Mariane Ueckermann

My journey as a teacher commenced in 1989, and it was not long before I discovered that my true passion lay within Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. This led me to complete a diploma in specialised education, followed by a further qualification in neurological impairment. In 2006 I was awarded a Bachelor of Education Honours degree in Special Needs Education. These academic milestones strengthened my professional path and deepened my commitment to the learners who inspire me every day.

Over the course of thirty-three years in education, I have dedicated myself wholeheartedly to SEND. My career has taken me from classroom teaching to Head of Department, and for the past nineteen years I have served as Head of School. In each of these roles, my focus has remained consistent: to empower children to explore, investigate, and learn through curiosity.

I believe strongly that learning must be active and engaging, and that children flourish when their self-esteem is nurtured. Without confidence, they cannot take risks or grow into their full potential.

Among my most rewarding professional achievements are the successful integration of autistic learners into mainstream provision, the development of vocational skills workshops, and the inclusion of children with hearing impairments into the school community. These initiatives were not only practical solutions but also a statement of belief, that every child deserves opportunity, dignity, and the space to thrive. Watching learners grow in these settings and achieve beyond expectation has been one of the greatest highlights of my career.

At the heart of my philosophy is a simple but powerful conviction: every child is valuable. My role as an educator is to create opportunities that allow each learner to recognise this truth for themselves. Whether through academic achievement, vocational learning, or the joy of play, I want every student to know their worth and to carry that confidence into every area of their lives.