Our Team
A safe place to feel accepted, listened to and happy
We pride ourselves on the positive relationships we build with our young people. We support every young person to ensure we meet their needs and enable them to thrive at Corfe Valley. Our team includes qualified teachers and learning mentors all trained in PACE and able to successfully use a trauma informed approach.
Fun – Dependable – Non Judgemental – Caring – Kind
Tom Smith
Director or Corfe Valley, Teacher and DDSL
Tom founded Corfe Valley with Kirstie in 2020. He has worked in education for over 14 years, learning his trade in an outstanding, National Teaching Academy and progressing to Senior Leadership. In his spare time, Tom enjoys running the Purbeck Hills, building things and exploring the local area with his family.
Kirstie Smith
Director or Corfe Valley, Teacher and DSL
Kirstie founded Corfe Valley with Tom in 2020. She has worked in education for over 12 years, learning her trade in an outstanding primary school and progressing to Senior Leadership. In her spare time, Kirstie enjoys reading, spending time with animals and exploring the local area with her family.
“I wanted to take a minute to thank you all for your time, energy and dedication to providing the nurturing environment that people like my son so desperately need, and benefit so greatly from. My son has been calmer, happier and more able to acknowledge and celebrate his achievements and successes since joining Corfe Valley. You are all worth your weight in gold!“
Parental Feedback
Jen Holloway
Teacher and Level 3 Forest School leader
Jen is one of our qualified teachers with over 12 years experience in education having worked in a range of educational settings. Jen is also our qualified Level 3 trained Forest School leader and brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding to Corfe Valley of immense benefits to our young people.
Claire Pinder
Qualified Secondary Teacher and STEM lead
Claire is our qualified secondary trained teacher who not only brings her wonderful skill set in STEM and ability to create awe and wonder with our young people but also her background in pastoral care to Corfe Valley.
“I really don’t have the words to explain or express how grateful I am for your help and support. From the bottom of my heart – thank you for your constant support, understanding and for going above and beyond”
Parental Feedback
Jeri Grogan
Learning Mentor and Emotion Coach trained
Jeri joined us in 2024 and has already brought a wealth of skills and knowledge to Corfe Valley ranging from arts and crafts to her wealth of understanding on neurodiversity and ideas to support our young people. She has worked in a range of educational settings and has experience and a growing skill set which includes training in mental health, emotion coaching and autism.
Kate Unwin
Learning Mentor, DDSL and currently training in Equine Assisted Learning
Kate joined our team bringing experience in animal care, nature and gardening. She has a calm and nurturing presence and the young people enjoy learning their knowledge of animals from her! Kate is currently training in Equine Assisted Learning and we all can’t wait to be able to offer our young people another experience.