Samantha Whitford

Samantha Whitford is Deputy Headteacher at Maes Derw, Swansea Pupil Referral Unit. With over 15 years of working within Education Other Than at School (EOTAS) in a variety of roles. Samantha was Head of Centre for 5 years, managing a provision for pupils with anxiety and mental health difficulties. This is where she studied for her masters in Mental Health and Well-being in Education.

Samantha started her career teaching Design and Technology in mainstream and a range of subjects in the Pupil Referral Unit (PRU). Her ability to be a creative and innovative teacher has allowed her to be successful working with disengaged young people. Her passion for the PRU sector has been seen in her drive for the provision to become specialists in social, emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties. Samantha feels that being part of this stakeholder group is a great opportunity and a privilege. To be the voice of such an important area of education, which provides a service for some of the most vulnerable and in need young people.