Meet the Team
With the highest expectations and aspirations for each individual person who learns at the centre, the team are dedicated and committed professionals who are clear about their roles and responsibilities to keep young people safe, supported and catered for as individuals.The Pioneers' staff team are experts in their fields and have a range of experience dealing with alternative provision and special education. Every adult at The Pioneers’ Centre pledges to drive forward a mantra of positivity and progress, whatever this may look like for young people in their care.
Denise Henderson, Director of Alternative Provision, Lionheart Educational Trust
Denise is responsible for all of Lionheart Educational Trust’s alternative provision across Leicestershire, including The Pioneers’ Centre. Previously Assistant Principal at Judgemeadow Community College, Denise has experience of managing the school’s on-site alternative provision unit, The Meadows.
The rest of the Pioneers' Centre team comprises:
| Julia Patrick | Executive Principal |
| Richard Elderton | Head of Centre / Team Leader |
| Claire Simpson | Assistant Director of Science / Curriculum Lead |
| Dan Quiones | Assistant Director of Maths |
| Elaine Pye | Teacher of English |
| Mick Hall | Behaviour Mentor |
| Grace Ojo | Pastoral Mentor |
| Monika Hollingsworth | Emotional Literacy Support Assistant / Food Unqualified Teacher |
| Lois Mugglestone | Administration Assistant / Hair and Beauty Unqualified Teacher |
| Nicola Bullock | Learning Support Assistant |
| Linzi Harris | Learning Support Assistant |
| Sophie Maine | Special Educational Needs Lead |
| Liza Ricciardi | Design Technology Teacher / Interventions Support |
| Jo Wilton | Counsellor |
| Emma Ashford | Premises Officer / Bus Driver |
| Clair Saye | Prince's Trust |
| Andy Smith | Construction |
In addition, we use the expertise of a number of qualified Trust staff in various subject areas as required.