Welcome
I am a teacher of 18 years, 15 of which have been spent working with young people that have been excluded from mainstream education, across a variety of settings. I have been Head of five educational settings and Senior Leadership of another three. I have developed a clear understanding of the overarching needs of these young people and their families. All young people at this end of the education spectrum have experienced trauma. Focussing on the recovery from trauma as a primary need, I have had great success in accelerating positive outcomes for young people that have fallen out of the current local authority education provision.
Mike Rees-Lee, Principal
BSc (Hons), QTS, NPQH, CTM
Mike has QTS with a specialism in science teaching. He is principal of the Wildings and supports all colleagues to deliver outstanding care and education across the social, emotional, vocational and academic curriculum. He is a trained therapeutic mentor and has the National Professional Qualification for Headship with a special needs focus. Mike is trained to deliver Read Write Inc. and Accelerated Reader.
Meet Our Colleagues
Melody Bond
DSL & Student and Family Services
Mel specialises in Safeguarding, Emotional Wellbeing and family support. She is a qualified Therapeutic Mentor and is our mental health lead. She has extensive knowledge of emotional development and is Read Write Inc trained and trained to support Accelerated Reader.
Ian Norton
Senior Teacher
Ian has worked in Education for 20 years, 18 of which have been in Special Education. In this time, he has worked in the mainstream, independent and local authority sectors. Ian is a Qualified Teacher of the Visually Impaired (QTVI). He is passionate about supporting students and securing the best outcomes and provision.
Ollie Hickman
Teacher
Ollie has been a teacher for 19 years. He has worked as an Early Years Teacher as well as Primary, Secondary and Post-16 roles both locally and Internationally. Ollie is a keen musician and recent Psychology graduate. He is proud to be part of The Wildings team.
Jayne Whitfield
Therapeutic Educator
Jayne has over 17 years of experience working with children and young people in both educational and recreational settings. A qualified Forest School Leader, Jayne loves everything outdoors and is passionate about supporting young people to achieve their full potential in a caring and supported learning environment.
Kay Emmerson
Therapeutic Educator
Kay specialises in Outdoor Learning and Trauma Informed practice, she has a background in SEND and SEMH in various settings. She loves spending time with her ponies and going on bike adventures.
Karen Frediani
SENDCo, Thrive Practitioner & Teacher
Karen specialises in Child Development, early years, PSHEE, Emotional Development.
She is lead colleague for PSHEE, RE, Careers and Recovery. Karen is Read Write Inc and accelerated Reader trained and is our Exams Officer.
Steph Harvey
Curriculum Lead & Teacher
Steph has joined the Wildings team and brings a wealth of expertise and passion in Maths, curriculum development and school leadership.
Steve Forrest
Teacher
Steve is a Teacher with a background in Land-craft, humanities and outdoor education. He spent time in the military before moving in to teaching.
Naomi Hutchings
Teacher
Naomi is a teacher with a primary focus. She is very creative and will be focusing on art and creative cooking using core English and Maths skills.
James Smith
Teacher
James is a Teacher focused on Primary education and Literacy. James loves being out doors and is really excited to be a part of The Wildings team.
Sean Durkin
Therapeutic Educator
Sean is part of the wellbeing team and has worked in pastoral support in both mainstream and specialist settings. He loves football and is really excited to be a part of the Wildings team.
Shannon Norman
Therapeutic Educator
Shannon has 12 years experience working with children and young people with additional needs and trauma. Shannon has a passion for promoting positive mental health and wellbeing, and is committed to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.
Zoe Treharne
Therapeutic Educator
Zoe grew up on a farm, so she loves all animals. She's really into sport, especially football and netball. She ran a half marathon last year and her goal is to run a full marathon.
Lydia Bond
Administrator &
Clerk to Governors
Lydia has graduated from University with a 2:1 in English Literature. She has a keen eye for detail and loves organisation. She's excited to assist The Wildings in our development.
Josh King
Assistant Caretaker
Josh is a big football fan, he is a proud supporter of Manchester United! He also enjoys being a helpful hand and a smiley face at The Wildings.
Governance
Jon Gibson, Chair of Governors
Director and Consultant for Backdrop Education Services Limited, trading as Backdrop Leadership Group, which works with government, local authorities, MATs, charities, and schools.
NAHT President at the Bristol branch
Trustee at Ascend Learning Trust
Josh Fitzgerald, Safeguarding Governor
Works for the National Autistic Society
Tania Beard, Teaching and Learning Governor
Jonathan Prideaux, Finance Governor
Marc Kastner, Health and Safety Governor
Educational Psychologist
We are working with Dr. Ruth Arnell, an experienced educational psychologist to help develop an outstanding provision that meets the needs of all of our young people.