Our Team
Nikki Doughty
Deputy Head Teacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Nikki qualified as a teacher in 2006 and after several years in exclusive mainstream schools, moved to a primary setting which included an integrated Autism base. She spent 13 years there working closely with the Autism Team and found her career interests becoming mainly SEN focused. Nikki also has extensive experience as a Forest School Leader and outdoor learning, as well being a qualified PE specialist with training in a variety of sports and coaching qualifications.
Nikki’s passion for Special Needs teaching, and most specifically Autism, is apparent through her extensive experience and qualifications including Level 1and 2 Autism Awareness Training, Understanding PDA, Attachment, Anxiety and Supporting Sensory needs. Following this training and experience, the obvious next step for Nikki was to move to a complete SEN school setting.
Nikki started at Our Place school in 2021 and soon moved into the role of Assistant Head and then into the role of Deputy Head of Education from September 2023. Since joining Our Place School Nikki has been integral in the redesigning and developing a new Whole School Curriculum and Assessment process which ensures a rich, broad and bespoke curriculum is available for all students. Nikki has also been involved in the recent expansion of Our Place School and the increase in day students, as well as mentoring new staff and newly qualified teachers. She is currently undertaking an NPQ course in Senior Leadership which will be complete in early 2025.
Lisa
Early Help Lead & Thrive Practitioner
Lisa is the Thrive and Early Help Lead at Our Place School, where she works closely with staff, students, and families to create a nurturing, emotionally supportive environment. With many years of experience in education and nine years as a qualified Thrive Practitioner, she brings together a deep love of neuroscience and a strong passion for mental health to guide her practice.
Lisa is dedicated to helping young people feel safe, understood, and ready to learn, while also supporting staff and families to build consistent, compassionate approaches around each child. Her work is rooted in the belief that strong relationships and emotional awareness can transform outcomes for learners.
Outside of work, Lisa loves all things spooky and cherishes spending time with her family.
“My purpose is simple: to help every person I meet feel seen, supported, and able to thrive.”
Sam
Class Teacher
Originally from South Africa, Sam is a passionate and caring educator who brings a unique blend of cultural richness, a wealth of teaching experience and teaching expertise to the classroom. She brings a vibrant and bubbly energy to the classroom, creating an environment where learning is both fun and meaningful. Known for her high expectations and commitment to excellence, she believes that every student can achieve great things with the right support.
In her classroom, Sam combines clear rules and boundaries with a nurturing approach, ensuring that students feel safe and respected while being challenged to reach their full potential. Her sense of humor and engaging teaching style make learning an enjoyable experience, and she is dedicated to fostering both academic success and personal growth in her students.
Her dedication to providing an outstanding teaching and learning experience is evident in the way she engages with her students, blending fun and creativity with a deep commitment to academic excellence. Sam is excited to continue inspiring and guiding her students, helping them grow both academically, socially and emotionally.
Jo
Class Teacher
Before joining Our Place School in 2023, Jo spent six years working in adult SEND care homes. During this time, Jo earned her Level 3 QCF in Health and Social Care and obtained a Higher Education Certificate in Autism Awareness from Coventry University. Jo went on to achieve a BSc in Psychology with Developmental Disorders, which she completed with first-class honours from the University of South Wales.
Jo has worked in several large SEND schools in Cardiff and placements in an early intervention clinic for children with significant communication difficulties. It was here that Jo gained valuable insights into the profound connection between behaviour and communication.
Jo holds a Level 2 Playwork Certificate. Jo believes play fosters creativity, social interaction, and emotional growth, providing a holistic approach to education.
Jo is also proud to share that she is autistic (Level 1, formerly Asperger’s). This personal experience allows Jo to empathise with our students and some of their struggles, whilst maintaining high expectations, believing in their potential to succeed not only academically but in developing essential social and living skills in a supportive environment.
Nathan
Class Teacher
Nathan started at Our Place school in early 2025. His teaching career has spanned almost 25 years and he has dedicated his time in helping SEN students to do their very best in their independence, communication, behaviour, regulation and education. Nathan has experience in organising residential trips, youth clubs and art exhibitions. His last art exhibition was at the Worcester Cathedral in the Summer 2023 in which he curated a ‘Daisy Chain’ installation for the circular Chapter House room within the Cathedral. SEN Schools across the Worcester, Hereford and Shropshire counties decorated daisy pictures which were then joined together around the circular room to make a daisy chain. Being a student focused teacher Nathan believes that by getting to know student’s individual characters and their specific needs in education, their triggers, likes and dislikes is paramount to their success.