
Charlotte Van Niekerk – Head of Service
Hello and welcome to The Shires Group. I am the service lead for the two schools (Stretton and Oakham) and three children’s homes (Stretton, Southview, & Little Acre) and two adult homes (Millfield House and Hazel House) that make up our group. I am proud to lead the strategic development of all our services, ensuring the highest quality standards of education and care for all our children and young people.

Jamie Hill – Headteacher
Hello and welcome to Stretton Shires School. I am extremely proud to be the Headteacher at Stretton Shires School. Our aim is to provide exceptional educational experiences to children and young people with Autism who may have once attended larger SEND educational settings and who now need a smaller environment to meet their complex special educational and care needs.
As a school we are passionate about providing high quality educational experiences across and a broad and balanced curriculum. Learning at Stretton Shires School takes place both in and outside of the classroom and we are committed to ensuring every pupil realises their full academic potential while developing the essential social and emotional regulatory skills which will help them to navigate their young and adult lives.

Amy Chipunza – Deputy Head
Hello, my name is Amy, and I am the Deputy Head, and Careers & Employability Lead at Stretton Shires School. I have worked for OFG for 17 years, working with pupils with Autism and additional complex needs, empowering them to reach their full potential. My aim is to make sure that all pupils have the same opportunities and experiences as any other child and young person, and to celebrate their successes throughout their educational journey at Stretton Shires School. We support every pupil on an individualised basis and cater for their personalised needs. I am very passionate about providing high quality education to all pupils to prepare them for their next steps into adulthood and making school fun, engaging and relevant to their lives and aspirations.

Nikki Maltby – SENDCO
I have worked in multiple SEN settings for many years, working with pupils with autism and additional complex needs. I began volunteering in specialist settings while at school and have since become a fully qualified teacher.
I have recently completed a national qualification in leading behaviour and culture. I am proud to have joined The Shires recently, and I am committed to ensuring that every pupil receives quality provision whilst learning in a fun and stimulating environment.

Nicole Rudd – Site Resources Manager
I have been part of The Shires since August 2018. In my role, I cover many departments which include, Maintenance, Kitchen and Housekeeping across The Shires Oakham, Stretton and Stowe Court. My main responsibility throughout all sites is to make sure Health and Safety is at its very best and the students and residents of our settings are kept safe at all times following correct policies and procedures.
My favourite part of working for The Shires is seeing the growth in all aspects in our students and residents and being able to support with this through the areas myself and my team look after.

Hayley Lound – School Senior Administartor
I have recently joined the Shires school and my role is to provide support for the professional leadership and management of the school in partnership with the Senior Leadership Team and teaching staff, with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of the school and improving standards of learning and achievement.
I have worked in education administration and management for over 10 years and feel really proud to be able to play a small part in helping our children and young people to grow, thrive and become ready for adulthood.
The Shires Care Leadership Team

Munya Sachikonye – Registered Manager
My goal and aspirations at The Shires, are to create a safe, nurturing environment for the children and young people in our care, and, for all to have a positive experience, and attain better outcomes before they move to the next chapter in their lives.
I have worked in both the adult and children’s social care sector for over 20 years. I have a Level 5 diploma in Leadership and Management, Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare and a Level 3 Diploma in Adult Social Care. I have been working at The Shires since 2014.

Jessica Wong – Deputy Manager
Hi, my name is Jess and I am the Deputy Manager of the home. I have been working here since September 2015 and I am so proud to be part of a team that goes above and beyond to support our young people to progress and flourish. The best (and worst) part is seeing the young people move into adult homes but knowing that they are stood in good stead for their future.