Fiona Copeland

Executive Headteacher, Perseid School

ITT Lead for MSTA

Perseid School, an outstanding (OFSTED 2009, 2012 and 2015) special school in the London Borough of Merton meets the needs of learners aged 3 – 19 with severe, profound and complex learning difficulties, including those with an additional diagnosis of autism. The school is accredited by the National Autistic Society and is a National Teaching School. The school was designated a specialist school for communication and interaction by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust.

During my 28-year career in education as a teacher and school leader I have worked in special and mainstream settings in London, with my primary motivator being the best possible educational outcomes for children and young people.

Qualifications:
2002: Master’s degree in (Special) Education from The University of Birmingham. Adding to my first degree and postgraduate certificates in education, I returned to studying in my 30s, gaining much challenge and enjoyment.

In 2013 I began a journey which is not yet complete, when I achieved my NLP (Neoro Linguistic Programming) Practitioner Certificate, adding my NLP Master Practitioner in 2016. These new skills have enabled me to develop my work in coaching, and my commitment to supporting colleagues working in public service to achieve their best and happiest state of wellbeing.

Areas of Specialism:
Safeguarding and Child Protection as a Designated Safeguarding Lead with 20 years of experience and including as special school safeguarding representative on Merton Safeguarding Childrens’ Board.

Initial Teacher Training, and Newly Qualified Teachers mentoring and support programmes, in school over many years and with London South Bank University and Kingston University London via lectures, University Based Mentoring and as a member of partnership boards.
Professional Development and School Improvement Planning, leading the school to offer unrivalled development opportunities with clear impact on standards of teaching and learning.

Emotional Literacy has always remained at the heart of my career and I currently run special and mainstream book groups with a focus on discussing and understanding emotionally challenging topics.

Leading, managing and being part of teams – essential in all schools and an area I continue to love.

 Any questions please email msta@perseid.merton.sch.uk or phone 02086489737 (Upper School option)