Alternative Education and Therapeutic Provision in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire
Approved by Dorset Council and Somerset Council for Alternative Education Provision
Approved partner on Dorset Families Matter Directory
Registered with Adopt South West for Drama and Art Therapy
About us
“From our shared experiences in specialised education services we have both individually identified areas where children miss out. We form a comprehensive service for children, parents/carers and social services to ensure those children do not fall through the net.”
Kirsty Moran - Head of Education
BSc PGCE QTS NASENCo PAPAA NPQH
Kirsty began her teaching career in 2001, as a secondary science teacher. This was a planned move following on from working in the chemical industry sector, having graduated from the University of Plymouth with a BSC in Ocean science with Chemistry. Kirsty has worked in mainstream state and independent education, also alternative provisions and specialist schools, holding senior leadership roles in each of these sectors.
A scientist at heart, Kirsty quickly identified those students who were not able to flourish in mainstream settings, and chose to follow an SEN teaching route. Kirsty decided to work in alternative provision / special education, and has experience of; EBD, SEMH, those students unable to attend mainstream due to medical conditions, and high functioning ASD. Working with these groups has only deepened Kirsty’s personal belief that a positive relationship between teacher and student is the key to successful learning, building upon an individual’s interests to enable them to experience a positive acquisition of knowledge. This awareness and understanding is not just about an academic curriculum but equally about self-belief and confidence building. Most recently Kirsty has been a Head of Learning Support in an independent senior school, where she was able to use her experience to support and nurture those pupils with a range of difficulties, from anxiety and specific learning needs to those managing ADHD and ASD.
As a qualified and experienced skipper of sailing yachts, Kirsty manages crews ranging in number from 2 to 10. She has direct, sole responsibility for the management of the safe working environment of the vessel and crew. Her main hobby / interest is that of sailing. She is fortunate to own a small 24ft yacht based in Portland, with her best friend. She was an active member of the Offshore Sailing Group whilst at university and was able to progress through the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) courses becoming an Offshore Yachtmaster.
Kirsty believes in lifelong learning and applies this to herself, becoming a qualified SENCo in 2014 with the National Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator. Since then she has also gained PAPAA (Postgraduate Award of Proficiency in Assessment for Access Arrangements) and the National Professional Qualification for Headship. Each of these Level 7 courses was achieved while working full time.
It was during her most recent post that Kirsty became involved with the CCF (Combined Cadet Force) and quickly found herself as the Section Commander for the Royal Navy Cadets, this involved Kirsty having to become a commissioned officer and attending a number of residential training courses at Britannia Royal Navel College, Dartmouth. Lt Moran wholeheartedly believes in and models the core values of the Royal Navy; Commitment, Courage, Discipline, Respect, Integrity and Loyalty. She considers these qualities to underpin the ethos of Evergreen Education and Therapy which aims to support children and enable them to make positive progression with their lives.
Rebecca Peacock - Head of Therapeutic Services
MA, BA(Hons) QTS
Experienced Education Manager, Teacher and registered Dramatherapist.
A former Head of Schools for a national child care organisation, Rebecca has also had education management roles and over 25 years teaching experience in a wide variety of settings: Alternative Specialist Provision Services, CAMHS Hospital, SEMH specialist provisions, Special Education, Prison Education and the Independent sector.
As a Dramatherapist Rebecca has worked for over 10 years with adults and children helping to support clients with a wide variety of mental illnesses and conditions including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, emotionally unstable personality disorder, attachment disorder, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, trauma, substance misuse, emotional dysregulation, neuro-developmental conditions (ASD and ADHD), social communication and sensory difficulties.
Rebecca established a successful private practice in 2019 developing ideas on therapeutic education through the development of a programme ‘Windows on the World’ working on re-engagement in education programmes for children who are not attending school. Her therapeutic work focuses on helping Looked after Children, adopted children and children facing challenges in their relationships at home and in school.
Rebecca’s core belief is that education should not be a chore but fun and invigorating. The Teacher/therapist relationship is key to helping children (and adults) to repair damage done by unhealthy interactions and adverse early life experiences. Mutual respect and collaborative approach empower pupils, giving confidence, control over their learning and so boosts engagement.
Rebecca enjoys participating in theatre and the arts, including painting and visiting the theatre. She spends much of her free time supporting her own children in various sporting activities and she enjoys regular swimming and exercise in the gym; country walks with her dogs and home baking. Rebecca participates in local parish life and is responsible for organising the readers at her local church where she also reads at services.
