Meet the Team

Head Teacher & Designated Safeguarding Lead
Melanie Higgs
Telephone: 01945 660988
"I have been working in education for over 25years; in Primary, Secondary and Special needs schools I trained at Oxford Brookes university and for a degree in educational psychology with Open University later in life when I became focused on special needs and mental health within education.
While working at an SEN provision catering to 11 to 16 year old with mild to moderate learning difficulties and/or social, emotional and behaviour difficulties. I worked as a lead teacher providing support to colleagues in areas such as behaviour management and curriculum delivery. I also managed the school with support of a part time Headteacher as well as teaching, English, Mathematics and Science.
I joined Cambian Home Tree School in June 2015.and supported the school with the development of assessment, administration of exams, behaviour management and teaching eventually becoming Deputy Head and then Headteacher. I have developed my focus on mental health in education and try to create an environment within the school that encourages academic progress for all, alongside supporting mental health needs.
When I am not working I like to spend time with my family and my dogs. I enjoy historical and crime TV and when I have time I like to read crime books."

Deputy Head/ Maths Lead
Tawanda Madhlangobe
Dr. Tawanda Madhlangobe is a leading educator, academic and father of two. He qualified as a teacher from the University of Zimbabwe in 1993. Tawanda is deeply committed to the well-being of disadvantaged learners, hence his pursuit of a Bachelor of Philosophy in Special Educational Needs at the University of Birmingham. He then went on to study for a Master of Education at the University of Hertfordshire, awarded with a commendation. In his research, Tawanda focused on how to measure and understand disaffection as part of these studies. In 2008, Tawanda distinguished himself as a recipient of the Teacher of the Year award London Secondary School category for his outstanding work with disaffected students. He went on to study for a Doctorate in Education Degree investigating how educators use the experiences of students to design alternative curriculum provisions.

Teacher & Examinations Officer
Jane Hunt
Telephone: 01945 660988
"As a trained teacher (With specialisms in English language and Drama) I have worked in education since 1996, both in inner city and rural settings. I have taught children from as young as 4 up to 17 years of age. I developed an interest in working in mental health in 2013 and have since then worked in both care and education within that setting. I am currently responsible for delivering the humanities and A Level content for the school and overseeing intervention and attainment. During my free time I like to read and do crafts."

Instructor
Lee Bigland
Telephone: 01945 660988
"I am a passionate educator with experience teaching both peripatetically and classroom music. Before working at Home Tree School, I taught at 5 schools in Norfolk delivering instrumental lessons to classrooms and individual students from key stage 2 up to key stage 4. Whilst doing this, I also had just over 60 private students studying guitar, bass guitar and banjo for weekly lessons. My students have a 100% pass rate when taking graded examinations.
When I am not delivering music, I am performing with a function band around the country called The Walks as a bassist. My work has allowed me to perform at extravagant venues, festivals and recording studios around the United Kingdom.
Other than having a passion for music, I also greatly enjoy raising awareness and funding for West Norfolk Mind mental health charity. My fundraising efforts include skydiving from 13,000ft, cycling 300 miles from London to Paris and summiting the world’s tallest freestanding mountain Mount Kilimanjaro and most recently, I have cycled from Lands’ End to John O Groats during the summer holidays. Because of my charity work, I was awarded the title of Charity Champion of West Norfolk."

Instructor
Beth English
Telephone: 01945 660988
"I began working with children once I had left sixth form, which involved working cooperatively in a childminders setting. This mainly centred on supporting children in their preparation towards nursery and primary school.
I then decided to move to working with children and young people who have special educational need and mental health difficulties. I began work at Home Tree School as a Teaching Assistant, I wish to focus on developing my understanding of the mental health care system as well as mental health in education. I am currently building on my personal development by completing a degree in Psychology with the Open University. I hope to continue to develop my skills further in education and mental health. I have recently taken on the role of maths instructor within Home Tree School, this has allowed me to combine my passions for studying and teaching.
When I am not working I like studying, spending time with family and friends and going to the cinema."

Teaching Assistant
Ty Elms
Telephone: 01945 660988
"My name is Ty and I have been working at Home Tree School since November 2017.
I studied at the College of West Anglia for 3 years, studying Sports Coaching before moving on to Personal Training.
From there I coached sports at numerous main stream primary schools and secondary SEN schools, as well as managing an u10's Academy Football team "Wisbech Town PDC u10's". Following this I had a change in career and moved on to Personal Training based in March, where I stayed for 2 years. Although I thoroughly enjoyed this, I knew I wanted to work with young people again.
Mental health is an area that has always interested me but I had never considered as a career, although as soon as I heard of the position available at Home Tree School I jumped at the opportunity. From the first day I knew this was the career for me, I am enjoying the challenges and look forward to developing further. I currently deliver P.E and Food Technology lessons, as well as general T.A roles and Keyworker responsibilities.
I like spending my spare time at the Gym, doing anything that involves football and I love cheesy jokes and Comedy!"

Teaching Assistant
Carol Bowett
"Prior to working at Home Tree School, I was serving in the British Army for 14 years, employed within the Royal Military Police. In 2010, I left the Army to start a family and subsequently took a 7-year career gap in order to bring up my 2 children. It was during my time as a full-time mother that I realised how rewarding a career in education would be. I obtained my Level 2 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools qualification and began my career with a charity providing bespoke educational packages for children, aged 14-16, who have been excluded from mainstream school. I then moved onto working as a Teaching Assistant at Home Tree School, which seemed a natural progression in my new career.
Outside of work, I am a member of a local running club and enjoy participating in competitive races of distances ranging from 5k to marathons. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family."

Teacher
Louise Hishon
"I have been working in the Education system for about 10 years, both in Primary and Secondary education. I completed my degree in Psychology and Sociology and particularly l enjoyed applying both these disciplines to fairy tales. I have been teaching English for nearly 10 years and have thoroughly enjoyed teaching and am still enjoying the challenge. I have many hobbies and these include reading, exercise and gaming."







Governance Board
Termly Governance Board meetings are held at Cambian Home Tree School to ensure that the management of the school is closely scrutinised and held to account in all areas of responsibility.
The agenda comprises of:
✓ Voice of the Child - student feedback
✓ Head Teachers Highlight Report outlining achievements and challenges and progress against school improvement report
✓ Outcomes for Children and Young People - Care
✓ Outcomes for Children and Young People - Education
✓ Outcomes for Children and Young People - Therapy
✓ Commercial Performance
✓ Staffing and Personnel
✓ Estates Report
✓ IT report
Chair of the board is Kicha Mitchell who is contactable here or by phone: 07711 766176
The Governance Board contain key individuals from outside and within the school who attend this meeting each term and parental and staff feedback is always welcomed.