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Dove House Academy

Staff

Dove House Academy joined Solent Academies Trust on 1st August 2023. 
 
As part of our commitment to making sure that we have a smooth transition and robust onboarding, we have introduced two additional senior leaders to compliment and support the Dove House Academy Senior Leadership Team, until July 2024. These seconded leaders are Sam Leadbeater (Associate Principal) and Mel Walton (Associate Principal).  

Staff (ID 1099)

  • Faye Watton-Lawrence
    Associate Executive Principal and SAT Safeguarding Lead

    Faye Watton-Lawrence

    A little about myself

    I have been working in special education for the majority of my career, initially in London and now in my home city of Portsmouth. Having joined Solent Academies Trust in January 2018, I have had the privilege of working across Redwood Park Academy, Mary Rose Academy and Dove House Academy. More recently, I have also expanded my role trust wide as the Solent Academies Trust lead for Safeguarding & Child Protection; a particular area of professional interest for me. This has afforded me limitless opportunities to enhance and extend outstanding provision for young people with a very broad range of additional needs, from Moderate Learning Difficulties through to young people with the most Profound Medical and Learning needs. I completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Autism in Education in 2015, with a focus on innovative strategies for supporting self-regulation in children with Autism. My focus is, and always will be, on supporting our pupils and their families to achieve the happiest, most independent and fulfilling futures possible. In line with this, I am passionate about ensuring that our children and their families receive an equitable offer. I am committed to working closely with a broad range of external partners from Social Care, Health and the wider community in pursuit of disability and SEND advocacy.

    Hobbies and interests

    I am married and live in Southsea with two young daughters. Having left London for a life by the seaside, I enjoy long walks and days out at the beach with my family. I am a keen baker and love sharing my cooking with family and friends - as well as the staff and children across Solent Academies Trust!

    What excites me about my role

    It is my absolute privilege to work alongside the pupils, families and staff across our Trust. What a joy to work in an environment where no day is ever the same and where having fun and making a meaningful contribution is central to everything that we do. The team at Solent Academies Trust is a superb example of how hard work, determination, creativity and nurture combine to make something very special. Together we ensure that every child is given the best opportunity to shine possible - no one could ask for more.

  • Dave Dupont
    Interim Principal

    Dave Dupont

  • Mel Walton
    Associate Principal

    Mel Walton

  • Sam Leadbeater
    Associate Principal

    Sam Leadbeater

  • Andrea Merritt
    Interim Assistant Principal Quality of Education

    Andrea Merritt

  • Karen Ollive
    Assistant Principal SENCO/DSL

    Karen Ollive

  • Becky Wilson
    Assistant Principal Regulation & Wellbeing

    Becky Wilson

  • Kate Read
    Assistant Principal Post 16

    Kate Read

  • Sharon Burt
    Chief Executive Officer - Solent Academies Trust

    Sharon Burt