Nicola McDonald, Head Teacher
Hi, I am Nicola McDonald, I am the Head Teacher for Holistic Childcare and Education Schools based in Lochmaben and Closeburn. It is my privilege to work with the young people and the whole team here, I am passionate about supporting our young learners to achieve their fullest potential and to build the foundations of better outcomes for each of them. I believe the key to achieve this goal is to place relationships at the centre of everything we do. I am committed to maintaining positive, effective relationships with the entire school community, from pupils to parents, carers and education professionals – relationships which are key to ensuring our pupils receive the very best education and go on to lead happy, fulfilling lives.
Grace Little, Head of Care
Hi, I am very pleased to introduce you to myself. I am Grace Little. I have worked across numerous roles here for over 14 years. Through continuous workplace training and stepping outside comfort zone on occasion I was offered the role of Registered Manager in 2018, the rest so to speak is history. I love the role and work within a team of dedicated staff at Closeburn House and Maben House where we all strive to deliver outstanding support and care to all our young people. I look forward to sharing our journey in the future with you.
Julie McNairn, Registered Manager at Closeburn House
Hi, I’m Julie. I am the Residential Manager at Closeburn House. I have supported in this home for almost five years and have grown in knowledge and experience along with many of those that I have supported. I believe that through a person centered, therapeutic approach, we can truly empower our young people to believe in the beauty of their dreams and support successfully in making these come true. I have a passion for making a transformational difference in young people’s lives. With our nurture-based approach, I believe we can victoriously support our young people to successfully learn and grow, to build on their confidence and self-esteem and effectively make their way in the world. I actively encourage positive growth, providing an empowering environment enabling both staff and children to believe in themselves and their achievements.
Alison Goodman-Vaughan, Deputy Head Teacher
Hi, I am Alison Goodman-Vaughan, I am the Deputy Head for Holistic Childcare and Education. Working with the team and the young people here is an honor. Every day is different, and I thrive on the challenges this brings. My focus is on the students and their wellbeing, I believe that every student can unlock their potential if supported and motivated appropriately. I work closely with our school community to ensure that students are supported by everyone involved in their care. This allows students to access their education more effectively and they can go on to achieve to their highest potential.
Iain Owens, Relations & Admissions Manager
I’m Iain and in my role as Relations & Admissions Manager, I help both Local Authorities and parents/carers who want to place children and young people in our schools and home. This involves guiding parents and carers through the sometimes complex and lengthy process of submitting a placing request, or assessing the needs of a young person to see if we can meet their needs.
I’ve previously worked in fostering for over 9 years, and in education and care for the last few years so really understand the need for good education and care for young people. I thoroughly enjoy helping parents, carers and Local Authorities access the provision their young people need, knowing it will make a huge difference to their lives.
Vicky Freeman – Clinical Wellbeing and Locality Lead (Scotland) and Occupational Therapist
I’m Vicky and I have been working as an Occupational Therapist since 2006. I have a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy and I’m registered with HCPC. I also have a Post Graduate Certificate in Sensory Integration and am a Certified Practitioner in this.
My background is predominantly in paediatrics and I have a special interest in Autism and neurodivergence. I have worked in the NHS for many years and in private practice providing specialist support to young people with autism and both physical and mental health needs.
Occupational Therapy promotes meaningful occupations, independent living skills and supports young people to do the things that are important to them. Occupational Therapy impacts positively on mental and physical health and supports young people to participate fully in day-to-day life.
I work with young people to set goals around the things that matter to them and look at the routines, environment and skills needed to support their success in them, and am committed to promoting a positive attitude towards autism and neurodivergence and supporting young people to meet their potential.
Michael James – Psychotherapist
I’m Michael, and I’m a Psychotherapist with over 25 years experience and I’m registered with the BACP as a full practicing member, having also gained a master’s degree in Integrative Psychotherapy.
I have worked within residential care and schools for over 20 years, gaining a practical and theoretical understanding of children with ASC and SEMH, and use this knowledge to work within our ‘Ask, Accept and Develop’ (AAD) approach. This approach recognises that despite underlying shared traits, autistic individuals are vastly different to one another, and it ensures that children of all abilities have been considered and included.
I’ve delivered several programmes of Reflective Practice and Trauma Informed Practice to those supporting children and young people with additional needs.
Gillian Allan – Educational Psychologist
I’m Gillian and I am an Educational Psychologist supporting our Scottish Hub of services. I have over 10 years of experience as an Educational Psychologist working across a range of contexts. I have been an Educational Psychologist in Local Authorities where I supported Nurseries, Primary and Secondary Schools and Complex Needs Provisions, and I have also worked in Residential Schools supporting care, education and therapy teams. I recently completed a Diploma in Therapeutic Life Story Work and I am a Chartered Educational Psychologist, registered with HPCP.
Educational Psychologists aim to promote the inclusion, wellbeing, attainment and positive destinations of all children and young people through applied psychology. I am passionate about supporting neurodiverse inclusivity and promoting attachment informed and trauma sensitive practice.