Our people

Meet the staff at Fen Rivers

Senior Leadership Team

Amanda Fewkes
James Thompson
Rachel Good
Headteacher / Designated Teacher / Head of Centre / DDSL Deputy Headteacher / Behaviour Lead / Funding Audit / Deputy of Centre / DDSL Assistant Headteacher / Head of Safeguarding & Multi-disciplinary Team / DSL / Deputy Exams Officer
 
Vacancy
 
Heidi Leggett
 
Assistant Headteacher / Teaching & Learning   / DDSL Senior Administrator / Exams Officer / DDSL

Middle Leadership Team

Bethany Leech
Louise Hayman
Kirsty Hart
Inclusion Lead Head of English Phonics and Reading Lead
 
Vacancy
 
Vacancy
 
Head of Maths Head of Science  

Multi-disciplinary Team (Advocates)

Jude Henson
Hayley Clifton
Jodie Demidh
Attendance Lead / DDSL / Parent Child Counsellor / Trauma-Informed Practitioner PBS Lead / Respect Young People Lead / DDSL / Trauma-Informed Practitioner Young Carers Lead / DDSL / CBT / DBT / Play Therapy / Trauma-Informed Practitioner
 
Amy Taylor
 
Pete Sneesby
 
Neglect Lead / DDSL / Music Therapy / Trauma-Informed Practitioner Behaviour and Prevent Lead / DDSL / Trauma-Informed Practitioner  

Teachers

Jack Curl
Brandi Cole
Rachel Howard
Demi Palmer
Kirsty Hart
Charles Johnson
Dan Wright
Bethany Leech
Ellena Bennington
Thomas Hitchcock
Louise Hayman
Ethan Webb
Amanda Fewkes
James Thompson
   

Teaching Assistants

Stefanie Watling
Martin Smith
Olivia Galley
Jess Boxall
Gemma Russell
Gurpinder Singh
Natalie Taylor
Ryan Hugo
Chloe Appleby
Thomas Childerhouse
Katherine Chapman
Charley Reed
Jonathon Middleton
Chris Carpenter
Rachel Skinner
Ryan Stevenson
Shalini Kopalasinkam
 

Site Team

Geraldine Jaz
Vanessa Lemin
Paul Parker

Leadership Team

Amanda Fewkes
Head Teacher

Amanda Fewkes, Headteacher / Designated Safeguarding Lead / Mental Health First Aider / Senior Mental Health Lead / YMHFA Instructor / Reflective Practice Supervisor / Grief First Aider / Trauma and Mental Health Informed Practitioner 

MA, BSc (Hons), PGCE, Postgraduate Diploma in Education, NPQH, NPQEL, MCCT, FCCT, MHFA, YMHFA, TMHIP

With over 30 years’ experience in education—more than 20 of those in senior leadership and SEND—I’ve taught across all age ranges from Early Years Foundation Stage to Secondary, embracing the unique challenges and rewards each stage brings.

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I served as a SENCO for 17 years and held Headteacher roles in two schools before joining Fen Rivers six years ago. My governance experience includes Chair of Governors at a primary school and membership of the PGCE Governing Board at UEA, where I also supported safeguarding and safer recruitment for PGCE students.

I am responsible for the strategic leadership of the school, including financial management, admissions and tribunals, and the development of the strategic monitoring plan. This plan is closely aligned with the school’s self-evaluation and priorities under the Ofsted framework. I also oversee attendance, which has improved year on year. Beyond the school, I represent the Trust as the NASSH representative for the Norfolk Safeguarding Children Partnership and serve as part of the group who together are the Non-Statutory Safeguarding Partner for Education on the safeguarding board. I am also a Trustee at Open Road Norfolk.

I am a qualified Mental Health First Aider and Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor, a Fellow of The Chartered College of Teaching, and hold a Level 5 Diploma in Trauma and Mental Health Informed Practice. I also hold a Master’s degree in Leadership of Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools, alongside qualifications in supervision, therapeutic and trauma-informed practice and Careers Leadership (Level 7).

I am a passionate advocate for positive mental health and wellbeing. I believe that when staff and pupils feel safe, valued, and supported to be their authentic selves, they thrive—personally, socially, and academically.

James Thompson
Deputy Head

James Thompson, Deputy Headteacher / DDSL / MHFA

BSC (Hons), PGCE / MHFA / TMHIP / NPQH / DDSL

I am a dedicated Deputy Headteacher at Fen Rivers, where I have been fortunate to serve since 2019. My commitment to fostering a healthy and active lifestyle stems from my belief in its profound impact on young people’s physical, social, and mental wellbeing.

As a school leader, I am passionate about creating enriching, creative learning experiences for our students. I advocate for promoting self-worth, individuality and see the importance of relationships and tolerance in young people. My ultimate goal is to unlock the potential in each child, guiding them towards becoming confident, thoughtful, and valued members of society.

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In my role, I place great emphasis on the wellbeing and continuous professional development of our teaching team. Employing tailored, evidence-based CPD, I ensure that both teachers and students receive targeted support to foster their growth. My responsibilities also encompass strategic management of teaching and learning, alongside operational oversight of the school, which includes line management of teachers, coordination of enrichment activities, and assessment oversight.

I have a strong focus on the induction and probation of new staff, mentoring PGCE students, and managing behaviour data for reporting to the Local Governing Board. My strategic oversight extends to the audit of SEN funding to ensure students’ needs can be met. I am proud to

I remain committed to enhancing the educational experiences of our children and the professional lives of our staff, monitoring subject leaders to ensure consistent high standards are maintained throughout our institution.

Rachel Good
Head of Safeguarding and Multi-Disciplinary Team

Rachel Good, Head of Safeguarding and Multi-Disciplinary Team / Careers Lead

BSc (Hons) MHFA / TMHIP / DSL

I am driven by a commitment to nurturing the wellbeing and success of our students and staff at Fen Rivers. Building on my previous experience as an Advocate, I currently serve as the manager of our advocate team and am the Designated Safeguard Lead, ensuring that safeguarding practices are robust and remain our school culture. My role extends to being a Mental Health First Aider and a Trauma and Mental Health Informed Practitioner, which reinforces my commitment to support the diverse needs of our school community.

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Leading the Therapeutic Team, I am responsible for providing tailored support to both staff and students. Through supervisions and small group professional development sessions, I offer guidance, practical help, and mentoring, enabling our learners to progress in a supportive environment. My strategic management of the Multi-Disciplinary Team further enhances our holistic approach to education, with a focus on safeguarding compliance and quality assurance for bespoke alternative provisions.

In addition to these responsibilities, I oversee the recording of behaviour data, including incidents requiring physical intervention, ensuring thorough analysis and reporting for continuous improvement. I am also the Careers Lead and Deputy Exams Officer, facilitating opportunities for our students to explore their options beyond school.

I have a post-graduate in Youth and Childhood Studies and a Level 7 Post Graduate Certificate in Careers Leadership form part of my continuous professional development.

Through my multifaceted role, I strive to foster a safe, inclusive and thriving educational environment for all members of our community, committed to the highest standards of practice and care.