Meet Our Central Team
Experienced teachers and leaders who facilitate NPQ and ECT learning, support professional discussion and help participants apply evidence-informed practice in their own settings
About Us
At Spencer Teaching School Hub, we are committed to supporting educators at every stage of their professional journey. We believe in providing a lifetime of opportunities, from those considering a career in teaching through to experienced teachers and leaders looking to further develop their expertise and impact.
Our central team works collaboratively with schools, trusts, curriculum hubs and strategic partners across the region to deliver high-quality professional development, evidence-informed practice and school improvement support. Whether you are exploring a career in education through school experience, apprenticeships, Initial Teacher Training (SCITT), or progressing from Teaching Assistant to Teacher, we are here to help you take the next step.
Our offer spans the full professional pathway, including Thinking About Teaching opportunities, Early Career Teacher and Mentor programmes, Appropriate Body Services, National Professional Qualifications (NPQs), local CPD and leadership development. Through these programmes, we support teachers, leaders and schools to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to improve outcomes for children and young people.
At Spencer Teaching School Hub, we are passionate about building strong partnerships, nurturing talent and ensuring every educator has access to the training, support and opportunities they need to thrive throughout their career.
Supporting Schools Across the East Midlands
Spencer Teaching School Hub serves the schools of Derby, South Derbyshire and Erewash, supporting teachers, leaders and schools through high-quality professional development and school improvement opportunities.
While our designated area covers Derby, South Derbyshire and Erewash, we regularly work with schools, trusts and partners across the East Midlands and beyond.
Central Team
Contact the ECT & Mentor Team
For support with Early Career Teacher and Mentor programmes, induction and registrations, please contact:
Caroline Arnold
Director of ECT & Mentor Programmes
carnold@spencertrust.org.uk
ECTP Team
ecf@spencerteachingschoolhub.org.uk
Contact the Appropriate Body Team
For support with Appropriate Body services, induction and statutory guidance, please contact:
Cara Miles
Deputy Director – Primary
cmiles@spencertrust.org.uk
Appropriate Body Team
Contact the NPQ Team
For support with National Professional Qualifications, funding, eligibility and applications, please contact:
Amy Ford
Director of NPQs
aford@spencertrust.org.uk
NPQ Team
Strategic Board
We would like to thank all our colleagues for committed their time and expertise to the work of the Teaching School Hub and supporting us in how we serve the schools of Derby, South Derbyshire and Erewash.
Dr Alison Hardman
Head of Discipline for Secondary and Post 14 FES Postgraduate Initial Teacher Training and Education (ITT/E)
Jane Starbuck,
Education Improvement Advisor (SEND), Deputy Regional Lead EMSYH at Nottinghamshire County Council, Whole Schools SEND
Fraser Mitchell
Interim Executive Director of Education
Lauren Holmes
Chetwynd Primary Academy LGB, Teaching School Hub Link Governor
Mary Alice Lloyd
Chair, Independent Education Consultant
Lorraine Jackson
Principal of Chetwynd Spencer Academy
Caroline Arnold
Assistant Director of TSH – Director of ITT and ECTP
Cara Miles
Assistant Director of TSH – Director of AB
Associate Member
Tammy Elward
The Derby Research School and Director