Our Staff

Zoe Thompson, Proprietor, (BA Hons – Social Policy and Administration) is Head of Development, with responsibilities for staff training, the personal development curriculum, liaison with parents and outside agencies. She has a background in health education. As a fully qualified RDI® (Relationship Development Intervention) Consultant, Zoe uses her knowledge and experience of RDI® for the benefit of pupils at the school.

Louise Whalley (B.Ed (Hons), QTS, NPQH) joined the school as Head of Learning in September 2023. Louise is a fully qualified teacher with over 20 years experience working in a range of mainstream settings, many of which within a Senior Leadership role. Her subject specialisms include English, Maths, RE and Inclusion. She has a passion for learning and working with children and young people. Louise is proud to be the Head of Learning at Bright Futures School and working with such a talented and diverse team who share her vision of ensuring all the pupils reach their potential and empower them by recognising and harnessing their strengths, gifts and talents.

With more than 10 years of experience in various early years settings, Lisa has nurtured and supported children with a range of needs including autism. Whilst part of a local home-school cooperative, she planned and delivered educational activities across all areas of the National Curriculum for children from early years through to GCSE level with an emphasis on outdoor learning. She helped to organise team-building opportunities for young people whilst supporting them through their Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze and Silver awards.

Lisa has a strong background in creative writing through her previous work as a writer and copy editor for an advertising agency and a corporate magazine. She combines her knowledge of both English and child development with her enthusiasm for environmental studies in her role as a full-time Learning Mentor at Bright Futures School.

Rosamund Hayes (has a plethora of qualifications including Effective Listening Skills, PTLLS, Health Improvement) and has an extensive background of working with young people including youth volunteering, special constabulary and restorative justice panels for Children’s Social Care. Her vast career has evolved over the years and latterly as a mentor and tutor for Rochdale Connections Trust. Ros has specialised in dealing with mental and social issues of young people and will now be using her nurturing, supporting and coaching skills in delivering a range of activities in her role as a Learning Mentor at Bright Futures School.

Louise Howarth (PGCE, Moving and Handling People Trainer & Assessor) has worked as a Heath & Social Care teacher and freelance trainer since 2008. Louise trained care teams supporting people with learning disabilities and she also taught BTEC courses at a local FE college. Louise specialised in subjects including Moving and Handling People, Safeguarding and Service User Risk Assessment. Prior to this, Louise spent ten years working for a London charity – managing and developing residential services for people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs.

Hayley Coupe (BA Honours English, PGCE, QTS) has taught in both mainstream and special school settings since completing her Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Hayley is an Early Years Specialist who has used her knowledge of early development to support many children with complex needs, including autism, during her time as a teacher. Most recently Hayley delivered an award winning sensory program to young children and now uses her experience, knowledge and creativity as a Learning Mentor at Bright Futures School.

Helen Williams is a former owner and manager of a local private day nursery, with 29 years experience in managing staff and children. Helen has had experience with many children with Autism over the years and has worked with the local authorities to get EHCP plans for funding to be in place for children starting reception.  Her Qualifications include: NVQ level 4 in childcare and education, Level 3 A1 Assessors award for students working in the workplace, SENCO training, Paediatric first aid, Safeguarding and safer recruitment. Helen joined BFS in September 2021 as a part time Learning Mentor.

Helen Savage is a part time Learning Mentor. Helen was part of a local home education cooperative for 14 years, planning and delivering educational activities across all areas of the National Curriculum for children from early years through to GCSE level. She also brings to the learning mentor role her personal experience and knowledge from educating and parenting her own child who has Autism and Dyspraxia.

Helen has completed parental Autism support training in understanding ASD, communication and social issues, behaviour management, sensory needs, sleep issues and anxiety issues. Her background includes an Early Years qualification, childminding and working in the care sector.

Jody Hanlon is a full time Learning Mentor who has just joined the team. Jody has worked with children and young people with special educational needs for over 15 years. She has worked within a specialist school specifically designed for children with Autism and Asperger’s syndrome for the last 10 years as a special support assistant and is now an HLTA. Jody is also qualified in Health and Social Care and is also an ASDAN coordinator. 

Hannah Yates is a recent graduate who has completed a degree in Education and Psychology. She has previously carried out voluntary placements in primary schools working alongside diverse groups of children. Hannah started out at Bright Futures school  as a volunteer and is now a part time learning mentor who works with the children during key skills and humanities.