About Us

Who We Are

Hatfield Wick Education is a premier provider of specialised education and support for children with diverse neurodivergent needs, including those with autism, ADHD, anxious school refusers, Attachment Disorder, and Social Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) concerns. We strive to bridge the gap between traditional education and the individualised needs of each student, fostering an environment that values autonomy, respect, empathy, and compassion.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about us. We invite you to join us as we continue on our mission to empower children with the education and support they need to achieve their full potential.

Our Journey

At Hatfield Wick Education, we employ the CARES approach, standing for Compassion, Autonomy, Respect, Empathy, and Support. This methodology is embedded in every facet of our teaching and forms the backbone of our learning environment. Our dedicated team collaborates with families, carers, and professionals to create tailored educational plans, ensuring each child’s unique needs and strengths are acknowledged and nurtured.

Our Approach

Our journey began with a recognition that mainstream education may not be suitable for every student. Over the years, we've met students who have faced disruptions in their education due to various factors, ranging from frequent moves, absences caused by illness, exposure to trauma, anxiety, school refusal, attachment-related issues, and unique neurodivergent needs. Seeing the need for a more personalised and compassionate educational approach, Hatfield Wick Education was born.

Our Services

We are proud to offer a broad range of services, from one-on-one support and small group instruction to personalised educational plans and emotional support. Our Outreach Provision extends our services beyond our immediate learning environment, accommodating students across three distinct cohorts, each receiving bespoke educational plans.

Our Vision

We envision a world where every child, regardless of their neurodivergent needs or challenges, has access to an empowering and inclusive education. We are passionate about collaborating with Local Authorities and Schools, promoting educational equity and ensuring that specialised support and resources are accessible to all students in need.

Adam Smyth

CEO, Hatfield Wick Education

Adam Smyth, our CEO, embodies the vision and values of Hatfield Wick Education. A steadfast believer in the unique potential within each child, Adam’s dedication is guided by a balanced ethos, intertwining academic success with personal growth to develop confident, bold, and accomplished learners.

Adam champions the transformative power of education, particularly its capacity to positively shape the lives of young individuals, especially those with neurodivergent needs. With a National Award SENCo (NASENCO) to his credit and extensive experience supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Asperger’s, Adam’s expertise forms a crucial component of our personalised, inclusive educational model.

Academically, Adam is distinguished by his Master’s degree with Distinction from the globally renowned Institute of Education at University College London (UCL). His postgraduate research into conceptions of ability stands testament to his commitment to understanding the diverse learning needs of our students and informing our educational strategies accordingly.

Adam continues to engage with current educational research, keeping Hatfield Wick Education at the forefront of educational best practices. His dynamic, outcomes-focused approach and unwavering commitment to the success of each student form the heart of his leadership. Under his guidance, Hatfield Wick Education is dedicated to fulfilling its mission – providing an empowering and inclusive educational experience for every child.

Nicky McGurk

Clinical Director, MBACP BA(Hons) Therapist, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

With an empathetic and client-centric approach, Nicky serves as the Clinical Director at Hatfield Wick Education. Rooted in her belief that clients are the foremost experts on their feelings and experiences, Nicky’s approach to counselling is guided by the principles of safety, confidentiality, and empowerment.

Trained as a person-centred counsellor, she provides a supportive environment that encourages clients to unravel and understand their emotions and circumstances. This approach allows clients to embark on their journey of self-discovery and healing at a pace and manner that suits them.

Nicky’s rich background in healthcare adds a unique depth to her counselling practice. She spent several years as a nurse in the NHS, where she saw first-hand that individuals often need a safe, non-judgmental, and empathetic relationship to navigate life’s challenges. These experiences have nurtured her into the insightful and compassionate therapist she is today.

Nicky is dedicated to being there for clients when they’re ready to take the next step. With her guidance, Hatfield Wick Education continues to provide an environment that fosters emotional wellbeing, resilience, and personal growth for every student.

Carol Brooks

Operations Director, Hatfield Wick Education

Carol Brooks, our Operations Director, is the engine that keeps Hatfield Wick Education operating at its peak. With her adept management and unerring attention to detail, she ensures the seamless integration of all aspects of our organisation. Serving as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Carol’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our students is unwavering.

Carol brings a wealth of diverse experience to Hatfield Wick Education. She has spent over two decades honing her skills in the London financial sector and enriching her knowledge in the charity and education sectors. This unique blend of expertise equips her with the understanding and proficiency to navigate the operational complexities of our educational organisation.

Additionally, Carol has made significant contributions in the sphere of adoption, working alongside the Mid Essex Adoption Team. As a dedicated advocate for adopted children, she deeply understands the unique educational challenges faced by looked after and adopted children. This understanding has significantly influenced our commitment to inclusive and empathetic educational services.

At her core, Carol is driven by the belief that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, should have equal opportunities to learn, grow, and fulfil their potential. Her passion translates into a tireless dedication to Hatfield Wick Education’s mission and the success of our students.

Lauren Collin

Provision Manager

Lauren Collin, a key part of Hatfield Wick Education, took on the role of Provision Manager in October 2022. Lauren serves as a vital link connecting outside agencies with our organisation, efficiently coordinating our Centre and Outreach Service.

Lauren brings an impressive array of experience to our team, with a background spanning diverse sectors such as Youth Services, Youth Offending Services, Children’s Social Care, and Education. She is well-versed in managing complex situations and cases, developing effective policies, and ensuring robust risk management.

Serving as our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Lauren has an expansive knowledge of Safeguarding, including contextual safeguarding issues. Her expertise ensures the welfare and safety of our students are always prioritised.

Lauren’s passion for social equity and justice underpins her work. She is driven by the belief that everyone, regardless of social status, past choices, family background, race, or ethnicity, deserves the best opportunities in life. Lauren’s approach to her work is rooted in empathy and understanding. She makes it a priority to listen to and elevate the voices of those who may struggle to articulate their experiences and wishes.

Lauren’s relentless dedication to placing the lived experiences of individuals at the heart of her practice is a testament to her commitment to the ethos of Hatfield Wick Education. Her work continues to strengthen the inclusive, compassionate, and empowering environment that is characteristic of our organisation.

James Brooks

Operations and Logistics Manager

With a First-Class BA (Hons) in Financial Economics, James Brooks brings an analytical mind and sharp business acumen to Hatfield Wick Education. His main focus lies in streamlining operations and logistics, ensuring the efficient delivery of our comprehensive range of services.

James works closely with our CEO, Adam Smyth, in driving the expansion of our services and consistently elevating our educational standards. His strategic insights play a key role in maintaining our standing as a premier provider of specialised education and support for children with diverse neurodivergent needs.

Moreover, James is responsible for managing academic data, diligently tracking and analysing progress against our set targets. His expertise in data management provides our team with the necessary insights to adjust and optimise our strategies, fostering a continuously improving environment that bolsters our students’ growth and potential.

In line with our organisation’s values, James champions our mission to empower every child, regardless of their circumstances, to learn, thrive, and reach their full potential. His dedicated efforts in improving operational efficiency support this mission and contribute significantly to our collective success.