When I joined Springwell Mablethorpe as a TA back in 2019, I didn’t expect to develop such a purpose and passion for Alternative Provision. Working at Springwell has given me the most rewarding opportunity to work with some of our most vulnerable yet inspiring young people, and has encouraged me to now work even harder to gain QTS so I can continue to support our students. Springwell is like one big family! Everyone has pushed me and believed in me to develop my career. To anyone considering a career in AP, I would say ‘do it!’ Even the challenging days are always worth it, because you know that you are unconditionally providing care and nurture, as well as giving young people an education that is suitable for them. I am so proud of the team we have at Springwell and what we do every single day! We truly make a difference.
Having been at Springwell for several years, what makes me proud to stay is our unwavering commitment to each and every student. What makes our school community unique is that we truly live by our ethos. It isn’t just a poster on the wall; it’s in every interaction. We have a shared determination to see our students succeed, not just academically but as well-rounded, confident individuals.
What I enjoy most about my role at Springwell is the creative freedom and trust I’m given in the classroom. From my very first day, I felt like a valued member of the team, not just a new starter. The team spirit is incredible; there’s a genuine ‘open-door’ policy, and no question is too small. Everyone, from senior leadership to my fellow teachers, is willing to share resources, offer advice, and just check in to see how you are.
Since joining, I’ve already been able to take part in fantastic professional development opportunities focused on outdoor learning, which is a real passion of mine. My advice to someone considering joining would be: do it! Be ready to be part of a community that is incredibly supportive and genuinely puts the children first. The most rewarding part of my day is seeing those ‘lightbulb moments’ with students who may have struggled elsewhere. Seeing them grow in confidence and develop a love for learning makes me incredibly proud to work here.
I have worked for Springwell Lincolnshire for over 9 years now and have seen it transform into the four Good / Outstanding schools we have today.
There is a sense of community at Springwell – both for the pupils and for the staff. Each school has its own closeness, which you can absolutely feel when visiting them, but there is also an overarching sense of support and positivity across all four schools which makes them such a delight to be a part of. Since I started here, my role has progressed, from being based and focused on one school, to having a responsibility for the office teams across all four. And through this more holistic role I have been able to experience the welcoming nature of all schools regularly. Each have their little quirks that make them stand out in their right, but all are striving to achieve the same goal: to make a difference to our pupils and to support one another in succeeding in this.
My role is predominantly staff-orientated so my interactions with the pupils are more limited than a lot of my colleagues. However I am able to see the difference that the child-facing staff make on a daily basis. I can see the benefits of this hard work in the faces and the attitudes of the pupils as I wander down the corridor or pop my head into a classroom.
For anyone thinking about a career at Springwell, whether this is child-facing or behind the scenes in more administrative roles, I would say to absolutely go for it! I think you’d struggle to find another setting where everyone is just as supportive, able to have lots of fun with one another but ultimately be there to help each other just give these young people to best opportunities we can.
The best thing about my role is building strong, trusting relationships with the students I support. I get to be their champion, and there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing them overcome a challenge they once thought was impossible. What makes the Springwell community so special is that every single staff member is considered an essential part of the team. The teachers I work with value my input and we work as a true partnership in the classroom.
I was a manager in distribution and decided to have a career change as I wished to have a rewarding job. I was at the time a foster carer and parent governor at my children’s primary school and enjoyed those roles more so than my paid career. After retraining and working in both mainstream primary and alternative provision my family and I moved 80 miles to the coast for a fresh start. The only job I applied for was the one at Springwell, no others came close to enticing me to apply. Working at Springwell gives me the opportunity to help those pupils that need it the most. The ones that have been excluded and found mainstream settings to not be the right place for them. At Springwell the classes and education are delivered in a way that meets my own perspective of how schools should be, and how staff should behave, being given an opportunity to get to know students, to know them as a person and not just as a pupil and to treat them as such. Staff all believe in the same ethos. Training is always ongoing, CPD being relevant, moving from a Teaching assistant to safeguarding & pastoral role, I know that the courses/learning are applicable to my role. Springwell has also provided me with support to enable me to complete a degree in Childhood and Youth studies. Working here, it helps if you see pupils as young people, understanding that education becomes so much easier to deliver and accessible for pupils when everything else is taken care of first, that the pupils know they are looked after and cared for.
What do you enjoy most about your role at Springwell Lincolnshire?
The daily opportunity to be creative and see the direct impact of my teaching on students who are eager to learn.
I love that every day is different. The role constantly challenges me and allows me to work with a fantastic group of young people.
What makes our school community unique?
We are a community in the truest sense of the word. Every child is known, and every staff member’s contribution is genuinely valued.
The focus on both academic and personal growth. We care about creating confident, kind, and resilient individuals, not just exam results.
What makes you proud to work here?
Seeing our students flourish and go on to achieve things they never thought possible. It’s a privilege to be part of their journey.
The school’s excellent reputation in the local community, which is built on the hard work and dedication of the entire team
What is the team spirit and support like?
Incredibly supportive. There is always someone to turn to for advice, and a real sense of camaraderie that makes challenges easier to face.
The spirit is collaborative, not competitive. We all share the same goal and actively help each other to achieve it.
What advice would you give to someone considering joining the team?
Be ready to embrace the Springwell ethos and contribute your ideas. This is a place where initiative and passion are celebrated.
Don’t hesitate! You’ll be joining a dynamic, forward-thinking, and exceptionally welcoming team.
In what ways have you been able to grow or develop professionally?
Springwell has a fantastic commitment to CPD. I’ve been supported in pursuing external qualifications that have directly enhanced my practice in the classroom.
There are clear pathways for career progression, and I’ve been mentored and encouraged to take on new responsibilities from day one.
What do you find most rewarding about working with our students?
Building that bond of trust with a student and seeing them realise their own potential. There is simply no better feeling.
Celebrating the small victories. For our students, these are often the biggest milestones, and it’s an honour to be part of that.