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Meet the team!

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I’m a mum, a wife, an English teacher and a qualified teacher with 12 years’ experience across early years, primary and post-16 education, specialising in SEND provision.

Being around people, catching up for a chat and having a cup of tea in hand is where I’m happiest! If the sun is shining you will find me at the beach or during winter on the side-lines cheering on my boys at a rugby match. When I’m not at the Cove, I spend my time gardening, reading, doing Pilates and cooking a good roast for the ones I love.

My favourite part of teaching has always been getting out of the classroom and helping people take part in real-life experiences. Whether that’s supporting someone on their first ever bus journey, learning how to budget while shopping, taking a trip to Sky Studios in London, or heading off on a residential abroad, it’s always been an honour and a privilege to be there when the world opens up for someone.

I’m passionate about breaking down barriers and enabling people to live the lives they choose. I’ve seen first-hand the incredible difference that the right support, encouragement and opportunities can make to someone’s life, and this is a huge part of why we created North Devon Cove.

I’m so proud of what we’re building at North Devon Cove, and I can’t wait to welcome you through our doors.

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Hi I’m Jo. Director and co-founder of North Devon Cove CIC.

I’m a mum and qualified Maths teacher with over 10 years’ experience working in a specialist SEND provision at North Devon College. Prior to teaching I worked as a Fund Manager in London so my career has taken me on quite a journey.

Outside of teaching I love the water and spend most of my time in the sea, having coached Surf Lifesaving with Croyde Surf lifesaving for 8 years and also completed as a Master. I am now a Chill coach and support people to access cold water swimming. I have also been known to step into the world of amateur theatre and last year took part in a production with Barnstaple Musical, Comedy and Dramatic Society.

I love supporting people to realise their full potential, whether that be tutoring maths to someone or enabling someone to go on their first solo bus journey. During my ten years at North Devon College I loved every minute spent in and outside of the classroom. Watching people grow and develop skills, achieve things they never thought possible is a privilege and I hope to continue to share many of these moments with the adults who come to The Cove.

The team creating The Cove are incredibly special to me. We share the same ethos and determination to create something positive for our local community, and that shared vision has kept me going through what has felt like endless painting! I can’t wait to share what we are creating and welcome everyone to The Cove.

I’m Mark, Director and Co-founder of North Devon Cove CIC.

I’m a dad of two wonderful kids and a qualified teacher with over 20 years experience in SEN. For the past 10 years I have been managing the SEN provision at North Devon College. I’m really excited about this new adventure.

I grew up in Barnstaple and am a keen sportsman having played football for 40 years and now coach Braunton Under 10s football team. I am also a qualified gym instructor and really enjoy helping people access physical activity in a way that works for them.

Away from sport I love being creative, and have recently started making frames from driftwood and creating scenes from seaglass and other treasures found on our beautiful local beaches.

I’m driven by the belief that everyone should have the same opportunities in life regardless of their differences. My favourite part of teaching has always been finding the joy in enabling people to broaden their horizons. I’ve organised residentials from Bristol to Barcelona via Stockholm and have witnessed first hand what those experiences can do for the confidence, independence and aspirations of young people.

For me some of the most important learning happens outside the classroom. Having new experiences, trying something different and being part of the wider community can play a huge part in helping young people grow into confident adults who are ready for the world.

Creating The Cove has been a huge focus for me over the past six months and I truly believe it will be a life changing provision for people who access it. There has been plenty of hard work along the way but also some laughter and that is exactly the ethos I want us to carry forward, working hard, supporting one another and having some fun along the way

An elderly woman with gray hair, glasses, and blue earrings smiling at the camera, wearing a blue top.

I’m Pat, Director of The Cove CIC

After happily spending my whole working life as an English Teacher and SENDCO in local schools, I am now even more happily retired, packing my days with the things I love. That usually means being outdoors, gardening or walking but I also try to fit in my art work and, of course, my lovely, lively grandchildren.

Even now I am still passionate about every individual being given chances to continue their learning and development and so I’m hugely excited and honoured to be a part of what is happening at The Cove - right in the centre of Barnstaple with all those opportunities for people to grow in independence, to feel confident in their own community and, very importantly, to enjoy making friends.

I have every belief that the staff there will create the very best welcoming space where this can happen.

Of course, my role as Director will be to oversee strategy and development. I have many years of experience as Chair of Governors at a local academy which will prove useful - but I also look forward to dropping in from time to time and seeing it all first hand.

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Hi, I’m Sue, a Director of The Cove CIC.

I began my working life as a nurse before retraining as a teacher after having my family. It was a big decision, but one that led to 24 wonderful years teaching and tutoring young people with SEND. I have recently retired and have so many happy memories of that time. It was a real privilege to support and work alongside so many young people and their families.

I live in a small rural community and am part of my local church. I love spending time with family and friends – something I have a little more time for now that I’m retired! I also enjoy gardening and have recently taken on an allotment, as well as reading and going for walks.

Through my work, I became very aware of the concerns around what happens for some young people with additional needs when they leave education. Many need more time, encouragement and opportunities to develop their independence and confidence.

The Cove provides a safe and nurturing environment where young people can continue that journey. The staff are highly experienced, motivated and dedicated, and I am very proud to be a small part of their venture. As a Director, I hope to offer whatever support I can, both in helping with the responsibilities involved in running a CIC and by being a regular visitor to The Cove.