Meet The Team
Catherine Starmer-Howes BA (Hons), PGCE (Secondary)
Cheryl Sutton B.Ed (Hons), M.A. (Ed. Management), NPQH
Cheryl Sutton B.Ed (Hons), M.A. (Ed. Management), NPQH
Catherine has been a qualified teacher for 24 years and supported learners in many different settings. She has experience working with neurodiverse children and young people. Having children of her own who have navigated the school system she understands the challenges first hand and strives to help others to find their path through and come out thriving with a positive attitude and life skills for their futures. She has completed studies in ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression and CBT. A published children’s author who loves art and nature, Catherine has also travelled extensively both for work and pleasure and has gathered interesting stories of people and places that she enjoys sharing. Enhanced DBS, Level 2 and 3 Safeguarding, First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid trained, PACE trained and Trauma Informed Practice Qualified.
Cheryl Sutton B.Ed (Hons), M.A. (Ed. Management), NPQH
Cheryl Sutton B.Ed (Hons), M.A. (Ed. Management), NPQH
Cheryl Sutton B.Ed (Hons), M.A. (Ed. Management), NPQH
Cheryl has a lifelong passion for education. With thirty years of experience in both the primary and secondary sectors, she is a qualified teacher who has developed a particular interest in how children learn best through building positive relationships. Cheryl has spent seventeen years in primary school leadership, serving as a headteacher in two successful schools in London. She has also worked as a School Improvement Advisor for a local authority.
Cheryl has extensive experience supporting students with additional needs, both as a teacher and as a SENCo, where she has delivered staff training, developed ieps and worked in partnership with parents. Holding a master’s degree in education management, she believes that learning should be engaging, relevant, and enjoyable. She is passionate about providing students with individual, targeted opportunities to be fully engaged in their own education. Cheryl recognises that motivation and engagement are critical to learning and are significantly influenced by a student’s well-being, self-esteem, and sense of belonging. Enhanced DBS, Level 2 Safeguarding, B. Ed. (Hons), M.A. ( Ed. Management), NPQH.
Amelia Coffen
Cheryl Sutton B.Ed (Hons), M.A. (Ed. Management), NPQH
Amelia Coffen
Amelia’s early career was in local government as an Internal Auditor. After moving to Purbeck she helped set up and run a landscaping business with her husband, John, as well as becoming a full time Mum to two boys, the eldest of whom is severely disabled. Looking after and advocating for him for many years has given her a wealth of knowledge and a true real life understanding of the world of disability, additional needs and SEMH both within families and the Education, Health and Social Care systems. Since their son has moved into independent supported living locally, it has allowed the time and dedication needed to set up Church Knowle Rural Learning to be able to help other families and children. Amelia has a real love and is inspired by the beauty of the countryside and is always keen to share the positive effect it has on your mental health and well-being. She is a keen nature, wildlife, landscape and rural life photographer. Her work has regularly been featured on the BBC, in newspapers, magazines and websites and in publications around the World via Getty Images. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with our learners and helping them learn new skills. Enhanced DBS, Level 2 and Level 3 Safeguarding, Safer Recruitment Trained, First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid trained, PACE trained and Trauma Informed Practice Qualified.
John Coffen
Willoughby Coffen
Amelia Coffen
John is a time-served qualified Mechanical Engineer, he has been extensively involved in design and testing on projects both in the U.K. and around the World. After moving back to the family farm in Purbeck, he set up and has run a successful landscaping business with his wife, Amelia. He has a love of machinery and is never happier than when he is tinkering with an old tractor or exhibiting them at local Steam Fairs. He also loves hill walking and looking after the local countryside. He has a wealth of practical skills, knowledge and experience that he enjoys sharing and passing on to our learners. Being the father of a severely disabled son has given him a real understanding and empathy of the obstacles faced by children and families in the world of disability, additional needs and SEMH. This has been the driving force behind the creation of Church Knowle Rural Learning, to give something back and help improve the lives and outcomes for all of the children who attend. Enhanced DBS, Level 2 Safeguarding Qualified, First Aid trained and PACE trained.
Willoughby Coffen
Willoughby Coffen
Willoughby Coffen
Willoughby is qualified in Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Horticulture and in Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation. Previously for years he was a Young Carer helping to look after his severely disabled older brother. This has given him a real understanding, patience and empathy for children with SEND and also the struggles that their families go through. He has several years experience of mentoring other children with additional needs. He has raised rare breed pigs and chickens and helped create a wildflower meadow locally. He has worked with the RSPB on several conservation and habitat projects and volunteered with the National Trust to build beaver dams. Willoughby also runs his own horticulture and gardening business and knows the nurturing, physical and mental health benefits that these provide and is keen to pass these skills and benefits on to our young people. His hobbies include hillwalking, music, gardening and showing his tractor at local steam fairs. Enhanced DBS, Level 2 Safeguarding Qualified, First Aid trained and PACE trained.