Name: Janine Zablocki
Professional Title: Associate Assistant Principal and Centre Leader for Hospitals
Background: Janine began her career as an environmental consultant in the construction industry, before moving into the field of education as a mainstream secondary science teacher in Birmingham and the West Midlands. After holding a range of leadership roles in mainstream secondary schools, including a senior leadership role as Director of Learning for Transition and Key Stage Three with additional responsibilities for outreach and parental engagement. She has completed a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology and worked as a Research Assistant at a Russell Group university, with an interest in Self Determination Theory and teacher engagement with research. Following this, Janine returned to teaching as an Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for curriculum, teaching and learning, setting up an independent specialist school for children with autism across primary and secondary. She has significant experience and expertise in supporting children to reengage with learning following long periods of absence.
Janine is currently Associate Assistant Principal and Centre Leader for Hospitals at James Brindley Academy, part of the Think Differently Education Trust. She leads education provision for children with complex medical, mental health conditions and/or SEND, who are either inpatient admissions in Birmingham hospitals or are at home and too unwell to attend school. She has extensive knowledge of a wide range of curricula to meet the educational needs of pupils across EYFS to Post-16, with high expectations for all pupils. She is highly skilled and experienced in working as part of a multi-agency approach, within multi-disciplinary teams and an experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Name of Organisation: James Brindley Academy, Think Differently Education Trust
Status of organisation: Hospital school and Multi-Academy Trust
Area of the country: Birmingham
Description of your organisation: James Brindley Academy operates across eleven sites, including teaching centres as well as hospitals and home teaching. We take pride in guiding our learners to make exceptional progress despite personal challenges, prioritising both academic excellence and well-being. In each centre, young people lead decision-making, nurturing resilience, inclusivity, and high expectations. Paramount are staff morale, training, and development, empowering our community to overcome barriers and achieve dreams.
Our Vision is to ‘Think Differently’ to inspire young minds to overcome obstacles. Our mission delivers a pupil-centred, holistic curriculum, ensuring safety, creating an innovative, optimistic, and skilled workforce.
James Brindley Core Values are:
- Thrive:Cultivating a positive environment for all to succeed.
- High Aspirations:Holding aspirations for oneself and others.
- Inclusion:Celebrating the richness of our differences.
- Nurture:Beyond academics, focusing on emotional health.
- Keep Safe:Commitment to safety for all.