Meet Hayley
With over 20 years of experience in safeguarding, I have dedicated my career to protecting children and creating safer environments. I have held a range of leadership roles, including Class Teacher, Pastoral Care Lead, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Deputy Head Teacher, Acting Head Teacher and Director of Safeguarding for a Primary Academy Trust. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of child protection from both operational and strategic perspectives.
Currently, as an Education Safeguarding Manager, I work with schools and local authorities to strengthen safeguarding policies and practices. I provide training and guidance to Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and school staff, helping them identify risks, respond effectively, and foster a culture of professional curiosity. My work ensures that safeguarding remains a priority at every level of education.
Holding a Master’s degree in Advanced Child Protection, I bring academic depth to my practice. Beyond my direct work with schools, I contribute to the wider safeguarding conversation as a guest speaker at global conferences and podcasts, sharing insights on best practices and emerging challenges in child protection.
My passion lies in empowering professionals with the knowledge and confidence to safeguard children, ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive in a safe environment. I hold qualifications in:
Advanced Solution Focused Practice (BRIEF)
Life Coaching
Self-Care and Grief
TQUK Level 2 Counselling Skills (RQF)
Public Speaking
I also offer Reflective Talk Sessions, creating a safe and welcoming environment where you can openly share your experiences, connect, and find validation for your emotions. These sessions are inspired by Maya Angelou’s powerful vision of being a 'rainbow in someone’s cloud,' offering a sense of comfort and hope. With my experience and expertise, I provide compassionate guidance to help you navigate your thoughts, emotions, and challenges, while fostering a deeper sense of self-understanding and connection.
I was honoured to receive the Partner of the Year Award 2023, recognising the vital work of ensuring a safe educational environment for The London Brough of Sutton’s children. Advocacy for those who cannot speak for themselves has been central to my efforts, and I am proud to have contributed to strengthening local safeguarding procedures. Through initiatives such as developing a reflective safeguarding supervision offer and developing accessible training resources, I have aimed to support schools in their commitment to child protection. It is especially meaningful to see our safeguarding partnerships recognised as the best in the greater London area, reaffirming the importance of collaboration in safeguarding young people.
The Power Of Networking - Always Leaning, Better Together
Beyond my professional pursuits, I am deeply committed to fostering meaningful connections and nurturing relationships by openly sharing my personal experiences and journey. I believe that authentic storytelling has the power to bridge gaps, inspire others, and create a sense of unity. My passion for community-building stems from the belief that genuine human connections can drive both personal and collective transformation.
I actively seek opportunities to engage with others, whether through networking, collaborative projects, mentorship, or heartfelt conversations. I value the exchange of ideas and perspectives, recognising that diversity in thought and experience enriches our understanding of the world. By cultivating an environment of trust, empathy, and shared growth, I aim to empower individuals to reach their potential while also deepening my own learning and self-awareness.
For me, relationships are more than just interactions, they are the foundation of progress, resilience, and fulfilment. I am committed to creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued, fostering a sense of belonging that extends beyond professional connections into lasting, meaningful relationships.