Proprietor & Directors
Debbie Pester - Proprietor / Director
M.Ed. ( E.B.D. & Pastoral Care)
B.Ed. (Special Needs, & Art & Design)
Dip.AD
Member of BAAT
Debbie is the organisation’s Founder and Director. She has vast experience of special needs education, acquired throughout the years, with over 25 years as a head teacher in a range of special schools and units. Her vision of a highly specialist school has become a successful reality and she continues to pioneer new methods and ideas that will help young people reach their full potential.
Debbie may be contacted via email: proprietor@theyellowhouseschool.org.uk
B.Ed. (Special Needs, & Art & Design)
Dip.AD
Member of BAAT
Debbie is the organisation’s Founder and Director. She has vast experience of special needs education, acquired throughout the years, with over 25 years as a head teacher in a range of special schools and units. Her vision of a highly specialist school has become a successful reality and she continues to pioneer new methods and ideas that will help young people reach their full potential.
Debbie may be contacted via email: proprietor@theyellowhouseschool.org.uk
James Pester - Director / Safeguarding Link Director Level 3
Dip. Ed. ADES (SEN) / M.Ed.
James is a retired special school head teacher who now works as a director and self-employed consultant and advisor to The Yellow House. In partnership with Debbie Pester, James helped to set up The Yellow House and has been involved in the running of the school since that time. He has had a career in working with children with special needs since 1976 in a variety of therapeutic school settings all over the country. For twenty years of that time James was in senior management roles including deputy head teacher and head of education.
James is a retired special school head teacher who now works as a director and self-employed consultant and advisor to The Yellow House. In partnership with Debbie Pester, James helped to set up The Yellow House and has been involved in the running of the school since that time. He has had a career in working with children with special needs since 1976 in a variety of therapeutic school settings all over the country. For twenty years of that time James was in senior management roles including deputy head teacher and head of education.
David Ollier - Head Teacher
| M. Ed. School Guidance and Counselling |
| B. Ed. Social and Environmental Education |
| Level 7 Teaching pupils with Special Education Needs |
| Level 3 Success with People with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) |
| Level 3 Safeguarding Designated Person |
David's has worked across a range of special education provisions and mainstream settings across London, Surrey and Essex. He has been a dedicated teacher for 30 years across 2 continents and has been in Educational Leadership since 2007. David has been Head Teacher at The Yellow House since September 2017 and thoroughly enjoys all the daily challenges of being in this nurturing and vibrant school. His teaching philosophy is about helping all pupils to be the very best version of themselves that they can be. David is always happy to talk and may be contacted via email: headteacher@theyellowhouseschool.org.uk
The Senior Team
Chloe - SENDCo
| NASENDCo |
| MA 18th Century Studies: Representations and Contexts |
| BA Hons English |
| Level 5 Teaching Dyslexia (ATS) |
| QLTS |
Chloe joined The Yellow House team as SENDCo and Examinations Officer. Prior to this she has had extensive experience working in various independent, mainstream and international schools with pupils with special needs. She has a proven track record in leading SEND within schools and is a member of our Senior Leadership to ensure that all children receive the provision they need to be successful. Chloe has a strong commitment to social inclusion and improving outcomes for vulnerable children. Chloe may be contacted via email: senco@theyellowhouseschool.org.uk
Johdi - Designated Safeguarding Lead
| Level 3 Safeguarding Designated Person |
| First Aid at Work Level 3 |
| Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in English Literature |
| Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in Classics |
Johdi is the Designated Safeguarding Lead at The Yellow House and is a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Johdi has a varied experience working in a range of fields and is passionate about working with, and helping young people - especially those for whom life presents extra challenges. Johdi believes her values of nurturing, empowering, and celebrating young people align excellently with those of The Yellow House. Johdi is also responsible for the R&R (PSHE) curriculum, Transition and is centre manager for our Sible School. Johdi may be contacted via email: johdi.mennie@theyellowhouseschool.org.uk
Christine - Senior Team / Business Manager
Christine is the school’s Business Manager and has worked at The Yellow House since it’s first year of opening in 2002. She is based at our main office in our Sible site and oversees all the financial arrangements for the smooth running of our therapeutic school. To contact Christine at our Sible site please phone 01787 462504 or email: office@theyellowhouseschool.org.uk
Liz - School Administrator
BSc(Hons) Psychology with Sociological Studies
NCFE Level 2 Principles of Business Administration
British Red Cross First Aid at Work
Liz is based at our Clare site. Liz has a vast experience in office management, business administration and reception duties. She is responsible for all the day to day administration of pupil services and has particular responsibility for all processes involved with our pupils education at the school including end of term reports and the organisation and administration of the annual review process for all our pupils on both sites. Liz is a qualified first aider at The Yellow House. To contact Liz at our Clare site please phone 01787 279139 or email: clareoffice@theyellowhouseschool.org.uk
NCFE Level 2 Principles of Business Administration
British Red Cross First Aid at Work
Liz is based at our Clare site. Liz has a vast experience in office management, business administration and reception duties. She is responsible for all the day to day administration of pupil services and has particular responsibility for all processes involved with our pupils education at the school including end of term reports and the organisation and administration of the annual review process for all our pupils on both sites. Liz is a qualified first aider at The Yellow House. To contact Liz at our Clare site please phone 01787 279139 or email: clareoffice@theyellowhouseschool.org.uk
Therapeutic Team
Lydia - Therapeutic Lead
Level 5 diploma in addiction counselling
Level 4 diploma in childhood development
HLTA status
GNVQ supporting teaching and learning.
