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!

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 with extensive experience in mentoring, education, and family support. 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.