Welcome to our school
Welcome to our school
Brearley Hall School is situated in the grounds of Brearley Hall a 16th century manor house. The school is enclosed by over 30 acres of Brearley Wood. It has been home for some famous characters notably Dr John Fawcett and Branwell Bronte. With its history and natural resources it makes for an enchanting place for children to learn and develop.
All our learners are children who have experienced significant difficulties in mainstream schooling. We specialise in providing a stimulating, safe environment, which is combined with an engaging, varied, personalised and relevant curriculum. We offer a flexible and adaptive approach that is rooted in meeting the individual needs of each and every student.
We specialise in providing a stimulating, safe environment where children can thrive through a varied and personalised curriculum. This curriculum is guided by the National Curriculum and tailored to each child’s individual needs and interests.
Our flexible and adaptive approach is rooted in meeting the unique needs of every child. Our aim is to foster and maintain an ethos where education is unquestionably valued as a pathway to success.
Brookland School is situated in a grand 19th century Victorian house. The school is based in the centre of
Milnrow a small village situated between Rochdale and Oldham. The property has had many uses since it
was built by a mill owner, most recently it was a care home for the elderly. We have developed the building to
provide facilities for both educational and vocational purposes
All our learners are children who have experienced significant difficulties in mainstream schooling. We specialise in providing a stimulating, safe environment, which is combined with an engaging, varied, personalised and relevant curriculum. We offer a flexible and adaptive approach that is rooted in meeting the individual needs of each and every student.
We specialise in providing a stimulating, safe environment where children can thrive through a varied and personalised curriculum. This curriculum is guided by the National Curriculum and tailored to each child’s individual needs and interests.
Our flexible and adaptive approach is rooted in meeting the unique needs of every child. Our aim is to foster and maintain an ethos where education is unquestionably valued as a pathway to success.
Our school is part of Timeout Homes Ltd, who are a family run-organisation and continue to create a family culture throughout the organisation and teams.
Timeout Homes was created in 2004 with the opening of one home and the aim of helping at least one child. Since then, Timeout has only continued to grow and develop over the years to where we are now. We now currently have 18 homes open across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and West Yorkshire and have the fantastic opportunity to help more children.
Dani Worthington
BEd (Hons) with Qualified Teacher Status
BA Psychology
National Institute of Teaching System Leader
Director of Education
Welcome to Brookland School.
As Director of Education, my mission is to ensure that every student thrives in a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment—one that supports their academic, social, and emotional development. We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential and become confident, resilient citizens and lifelong learners.
At Brookland, we offer a trauma-informed yet traditional school experience, aligned with the national curriculum. Our small class sizes, exceptional teaching staff, and high levels of pastoral and therapeutic support allow us to tailor education to each student’s individual needs.
Student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Our skilled and compassionate team empowers our young people to take ownership of their learning and behaviour, while equipping them with strategies to build resilience and self-regulation—skills essential for adult life.
Brookland is more than a school; it’s a community. We foster a family-oriented atmosphere where students, staff, leaders, and parents work together as one team. Every young person s encouraged to embrace opportunities, experience the joy of success, and feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn.
The Senior Leadership Team
Charlotte McLaughlin
Deputy Head Teacher
Charlotte is a highly experienced SEND and Inclusion professional dedicated to ensuring every learner receives the personalised support they need to thrive. With many years working across primary and secondary phases, Charlotte brings extensive knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and a proven ability to design and implement individualised education plans, including leading on EHCP applications and annual reviews.
Her career reflects a deep commitment to creating positive, nurturing learning environments where students with a wide range of needs can achieve both academically and socially. Charlotte is skilled in developing bespoke curricula for learners working significantly below age-related expectations and has successfully led interventions that improve confidence, progress, and long‑term outcomes.
Charlotte also brings strong leadership experience, from managing teams of support staff to delivering high‑quality training in areas such as ASD awareness, sensory processing, PDA and ADHD. She is passionate about working collaboratively with families, professionals, and external agencies, and is frequently praised for her efficiency, communication, and unwavering commitment to student wellbeing.
Driven, knowledgeable, and deeply student‑centred, Charlotte is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
Lucy Howell
Engagement Lead
We are delighted to welcome Lucy Howell as our Engagement Lead. Lucy first joined Timeout as a Teaching Assistant, quickly demonstrating her natural ability to build positive relationships, support young people and contribute to a vibrant school environment. Her passion for helping students thrive has been evident from the very beginning, and we are thrilled to see her step into this new role, she is passionate about building strong relationships with students, families and the wider community, ensuring every young person feels supported, valued and inspired to achieve their best.
Before joining us, Lucy gained extensive experience working with people of all ages through her long-standing involvement in outdoor education. As a Windsurfing Instructor and later a Regional Windsurfing Coach, she developed exceptional communication skills, adaptability and a strong focus on safety and wellbeing. Her work with Rochdale Council and Hollingworth Lake Activity Centre saw her leading groups, supporting individuals with a wide range of needs and abilities, and creating inclusive, engaging learning environments.
Alongside her educational experience, Lucy has served as a Police Constable with Greater Manchester Police, where she developed her problem‑solving skills, teamwork and ability to communicate effectively under pressure. These experiences have shaped her into a calm, confident and empathetic professional—qualities that make her an asset to our school.
Leanne Matthews
Head Teacher
With over 25 years of experience in education, I’ve had the privilege of working across mainstream, alternative, and special education settings, supporting learners from early years through to further and higher education. My career has been dedicated to championing inclusion, raising attainment, and ensuring every child has access to high-quality learning tailored to their needs.
Before joining Brookland as Head Teacher, I led commissioned services for permanently excluded learners and those with complex educational needs, improving attendance and academic outcomes year on year. I’ve also served as a Designated Safeguarding Lead and school governor, with a strong focus on safeguarding and SEND provision.
I believe in creating a culture of high expectations, equity, and celebration of diversity. I’m passionate about empowering staff and students alike, fostering resilience, and building strong partnerships with families and the wider community.
Together, we’ll continue to nurture a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment where every learner can thrive.
