learning support assistant

shift leader

teacher

mathematics teacher

english teacher

Yarrow-Heights-School

During my time at Yarrow Heights School, I had the opportunity to work alongside some genuinely dedicated educators and staff members, all striving toward the commendable goal of providing quality education. Unfortunately, my experience was significantly marred by overarching management practices and a prevailing workplace culture that, in my view, did not foster a safe or conducive environment for all staff members.

One of the most pressing issues was the feeling of being consistently undermined. Suggestions and feedback, rather than being welcomed as opportunities for improvement, often seemed to fall on deaf ears or, worse, lead to subtle repercussions. This created an atmosphere where sharing innovative ideas or expressing concerns became daunting tasks rather than parts of a collaborative effort toward excellence.

Additionally, there appeared to be a lack of open communication channels between the senior staff and the rest of the team. Decisions were frequently made in a vacuum, with little to no input from those who would be most affected by them. This unilateral approach to decision-making fostered a sense of exclusion and underscored the perception that there was a "closed shop" mentality at play — where only the opinions of a select few were valued.

Compounding these issues was the pervasive sense that one's professional growth and opportunities within the school were disproportionately influenced by personal favoritism rather than merit, dedication, and capability. Such an environment, where "if your face fits, you're in" seems to be the unspoken rule, inevitably leads to disillusionment and a feeling of stagnation among talented staff members who find themselves on the outside looking in.

Most crucially, these dynamics do not contribute to a safe working environment. When staff members feel undermined, are not adequately communicated with, and witness a culture of favoritism, it undermines trust and security. A safe working environment, both physically and psychologically, is fundamental, and when this foundation is shaky, it impacts not just the staff but the very students we are all there to serve.

In reflecting upon my tenure, I believe that for Yarrow Heights School to thrive and unlock the full potential of its staff and students, a cultural shift is essential. Opening lines of communication, valuing each staff member's input, and fostering an environment where merit and initiative are recognised above all else could pave the way for a more inclusive, productive, and ultimately successful institution.

I offer these reflections not as an indictment, but in the hope that they may contribute to positive changes moving forward — for the benefit of current and future staff and the community that Yarrow Heights School serves.


I have worked in schools for the last 12 years and this is by far the best school I have worked in.
The majority of the staff take pride in their jobs, giving the pupils the best chance of becoming highly effective learners. The opportunities that the school gives to our pupils, is outstanding! These opportunities will help them blossom into confident individuals who should be able to thrive when they leave.
The leadership team are very supportive of their staff and try to adapt to support as much as is feasibly possible. This is the most generous working environment I have been in, with many incentives given to staff regularly including an amazing array of lunch, free to staff every day (which is financially a welcome incentive to most in these tough times).
Flexibility around non work related issues, is given and more often than not, supported. 
Every year, we have received a cost of living pay rise, which they have not been obliged to give us, but do. 
The pupils are safe and supported well with trained staff. Watching these pupils thrive has been a reward in itself and seeing the improvement in their engagement and learning is a testament to the staff and the school in a whole. 
Fantastic place to work!

I enjoy working at Yarrow Heights; a school which is so much more than that.
Students and their families are well supported by a dedicated, knowledgeable and adaptable MDT. Resources are in abundance and if you can demonstrate a genuine need for something it is provided.
Departmental relationships are positive, with the SLT and ELT  visibly present throughout the school. Twice daily whole staff briefings allow for the sharing of info, ideas and approaches to improve the life of the students. 
Like most companies CPD has moved to a virtual platform, but face to face safeguarding training was invaluable, it sets a clear message. The safeguarding leads are readily accessible and are a knowledgeable cohort, who take time to listen, and provide guidance, direction and feedback on concerns raised.
The niggles with YHS are minimal and not worth airing here as they are role specific. However I know I can raise them and be listened to but do not expect everything always to be in my favour.
I love working at YHS; my work/life balance has never been so good and I recommend them as employers.


