I am so pleased to welcome you to Hazel Cottage School and incredibly proud to be the Headteacher at our school. It is a very exciting time with the opening of our second site in St Helens.

We are a happy, nurturing and ambitious school and have extremely high expectations of all.

Hazel Cottage aims to successfully meets the needs of autistic pupils who may have additional needs from the ages of 4 to 18 years old.

The pupils of Hazel Cottage are at the very centre of everything we do. The staff team work with dedication, empathy, enthusiasm and love. These qualities together with their expertise create a fantastic learning environment for our children. Our pupils inspire all our work and make coming to school every day an absolute joy.

We are committed to continual development of the school in all areas and we are extremely excited about what the future holds for Hazel Cottage.

Thank you for your interest in our school and I am very much looking forward to meeting you.

Laura Dickinson

Executive Headteacher

Laura Dickinson

Executive Headteacher

Laura is the Executive Headteacher across both Hazel Cottage School sites (Liverpool and St Helens) and is an experienced school leader with nearly 20 years of education experience. Laura was previously shortlisted as TES School Awards “Headteacher of the Year” and opened Hazel Cottage School from brand new in 2024. Well qualified with a BA(Hons) degree, a PGCE, National SENDCO award, MA(education) and is currently working towards the NPQEL. Laura has a strong background in SEN with senior leadership and headship roles across the SEMH, Local authority and MAT sectors. Laura has led her schools to be shortlisted or win many awards and accolades.

Laura Kitching

Head of School

Laura is Head of School At Hazel Cottage Liverpool and an experienced educator and leader with 20 years experience including 16 years within specialist education. Laura has a BA(Hons) degree and extensive expertise in supporting children and young people with autism and complex needs, alongside leadership across curriculum, key stage and whole-school development. Her previous leadership experience includes Head of Design Technology and Key Stage Lead roles within specialist education, giving her a broad understanding of both mainstream and specialist provision. Laura holds the NPQSL and joined Hazel Cottage when the school opened in February 2024 as Deputy Headteacher, playing a key role in establishing and developing the school from the outset.

Hannah Leach

Head of School

Hannah is Head of School at Hazel Cottage St Helens, with over 10 years experience in education. She is a qualified teacher with a background in mathematics, SEND and inclusion, and has held senior leadership roles and SENCO roles. Hannah has a particular specialism in autism, having completed a post-graduate certificate in Autism in 202. She has previously worked as Assistant Head Teacher and Personal Development and Autism Lead.

Rebekah Hunzinger

Assistant Headteacher

Rebekah has over 16 years of experience in SEND education, supporting students with complex needs and championing inclusive, high quality provision. She is committed to ensuring that learners experience a rich and engaging curriculum that supports both their holistic and therapeutic needs so that they are able to achieve their very best.