In 2009 I underwent a PGCE in Secondary Art and Design at the Institute of Education. Having formed a particular interest in working with children in an alternative education setting, I went on to work at a pupil referral unit in South London, teaching children at a secondary level who had been excluded or had excluded themselves from the surrounding secondary schools.

Working closely with children with a background of antisocial behaviour to poor mental health and neurodiversity gave me a true understanding of how art and design education could really make a positive impact on all aspects of life, from improving self-esteem, making sense of past trauma or just having time to be creative in a quiet space to reduce stress and anxiety.

Now I am back to teaching, offering a full and varied art and design programme to primary school students, and looking to expand my adult class offering always keeping play at the forefront of everything I do!