Callow - Chief Executive Officer
E. Gilbert - Chief Finance Officer
A. Fugill- Deputy Chief Executive Officer
T. Martin - Governance Officer/Company Secretary
Trust Executive Team
L. Hussey - Executive Head Teacher (Hub 2 Schools)
N. Swait - Senior Director of Learning
D. Saunders - Director of Learning
C. Paul - Trust Safeguarding Officer
Trust Central Office Team
M. Basford - Trust Finance and Procurement Officer
S. Cardew - Trust Operations Officer
D. Little - Trust Payroll Administrator
J.Patterson - Trust HR Administrator
R. Berry - Trust Finance Administrator
C.Vellacott - Trust Procurement Assistant
B.Parnell - Finance Apprentice
K.Willson - Payroll Apprentice
Trust Improvement Team Biography
Neil Swait
Neil Swait is the Senior Director of Learning. Neil has worked in primary education for over 25 years. He is an experienced teacher, who has taught in the early years, key stage 1 and key stage 2. Neil has extensive senior leadership experience in schools, including headship. His qualifications include the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH); a Master’s in Education (leadership & management); and the Professional Qualification for School Inspector (PQSI). Neil also holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Primary Education (PGCE). In addition to his role for the An Dara's Multi Academy Trust, Neil also works closely with several other trusts, federations and individual schools undertaking school improvement work, which includes leading inspections for Ofsted.
Neil is responsible for providing high quality leadership mentoring and support for school leaders in order to secure effective school performance, including consistently strong outcomes for pupils. Neil’s work with schools regularly includes visits to lessons, work scrutiny and discussions with staff and pupils. He also checks on the implementation and impact of trust wide school improvement initiatives. In addition to this, Neil routinely plans and leads bespoke staff training that is led by the specific needs identified by the trust schools. Neil reports directly to the Board of Directors and the Trust CEO.
Deborah Saunders
Deborah holds a BA (Hons) and Masters in Primary Education (MA). Deborah began teaching in inner city Southampton, teaching across the primary phase. After teaching in Plymouth, Deborah moved to Primary Leadership roles in Launceston.
Deborah completed the National Professional Qualification in Headship (NPQH) and for many years undertook the role of Key Stage One external moderator for Cornwall and Devon LA. Deborah has been a programme facilitator and assessor on the National Professional Qualifications, and has been awarded the National Professional Qualification in Executive Leadership (NPQEL). Deborah is also a Fellow for the Chartered College of Teaching (FCCT) and Deborah facilitates the teacher training programme (SCITT) for An Daras.
As a Director of Learning, maintains a overview of the Trust wide teaching, learning and assessment systems and processes. Deborah also provides instructional coaching and mentoring support to leadership and teachers as well as providing regular training for schools keeping them updated with the latest educational research. Deborah leads the Trust Sustainability Working Party and regularly engages with external partners.
Deborah supports a team of Trust subject leaders and Visible Learning Impact Coaches.Deborah leads the Trust wide 'Visible Learning' improvement programme across all of our schools, providing training and bespoke support to staff on the 'Visible Learning' approach and has supported schools through working with 'Thinking Matters' with a focus on metacognition. Having helped the Trust secure 'Visible Learning Partner School Status' Deborah presents on a local, national and global platform. Deborah is a part of governance in other schools and Trusts.
All Deborah's improvement work is undertaken under the direction of the Trust CEO and evaluations are provided which support the Trust leadership and Board with decision making and accountability.