Tom has been part of the Moorbridge team for 11 years, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a deep passion for supporting young people. Prior to joining us, he spent 5 years working in mainstream schools across North Tyneside, gaining valuable insights into the diverse needs of learners. Specialising in Safeguarding and Welfare - As our Deputy Head, Tom's responsibilities include overseeing Behaviour and Attitudes, a critical aspect of our school's work. He has undergone extensive training in safeguarding and welfare, including SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) strategies, restorative practice, trauma informed techniques. Tom's expertise in these areas has been instrumental in creating a culture of safety, support, and positive relationships within our school community. Tom's commitment to our pupils extends beyond the classroom. He has worked closely with local authorities in strategic planning and implementation, focusing on reducing suspensions and exclusions, increasing attendance and welfare, and fostering a strong culture of safeguarding. This collaborative approach has been crucial in ensuring that the young people of North Tyneside receive the comprehensive support they deserve. Recognising the importance of ongoing professional development, Tom is currently completing the National Professional Qualification in Headship, further enhancing his leadership skills and ability to drive positive change within our school. Aligning with Our Vision and Values  Tom's dedication to our pupils' well-being and success aligns seamlessly with Moorbridge's core values of Building Bridges for Success, Relationships, Resilience, and Respect. His unwavering commitment to creating a secure and inspiring environment where each young person is supported holistically reflects our school's unwavering belief that all children have the potential to become successful adults and experience a positive future.

Katharine's journey with Moorbridge began in 2022, but her experience in supporting young people spans nearly two decades. She started her career working with vulnerable young people in a residential childcare unit, gaining valuable grounding in understanding the unique needs and challenges faced by this community. In 2007, Katharine joined Monkseaton High School, where she served as an attendance officer and form tutor, eventually progressing to a non-teaching Head of Year role. During this time, she was also seconded to the attendance and placement team, giving her deeper insight into the local authority's approach to exclusion and attendance. Katharine's passion for keeping young people engaged in mainstream education led her to the school support team in 2013, where she worked as an educational liaison officer. Her dedication and expertise were recognised, and she was promoted to team leader in 2017, managing the team and helping to create the current fair access process for North Tyneside. Now, as our Early Intervention and Outreach Manager, Katharine is spearheading the development of our RESET hub and Early Intervention programme. These initiatives align perfectly with our core values of Relationships, Resilience, and Respect, as we strive to support our pupils in overcoming barriers to learning and achieving their full potential. Katharine's wealth of experience, combined with her unwavering commitment to the wellbeing and success of our young people, makes her an invaluable asset to the Moorbridge team. We are proud to have her on board, and we are confident that her leadership and expertise will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of our pupils. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Katharine's role and the support she provides, please don't hesitate to reach out to her directly.

Anthony Smith has been an integral part of the Moorbridge team since 2012, initially as a PE and Maths teacher, and later transitioning into a role focused on behaviour support. Anthony's journey at Moorbridge exemplifies our core values of Relationships, Resilience, and Respect. After completing his Sports Science Coaching Science degree at the University of Teesside, Anthony spent time coaching football in Chicago, gaining valuable experience working with young people. He then joined Benfield School, where he honed his teaching skills before obtaining his teaching qualification at Kenton School. Anthony's commitment to professional development has been a driving force throughout his time at Moorbridge. He has completed extensive training in areas such as de-escalation, restorative practice, and trauma-informed practice, reflecting our school's dedication to creating a secure and nurturing environment for our pupils. Anthony's expertise in these areas has been instrumental in developing whole-school behaviour approaches that align with our vision of "Building Bridges for Success." In his current role, Anthony utilises his specialised knowledge to support pupils who may be facing particular challenges in their lives. By fostering positive relationships and employing strategies to help students regulate their emotions, Anthony plays a vital role in empowering our young people to overcome barriers to learning and realise their full potential. Anthony's journey at Moorbridge exemplifies our commitment to continuous improvement and the development of our staff. As a school, we are proud to have professionals like Anthony who are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of our pupils. Through their tireless efforts, we are able to fulfil our mission of providing an exceptional educational experience and preparing our students for successful futures.

Jeannette has been a teacher at Moorbridge for the past 6 years, bringing with her a wealth of experience in the field of Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) education. Prior to joining Moorbridge, she worked in SEMH settings in Newcastle for 7 years, and before that, she spent 3 years at a school in the West End of Newcastle. Jeannette's commitment to supporting students is evident in her ongoing professional development. She has undertaken extensive training in the area of Trauma-Informed Practice, delivered by organisations such as Beacon Family Services, Adopt North East, and the National Centre for Therapeutic Parenting. Jeannette has also engaged in self-study, reading books like "The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting," "But He Looks So Normal," and "The Body Keeps the Score," to deepen her understanding of trauma and its impact on learning and behaviour. "The best thing about working at Moorbridge is equally the opportunity to be a part of an amazingly supportive staff team, and the chance to support students on their journey through education." Jeannette's training in Trauma-Informed Practice has equipped her with the knowledge and skills to create a nurturing and responsive environment for the students at Moorbridge. The training, delivered in two parts, covers strategies to support behaviour management, exploring the flight, fight, and freeze responses, as well as the importance of connection and therapeutic approaches in addressing the impact of separation and loss on a student's identity. Moorbridge's commitment to Relationships, Resilience, and Respect is evident in Jeannette's approach. By fostering strong connections with her students and drawing on her specialised training, she is able to provide the compassion and challenge needed to help them overcome their challenges and unlock their full potential. As Moorbridge continues to strive for excellence, educators like Jeannette Hefford are instrumental in creating an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment where every student can thrive and succeed.