Welcome
I have been teaching for over 20 years, the majority 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, Executive Principal
BSc (Hons), QTS, NPQH, CTM
Mike has QTS with a specialism in science teaching. He is principal of The Wildings Lovaton 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 also trained to deliver Read Write Inc. and Accelerated Reader.
Meet Our Colleagues
Melody Bond
Executive 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.
Liam Bishop
Therapeutic Educator
Liam has experience working in Alternative Provisions, providing a safe environment for young people to thrive. He is excited to utilise his skills and experience to support The Wildings Lovaton.
Karen Frediani
Site Lead, Site DSL, SENDCo & Thrive Practitioner
Karen specialises in Child Development, Early Years, PSHE, and Emotional Development.
She is lead colleague for PSHE, SMSC, Careers, and Recovery. Karen is Read Write Inc and Accelerated Reader trained and is our Exams Officer.
Aaron Morris
Therapeutic Educator
Aaron has a BSc in Psychology and has extensive experience in Thrive and working alongside Educational Psychology. Aaron is passionate about recognising each young person’s individual strengths and creating opportunities for them to experience success.
Matt Scanlan
Teacher
Matt has worked in education for over 15 years. He has experience in mainstream, alternative provisions, youth work, and care work. He believes that every young person has their own strengths, talents, and potential. His aim is to create a positive, supportive, and welcoming environment where pupils feel valued, encouraged, and able to achieve their best.
Lydia Bond
Administrator & DDSL
Lydia 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 Lovaton in our development.
Steve Forrest
Health and Safety Lead
Steve is a Teacher with a background in Land-craft, Humanities, Sciences, and Outdoor Education. He spent time in the military before moving into teaching.
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 Member at the Bristol branch
Tania Beard, Teaching and Learning Governor
Jonathan Prideaux, Finance 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.