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 Awareness

• Prevent

• Management Training Certificate

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 Clare, and I’m thoroughly enjoying my role as a tutor with Best Foot Forward. I’ve been a teacher since 2007 and continue to teach part-time. My main area of expertise is English — I hold a BA (Hons) degree in English Literature and have extensive experience in teaching early reading and writing skills.

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Alongside tutoring and teaching, I run my own business supporting people of all ages to overcome anxiety.

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Previously, I worked for an alternative education provider, where I helped students develop new skills and interests, build confidence and self-belief, enhance their social and emotional well-being, and work towards academic qualifications. I also have experience in art leadership — one of my proudest moments was supporting a student to achieve their GCSE in Textiles.

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As a mum of three (two boys aged 11 and 14, and a daughter in her twenties), I’m very much in touch with the younger generation and the pressures they face in today’s world — both in and out of education. My middle son has ADHD, which has deepened my passion for supporting neurodiverse students and helping them to thrive.

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!

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 Emma. I’ve spent over 6 years supporting young people across a range of settings, including roles as an SEN/SEMH Teaching Assistant, sports coach, and respite care worker.

 

Alongside my hands-on experience, I hold a BA (Hons) degree in Criminology, which has helped deepen my understanding of the challenges many young people face and the importance of having the right support around them.

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I naturally bring a calm, steady approach to my work, helping to create environments where young people feel safe, supported, and genuinely heard.

 

I’m passionate about building confidence and resilience through positive relationships and creative engagement — whether that’s encouraging self-expression through art and music, or promoting focus, wellbeing, and self-belief through fitness and physical activity.

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My goal is always to empower young people to overcome barriers at their own pace, while helping them recognise their strengths and potential.

Safeguarding Lead Level 5 & Careers Practitioner

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Certificates: 

• Safeguarding Children Managers (Level 5)

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults (Level 3)

• Safer Recruitment in Education

• GDPR in Education

• 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. 

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.

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 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.