Our History
Liz and Emma — Co Heads
“Two Heads are better than one”
We first met in 2006 working together for 10 years in a large mainstream school, where we found our professional ethos and values to be strongly aligned. As our careers evolved and after a short period in different educational settings, we came together again to work for a local authority service. Here we provided education in a centre for children and young people who have significant barriers to attendance.
We have both always enjoyed working with children who find education a challenge for a variety of reasons. We passionately believe that for some children the mainstream environment can be a hostile one. In some cases this can create a pattern of trauma and this then impacts on their ability to learn.
The barriers to accessing education can be very complex and hugely challenging for the young person and their families. During our time in a Local Authority service we saw evidence of how, having the right approach, the right staff and the right environment, students can overcome these barriers. We saw young people transform into happy, sociable individuals that reengaged with their learning.
Our Experience
Liz Key
Co-Headteacher & Director
I have 18 years of teaching experience in both mainstream and special educational needs settings. In 2019 I completed my MA in Social Emotional Mental Health difficulties. I am a member of the National Council for SEBDA (Social Emotional Behavioural Difficulties). I am a qualified SENCO, Mental Health First Aider and Counselling at Level 1. In 2021 I also qualified as a Trauma Informed and Attachment Aware Practitioner. My previous job role in a special school setting was as a Mental Health Lead for children with Complex Needs. Prior to that I led and managed a successful provision in a mainstream setting for students at risk of permanent exclusion.
More recently I have worked for a Local Authority and helped to develop a centre for students that had barriers to attendance. Throughout my time in the local authority I gained a valuable insight into the complexities around barriers to attendance. I also have lived experience as a parent going through this and the impact this has. Parents are often left feeling isolated and sometimes blamed for the difficulties they are facing.
As a teacher I have experienced the culture in a large mainstream setting. Rigid behaviourist systems and high pressure expectations can often mean that individual needs are missed. This environment can be distressing for students, their families and also the staff. I have always seen behaviour as communication and believe compassion and empathy are fundamental attributes for every member of staff at Roots.
Emma Foinette
Co-Headteacher & Director
Having come from a dance and performing arts background I have always embraced a creative approach to the curriculum. I am an experienced teacher with a proven track record. I was Head of a successful Dance department and Deputy Head of PE and Performing Arts department for 20 years in a mainstream school achieving outstanding results in GCSE, BTEC and A Levels.
During my teaching career I have established various highly successful integrated projects with a local SEND school. I spent two years delivering CPD in primary and secondary schools working directly with class teachers to look at various ways to support primary and secondary curriculums through a more creative and healthier mind set.
More recently I have led and managed a successful tuition centre for students experiencing barriers to attendance, within a local authority. I completed my Attachment Aware and Trauma Informed Lead training in 2020 which is now fully embedded in my approach to education. I believe practical learning is an essential tool to enhance students' re-engagement with education.
At Roots I am committed to educate differently. We aim to provide opportunities for interactive, immersive learning experiences based on individual students' passion and abilities. We hope to create a safe and happy space where students can then thrive and cultivate a real passion for lifelong learning.
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