N Read, Lead for Alternative Provision and Senior Leadership Team
Role: Alternative Provision and Curriculum Lead for KS3 and KS4
Hobbies and interests: Football and spending time with my dogs.
Qualifications:
- BA Hons Degree in English Language and Literature
- National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership
- NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education
- NPQSL
I have had the privilege of working in Education for over twenty years and have taught in Primary, Secondary, Pupil Referral and Education Health and Needs. I have been a Pastoral Leader for many years and take great pride in the achievements of all of my students; in all of the varying settings I have worked in. I am very passionate that students are given every opportunity for success and the life skills to move forward in education.
K Carleton, Alternative Providers Teacher
Qualifications:
- B Sc (Hons) in Education
- Qualified SENDCo
- NPQL
Born and raised in the mining towns of Northwest Durham and having not enjoyed school myself I decided I would like to try to help improve things for the next generation.
I have over twenty years teaching experience, almost all of which has been spent supporting those students who, for whatever reason, struggle to access education. A wise man once told me 'Education is a privilege that can so easily be wasted on the young.' I hope I can help our learners take advantage of the opportunities they have and build a solid base for adult life.
S Knaggs , Alternative Provider Mentor
I have been working with children for the last 16 years, this has been nursery to primary and now secondary. I have always worked with children who struggle with many aspects of school life. With my new role as AP mentor I hope to be able to show these children that there is people who believe in them and want to help them to get the best for themselves.
Rebecca Waite, Alternative Provider Mentor
Qualifications
- BA Honours in Education Studies
I have worked within childcare and education for 18 years, starting off in early years and gaining experience in primary, secondary and Post 16. I have mainly worked in specialist settings and I have seen, and been part of the amazing opportunities that are offered to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and emotional and behavioral difficulties. Throughout those years, I have focused on ensuring that children and young people are heard and I have a great awareness that there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to education. For a lot of our young people, the demands of mainstream can be quite overwhelming. I strive to provide environments where children and young people can build upon their self-esteem and self-worth, increase their academic abilities and gain positive social interactions. I will continue to build relationships with children, young people and their families to ensure a smooth transition into alternative provision, alongside providing support and guidance around future aspirations.
I am originally from Leeds and I grew up watching Leeds United – some would say that’s unfortunate! I love walking in Northumberland and exploring beaches, parks and castles through the National Trust with my little boy Jack and my dog Zeus.
D Swankie , Alternative Provider Mentor
Hobbies and interests: Football and spending time with the family.
Qualifications:
- Level 3 in Multi Sports
- Level 3 in Sports Coaching and Fitness
- Level 4 in Working with Young People and Children (Foundation Degree)
- Level 5 in Working with Young People and Children (Foundation Degree)
I worked at The Woodlands school for over 7 years, and I have recently returned with more experience working with children and young people. Throughout my time at The Woodlands I have worked as a learning Support Assistant (LSA), a KS4 Pastoral Mentor and my current role as a Alternative Provision Pastoral Mentor. Whilst working at The Woodlands I have been able to gain vital knowledge and a great understanding of how to help and support our pupils and their families. My unique approach is one of the reasons I am able to gain positive working relationships with our pupils, their families and our AP's. My role as an AP Pastoral Mentor is to identify an AP that will suit our pupils' individual needs. I then am able to support, nurture and guide our pupils that are out on AP whilst working closely with the APs themselves.
Kimberley Clay, Alternative Provider Mentor
Role: Alternative Provision Pastoral Mentor
Hobbies and interests: Running and spending time with family.
Qualifications:
- BSc (Hons ) Applied Psychology
- Post Graduate Certificate in Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET)
Having focused my dissertation on Education Psychology, reflecting on my own struggles within education, I have since gone on to give almost 20 years of my career to supporting students in the education system. I have been lucky enough to work in further education, higher education, secondary mainstream, and now alternative provision, and my roles have been both teaching and support. I pride myself in seeing the positive in students and building relationships to support them in becoming the best possible version of themselves. I have a passion for social mobility through education and widening participation for all. I am well versed in the many barriers that students encounter during their education journey and will continue to support students in overcoming these.