PGCE with QTS, Post Graduate Diploma in Leadership within Education, BA Honours in Creative Writing.

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Certificates: 

• Safeguarding Children Level 3 - Designated Officer.

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Level 3

• GDPR in Education

• Domestic Abuse

• Prevent

• Management Training Certificate

• Safer Recruitment Training

• RIDDOR

• ​Basic First Aid

• Lone Working for Managers

• Lone Worker Risk Assessments

• Food Safety & Hygiene Level 4

• Diabetes in Schools

• Equality and Diversity

Hello, my name is Kathie Sweeney, and I am delighted to be joining the Safeguarding Team at Best Foot Forward as I begin an exciting new chapter in my career.

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I have worked in education for more than 30 years, beginning at a small primary school in the New Forest before moving to Bournemouth with my family 26 years ago. Since then, I have worked at Iford Academy, a specialist SEMH school, in a variety of roles. Most recently, I served as Assistant Vice Principal and Designated Safeguarding Lead.

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Stepping away from a school that I have loved has been a significant decision, but I am excited to join Best Foot Forward and continue supporting children, young people and their families throughout their educational journeys.

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Although working within the alternative provision sector is a new experience for me, my background in special education has given me a strong understanding of the challenges some children and families face when accessing education. I bring a wide range of transferable skills, safeguarding experience and a genuine commitment to helping young people feel safe, understood and able to succeed.

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I am looking forward to getting to know the Best Foot Forward team, our pupils and their families when I begin my new role in September.

 

Outside of work, I have been married for 45 years and am fortunate to have two grown-up children and seven grandchildren. They certainly help to keep my feet firmly on the ground—which feels very fitting for Best Foot Forward!

Hi, I’m Sam. I qualified as a teacher in 2017, although I’ve worked within education for over 20 years in a variety of different roles. This wide-ranging experience has given me a deep understanding of how best to support young people in their learning journeys.

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Professionally, I hold several qualifications, including Level 3 (DSL) in Safeguarding Children, Prevent, Safeguarding Adults, and GDPR in Education, as well as specialist training with the NSPCC in Sex and Relationship Education.

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In 2023, I made the move from a mainstream classroom to working with an alternative education provider — and I’ve never looked back. I love being able to work one-to-one with students, providing the safety net and tailored learning experience that so many children truly need. I’m passionate about helping every child reach their potential and empowering them to see that they can overcome challenges, both with guidance and in their own time. Watching a child have that “lightbulb moment” and realise their true ability is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. Above all, I aim to provide a calm, supportive, and safe environment where each learner can thrive.

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Outside of teaching, I’m happily married and a proud mum of two daughters. I love reading, travelling, exploring historical places, and going to live music events to see my favourite bands. I believe you’re never too old to try something new — like learning to play the drums! Life is an adventure, and I love encouraging those around me to embrace it too.

Hi, I’m Andie. I have extensive experience teaching digital media across a range of secondary and further education settings. My specialisms include video production, editing, and marketing — areas I’m deeply passionate about.

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I love helping learners to build confidence and develop the creative and technical skills they need to succeed in the fast-moving world of digital media. Supporting students as they grow, discover their strengths, and progress towards their goals is what motivates me most.

 

I’m committed to empowering every learner to reach their full potential and thrive in this ever-evolving creative industry.

I am an experienced mentor and qualified teacher with over 20 years of working with young people across mainstream and specialist educational settings. My background is in art, textiles, and design, and I enjoy combining creative practice with education to engage, inspire, and support young people in meaningful ways.

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Alongside my teaching work, I have extensive experience working with Hampshire Cultural Trust across a wide range of settings, as well as with CAMHS, which has shaped my strong, mental health–informed approach.

 

As a designer and mental health advocate, I am passionate about using creativity as a tool for self-expression, confidence-building, and personal development. I am committed to supporting young people through art, design, and life experience, helping them grow both creatively and personally.

Hi, I’m Josh. As a young adult mentor, I’m passionate about supporting children and young people to build confidence, develop resilience and recognise their own potential.

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I wanted to become a mentor because I believe I can offer a personalised and relatable approach that helps me connect genuinely with young people. Being relatively close in age to the younger generation gives me a good understanding of many of the challenges, pressures and influences they experience today. This helps me build positive relationships based on trust, respect and understanding.

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I also have experience working with vulnerable adults, which has strengthened my understanding of the importance of patience, empathy, clear communication and adapting support to meet individual needs.

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Outside of mentoring, I enjoy all kinds of sport and spending time with family and friends. These experiences have reinforced for me the importance of teamwork, communication and having a strong support network — values that I aim to bring into my work with every young person I support.

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My goal is to create a safe, encouraging and positive environment where young people feel heard, valued and understood. I want to help them grow in confidence, recognise their strengths and feel empowered to work towards their own goals.

Hi, I’m Emma. My experience as a Deputy Head of Science, secondary school teacher, teaching assistant and tutor has shaped my belief that every young person can flourish when they feel understood, supported and taught in a way that reflects their individual needs.

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Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of young people, including many who have found school challenging. I particularly enjoy helping students rebuild their confidence, develop their skills and rediscover a sense of enjoyment and success in learning.

