NEST

woodmancote_prospectus-1418

Who’s who in the NEST?

Below you'll find details of our NEST team, each of whom is available should you have any questions.

Mr Gary Tucker
Headteacher

Contact: head@woodmancote.gloucs.sch.uk

I have been in teaching for over 31 years and have certainly seen a few changes in my time. Woodmancote is my second Headship, having been Headteacher at Temple Guiting and Deputy at The Croft School, Painswick.

I have two sons, one of which is at University and the other graduated in 2021. I am incredibly proud of them, but I share the frustrations that many of you may feel on your parenting journey.

My role as Safeguardng Lead is to ensure that all children feel safe, secure and protected at school. This means that the curriculum promotes respect, tolerance and empathy. It also means that I liaise with other agencies so that children and families get the support they need, without judgement and in strictest confidence.  

If anyone has a concern about a child in or out of school, please do make contact so we can keep all children safe in our community.

Mrs. Leanne McNamee
NEST Lead Practitioner & Play Therapist

Contact: lmcnamee@woodmancote.gloucs.sch.uk

I have been teaching for over 21 years and have enjoyed working with hundreds of children in EYFS, KS1 & KS2 both in this county and in Buckinghamshire. During these years, I have enjoyed developing my skills as KS1 lead, PSHE Co-ordinator and School Council Co-ordinator to name but a few. 

In recent years, I have seen a growing need for our young people to be supported in their mental health and well-being. As a result, I decided to extend my training and I am now a fully qualified Play Therapist which I also work as within the school. I have a genuine passion to want to help children who are experiencing difficulties in their world via both short- or long-term interventions.

I am incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to work with your child/children in this way and I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead this very special and dedicated team here at Woodmancote School.

Richard Hoyle
SENCO

I took over as SENCO in September 2020, having been here at Woodmancote School since leaving banking and qualifying as a teacher in 2001. During my 19 years here, I have held many different roles that have allowed me to develop a good understanding of children and establish good working relationships with children, parents and governors.

I have taught many children from across all age ranges as a class teacher and, for three years prior to my SENCO role, I was the in-house ‘supply’ teacher across the school. This gave me the opportunity to teach EVERY child in the school from Pre-School to Year 6. I have been a staff Governor for 15 years, the subject leader for Maths, ICT & PE, the Head of KS1, the lead for the Health & Well-Being Team, P.E. & Sports Coordinator & Pupil Premium lead. 

My roles are all focussed on giving children the best possible support and opportunities. I provide sporting opportunities for a range of children and coordinate opportunities for children to undertake a variety of experiences in and out of school. As SENCO, I aim to ensure that children with special educational needs and disabilities at Woodmancote School receive the support they need so they can make progress. I simply love trying to make a difference for children.

Mrs. Emma Lee
Medical Liaison Lead

Contact: elee@woodmancote.gloucs.sch.uk

I have worked as a Teaching Assistant at Woodmancote School since 2005 and I have 3 children in their twenties.

My previous career was as a registered nurse, working in general hospitals for ten years in Hertfordshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset.  I started at Woodmancote supporting individual children with medical needs, from reception through to year 6.

My current duties include overseeing the medical support of children within the NEST team, alongside working as a general Teaching Assistant in Rowan class. I really enjoy my varied role which draws on both my Teaching Assistant and nursing experience.

Mrs Kirstie Workman
Designated Teacher for Children in Care and Children Previously in Care

Contact: kworkman@woodmancote.gloucs.sch.uk

I have been teaching for nearly 30 years in Primary schools and even after all these years…I love it! I also had a couple of years working in Adult Education, teaching vulnerable adults cookery and life skills. 

I have three teenage children (two sons and a daughter), all very different and all with their own lovely personalities and challenges, and two gorgeous Welsh sheepdogs.

My role as Designated Teacher is to promote the educational, social and emotional achievement of every looked-after and previously looked-after child in the school. This includes those with Special Guardianship. Although I don’t always teach these children directly I do get to know them and spend time with them.

Mrs Karen Holder
Nest and Parent Support

I have been working at Woodmancote school for 7 years. I have loved getting to know many  families and enjoy the variety that a busy school  brings.

My previous roles all include working with children and their families including supporting families who have suffered a bereavement. I have qualified in my second year as a counsellor. I have trained in the ‘Solihull Approach’ and am now part of a team that delivers parent groups here at Woodmancote. 

I am passionate about supporting families in many ways and trying to make a positive difference.