Education

  I joined First Thought Care Services as a Service Manager, bringing with me extensive experience in the care sector. My journey began with a career shift that sparked my passion for supporting individuals with mental health challenges and learning difficulties. Over the years, I’ve progressed from a support worker to a Registered Home M

  I joined First Thought Care Services as a Service Manager, bringing with me extensive experience in the care sector. My journey began with a career shift that sparked my passion for supporting individuals with mental health challenges and learning difficulties. Over the years, I’ve progressed from a support worker to a Registered Home Manager, with experience in both domiciliary and residential care settings. At First Thought Care Services, I lead the education at the Alternative Provision. I’m passionate about making a difference in the lives of those I support, and seeing them grow and achieve is incredibly rewarding. I’m excited to continue my journey with First Thought Care Services, contributing to the growth and success of our team and the people we support.  

 Hi, I’m Shannon, the Assistant Head of Education at First Thought. I’m a qualified Primary Teacher with a strong background across EYFS, KS1 and SEND, and experience ranging from class teaching to one-to-one support, pastoral work and early years SEN. I’m passionate about creating purposeful, engaging learning environments where every ch

 Hi, I’m Shannon, the Assistant Head of Education at First Thought. I’m a qualified Primary Teacher with a strong background across EYFS, KS1 and SEND, and experience ranging from class teaching to one-to-one support, pastoral work and early years SEN. I’m passionate about creating purposeful, engaging learning environments where every child feels seen, supported and able to thrive. My work across placements, mainstream settings and SEND roles has shaped my calm, child-centred approach, and I’m committed to ensuring our curriculum and culture give every learner the chance to succeed. 

 Hi, I’m Kim, and I’m a SEN Teacher here at First Thought. I completed my PGCE after previously working as an Early Years SENCo, and I’ve taught across Years 1–6, supporting pupils with a wide range of needs. My experience spans personalised learning plans, inclusive classroom strategies, behaviour support and building strong partnerships

 Hi, I’m Kim, and I’m a SEN Teacher here at First Thought. I completed my PGCE after previously working as an Early Years SENCo, and I’ve taught across Years 1–6, supporting pupils with a wide range of needs. My experience spans personalised learning plans, inclusive classroom strategies, behaviour support and building strong partnerships with families. I’m passionate about delivering creative, differentiated lessons that help every child access learning in a way that feels meaningful and achievable for them. 

 Hi, I’m Alexis, and I work as a HLTA within our education team. I’m a qualified teacher with a PGCE in Secondary Art & Design and full QTS, and I’ve previously taught Photography, Art, Media Studies and Design across KS3–KS5. Alongside my teaching background, I’ve supported KS1 and KS2 learners, delivered SEND and EAL interventions, and 

 Hi, I’m Alexis, and I work as a HLTA within our education team. I’m a qualified teacher with a PGCE in Secondary Art & Design and full QTS, and I’ve previously taught Photography, Art, Media Studies and Design across KS3–KS5. Alongside my teaching background, I’ve supported KS1 and KS2 learners, delivered SEND and EAL interventions, and worked closely with families to create nurturing, inclusive learning environments. I’m committed to adapting learning to each child’s needs, championing creativity and helping pupils build both confidence and independence. 

 Hi, I’m Nikki, and I’m a HLTA with over 20 years’ experience supporting children and young people with SEMH, autism, complex behavioural needs and barriers to learning. I’ve worked across specialist provisions, managed pastoral teams, led behaviour support and delivered one-to-one and small-group interventions. Although I’m not a qualifi

 Hi, I’m Nikki, and I’m a HLTA with over 20 years’ experience supporting children and young people with SEMH, autism, complex behavioural needs and barriers to learning. I’ve worked across specialist provisions, managed pastoral teams, led behaviour support and delivered one-to-one and small-group interventions. Although I’m not a qualified teacher, I hold extensive specialist training and have taught across a wide range of subjects and age groups in both mainstream and alternative settings. I’m passionate about building trust, creating safe learning environments and helping every learner grow in confidence and capability.