Claudeth Stanley

Institution: British Creative Institute (BCI)
Employment Type: Part-time / Visiting Teacher

Mental Health & Pastoral Support Teacher

British Creative Institute (BCI) is proud to welcome Claudeth McLeod (Stanley) to our team as a Mental Health and Pastoral Support Teacher. With an exceptional background as both a qualified nurse and teacher, Claudeth brings over three decades of professional experience in healthcare, education, and community service. Her appointment enhances BCI’s holistic approach to supporting SEND learners academically, emotionally, and socially — ensuring every learner feels valued, understood, and empowered.

Core Responsibilities

• Provide targeted pastoral care for learners with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs through one-to-one and group interventions.
• Conduct home visits for students struggling to attend college, ensuring ongoing connection, engagement, and welfare monitoring.
• Develop personalised mental health support plans in collaboration with tutors, SENCo, and external agencies.
• Deliver sessions on mental health awareness, self-care, and resilience within the Personal Development curriculum.
• Act as a key safeguarding contact, identifying early signs of emotional distress and ensuring prompt intervention.
• Liaise with parents, carers, and professionals, maintaining positive relationships to support student wellbeing.
• Contribute to staff training, promoting mental health literacy and inclusive practice across the college.

Qualifications & Expertise

• Qualified Nurse (Senior Matron, Selly Oak Hospital) with nearly 40 years of experience managing healthcare teams and patient wellbeing.
• Qualified Teacher (PGCE – Walsall College) with proven experience in literacy and pastoral education.
• First Aid Nurse and Pastoral Assistant (BOA Stage & Screen, Birmingham) – providing emotional, physical, and wellbeing support for young performers.
• Experienced in community leadership, including homelessness outreach and youth safety initiatives through Festival of Faith and Disarm Action Group.
• Poet Laureate Award (Walsall Borough) – using creative expression to promote wellbeing and social awareness.

Achievements & Contributions

• Led nursing teams in emergency and critical care environments, demonstrating exceptional leadership, empathy, and crisis management.
• Raised thousands of pounds for charitable causes including Macmillan Trust and Acorn, showcasing lifelong commitment to service and compassion.
• Founded and managed “DISARM”, a community magazine and action group recognised by the Mayor for its success in removing weapons from streets and supporting youth rehabilitation.
• Worked in collaboration with the Mayor and government bodies on initiatives addressing homelessness, safety, and community health.
• Recognised for excellent communication, safeguarding, and organisational skills, fostering trust and stability in vulnerable individuals.

Benefits of Her Appointment to BCI

Claudeth’s arrival at BCI marks a significant step in strengthening the college’s pastoral care and mental health provision. Her dual background in education and nursing allows her to bridge the gap between academic support and emotional wellbeing, a crucial aspect for SEND learners.

Her compassionate approach, rooted in both clinical care and teaching practice, ensures that students receive holistic support — not just academically, but mentally and emotionally. Claudeth’s work in the community and her understanding of complex trauma will contribute to:

• Reduced learner anxiety and improved attendance.
• Increased family and community engagement.
• Early identification and intervention for students at risk.
• A safer, more nurturing college environment.

Summary

Through her wealth of experience, dedication to service, and deep compassion for others, Claudeth McLeod (Stanley) embodies the ethos of British Creative Institute — empowering learners through creativity, care, and connection. Her contribution will enhance the wellbeing of every student she works with and inspire both staff and learners to approach mental health with empathy and understanding.