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I specialise in Science and Maths and have a degree in Biochemistry, giving me a strong subject knowledge and a real enthusiasm for helping students make sense of topics they may previously have found difficult. Alongside this, I believe that positive relationships are central to effective learning. I take time to understand each student as an individual, how they learn best and what helps them feel comfortable enough to ask questions, make mistakes and think independently.

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My approach is calm, encouraging and adaptable. I aim to break learning down into manageable steps, build secure understanding and help students recognise their own progress. Whether a young person needs support filling gaps in their knowledge, preparing for exams or simply rebuilding their belief in themselves as a learner, I want them to feel that learning is something they can succeed at.

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Outside of tutoring, I’m passionate about marine conservation and volunteer on practical conservation and public engagement projects. You might find me up early on the beach taking part in seagrass restoration, or talking to members of the public about ways we can help protect our oceans. I’m also a keen climber and, when I’m not climbing a wall, I can usually be found with my nose in a good book!

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For me, confidence and curiosity are at the heart of learning. My aim is to help every student find an approach that works for them, develop greater independence and feel proud of what they are able to achieve.

Hi, I’m Lucy. I am an experienced and dedicated education professional with over 25 years of teaching and leadership experience across secondary education.

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As a qualified SENCo and Science teacher, I have a strong understanding of inclusive practice, curriculum development and the importance of adapting learning so that every young person can access education successfully. Throughout my career, I have been committed to helping pupils achieve their potential, regardless of their individual needs, starting points or background.

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Building positive relationships has always been at the heart of my work. I have extensive experience of working closely with pupils, parents, colleagues and other professionals, and have successfully developed strong links with local schools and families to support and strengthen SEND provision.

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Alongside Science, I also have experience of teaching Maths and Food Technology, giving me a broad subject knowledge and the flexibility to support young people across a range of areas.

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I am excited to begin my journey with Best Foot Forward and am really looking forward to this new challenge. My aim is to provide carefully planned, personalised and appropriately adapted learning within a safe, calm and supportive environment, helping young people to build confidence, engage positively with education and work towards reaching their full potential.

Safeguarding Lead Level 5 & Careers Practitioner

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Certificates: 

• Safeguarding Children Managers (Level 5)

• Safeguarding Children Level 3 - Designated Officer

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Level 3

• Safer Recruitment in Education

• GDPR in Education

• Health & Safety

• Managing Allegations, CYPS and LADO Process

• Domestic Abuse Awareness

• Prevent and Radicalisation

• Raising aspirations for SEN

• Advanced AVCE

• IAG

Chris Tapley is a qualified Social Worker (Dip SW) with over forty years experience of working with Children and Families in a range of roles and settings. His experience has included management roles in numerous Local Authority and Private Sector Residential homes for Children, including a Secure Facility and a Therapeutic Community.

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He has held Social Work, Advanced Practitioner and Team Manager positions in Statutory Local Authority Teams including MASH, Out of Hours, Assessment and Child in Care Teams and has experience as a Children's Guardian and Specialist Social Worker within CAMHS.

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Chris has previously been a Safeguarding Consultant for an AP provider, is regularly commissioned to prepare reports for the Family Courts and provides staff training to staff within residential children's home settings.

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Chris has a holistic and trauma informed approach to working with Children and he recognises how significant safe and positive relationships with a trusted adult can be for young people.

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Chris is passionate about ensuring that vulnerable and disadvantaged children are protected, nurtured and supported by dedicated and inspirational professionals. 

Having faced challenges in my own childhood and navigating school with undiagnosed ADHD, I understand firsthand how difficult education can be without the right support. Although I didn’t achieve strong academic results or progress to college at the time, those early experiences became the driving force behind my determination to create positive change—for myself and for others facing similar barriers.

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Today, I am a proud neurodivergent woman, a master’s graduate, and a dedicated mentor. My journey demonstrates that with resilience, understanding, and the right guidance, it is possible not only to overcome challenges but to thrive.

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As a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, I am committed to promoting inclusion, addressing barriers, and challenging biases to help build environments where neurodivergent individuals are not only supported, but truly valued.

Hi, I’m Ollie. I’ve spent the past decade helping young people develop their animation and design skills, supporting them to achieve top grades in A level and vocational courses.

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I’m passionate about bringing information to life through fun and engaging explainer videos and web graphics. Over the years, I’ve built strong connections with the digital and creative industries across Bournemouth and Dorset, ensuring my teaching stays current and relevant in the ever-changing world of visual design.

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If you haven’t met me yet — I’d love to connect!

Hi, I’m Rob. I’ve worked in education for over 34 years, primarily supporting KS3 and KS4 students in Maths, alongside teaching Science, Functional Skills English, and helping young people build confidence using Microsoft Office skills. I hold a BEd in Mathematics and Physics, and before moving into teaching I began my career in engineering — something that still influences my calm, practical, step-by-step approach to learning.

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Over the years, I’ve taught in a wide range of settings, both in the UK and internationally. These experiences have helped me become adaptable, patient, and able to connect with young people from many different backgrounds. Much of my work has involved supporting students who feel anxious, overwhelmed, or lacking in confidence, and I understand how important it is to create a safe, steady environment where they can work at their own pace and begin to rediscover their strengths.

