Meet the Team
Senior Leadership Team
Alison
Director
I'm Alison and I am the founder of Bale's Farm. The Farm grew from a dream for my son. Harry is now in his early teens 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. 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.​
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Rhea
Learning & Skills Teacher
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 five years and absolutely love my job. I really enjoy working with the young people at Bales Farm and being in such a beautiful setting.
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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. ​
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Jay
Director
Hi, I'm Jay. I grew up working alongside my parents, breeding dogs and showing at Crufts. I ABSOLUTELY love dogs!! I've applied all my years of experience in training Bale to help my own son, and it is so rewarding seeing our team of therapy dogs do the same for people in our community and the young people at Bale's Farm. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
My wife Alison and I founded Bale's Farm to support our son Harry, and it’s grown into something really special. I especially enjoy supporting young people in developing their Digital Skills and building confidence around animals - watching them grow in these areas is one of the best parts of what we do. ​
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Jessica
Operations Manager
& Wellbeing Practitioner
Hi, I’m Jessica.
After graduating from university in 2019, I swapped city life for the Devon countryside. My career began in events management, where I discovered a real love for organisation, planning, and creating meaningful experiences for others. I later worked in the medical devices sector, supporting people with disabilities, an experience that deepened my passion for inclusion and helping others thrive.
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​Now at Bale’s Farm, I’m able to bring together my skills to support our learners in a hands-on, nurturing environment. I love seeing the difference that time outdoors, animals, and encouragement can make.
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When I’m not at the farm, I’m usually out exploring with my Cocker Spaniel, Bramble, or spending time with Bale’s Farm’s very own Slinky - the ‘not-so’ miniature Dachshund!
Rachael
Teacher
Hello, I’m Rachael and I’m a teacher at Bale’s Farm. I have worked in mainstream primary for four years and realised that I wanted to focus my teaching outside of the classroom. I really enjoy teaching at Bale’s Farm where the learning is child led, I also love being outdoors and around animals so Bale’s Farm is the perfect job.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the beach and walking my two dogs, Stanley and Alfie.​​​​​
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Farm School
Sam
SEN Teaching Assistant 1:1
Hello! My name is Sam. 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.
Mandy
SEN Teaching Assistant 1:1
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, on the coast and countryside. ​​​​​​​​
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Natalie
SEN Teaching Assistant 1:1
Hi! I'm Natalie and I've worked within primary education for the last 24 years as both a general Teaching Assistant and as a 1:1 Learning Support Assistant. I'm also a fully qualified Swimming Teacher, which over the years has allowed me to equip both children and adults with such a vital life skill. I absolutely adore working with all the young people at Bale's Farm; seeing them learn new skills and watching them grow in confidence is a real privilege. In my spare time, you can generally find me taxiing my daughter to and from a dance studio or performing in musicals on a theatre stage!
My favourite places to be are by the sea with my husband, 2 children and Golden Retriever Bailey or sat on the sofa cuddling my 2 cats Huey and Louie with a cup of tea!
India
SEN Teaching Assistant 1:1
Hi, I'm India. I started working at Bale's Farm, assisting with the care of the animals. I have a love for animals, especially horses, and being outdoors. I am currently working towards a Teaching Assistant qualification, and I look forward to putting what I learn into practice at Bale's Farm.
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Susan
SEN Teaching Assistant 1:1
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.
Caitlin
Animal Care Assistant
& Job Coach
Hi, I’m Caitlin!
I recently graduated university with a degree in Animal Sciences and am thrilled to be joining Bales Farm as an Animal Care Assistant and Job Coach. I’m passionate about animal welfare and have worked with animals around the world!
I am excited to put my knowledge and skills into practice while supporting our animal care apprentices as they grow and develop their skills.
Outside of work, I love cooking, walking my dog Gracie along the beach, and spending time with my two guinea pigs, Mocha and Cinnamon.
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Owen
SEN Teaching Assistant 1:1
Hi, my name is Owen; I’m a Teaching Assistant 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!​​
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Joseph
SEN Teaching Assistant 1:1
Hi, my name is Joe and I am a Teaching Assistant here at Bales Farm! I have been a Teaching Assistant for many years, working with many individuals with SEN of primary school age, in mainstream schools.
I have two dogs; one called Tilly and one called Jessie. In my spare time, I spend time with my dogs, go out to different places with my family, enjoy my favourite music and go antique hunting!
Jodie
Wellbeing Practitioner
& Job Coach
Hi, I'm Jodie. I love spending time with my dog, Bertie, horse riding, cycling and being outdoors, as I love nature!
Animals have always been very important to me and I am an advocate for the positive effects they have on your wellbeing.
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My previous roles have included training 1:1 therapy dogs and therapy dogs for schools. My focus is now to share this knowledge with our learners and help inspire them in their learning journey.
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Our
Team
Safeguarding
If you see or hear something that concerns you, please speak to a member of our safeguarding team.
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You can call and ask to speak to a member of the safeguarding team on 07494 123604 or by emailing hay@balesfarm.org.