As an employee, I would describe this school as an average place to work. The staff are generally friendly and supportive, and there is a reasonable sense of teamwork across most departments. Management communicates important information, although at times there can be delays or a lack of clarity around certain decisions.

The workload is manageable for the most part, but there are periods when expectations can feel a little high given the resources available. The school provides the basic tools needed to do the job effectively, though some facilities and systems could benefit from improvement. Opportunities for professional development exist, but they are not especially extensive.

Students are generally well-behaved, and most parents are cooperative, which helps create a fairly positive working environment. While the school has its strengths and weaknesses, it is neither exceptional nor particularly problematic. Overall, it is a decent workplace that offers stability and a satisfactory experience, but there is room for improvement in several areas.

iam a student at yarrow heights and these reviews do not reflect life at yarrow heights. yarrow heights has helped many young people like me to attend school and develop new skills. from my perception, the staff at yarrow heights are all treated equally and the work environment is very relaxed. the slt team at the school are the most beautiful and caring team ever. they will listen to anyone, and whatever they have to say, even if they are busy. this school has shaped my life in a way i can’t describe and i couldn’t be more grateful for my place at yarrow heights. 

this school is also helping my college transition and only few schools do this. so no, free lunches aren’t the only positive thing about the school. the staff, the support, the environment, the students, the amazing understanding of the needs of students, the forgiveness, and the genral school itself.

i can’t comprehend how amazing this school has been. sometimes i question if i would still be here if i didn’t have the people and the place to go to everyday. thank you yarrow heights. 

I am currently working with some of the best teachers and therapy staff I have ever worked with. However, due to the ridged thinking and attitude from SLT, spirts and dreams are squashed. 
SLT believe it’s their way or the highway. No one feels they have any job security, if you dare disagree with a decision made my SLT, your life is made very difficult. 
The children should thrive at the school, and they do for the best part. But this is due to the fantastic teaching team constantly putting out fires that SLT have caused.
Friends are promoted and family given jobs that aren’t advertised. Making for an unsafe working environment which screams safe guarding. 
They give you a great sales pitch. The schools sounds fantastic. But a little over a year of working here and I am looking for a new job. It’s so sad. It has the makings of a fabulous school. Just needs to remove the SLT team. 


Yarrow Heights is an amazing school to work in. I have been working there for just over 2 years and have never had a day where I have not wanted to go in. The whole staff team are amazing, like one big family. Progression is definitely possible if you work hard and want it. Support is given when needed at any time during the working day. SLT's door is always open and they are very supportive. If you have any outside commitments which may result in time off for important appointments, these are always supported. The best part about working here is the fact that everyone is so friendly and we truly work as one big team. Snacks and lunches are provided by a truly amazing kitchen team and tastes amazing, with a variety of options very day. 

The ethos of the school was positive at first, then senior staff began to accept gossip, it became a toxic environment.
I have never seen such a high turnover of staff, people that were experienced and had a lot to offer the school. Friendly working relationships were criticised and discouraged. The children and the staff are lovely, and there is clear financial investment, but this school will not achieve its full potential without a leadership team that values their staff.

I'm a teacher and love it at YHS.  We have high expectations and as a new school there is a lot to do, so we are always busy - but aren't all teachers!  
There is definitely a culture of listening and open doors. The school looks after its staff and do talk to us teachers about work-life balance, and we get our PPA ++
The students are a delight. With a pastoral team and therapists at school to support staff and kids!


Working at yarrow heights was a horrible experience. The staff don’t treat the children well and mix up words. They don’t treat staff or children with respect and the safeguarding is appalling. The senior staff have a very good relationship and would do anything to protect their job. They don’t deal with situations well and choose favourites. I don’t recommend working here and it’s a toxic environment where staff talk about each other negatively! Overall yarrow heights is a toxic environment.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Learning support assistant 1 salary reported	£23,495 per year
Shift leader 1 salary reported	£50,000 per year
Teacher 1 salary reported	£40,000 per year
Mathematics teacher 1 salary reported	£41,000 per year
English teacher 3 salaries reported	£42,250 per year

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