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Before joining Best Foot Forward, I worked across both mainstream and specialist settings, helping young people develop skills, build resilience, and work towards meaningful personal goals. I particularly enjoy one-to-one support, where I can tailor sessions to each individual’s interests, needs, and emotional starting point. Seeing a learner reach the point where they genuinely believe, “I can do this,” is still the most rewarding part of my job.

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Outside of work, I enjoy DIY projects, travelling, and reading historical action thrillers. As a dad and grandad, I’m very aware of the pressures young people face today, both inside and outside education. After many years in schools, I’m pleased to be focusing on the part of the job that has always mattered most to me — helping young people feel capable, confident, and ready to move forward.

Hi, I’m Gerardine. With over 35 years of experience across the primary age range, including Early Years, I have dedicated my career to helping children thrive.

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Throughout my career, I have held a range of leadership roles, including Headteacher, NPQH, and Special Educational Needs Coordinator. I also hold advanced certifications in Trauma-Informed Leadership and Level 3 Safeguarding as a Designated Safeguarding Lead.

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More recently, I have moved into private online tutoring, with a strong focus on supporting pupils with English as an Additional Language. This work has further enriched my teaching practice and strengthened my belief in creating a safe, nurturing space where children feel confident to express themselves. I encourage my pupils to see mistakes as a natural and valuable part of the learning journey.

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My educational philosophy is also deeply personal. As a mother of two grown-up children, one of whom is dyslexic, I understand first-hand that teaching must adapt to the learner, not the other way around.

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Outside of tutoring, I am an avid reader, swimmer and badminton player. I also enjoy music, and when I am not playing the piano, I am teaching myself the flute.

Hi, I’m Jenny, and I’ve recently joined Best Foot Forward.

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I have worked in education since 2000 and qualified as a teacher in 2004. Much of my experience has been supporting post-16 neurodivergent, SEND and SEMH learners within Further Education, although I have also worked with children and young people across a wide range of ages and settings, including mainstream secondary schools, alternative provision and school holiday programmes.

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Throughout my career, I have taught a variety of subjects and qualifications, including BTEC, GCSEs, Employability and Functional Skills, although my specialist area has always been Art.

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I spent many years working as a Personal Tutor in Further Education, where I developed a strong passion for pastoral support. I particularly enjoy helping young people overcome barriers, build confidence and recognise their own strengths and potential, supporting them towards employment, apprenticeships, further study and greater independence.

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I am naturally creative and enjoy problem-solving, exploring new ideas and finding different ways to engage young people. I love inspiring young people and, equally, being inspired by their ideas, interests and perspectives.

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Alongside teaching, I have returned to working as a professional fine artist, specialising in painting and drawing. I am also actively involved in local community arts projects and work with two arts charities supporting vulnerable adults and children and young people experiencing challenges with their mental health. I am a firm believer in the positive impact that creativity can have on individuals, wellbeing and communities.

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I have two daughters, aged 13 and 22. My eldest became a parent at a young age, which has also given me valuable personal insight into some of the challenges teenagers and young adults can experience when navigating complex circumstances.

In my spare time, I enjoy music, life drawing, gardening, going to the gym and taking long walks with my dog.

Hello, my name is Laura, and I have recently joined Best Foot Forward as an Academic Tutor.

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I am an experienced primary school teacher with 16 years of teaching experience across both Key Stage One and Key Stage Two. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about providing high-quality, engaging learning experiences that are carefully tailored to the individual needs of each child.

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For over ten years, I worked as a SENCO in a primary school, which gave me extensive experience of identifying and supporting a wide range of additional educational needs. This has strengthened my ability to adapt teaching approaches, resources and expectations so that children can access learning effectively, build confidence and make meaningful progress.

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I firmly believe that every child learns differently and that successful learning begins with understanding the individual child. Building positive and trusting relationships is central to my approach. I aim to create an environment in which children feel listened to, valued and confident enough to ask questions, take on new challenges and develop greater independence in their learning.

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I have considerable experience supporting children with their academic development, including preparation for SATs and the Phonics Screening Check. I have also held subject leadership responsibilities for English, PE and RE, giving me a strong understanding of the primary curriculum, assessment, and the progression of knowledge and skills across the primary age range.

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My own particular passion lies in English and drama. I love bringing books and stories to life, exploring characters and themes, and helping children discover the deeper meanings within the texts they read.

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Outside of work, I enjoy dance classes, travelling, going to the gym and baking with my two children. I am also actively involved with the PTA at my children’s school, where I help to organise events, support fundraising initiatives and build relationships with local businesses and the wider community.

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I am really excited to begin my journey with Best Foot Forward. As a tutor, my priority is to provide a supportive, purposeful and encouraging learning environment in which every child feels able to thrive. I aim to recognise individual strengths, identify areas for development, build confidence and provide learning that is both accessible and appropriately challenging.

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Ultimately, my goal is to help each child make sustained progress while developing the confidence, independence and positive attitude towards learning that will support them throughout their education.