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Who are Tides of Change?
Tides of Change is a CIC (Community Interest Company). This means that we work hard to meet a social need, but we are not driven by profit. The majority of our profits are reinvested back into the local community to enable our service to be as accessible as possible for all.
We promote positive emotional well-being in children by using a distinct and defined approach to learning new skills whether being personal, social, emotional or academic. We also develop interest in the natural environment, support children in having fun and on the importance of keeping active and healthy, both physically and mentally.
We deliver a Coastal/Beach school programme for children aged 5-12 years, which (for delivery to schools) runs for initially 6 weeks, but can be extended
Meet our team
Sandra is founder of Tides of Change and has an extensive background in education for more than 24 years, teaching predominantly within the primary sector with children with SEN and specifically Autism. After recently leaving teaching she gained a Level 3 Coastal School Leader qualification with North Yorkshire Forest School Training Ltd and launched this community interest company. This was to offer schools an enhanced and alternative approach, to reach and connect with those children who struggle to access and engage in learning in the mainstream classroom through varying difficulties and barriers. Learning outside the classroom is a powerful tool that is proven to raise and bolster social, emotional and personal development, the health and wellbeing of our children and ultimately enabling the ‘readiness’ to learn back in the classroom. So she is a great believer in children being outside, being healthy, happy and connected to nature.
Emma is married and lives with her husband, 12-year-old daughter and two cats, and loves nothing more than spending time with her family. As a child she always knew that she wanted to work with children. After leaving school she went to college where she studied and received the qualification of BTEC National Diploma in Nursery Nursing. It gave her the option to continue on to teacher training if she wanted to, but she realised then, she wanted to support children and young people more. In 2002, she started work in a primary Autistic Unit, attached to a mainstream primary school within our local borough. What she loved most about the role was that every day was different. After 10 years she moved to work in the mainstream primary school where she supported children with Special Educational Needs in the classroom. During her time at the school, she accessed a range of training relevant to her role, some of which was Dyslexia, Autism and in addition to this gained a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant qualification. After 16 years at this provision she gained a new role at local secondary school, supporting children in their Autistic provision. She can’t see herself moving away from this role that she does and being a volunteer for Tides of Change is just one more thing that adds in doing something she loves
Lisa has an extensive background in education, supporting children with SEN for more than 29 years within South Tyneside borough, whose special needs cover a broad spectrum of medical, physical, social, emotional moderate and profound learning difficulties and Autism. She is extremely passionate about young people’s mental health and enjoys being an Early Years Mental Health Champion in her current role and giving young people a voice. She is currently focusing on a level 2 counselling course to provide help and support to those in need.
Jackie has worked in schools for 25 plus years in her role as a school secretary. Her caring and nurturing nature and bubbly character is loved by all - young and old. Jackie has grown up in South Shields and has a passion for our beautiful coast and outdoor living. Jackie has been in a volunteering role for us for 4 years and continues to support and promote our values of connecting with nature
Bev - details coming soon
Laura began volunteering with Tides of Change in June 2021. She is a primary school teacher with most experience in the early years and key stage 1. She has a Masters in Education with teaching and learning and gained a PGCE from the University of Sunderland in 2019. Laura has worked in schools throughout the North East in various roles, including in 1:1 SEND support and has experience at a pupil referral unit. She is a former Police Officer and has her Safeguarding First Level 1 certificate and holds a paediatric first aid qualification. She gained a law degree in 2015 and focused on child protection, family law and mental health. She has also worked for a local domestic abuse charity, supporting vulnerable women and children. She is currently supply teaching and caring for her baby daughter.
Status and Awards
Tides of Change CIC is a not- for- profit organisation dedicated to children’s health and well-being, education and the study of marine wildlife. All profits from our activities go towards supporting community engagement activities within South Tyneside.
Tides of Change CIC has received an ‘UnLtd Do It’ award (2020) to help us maximise the social impact and changes we are trying to make for the children and young people in Tyne and Wear. In addition to this we have also been awarded ‘Best Start Champion’ for our pledge and commitment to helping give children and families in South Tyneside the Best Start in Life. We share a common goal in supporting children to reach their full potential.