Home Tree School

My name is Simon Paynter and I am the Headteacher of the Cambian Home Tree School. I have worked in education for over 25 years and have spent the previous 15 years in senior leadership positions in Area Special Schools in Cambridgeshire.  

I have successfully managed teams spanning the 3-19 age provision and have a proven track record in managing complex cases involving students, staff, and parents, collaborating effectively with external agencies and stakeholders to ensure comprehensive support.

In 2017 I was accredited as a Specialist Leader in Education (SLE) with my primary focus being Behaviour and Attitudes.  

I am passionate about achieving positive outcomes for all learners regardless of their starting point of their school journey.  

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, nature and wildlife, walking my dogs and films.

Melisa is a qualified SENCo and teacher specialising in Special and Inclusive education. She has over 10 years of experience leading and working with children and young people in youth offending, education, youth targeted support in diverse settings, and is passionate about education and committed to breaking down barriers to ensure safe and inclusive learning environments for all. As a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, Melisa actively work towards creating awareness and understanding with a strong commitment to student wellbeing.

"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."

"For twenty-five years I have worked in education firstly as a mainstream drama teacher than as a head of department in charge of performing arts. After six years I left to complete a masters degree in Drama and theatre in education. I then took a position as a head teacher at a special school where I stayed for 6 years using drama and theatre at the centre of the learning. I then specialised in re-engaging disaffected students back in to education and 1:1 work which I enjoy along with being a home tutor for CareTech.

My education history is a Drama degree. Drama and English PGCE and an MA in drama and theatre in education."

I’m Sonia and before becoming a fully qualified teacher I was involved in the provision of Early Years education.   Immediately prior to working at Home Tree School, I spent 16 years working in secondary and further education settings, teaching a range of age groups including KS3, KS4 and KS5.  I have taught a variety of subjects across these age groups, including History, Religious Education and Sociology to GCSE and/or Advanced Level.  I have also instructed in Geography, ICT and English to the lower year groups.   

At Home Tree School I am responsible for the delivery of the Humanities subjects, and running assemblies twice a week.

My interests outside work include socialising with friends and family, yoga, walking, cycling, and visiting historic sites/museums.

I’m Ebru and have been in education for over 10 years. I have experience of working within a Primary Speech and language Specialist provision which was a highly rewarding placement.  

I moved into a specialist provision for secondary aged pupils requiring support to access the curriculum where I had the opportunity to plan and teach a range of subjects.  

I studied Art and Design at Middlesex University and gained my Higher-Level Teaching Assistant qualification through the University of Northamptonshire, and have chosen to support young people within the Art room to by joining Home Tree school as an Art Teacher.

I am a mother of 2 and enjoy spending time with my family, reading, cooking and exploring new places.

I have two grown up boys. I have run a several half-marathons and enjoying running. I also enjoy cycling and have taken part in the London to Brighton cycle ride twice.

I enjoy walking my dogs and spending time with my family.

I have completed a degree in Sport and Exercise science and enjoy most sports.

Hello I am Gemma, I am a teaching assistant.

I came to Home Tree School after working as a health care assistant in a hospital.

I enjoy going hiking in my spare time

Hello I am Angela and I am the new Administrator at Home Tree School.

After working in an admin role for the last 22 years in busy traffic office of haulage company I have decided to have a change and do something a bit different.

I have 2 children and a grandson who suffer with Autism.

In my spare time I help out at Emma’s Hedgehog Hospital where I go out to events to help raise much need funds, I am also in charge of the stock items we sell.

Hello, I am James,

At the start of my career I worked my way up through kitchens to become a head chef before making a huge change and joining the prison service.

I am now hoping to combine my knowledge of cooking and desire to help people be their best possible self by making the move into teaching.

My hobbies include gaming and paddle boarding.

I’m Ben, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the Home Tree team. Previously, I worked as a Teaching Assistant, where I focused on providing specialised support to SEMH and SEN needs. My approach involved using art therapy and other targeted interventions.