Dr Kathy holds a LL.B., Masters and Doctorate in Social Science (Criminology) from the University of Cambridge and worked for many years as a policy researcher and research fellow in education. She is the co-author of two books for school staff on “Engaging Parents” (Bloomsbury, 2018;2020) and a sought-after keynote speaker. In 2018, she founded Tooled Up Education: a digital library of evidence-based resources for parents and teachers, on all aspects of parenting, education and family life.
Dr Weston works with a team of researchers who collaborate with some of the world’s most eminent researchers. By having access to the most up-to-date research findings, Tooled Up is able to bridge the world of research with real-life by curating and developing usable tips, activities and advice that can empower parents or those who work with children. This unique, digital library grows in response to requests from schools and parents, making it a powerful hub of most relevant content in the educational space today.
Go to www.tooledupeducation.com to read more about her work.
Jason Whiskerd is a recently retired Head Teacher with a range of skills and experience honed across 30 years as an educator. He is committed to developing staff as leaders, and he has an excellent knowledge of all types of schools within the sector, having also been involved at board level for both IAPS and ISC and a trusted voice in the educational press. He has been a Head Teacher in two Prep Schools and overseen significant change and development, resulting in huge growth of pupil numbers and development of facilities.
Alongside this, he is a visiting lecturer for the University of Buckingham, PGCE Tutor and a coach and mentor to Headteachers. Jason brings a significant insight into the sector and has a great interest in developing all personality types and building positive school culture.
Jason is very aware of the vital dynamic between parents, governors and school leaders, and he has developed a communication style which is open, honest and engaging. He also has a keen sense of humour, and is a fierce advocate of all Heads developing a sustainable balance between work and play.
Dr. Kief Ho holds a Master’s degree in Special and Inclusive Education from University College London and a PhD from Buckinghamshire New University, where his research focused on quality of life. He also contributes as a guest lecturer for the BA Education degree programme at the university.
With extensive teaching and leadership experience in the special education sector, Dr. Ho previously served as executive headteacher of a special school with an outreach provision. He is currently the executive principal at Octavia House Schools in London, a specialist provision with multiple sites, supporting pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs, many of whom have experienced adverse childhood experiences.
In addition to his leadership role, Dr. Ho serves as a governor at Beaudesert Lower School in Bedfordshire, where he is a member of the School Improvement and Finance committees. He also supports the development of the school’s SEND and inclusive practices.
His work is driven by a commitment to fostering environments where every pupil can thrive, informed by both academic research and hands-on experience in educational leadership.
Go to www.ohs.uk to read more about Octavia House Schools.
Emily has extensive experience supporting young people, families, and professionals as an integrative therapist, trainer, and senior leader.
Beginning in private practice, after completing a master’s degree in Dramatherapy, Emily supported children who were facing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and adults who had experienced developmental trauma. Emily’s work evolved to working alongside families and couples following further therapy training specialising in these areas.
Emily is a senior trainer and regional lead for Trauma Informed Schools UK (TISUK), training senior leaders, teaching staff, educational psychologists and CAMHS practitioners in a trauma-informed model.
Emily had the opportunity to join Octavia House Schools, an independent group of sector-leading therapeutic schools, when it opened in 2013 and she remains on the senior leadership team now. She is responsible for establishing practical models - rooted in the most up to date research - and structures to support staff, alongside creating a culture that is always therapeutic and trauma responsive, ensuring that it is an environment where all pupils can thrive when this was not possible in mainstream or other alternative educational settings. Octavia House Schools has maintained an Ofsted rating of outstanding since 2013.
Emily is passionate about equipping parents and staff with evidence, tools, and resources to empower them to provide meaningful interventions that best support young people and their families.
Mike Crossley retired as Headmaster of Langley Preparatory School in 2022.
With over 25 years’ experience as a senior manager in three leading schools, and fourteen years as a Head, Mike offers a wealth of knowledge in the world of education in general and has recently started additional work as a freelance mental health instructor for a leading mental health trust.
Mike is also a much practised ISI school Inspector, experienced leadership and middle management trainer and he qualified as a Head through the government’s National Professional Qualification for Headship scheme via the National College of School Leadership. He is also an ILM Level 7 executive coach and mentor who is currently working with newly appointed Heads for IAPS.
Dai Preston is Headteacher of Arnold Lodge School (a co-educational independent all-through day school for pupils aged 4-18) and Executive Headteacher of Stratford Preparatory School (a co-educational Preparatory School for pupils aged 2-11). Dai has been Headteacher of Arnold Lodge since 2016 and, in that time, the school has grown from 164 pupils to 480 (and is now at maximum capacity). Dai is also an ISA Director and a Team Inspector with ISI.