Devon Hospitals Short Stay School

Meet the Staff

Teachers

Sam Collett - SENCO

I am the SENCO, the EYFS subject lead and the subject lead for Computing. I’m a Primary and EYFS specialist and I teach on Bramble ward, at our Outreach Centre in Exeter, and on home visits. As a SENCO, I have an interest in all areas of special needs. I love being able to work so closely with pupils and their families, and having the flexibility to adapt their curriculum in a way that works best for each individual.

Anna

I teach and I also coordinate the Outreach provision at Devon Hospitals School. I am deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and subject lead for Music. I work all over the place! I teach in the home and at the Outreach Centre in Exeter. Some afternoons, I teach in our classroom at the RD&E hospital, and I visit pupils in their schools when required. I love my job because it is very bespoke to each pupil, which means my teaching role is varied to the pupils needs. I particularly enjoy teaching music and singing.

Jane

I am a senior teacher and deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. I am the subject lead for Science, PSHE, RSE and Careers, and I am currently leading the school development plan for Maths. I work mostly between the RD&E Hospital site and the Outreach Centre, where I teach in person and sometimes online. A little about me: I have worked as a primary teacher in Guernsey for several years, as a teacher of Science for all key stages at a special school for boys with behavioural and emotional difficulties for 13 years, and then here at the hospital school as Science lead for more than 10 years. Working at the hospital school is different every day. As a teacher here, we get to meet many different children and their families and enjoy teaching a broad range of subjects. It is a pleasure to make a difference in some way to the education and wellbeing of vulnerable children.

Jo

I am the English subject lead, autism specialist and teacher based on the Caroline Thorpe children’s ward at the North Devon District Hospital. I also teach within the wider community with our outreach provision, either online or in pupils’ homes. I love my unique teaching role, where the individual is at the centre, and bring creativity, care and enthusiasm when working with all pupils of all ages and abilities.

Sue

I work mainly at the Outreach Centre in Exeter and in pupils’ homes, but I am also sometimes in the schoolroom on Bramble Ward at the RD&E.  I am a secondary Languages teacher, and I am the subject lead for Languages and RE at Devon Hospitals School. However, I teach across a range of GCSE subjects, and I also work with primary pupils. I particularly enjoy helping year 10 and 11 to complete their GCSEs and seeing them to move onto further education. The most rewarding part of being a teacher here is enabling any pupil to feel confident enough to return to school or move onto a new educational setting.

Natasha

I am a member of the teaching team and the subject lead for PE at Devon Hospitals Short Stay School. I teach children on our outreach programme at our Outreach Centre in Exeter, and also in their homes when needed. I also teach on Bramble ward at the RD&E hospital. I love my job because it is varied, rewarding and of course fun! I enjoy teaching all the subjects but particularly English.

Penny

I am a teacher trained in secondary geography and English, and subject lead for Geography.  I teach across a range of subjects and age groups at our Outreach Centre, at Bramble Ward Classroom RD&E and in pupil’s own homes and schools.  It’s a varied and interesting role and I enjoy being able to get to know and work with families, so we can best support pupils to grow in confidence and re-engage with their education. It's great to be able to vary our teaching goals according to each pupil’s learning and wellbeing needs and a bonus to be  part of such an experienced and friendly team.

Naomi

I work as an outreach teacher in North Devon in the Bideford and Holsworthy area. I am the subject lead for Design Technology. My students are always a pleasure to teach. I love the variety of the age range and the different personalities I work with. I am an Early Years specialist with a particular strength in music and play- based learning, but I teach anything the student requires personalising their curriculum.

Harriet

I am a member of the teaching team and the subject lead for maths, working mainly at the Outreach Centre supporting the school’s maths development plan. I have worked as a teacher for 10 years mostly in the Further Education sector, supporting students who struggled with maths at school. I believe maths is for everyone and love making it creative, enjoyable and accessible.

Administrative and Support Staff

Karen - Administrator

I’ve worked for the Devon Hospitals Short Stay School for over 15 years now in my role as Administrator and also as Clerk to the Management Board. I’m based at the Outreach Centre and can be contacted using the school telephone number 01392 385800 for any administration matters including finance, personnel, governance, policy, procedures, statutory returns etc.  I support the Headteacher in the smooth running of the service across all three sites. I’m also the Treasurer to the Friends of the Hospital School account so any donations/grants should be directed to me.

Whilst most of the day I am on a computer screen or buried under paperwork I do get the chance to observe the great work that our experienced teaching staff deliver to the pupils in our care.  To watch them learn and overcome various challenges is a privilege.

Lorraine

I have two roles within the school: one as Support Worker to the teachers and pupils, and also as Administration Support. I work at the RD&E hospital and the Outreach Centre - 2.5 days as a Support Worker in the classroom and 2.5 days as Administration. I was a Hospital Play Specialist for 21 years at the RD&E and have worked in the hospital school for 4 years. I am currently enjoying my new role within Administration and learning about the school systems.

Vicki

I am a teaching assistant at Bramble Ward, RD&E and the Outreach Centre in Exeter. I have been supporting, mentoring, counselling and tutoring children, young people and young adults ages 3-18, for over 25 years, most recently working for NHS CAMHS as a child therapist and Education Mental Health Practitioner in Gloucester and Devon schools and colleges. I have worked one to one and in small groups of young people as a therapist, run whole class workshops and assemblies in primary and secondary schools, created and led parent support groups and staff training on a range of topics relating to social, emotional and mental health. I really enjoy developing a trusting relationship with each individual and their family, helping them to feel comfortable and secure during their time with us.

Rachael

I am a teaching assistant at Devon Hospitals Short Stay School, and I can be found either at the Outreach Centre in Exeter or on Bramble Ward at the RD&E hospital. I have worked in a variety of educational and childcare roles over the last twenty years as a qualified primary school teacher, a childminder, and a teaching assistant. I support pupils with academic and non- academic activities, and I provide general support for the teachers. I also maintain and update the website. I feel privileged to work at our unique school, where building supportive relationships and meeting each student’s individual needs are at the heart of everything we do. I particularly enjoy cooking and baking, art and craft activities, and encouraging our students’ creativity and imagination.