Claire Stewart
Safeguarding | Edu Consult
Safeguarding Lead and Education Consultant
Hello, my name is Claire.
I qualified as a teacher in 2014 from Northumbria University and also hold an MA in Special and Inclusive Education from the Institute of Education, University of London, which I completed in 2010. I am a certified Senior Mental Health Lead and Safeguarding Supervisor.
Before joining Words First, I spent 20 years working in schools across East London, where I held a variety of leadership and safeguarding roles. These included Executive Deputy Head Teacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead at a primary school in Newham, as well as Trust Director of Safeguarding for an Academy Trust. I also serve as Managing Director of a Safeguarding Specialist Community Interest Company (CIC), where I lead safeguarding training, undertake safeguarding audits, and develop robust policies and procedures to support regulatory compliance and protect children, young people, and adults at risk.
Mental health is one of my greatest passions. Whether supporting schools, organisations, workforces, or the wider community, I am committed to promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. I also had the privilege of volunteering as a Samaritan for several years, an experience that gave me valuable insight into trauma-informed practice and the importance of compassionate, supportive environments.
I am passionate about creating safe, nurturing environments where children and young people feel heard, understood, and supported. My experience across education, safeguarding, mental health, and leadership has given me a strong understanding of the wider factors that can influence a child’s wellbeing and ability to thrive.
The Words First value that resonates most with me is Child-Centred. I believe it is imperative that, in everything we do, we keep the best interests of the child at the heart of our decisions. By understanding each child as an individual and considering their wellbeing, voice, experiences, and needs, we can create the conditions in which they are able to flourish.
Outside of work, I love being a mum to my child. One of the greatest privileges of parenthood is seeing the world through the eyes of a curious young person and watching them discover, learn, and delight in language. If you asked my family and friends to describe me, they would probably say I am nurturing, driven, and empathetic.
