Ms Valerio

Ms Valerio joined our Academy 4 years ago as our Attendance Officer.

I joined Harris Academy Purley because I was drawn to the school’s commitment to high standards alongside a strong focus on student wellbeing.

I chose to work in attendance and safeguarding because I wanted a role where I could make a real difference in students’ lives. With my background in Educational Psychology, I enjoy supporting young people to overcome barriers to learning and ensuring they feel safe and valued at school. Seeing students engage fully in their education and thrive both academically and personally is incredibly rewarding.

I joined Harris Academy Purley because I was drawn to the school’s commitment to high standards alongside a strong focus on student wellbeing. Safeguarding and attendance are priorities here, and staff genuinely care about supporting every child. The students are very polite, and the collaborative culture made it an obvious place for me to continue developing my career.

Compared to other schools I’ve worked in, Harris Academy Purley has a calm and focused environment, where the behaviour is well managed and the students are very polite, respectful, and engaged.  The school benefits from excellent support from the Harris Federation, and its values are genuinely reflected in the way staff and students work together every day.

Clear policies and approachable line managers mean staff are never left to navigate challenging situations alone. In my role, I’ve benefited from guidance and supervision during complex  attendance cases, which has helped me reflect on my practice, make informed decisions, and grow professionally.

I would say absolutely apply. Harris Academy Purley is a welcoming and supportive place to work, with a focus on both student and staff wellbeing. The students are very polite and a pleasure to work with, and staff are collaborative and committed to making a difference. If you want to work in an environment where you can contribute meaningfully, develop your skills, and feel part of a positive community, this is the place to be!