Pinderfields Hospital School

Cathy Smith - Teacher in Charge, DSL and SENCO

Cathy has over 25 years’ experience in Early Years education, both in mainstream and specialist provision. Prior to working in education, Cathy worked for the NHS in Physiotherapy, in neurology and mental health. Whilst gaining her teaching degree, she specialised in Early Years and communication and language development, which is an area that she has always taken a particular interest in. During her employment in mainstream provision, she was the school lead on PSHE, P.E and the Foundation Stage Co-ordinator. Since joining the PRU, she has qualified as a SENCO and has her NPQEYFS. She was invited to take part in the DFE “catch-up” programme and was given the role of Early Years expert, which saw her advising other schools in developing communication and language in their Early Years settings. Cathy has a particular interest in children that have a diagnosis of Multi-Sensory Impairments (MSI) and to this end is a qualified intervenor. Her passion is working with children with complex presentations. She feels very privileged to be the Teacher in Charge at the Early Years Assessment Centre.

Gary Dyas - Premesis Supervisor