Level 4 diploma in childhood development
HLTA status
GNVQ supporting teaching and learning.
Lydia is a supportive team player who has many years of experience working within therapeutic settings across several schools in Essex and Suffolk. She champions bespoke input for pupils in her therapeutic role through setting targets with pupils in her development of therapeutic plans. In her spare time, Lydia has a keen interest in theatre and has performed in many amateur productions. Lydia may be contacted via email: lydia.prime@theyellowhouseschool.org.uk
Phillippa - Therapeutic Tutor
BA Hons degree in Early Learning.
Pippa has many years of experience working within SEN schools along with Behaviour Units. Originally and LSA, then HLTA and now a unqualified teacher currently working towards becoming qualified teacher. Pippa is hardworking and driven and her proven track record working within specialist environments shows her commitment to therapeutic education. Pippa may be contacted via email: phillippa.cheshire@theyellowhouseschool.org.uk
Pippa has many years of experience working within SEN schools along with Behaviour Units. Originally and LSA, then HLTA and now a unqualified teacher currently working towards becoming qualified teacher. Pippa is hardworking and driven and her proven track record working within specialist environments shows her commitment to therapeutic education. Pippa may be contacted via email: phillippa.cheshire@theyellowhouseschool.org.uk
Mia - Therapeutic Tutor
With a passion for humanities, particularly history, Mia has taken on the role of therapeutic tutor at the school. She has many years experience of working in SEN as a teacher and student mentor. Mia also has considerable experience as an Army Cadet Leader. She is excited to be able to contribute to our creative and engaging environment here at the Yellow House and has many excellent qualities to share with the children. She also supports our Forest School Lead and has taken on Outdoor Learning as part of her role. Mia incorporates her Army Cadet training to outdoor learning. Mia can be contacted via email: mia.rhodes@theyellowhouseschool.org.uk
Joanne - Therapeutic Tutor / Curriculum Lead
Post Graduate Diploma in Applied leadership and management ( level 7+)
Post Graduate Certificate in Education PGCE (qualified teacher status)
BA Hons English,
BA Hons Sociology,
European Common Language framework B1 GermanOther level 2 and 3 professional courses in Courses including; Working therapeutically with trauma, Safeguarding and child protection the essentials, Sensory diets- Pro- active approaches to physical intervention training. Epilepsy for teachers, Safeguarding and wellbeing for children with EAL. Subject leadership training, Model music curriculum (Essex) focus group, Level 3 Award- Preventing bullying, Use of reasonable force in School , Online safety, Overcoming loneliness, Domestic abuse- children and young people , Dealing with bereavement and loss, Child protection in Education, Mental Well -being in children and young people.
Joanne is an experienced qualified teacher having taught many years in both the UK and overseas in the public and private sector. She uses her wide teaching experience and knowledge to support students and staff through her role as curriculum manager driving curriculum development across all subjects at the yellow house school. She has a Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Leadership and Management. As English lead Joanne is responsible for overseeing Teaching and learning of English Language and Literature across the school. Joanne has both personal and professional experience with SEND. Joanne has a caring nature and never stops thinking about how to help our pupils achieve. Joanne may be contacted via email: joanne.dearden@theyellowhouseschool.org.uk
Post Graduate Certificate in Education PGCE (qualified teacher status)
BA Hons English,
BA Hons Sociology,
European Common Language framework B1 GermanOther level 2 and 3 professional courses in Courses including; Working therapeutically with trauma, Safeguarding and child protection the essentials, Sensory diets- Pro- active approaches to physical intervention training. Epilepsy for teachers, Safeguarding and wellbeing for children with EAL. Subject leadership training, Model music curriculum (Essex) focus group, Level 3 Award- Preventing bullying, Use of reasonable force in School , Online safety, Overcoming loneliness, Domestic abuse- children and young people , Dealing with bereavement and loss, Child protection in Education, Mental Well -being in children and young people.
