Trust Board

Bob Law - Trustee

Safeguarding, Learning and Inclusion

Quality Assurance and Improvement Lead

I have 26 years of Headship, working in Special Schools, PRUs, AC and Mainstream Education. Up until 18 months ago I lead the most successful SEMH Special School in Kent (Goldwyn School). Kent is one of the largest authorities in the UK and has 24 Special Schools. I pioneered local inclusion work with local schools, 60 Primary and 8 Secondary, that achieved zero permanent exclusions for over 12 years. My school was twice rated “outstanding” by Ofsted. Since taking retirement in January 2018 I have continued to work as a NLE independent education consultant and chair three charities: SEBDA, Redhill Trust, KITE and ROOTS.

My background is predominantly in education although in that capacity I have valued the network and relationships shared with colleagues in the health service, social services, psychology services, therapy services, and residential settings. I have extensive experience in working with Pupil Referral Units, Outreach Services and more recently Special Schools. In 2017 I was appointed a National Leader in Education (NLE) for the work carried out within my SEMH Special School, 19 years as Headteacher, and working with other Special Schools in Kent to develop our Teaching School status.

I am honoured and excited to be part of supporting ROOTS as it evolves. As the National picture changes I am glad to be part something that is really addressing this need.

Joanne Read - Chair of Trust Board

Chair of Trustees and Treasurer/Finance

email: chair@roots4learning.co.uk

I am a Chartered Financial Planner and a Fellow of the CII, based in Central London. I provide wealth management advice to clients both within the City and the south east of England.

Prior to joining the financial services industry, I spent several years working for HMRC. As a consequence I have built a strong foundation in tax and financial planning using tax advantaged products, whether these be personal or corporate.

My role in helping ROOTS is supporting an education provision to become financially stable and assessing all business functions. I am the Chair of the Trust Board and endeavour to ensure that ROOTS has a productive and successful future in the Education Industry.

Simon Hughes - Trustee

Premises, Finance and Environment

My business career started in 1999 when I founded an estate agency and Financial Advising businesses. My twenty-three years as an entrepreneur has taught me many skills and life qualities. When you start a business with little funding, you learn to do everything from marketing to accounts to cleaning the offices. I have in-depth knowledge of property and finance and a passion for commercial property, mainly as it is complex and exciting.

I am thrilled and humbled to be a Trustee at ROOTS 4 Learning. I feel I can add value and am keen to see how ROOTS can evolve and serve the local community. It feels the same as when I started in 1999, but it is an industry that can help shape young people's lives.

I am married to Gemma and have three children aged 11, 12 & 14. I firmly believe that every child should have equal opportunity to have a well-rounded education and to progress in life.

Laura Scott - Trustee

Safeguarding and Welfare Lead

Laura is a highly experienced and qualified social worker with over 10 years of service in various local authority teams, including the Disabled Children’s Team, Transition Team, Adult Learning Disabilities and Autism Team, and a Specialist Mental Health Service working in prisons. As a parent of a child with autism, she brings both personal insight and professional expertise to her work. In addition, Laura has trained to teach yoga to children and teens, with a special focus on yoga for children with disabilities.

With her extensive background, Laura understands the critical importance of services like Roots for young people and their families. As both a social worker and a parent, she recognizes the value of accessing specialized support, care, and expertise. She is thrilled to contribute to the growth and development of Roots, helping children successfully access education and the support they need.

Alison Gardiner - Trustee

Curriculum and Development Lead

Alison is a qualified teacher specialising in English, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and Functional Skills. She has worked in a variety of educational environments, including schools, colleges, independent schools, outreach programs, and adult learning settings.

Previously, Alison served as Head of Faculty for Additional Learning Support, ESOL, Functional Skills, Supported Learning, and Libraries at MidKent College. In this role, she collaborated with Rivermead School (Medway) and Grange Park School (Wrotham) to establish a partnership that enabled Key Stage 5 students to access courses at MidKent College while still receiving support from school staff. This initiative achieved a 100% retention and progression rate and remains in place today.