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Leadership team

Jon Lees | Director

Jon holds a BEd (Hons) and an MEd in Special Education, he has also completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).

As well as working in mainstream education Jon has been involved in the development of a co-ed residential SEMH school where he was promoted to senior teacher, he worked as Deputy Head resurrecting another SEMH residential/day school where he then went on to be Headteacher consolidating and further developing successful practice.

Along with his colleague Steve Lord, Jon Lees founded SES in 2004, opening Avocet House in 2005 and he is now, following Steve’s full retirement in 2021, the sole proprietor.  Jon has been Principal of Avocet House and Turnstone House. Jon is currently responsible for the strategy and oversight of SES.

Neil Dawson | Operational Director

Neil joined SES at the outset as Head of Education and took over the Principal role at Avocet House in 2013. After a number of years in that role, Neil became Operational Director in January 2017, overseeing strategic support for the Principals, quality assurance and taking the lead in the oversight and organisation of core training across SES.

Neil also sits on the Children’s Home Association committee and is the regional representative for the East of England. In partnership with the SES Principal, he oversees and runs the day to day operation of SES.

Vicki Collings | SES Principal

Vicki also joined Avocet House at the outset in 2005 as a Deputy Care Manager, which was followed by a number of promotions through Head of Care and Registered Manager, becoming Principal of Avocet House in 2017 taking over from Neil.

In 2018 Vicki took on the dual responsibility of Principal at both locations, due to the incumbent Turnstone House Principal going on maternity leave. During this period Turnstone House’s performance benefitted, cross site initiatives became more efficient and Avocet House maintained its high levels. When the Turnstone House Principal decided not to return from leave and due to the effectiveness of the new structure, SES have decided to keep this as a permanent change from September 2020.

Avocet House

Sally Blowers | Registered Manager

Sally first worked at Turnstone House as an Assistant Child Care Practitioner having previously worked in education, behaviour support and inclusion.

Since joining SES Sally has been promoted to Personal Tutor and subsequently Deputy Care Manager. She has qualified to become a Thrive practitioner and is dedicated to helping young people dealing with trauma.

In August 2023 Sally was interviewed for Registered Manager and successfully secured the role, starting in her new position in September 2023.

Fran Fairbairn-Harvey | Head of Education

Fran joined SES in April 2022 as the Head of Education at Avocet House.  She has a wealth of teaching experience and is a Specialist Maths Teacher with Chartered Status, along with being a trained barrister.  Fran is also a qualified swimming teacher and runs a local swimming club.

Her passion to improve the lives of young people has led her to becoming a Trustee of HomeStart Norfolk, a voluntary organisation promoting the welfare of families with young children.  It is this passion that has brought Fran to SES, she is committed to ensuring our young people achieve the very best they can in education.

Turnstone House

Laura Atkinson | Designate Registered Manager

Laura joined SES in 2016 as a Personal Tutor and was quickly promoted to Deputy Care Manager. In 2020 she took on the role of Registered Service Manager at SES Kite and was instrumental in setting up our two provisions for care leavers.

Laura returned to Turnstone House in August 2023 to take on the role of Designate Registered Manager. She will lead the care team with her wealth of first-hand experience.

Claire Leeder | Head of Education

Claire joined Turnstone House in January 2024 as Head of Education. Claire has worked in secondary education all her teaching career and specialises in science, however she does also teach DT which includes catering and textiles and engineering.

Claire has worked across an ‘All through school’ setting and within this has been a Head of House which is academic and pastoral.  Claire was also a Faculty Leader, leading a team of staff within different subjects to excel in their outcomes. Claire previously completed work for the British Council, which has resulted in projects linked to Singapore and Estonia.

SES Kite

Will Glover | Senior Support Worker

Will first joined SES Kite in 2020 when the first of our provisions for care leavers opened. He has been a key member of the team of Support Workers and has helped to drive the provision forward as well as assist with opening the second provision.

Will took on the role of Senior Support Worker in August 2023 and continues to provide excellent support to the team and young adults at SES Kite.

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