Welcome to our school
Welcome to our school
Riverbank Primary School welcomes students between the age of 5 – 11 years, who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in place. We are a specialist school helping young children with social, emotional, behavioural and mental health challenges to re-engage with learning and make academic and social progress.
We specialise in providing a stimulating, safe environment in which children can learn through a varied and personalised curriculum that is led by the National Curriculum and the children’s individual needs and interests.
We offer a flexible and adaptive approach that is rooted in meeting the individual needs of each and every child. Our aim is to develop and maintain an ethos where education is unquestionably valued as a means to success.
Riverbank Primary School welcomes students between the age of 5 – 11 years, who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in place. We are a specialist school helping young children with social, emotional, behavioural and mental health challenges to re-engage with learning and make academic and social progress.
We specialise in providing a stimulating, safe environment in which children can learn through a varied and personalised curriculum that is led by the National Curriculum and the children’s individual needs and interests.
We offer a flexible and adaptive approach that is rooted in meeting the individual needs of each and every child. Our aim is to develop and maintain an ethos where education is unquestionably valued as a means to success.
Our school is part of Timeout Homes Ltd, who are a family run-organisation and continue to create a family culture throughout the organisation and teams.
Timeout Homes was created in 2004 with the opening of one home and the aim of helping at least one child. Since then, Timeout has only continued to grow and develop over the years to where we are now. We now currently have 18 homes open across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and West Yorkshire and have the fantastic opportunity to help more children.
Dani Worthington
BEd (Hons) with Qualified Teacher Status
​BA Psychology
National Institute of Teaching System Leader
Director of Education
Welcome to Riverbank School.
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As Director of Education, my mission is to ensure that every student thrives in a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment—one that supports their academic, social, and emotional development. We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential and become confident, resilient citizens and lifelong learners.
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At Riverbank, we offer a trauma-informed yet traditional school experience, aligned with the national curriculum. Our small class sizes, exceptional teaching staff, and high levels of pastoral and therapeutic support allow us to tailor education to each student’s individual needs.
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Student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Our skilled and compassionate team empowers our young people to take ownership of their learning and behaviour, while equipping them with strategies to build resilience and self-regulation—skills essential for adult life.
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Riverbank is more than a school; it’s a community. We foster a family-oriented atmosphere where students, staff, leaders, and parents work together as one team. Every young person s encouraged to embrace opportunities, experience the joy of success, and feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn.
The Senior Leadership Team
Lianne De-Villiers
Head Teacher
We are delighted to welcome Lianne De Villiers as our new Head Teacher. Lianne brings 14 years of experience across mainstream and specialist settings, with a deep commitment to “child‑led, trauma‑informed practice that places pupils’ voice, wellbeing, and individual needs at the centre of school life.”
Lianne has spent over a decade in senior leadership roles, shaping inclusive, nurturing school cultures and driving whole‑school improvement in complex, high‑need environments. Her expertise in SEMH, SEND, safeguarding, and multi‑agency collaboration ensures that every child is understood, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Most recently, Lianne served as Head of Provision for Kirklees Medical Needs, where she established a brand‑new service from the ground up. Her work included designing operational systems, securing staff buy‑in, and ensuring rigorous safeguarding. She worked closely with families, healthcare professionals, and schools to create holistic support plans, and focused on reducing social isolation for children with medical needs. As she notes in her CV, “I promote inclusion so that every child can participate fully in education that is appropriate for them and make measurable progress.”
Lianne also continues to work as a Deputy English Hub Lead and Literacy Specialist, supporting schools across Calderdale, Kirklees, and Leeds to strengthen early reading and phonics through evidence‑informed practice. Her background includes roles as Deputy Headteacher, Early Years Leader, Specialist Leader of Education, and Maths Leader—experience that gives her a rich, well‑rounded understanding of teaching, learning, and leadership from Early Years through to whole‑school strategy.
Across every role, Lianne has championed equity, safeguarding, and high‑quality provision for all learners. She is known for her collaborative leadership style, her ability to build strong relationships with families and professionals, and her unwavering belief in the potential of every child.
We are excited for the vision, compassion, and expertise Lianne brings to our school community, and we look forward to the positive impact she will have on pupils, staff, and families.
