Computing & Digital Innovation Centre
Team
We have a highly-experienced and expert team of associates working with us, with many years’ experience of teaching in primary or secondary schools and, more recently, supporting teachers through the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) Computing Hubs.
Catherine Elliott leads the Computing & Digital Innovation Service for Learn Sheffield. She has worked for many years supporting primary and special schools with the computing curriculum, as part of the Sheffield eLearning Service and on behalf of the National Centre for Computing Education as Computing Hub lead. She has a particular interest and expertise in how to adapt the computing curriculum for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Catherine also leads the Learn Sheffield AI in Education working group and delivers training and consultancy to schools on the effective use of generative AI to enhance teaching and learning, plus the wider application of educational technology e.g. to support learners with SEND and EAL.
Helen Cotton is an experienced primary computing specialist who has taught across all primary phases, from EYFS to UKS2. She began as a computing coordinator and later worked with the National STEM Learning Centre and the National Centre for Computing Education as a subject matter expert. Helen has a range of interests and expertise including curriculum design, Early Years computing, careers-related learning in primary schools, and gender and inclusion. She is an Online Safety Mark Assessor for the 360 Degree Safe Online Safety Self-Review Tool (SWGfL) and is keen to develop equitable makerspaces.
Claire Garside is an experienced educational leader dedicated to supporting computing teachers in delivering inclusive, engaging, and impactful education. As Hub Lead and National Specialist for Gender and Inclusion at the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) she equipped teachers and senior leaders to close equity gaps and inspire underrepresented groups in computing. She continues as a subject matter expert for secondary schools across the region. Claire also serves as CyberFirst's Education Outreach Lead for Yorkshire and Humber, helping schools boost cybersecurity skills and digital awareness. Her research in physical computing education at the University of Leeds informs effective teaching methodologies and evidence-informed practice.
Pam Jones has over 15 years of experience in computing education working in leadership roles in schools and curriculum development for Edtech companies. She was Secondary Computing Hub Lead for multiple regions, as well as one of the National Centre for Computing Education’s Gender and Inclusion specialists. Pam continues to support schools working towards the Computing Quality Mark on behalf of the NCCE. She has expertise in supporting and training trainee teachers in both University and SCITT settings and continues to support schools, train teachers and develop exciting new computing curriculum resources. Her enthusiasm for computing, physical computing and hands-on learning is evident in the bespoke support, curriculum work and training she can offer.
John Jefferies has extensive experience in supporting both the computing and the design technology curriculums. He has worked both nationally and internationally in support of the primary computing and D&T curriculums with organisations such as Becta, Naace, STEM learning and the National Centre for Computing Education. John believes it is truly exciting and rewarding to inspire teachers to use technology to not only enhance traditional teaching opportunities but to also transform teaching and learning environments and drive school improvement. John is also an accredited online-safety advisor and he has over 12 years’ experience as a Visiting Tutor nurturing and supporting trainee teachers.