SPOTLIGHT ON…

KERRY ROBERTS, INTERVENTION MANAGER, THE COSTELLO SCHOOL

What does a typical day look like to you and what are you currently working on?

A typical day sees me up at 5am to sort the dogs; then I wake up my son and make sure he’s ready for school. He is in Year 11 and this is an important year for him. When you work with the emotional needs of the young people, no two days are the same. I have a small tutor group and I prepare them for the day ahead then organise work for students and coordinate with the Pastoral team. I work closely with the student wellbeing Assistant Head, Senior Inclusion leader, Pastoral Leaders and SENco, as well as the teaching staff that teach in the Student Support Centre.

What 3 words would you use to describe your role?

Empathic, rewarding, busy.

What is on your wish list for the next five years at BET?

I would like to see myself progress and provide my family with the absolute best life possible.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

My own children are the biggest motivators and the main reason I decided to go back and study as a counsellor - to be better equipped to support our young people. I get up every morning to keep working hard for our young people but also for myself; I get huge amount of job satisfaction by helping others.

How would you describe your day job to a child?

I support young people with many different SEMH needs. I listen to the them about the things they find challenging in life.

What is your biggest achievement to date, personal or professional?

Personal would be my life in the dog show world. I exhibit and breed Pointers and I am a KC judge for Gundogs and Toys. I am hugely proud that this year I am 7th top Pointer breeder and my dog is 2nd top pointer in points with Southern Pointer Club. My homebred pointer was placed at Crufts 2019.

What’s your favourite line from a film?

‘Toto, I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”

What do you like most about your job?

I work with the most amazing young people. When you see the penny drop and they start making positive changes, that’s the most rewarding part.

What are your biggest professional challenges? Not enough time – I need to clone myself.

What’s your personal mantra?

You’re never fully dressed without a smile.