I'm Alison and I am the founder of Bale's Farm.  The Farm grew from a dream for my son.  Harry is now thirteen years old and has been on a really tough journey through education so far.  After trying different environments it really became obvious that school just wasn't going to work for him.  I looked at all the things he needed and with the help and support of my husband and close friend we set about building the farm. It was meant to be when I met Charlotte through Bale's Buddies Therapy Dogs and the dream became even more of a reality.  I wanted a predominantly outdoor based learning environment offering a small peer group for Harry and for learning to be done organically and based around them and how they learn.  It has been a dream come true to now see him and others benefitting from what we have built.

Hi I’m Lucy and I joined Bales Farm after two years of teaching in London, where I worked with children with a range of needs. Prior to this I graduated from Plymouth Marjon University with a BEd (Hons) degree in Primary Education. It’s great to be back in Devon as I love being outdoors in the countryside and walking my dog Tansy. I am a member of the Totnes Young Farmers so working at Bales Farm combines my passion for Education and Farming!

Hi, I'm Katie. I joined Bale's Farm in June 2021. Before I started working at Bale's Farm, I worked with children and young people in various settings and realised I had a passion for working with young people and loved how rewarding the job is. Since being at Bale's Farm, I have learnt so much about myself and developed many skills along the way. I have always enjoyed working in an outdoor environment and with animals. Bale's Farm has given me the opportunity to do and learn about what I love!

Hello, I'm Susan ,I have worked as a Teaching Assistant in a Primary School for 25 years and the latter 5 as a Forest School Assistant. As a trained Forest School leader I love to share my outdoor knowledge with the children, seeing their progress and learning new skills. I am passionate about the outdoors ,the environment and the positive benefits of nature with children. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, making craft items, sewing and walking on the moors and coastline.

Hi, I'm Hanna I'm a Teaching Assistant at Bale's Farm. I've always had a love of working with children and animals and find my job here very fulfilling! I have experience volunteering as a teaching assistant in a primary school. I love working with all the young people and watching them grow. I have always dreamed of being a teacher and I feel like this job suits me well, My favourite animals on the farm are our giant rabbits Mopsy and Thumper. They're very cute!

Hello , I'm Natalie. I have recently joined Bale's Farm as a Teaching Assistant and Educational Support Worker. I enjoy being outdoors and meeting all the young people and animals at Bale's Farm. 

Hi, I’m Hannah, I am the animal care supervisor at Bales Farm, I care for the vast variety of animals we have. This could be things such as, making sure they are all up to date with vaccinations, and ensuring they are always provided with lots of enrichment. Making sure all the animals are all happy and healthy Is very important to me. I have always had a passion for animals and animal care, therefore I enjoy spending my free time in the countryside dog walking, or on horseback! 

Before working at Bales Farm, I was a support worker for three years working with adults with additional needs. I now feel very privileged to combine my love for animals and caring for others into one job role!

Working at Bales Farm is great because no two days are the same, there is always something exiting happening and can’t wait to see what the future may bring! 

I'm Charlotte and I have spent many years working as a teacher of children with Special Educational Needs, in both mainstream and special educational settings. Throughout that time, my passion for working with children in these environments motivated me to further my own education and I have achieved a Masters in Special and Inclusive Education and The National S.E.N.C.O. Award.

Since adopting our daughter who has Autism, PTSD and Developmental Trauma Disorder, I believed that dedicating my time to further my understanding in these areas would prove invaluable and I truly believe this has paid dividends. Also immersing myself in courses such as Therapeutic Parenting to support her through her life and her home education journey has also enabled me to adapt my approach to varying educational settings.

I am a Forest School Leader and a big believer in outdoor education and when I met Alison and heard her dream of providing a Farm School for children with Special Educational Needs, I was excited for both myself as a teacher and as a parent. We have worked together to provide an environment which we feel educates and supports children who are struggling in their current setting or who are home educated and are looking for an outdoor learning opportunity.

Hi I'm Rhea! I work at Bales Farm as a Teaching Assistant. I have worked with children and adults with additional needs for the past four years and absolutely love my job. I really enjoy working with the young people at Bales Farm and being in such a beautiful setting. When I'm not working my hobbies are singing and walking my two Dachshunds. I sing in a band at weekends and absolutely love music and musicals. 

Hello, I’m Emily, I have worked in outdoor education for many years. I have spent the last 18 years on Dartmoor running a mix of environment and adventure education. During this time I ran a forest school for 10 years. I am passionate about nature and love sharing this with others. I also love making things and have recently set up Newton Abbot Community Shed.

Hello , I'm Mandy. I have worked as a Teaching Assistant for over twenty two  years in a small catholic primary school working with all age groups. I enjoy working outdoors surrounded by nature and animals. I enjoy pottering in the garden and my passion is walking my two fur babies Merlin and Alfie in coast and countryside. 

Hello, I am Sarah and I joined Bale's Farm in the Spring of 2024. I have always enjoyed being outdoors and have been around horses from a young age. I am looking forward to working with all the children and animals at Bale's Farm!

Hello! My name is Sam and I am a Teaching Assistant and Education Support Worker at Bale's Farm. I worked in a mainstream primary school as a teaching assistant for 19 years and as a forest school leader for 7 years, so coming to work at Bale's Farm brings all my passions together in one place - working with young people, animals and in the great outdoors! In my spare time, I enjoy spending time at the beach and with friends, sea swimming, walking, crafts, puzzles and performing and watching musical theatre.

Hi, my name is Owen; I’m an outdoor learning specialist apprentice at Bale’s farm. I have always loved being and teaching outdoors, so this job is very rewarding! I have experience as an activity instructor and group leader at outdoor activity centres. I have always loved teaching children about the outdoors and seeing them learn and develop new skills. This role at Bale’s has allowed me to combine many of my interests into one, so I couldn’t ask for a better place to work!