Our TeamT
Get to Know Us
We are a small team of talented professionals with a vast array of skills and experience with a variety of roles within the education system. We love what we do, and we do it with passion. We work hard to provide a high standard of support both emotionally and in the classroom.
Here at The Wells Academy Yorkshire, we pride ourselves on the variety of skills and knowledge that the staff possess and use this to provide a tailored learning experience for every learner that walks through the door.
Meet The Team
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Lois Hill
Managing Director
DSL
Education: Extended BTEC diploma in Art and Design, a completed foundation year in Creative Expressive Arts and Wellbeing.
Experience: over the years I have gained experience working with children and young people in voluntary roles, university placements, and as a team member at a kids holiday camp. I have also got experience In the hospitality industry working as a waitress and bartender gaining vital experience in dealing with members of the public working as part of a team. I have worked for wells for a long time and have recently taken over as Managing Director.
Passion: spending time with my beautiful daughters, music and anything to do with arts and crafts
Why I work at Wells: I feel that the work done here at Wells is extremely important. The milestones that we have achieved with the the young people that we encounter have been incredible and as a trainee teacher I understand the importance of my role. In supporting the Jo and the other members of staff, I make it easier for them to concentrate on providing the highest level of education possible.
Random Fact: I have met the late Pope Francis.
Email me: l.hill@wellsacademy.co.uk
Dave Hill
Executive Business Manager
Curriculum Director
DSL
Education: Qualified Teacher in Mathematics and a Higher Education Diploma in Computer Application.
Previous Experience: Dave has years of experience in different industries, he is an ex-miner from the local area who trained as a teacher after the collapse of the mining industry. He has now been teaching Mathematics for over 20 years working as a teacher, a head of department, a private tutor and a GCSE examiner. Dave is also a highly skilled sportsman and has played sports and coached several sports teams over the years. One of his proudest sporting achievements is coaching a Wakefield District football team to victory in prestigious Yorkshire cup. The only Wakefield to reach this achievement.
Passion: playing and watching golf, cricket and football and walking my mad dog Barney.
Why I work at wells: as a qualified teacher I have taken on many challenges over the years, as the education system changes there is more of a need for passionate individuals to enter the Alternative Provision Sector. My experience and craft within education gives me the ability to enthuse and re-direct the learners in our care and under our guidance we have seen major strides and developments in many of our young people both personally and academically.
Random Fact: The only Wakefield Schools Football Coach to win The Yorkshire Cup.
Email me: d.hill@wellsacademy.co.uk
Jo Hill
Executive Safeguarding Lead
Inclusion Consultant
Education: Wakefield LA Designated Safeguarding Lead, Thrive Practioner
Experience: Jo has a vast amount of experience in education ranging from Classroom Assistant in Leeds, Mentor in South Hiendley and Ackworth, Educational Welfare Officer for an AP in Wakefield, Provision Manager in Leeds and various other roles as a supply TA over various areas of Yorkshire. Jo has utilized the skills that she has enhanced over her time in education to set up an Alternative Provision for children in the the adjoining area to Kinsley to be directed to by host schools to re-align and re-set their barriers to learning.
Why I work at Wells: I have a burning ambition to get the best out of children who are finding it difficult to cope in mainstream education and offer the best alternative that they can access.
Random Fact: I have a passion for flower arranging and building decorative balloon arches.
Email Me: j.hill@wellsacademy.co.uk
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Chloe Short
Family Support Officer
DSL
Education: Physics, ICT Merit, English & Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Resistant Materials, Geography. Safeguarding Adults Advanced Level 2, Safeguarding Children advance Level 2, Fire Safety, Extremism and Radicalization Awareness, Health and Safety, Designated Safeguarding Lead
Experience: I have had experience of working in large Stable with up to 60 horses. The enabled me to enhance my team work skills. have a hugh level of risk awareness to be able to work safely with large animals. I have good communication skills and interact positively and professionally with the public and clients. I pride myself on paying attention to details ensure that I provide a service fit for purpose.
Passion: Horse riding and the great outdoors
Why I work at Wells: being able to rise to a new challenge everyday and the fact that no two days are the same.
Random Fact: I have flown an Airplane.
Email Me: c.short@wellsacademy.co.uk
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Sophie Simpson
Off Site Provision Lead
Education: Health and Social Care Level 2. Mathematics Level 1/2
Safeguarding Children Advanced Level 2, Autism Awareness, Extremism and Radicalization Awareness, Risk Assessment Awareness, Child Mental Health Awareness and First Aid.
Experience: I have experience working in hospitality as a Bartender. I have previously work with a company that worked with children with various disabilities. I have experience of working as a Warehouse Operative. I have worked my way up from being Classroom support at Wells to being the lead of the Off Site Provision unit.
Passion: Retail and beauty therapy, ( getting my hair and nails done!)
Why I work at Wells: The Wells have given me the opportunity to build confidence in my own ability and broaden my horizons, working with children in an educational setting.
Random Fact: I am one of SEVEN sibling.
Gabby Hampshire
Classroom support mentor
Enrichment Tutor
Education: Hemsworth Arts and Community College, English, Maths, Spanish.
Bishop Burton College, Horse Care Level 2, Level Diploma in Equine Management & Coaching, NCFE Level 2 Volunteering, BHS Riding and Road Safety, BHS Stage 1, RDA Volunteer Training Award, ASDAN Entry Level Personal and Social Development.
Level 2 Advanced Safeguarding Children, Autism Awareness, Child Mental Awareness, Child On-Line Safety Awareness, GDPR Awareness.
Experience: I have a great deal of experience working with animals from horses to greyhounds and various pet in between. I have been a Stable Hand/Groom. I had a to cater for the daily needs of the animals in my care and communicate with their owners. I trained new staff up to the required standards.
I also spent a good deal of time working for Riding For The Disabled, working with both children and adults to ensure their safety and disabilities were catered for.
Passion: Walking dogs, horse riding
Why I work at Wells: I have relished the opportunity to work as a team. I enjoy connecting with the learners and helping them to achieve their best. I believe that the skills I have gained and past experience will enable me to make a difference to the children in our care.
Random Fact: I appeared as an Extra on Waterloo Road.