Desi Lodge-Patch is the headteacher of Woodfields School in Brent, a secondary special school for pupils with moderate and complex learning difficulties. The school holds the full International Award and has specialisms in PE and ICT. The ethos of this school is centred on ‘celebrating success’, as the school passionately believes in rewarding the smallest of steps, empowering pupils to thrive and succeed. During Desi’s time at Woodfield’s the school has been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted on 2 separate occasions.

In 2005 Desi joined the London Leadership Strategy as a consultant leader supporting headteachers in PRU and special schools across London. This enabled her to understand “how to build rapport and effectively support colleagues through coaching and empowerment as a catalyst to change rather than leading it directly”.

Desi has also worked with other PRU and Special School leaders as a member of the support team, identifying the support needs for PRU and Special schools in London and working with the team to ensure the right support is brokered and delivered to schools. Desi states, “building and sustaining positive relationships that foster mutual openness and trust has been my purpose in all my work with LLS.”

As a programme leader Desi has access to a wide network of skilled practitioners and leaders from special schools and PRUs to help lead the system. This will ensure that outstanding expertise is readily available and can be utilised to provide excellent mentoring, coaching and facilitating support.

Desi has a strong commitment and professional interest in children with special needs and is involved in the inclusion of SEN children in mainstream schools across the local authority. Involvement with the Challenge Partnership provides opportunities for her to develop close working relationships with other schools and access the best services for children who need mental health intervention.