Mr Thorsteinsson has a long senior management history in specialist education, particularly in autism schools and services. He has even opened a school for autism in Saudi Arabia. He is passionate about delivering a strong, effective and well resourced provision, which is planned individually to ensure the best short-through to long-term outcomes.

Toby Oakley joined Wilds Lodge School in February 2023, bringing over 20 years of expertise in supporting young people with additional needs across fostering, residential, and educational settings. Toby has extensive experience leading services for young people with additional needs as a Head of Services, combined with 5 years dedicated to workforce and leadership development in education. Toby’s commitment is deeply personal, fueled by his own experiences supporting his children with complex needs and a passion for empowering those who are often unheard.

Paul Clair began his career as a maths teacher at a mainstream secondary school in Southwark, Southeast London. In the late nineties, he transitioned into special education and has since accumulated over 20 years of senior leadership experience, including serving as the head teacher of a special school in Hertfordshire. Paul has also worked as a behaviour and outreach consultant for Bedfordshire, gaining extensive knowledge in special school leadership across both primary and secondary sectors. In November 2022, he joined Wilds Lodge School as the Head of Education.  

With over ten years of dedicated experience as a Designated Safeguarding and Mental Health Lead in mainstream schools, Sally Skipsey brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in safeguarding and pastoral care. In 2021, Sally joined Wilds Lodge School as the Head of Compliance and Designated Safeguarding Lead. She believes in the importance of proactive intervention and support to ensure that learners receive the help they need as soon as possible. By addressing potential problems at an early stage, Sally works to create a safer and more supportive environment for all learners.

Becky McSharry joined Wilds Lodge School in March 2010 and has since progressed through several roles, starting as a Children and Young Persons Support Worker before moving into leadership as Deputy Team Leader, Team Leader, Deputy Head of Care and now Head of Care. Becky is highly trained, with a Postgraduate Certificate in Asperger’s Syndrome, an NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care, and an NCFE Level 2 in Team Leading. She has also undertaken specialised training in Social Stories, the SCERTS Model, and LEGO-based therapy, among others. Becky is a dedicated member of the Safeguarding team and brings a wealth of knowledge to her role, helping to support young people with complex needs.

With a career spanning over 35 years in Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools, Mary Rennie has journeyed from hands-on roles in residential care to senior leadership positions, including managing pastoral care and coordinating Teaching Assistants. Her experience in stakeholder support and providing family guidance is enhanced by her qualifications as a certified counsellor. Additionally, her membership with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) underscores her commitment to professional growth and supporting staff development within the educational sector.