About Us
Formed by three SEN Teachers and a Therapist in response to the mental health crisis that has swept through the country.
Created with passion and with one goal; to support and help young people in the South-West.
Built upon our extensive experience, knowledge, drive and our aim to help the community using the tools we have learnt during our careers.
Poles APart want to be the change that is needed.
Directors
We are a committed, passionate team who have seen the issues and understand what is missing for many students in the South-West who are struggling in a school setting. We want to make a difference and fill that gap.
Emma Wilton-
Emma has worked in education for the last 11 years, starting her career as a learning support assistant in a Secondary mainstream before embarking on a career within the special education sector. Emma has gained the middle management qualification has a strong focus on student achievement and strives to achieve the best outcomes for every student she works with. Emma has a strong philosophy that every child counts and never gives up!
Contact: emma@polesapartap.com
Sam Laskey
Sam spent the early part of his career working as a Physical Training Instructor in the RAF and playing semi professional Rugby. Much of this time in the RAF was spent in phase 1 and 2 training, teaching young men and women Physical Education, life skills and how to adapt into their new career. Sam then went on to become a mainstream Primary School teacher before moving into SEN. Sam is committed to finding the right opportunity for every child.
Contact:sam@polesapartap.com
Jennifer Blackstone
As a qualified Secondary PSHE and Humanities Teacher, Jenn has been working in education for ten years since completing her degree. Jenn has experience of mainstream education and two SEN settings and has also completed a middle management qualification and one years credit towards a counselling diploma. Jenn wants the education system to focus on tailoring learning around mental health needs.
Contact: jenn@polesapartap.com
Anne-Marie Ryder
13 years Secondary teaching experience in Physical Education and Religious Studies. 5 years experience working with Alternative Provisions across Plymouth and Devon. Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead with Attendance. Working towards my accreditation, in an Advanced Diploma in Intergrative Humanistic Psychotherapy and Counselling. 6 years as the Safeguarding and Wellbeing and SEND governor at Plymstock School.
Contact:anne-marie@polesapartap.com
Directors
Jennifer Blackstone
Emma Wilton
Sam Laskey
Anne-Marie Ryder
Lowday Pring Holdings LTD
Chair of the Board
Robyn Vincent (Headteacher at the Outdoors Group School) – Procedures and Teaching and Learning
The Board
Shevek Pring (Owner of the Outdoors Group)- Outdoor Education and Policies
Peter Wentworth (Retired SENCO/SLT Member)- SEN Guidance and Safeguarding
Carrie King (Senior Youth Support Worker at PCC) –Youth Services, Community and Safeguarding
Nicky Jewell (Head of Secondary Provision at ACE Schools)- SEN Guidance and AP advisor
Chris Holl (Careers Advisor)- Business Development
Mick Casey (Language Specialist)- Curriculum