Joanne is an experienced qualified teacher having taught many years in both the UK and overseas in the public and private sector. She uses her wide teaching experience and knowledge to support students and staff through her role as curriculum manager driving curriculum development across all subjects at the yellow house school. She has a Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Leadership and Management. As English lead Joanne is responsible for overseeing Teaching and learning of English Language and Literature across the school. Joanne has both personal and professional experience with SEND. Joanne has a caring nature and never stops thinking about how to help our pupils achieve. Joanne may be contacted via email: joanne.dearden@theyellowhouseschool.org.uk
Daniel - Therapeutic Tutor
Daniel has previous SEN experience and is our Science lead as well as teaching Music, which is his passion. Dan has several years experience working as an LSA at a large Special Needs School in Chelmsford and his ambition is to become a fully qualified teacher. Daniel is keen to develop the schools music provision and is very versatile in his ability to teach across a range of subjects. Dan can be contacted via email: daniel.york@theyellowhouseschool.org.uk
Frances- Therapeutic Tutor
BA (Hons) Degree in Education Studies
NVQ Level 3 in Working with Children and Young People
BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts
NCFE CACHE Level 2 in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties
Fran has a BA (Hons) Degree in Education Studies and many years of experience working within the education sector. She is committed to creating safe, nurturing spaces where students are encouraged to grow into the best versions of themselves. She has a keen interest in therapeutic approaches to learning, with training in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties, DBT, CBT and Lego-based Therapy. These tools help her to practice a holistic, student-centred approach with a view to supporting student’s emotional, social and academic development.
As Humanities Lead Fran teaches History, Geography, Languages and Cultural and Religious Studies alongside a variety of other subjects across the curriculum. She aims to bring warmth, creativity, and a genuine passion for the humanities into her teaching, hoping to help students connect with the world around them in meaningful, reflective ways. Fran can be contacted on frances.speary@theyellowhouseschool.org.uk
NVQ Level 3 in Working with Children and Young People
BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts
NCFE CACHE Level 2 in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties
Fran has a BA (Hons) Degree in Education Studies and many years of experience working within the education sector. She is committed to creating safe, nurturing spaces where students are encouraged to grow into the best versions of themselves. She has a keen interest in therapeutic approaches to learning, with training in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties, DBT, CBT and Lego-based Therapy. These tools help her to practice a holistic, student-centred approach with a view to supporting student’s emotional, social and academic development.
As Humanities Lead Fran teaches History, Geography, Languages and Cultural and Religious Studies alongside a variety of other subjects across the curriculum. She aims to bring warmth, creativity, and a genuine passion for the humanities into her teaching, hoping to help students connect with the world around them in meaningful, reflective ways. Fran can be contacted on frances.speary@theyellowhouseschool.org.uk
Sally - Therapeutic Tutor
Sally comes to us with years of experience working in the Hair industry. She transitioned into Education four years ago, teaching Maths and English to Apprentices and Life skills along with practical skills in FE Colleges in the Essex. She has a passion for inspiring the next generation of young people while supporting them to develop their confidence and skills in all areas of daily life and heads up the Life skills we teach at The Yellow House. Sally is highly trained and experienced and we are delighted to add her to the Yellow House Team. Sally can be contacted via email: Sally.Harris@theyellowhouseschool.org.uk
Dan - Therapeutic Tutor
| Level 3 Forest School Lead Level 3 RHS Horticulture Level 2 Horticultural Therapy PGCE Primary Teaching Bachelor of Arts Science (Hons) in Psychology |
| Bachelor of Arts Science (Hons) in Herbal Medicine |
Dan's interests and passions are the natural world and is the Outdoor Learning Lead. In a previous role, Dan ran a therapeutic gardening department in a children's hospital. The Yellow House offers 'Forest School' - which involves our young people with real life skills and the chance to self direct learning. Aims are to help student to connect with outdoor spaces and offers therapeutic benefits. Dan may be contacted via email: dan.wheals@theyellowhouseschool.org.uk