Meet the Team
Daley Barber-Allen
Headteacher – GANF
For over 20 years, Daley has worked in the specialist education sector within schools and a further education college in Newcastle Upon Tyne, Northumberland and West Yorkshire. He has worked as a senior leader in specialist education since 2013 and has been the headteacher of two different schools since 2019; an all needs residential specialist school in Northumberland for children and young people aged 3-19 and a large, multi-site specialist academy for autistic children and young people aged 3-19 in Newcastle.
As a specialist school leader, Daley’s values are rooted in the belief that every child and young person can learn and achieve, whatever their abilities or circumstances may be. He is passionate about raising aspirations, changing perceptions and improving the future pathways of people with different abilities and is committed to creating the best possible education and school experience for the entire GANF community.
Kathryn Betts
Designated Safeguarding Lead– GANF
Kathryn has worked for GANF since 2021 and in the safeguarding team since 2023. Before this, she held various management and administration roles within the utilities sector and NHS.
Kathryn is responsible for leading safeguarding across GANF. She is passionate about working together with all stakeholders to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people.
Outside of work, Kathryn enjoys playing ladies cricket and is the welfare officer for her local club.
Rachael Bennett
Deputy Headteacher
For more than 25 years, Rachael has worked within the education sector in a variety of roles.
Developing a holistic approach to education and supporting every child to achieve their potential has been central to Rachael’s ethos, and this is evident within all the teaching, leadership and local authority consultancy roles she has held throughout her career so far.
During her experience within the secondary sector both in the UK and abroad, Rachael has championed and implemented restorative approaches within education, social and emotional programmes as a restorative justice trainer, as well as developing and embedding mentoring approaches across different key stages.
Rachael has led on and supported the writing of national programmes to facilitate social and emotional development, including the social and emotional aspects of learning (SEAL) programme and the National Programme for Specialist Leaders of Behaviour and Attendance (NPSLBA).
Kate White
Deputy Headteacher & Well Being Lead
Kate started teaching at Sandon School in 1998 and continues to be passionate about providing a balanced and holistic education for all of our learners.
She enjoys teaching across all key stages across GANF.
Kate has lead Early Years provision and communication across both campuses for the last 3 years and is also responsible for PMLD provision at Sandon. She is currently leading curriculum with a focus on the ongoing development of a broad, balanced and personalised curriculum for all of our learners at Sandon.
Kate holds a BEd (hons) teaching qualification and a postgraduate certificate in Autism from Northampton University.
Jessica Newcombe
Assistant Headteacher
For over 15 years Jessica has worked in the specialist education sector in the East Midlands. She has previously been Assistant Headteacher in two large special schools and has worked in both the primary and secondary phases.
Jessica’s specialism includes informal and pre-formal learning, and she believes that every child’s education should be fun, engaging, happy, exciting and relevant. Jessica considers everyone to be lifelong learners; there are always new practices and approaches to try which foster a love of learning. Jessica herself holds a doctorate in special education. She enjoys discovering evidence-based practice, using and applying well-researched theoretical approaches to benefit children and young people, whilst supporting the continuous professional development of staff.
Jessica also holds the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leaders (NPQSL) and has completed an instructional coaching course. She aims to create a supportive work environment for staff and values the importance of everyone working together to make school a happy and safe place for all.
In her spare time Jessica enjoys spending time with her four boys, and when she has a chance, she enjoys swimming, running and walking
Ollie Maltby
Assistant Headteacher
Ollie has worked at GANF since 2014. He studied Physical Education (BA Hons) at the University of Bedfordshire.
Ollie is a qualified Team Teach instructor and has supported in schools across the Trust to provide a holistic approach to managing behaviour. His working ethos is to promote physical activity in school due to the benefits on pupils’ mental health and well-being.
Ollie wants to develop a happy atmosphere in which all children are encouraged to cultivate pupils’ responsibility for managing their own behaviour in an appropriate manner to the various situations encountered.
Vicky Chapman
Assistant Headteacher
Vicky has worked at GANF since 2013. She studied at Bishop Grosseteste University, obtaining a (BA Hons) Primary Education with QTS Degree.
Vicky has taught both lower and upper school pupils at Ambergate, which has supported her with her role as Curriculum Lead, ensuring that all pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum in order to progress to the best of their abilities.
Vicky’s time and experience at GANF has allowed her to develop skills and expertise within Special Educational Needs. Her current role as Assistant Head at Ambergate will continue to enable Vicky to have an impact on the teaching, learning and assessment of pupils ensuring that the very best provision is being provided.
Julia Kay
SENDCo– GANF & Assistant Headteacher
With 16 years teaching experience within both mainstream and specialist settings, Julia is a passionate and dedicated educator. Originally from Canada, she has been living and working in the UK since 2008, bringing a global perspective to her approach.
Julia has worked at GANF since 2020, fostering inclusive environments where every child can thrive. In this time Julia has taught Key Stages 3-5, led English and Reading at Sandon, led our UNICEF Right Respecting Schools award work, mentored colleagues and supported pupils and their families as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. Julia also supports the design and implementation of our semi-formal curriculum pathway across both campuses. Committed to professional development, Julia holds the National Professional Qualification for Leading Teaching and is currently working towards both the NPQ for Senior Leadership and the NPQSENCO.
As an Assistant Headteacher and SENDCO, she believes that strong communication and effective teamwork are the cornerstones of successful education. Julia works closely with families, students, and professionals to create tailored strategies that empower learners to reach their full potential.
Known for her caring nature and high aspirations, Julia strives to ensure all students feel valued and supported.
