Alice Anstee, Managing Member
When I was given the chance to open an Alternative Provision on the Rotherfield Estate I jumped at the chance! We opened September 11th 2024.
Newton Wood Barn was created to serve our community. We work with over 20 Hampshire Schools and over 40 families to ensure we can offer a therapeutic and different offer that is bespoke to the needs of each of our young people. We are passionate about children’s school lives, and we want to ensure we can find the right approach, the right pathways and the right relationships and connections to make children and young people feel they can fit in and belong. We want their next steps to be successful, to work out. We want to ensure that whatever comes next that our children and young people are supported and that they feel they can manage them.
We are careful with our admissions as Newton Wood Barn wants to be part of the solution. We plan carefully what is needed and what we think will work- importantly we do this with the family, the school and with the local authority.
My career background has always been in Education. I consider myself at the core to be a teacher, it has been my vocation. In the past I have been a head teacher, executive head teacher, COO and Director of Schools and Care Services. All my experience has led me to opening Newton Wood Barn as I want to ensure our offer will support children and young people to feel successful.
I love the natural woodland and farm surroundings that Newton Wood Barn is surrounded by. The land has so much to offer. I believe we never stop learning, and believe there are lots of ways to find out things- I hope to learn from the children themselves, work alongside the Rotherfield Estate and help the local family community here.
Most of all, and something that is very important to us at Newton Wood Barn- we are curious, creative and believe in connection. We take fun seriously!
We have a great team and we look forward to welcoming you to become part of NWB!
I look forward to supporting the well-being of NWBAP and being involved in its community. We will do the best we can to offer parents and families support, involvement and friendship.
Joanne Houston, Head of Services (Admissions)
Hi, I’m Jo-Anne Houston. I’ve spent over 20 years in education, taking on various roles in both mainstream and specialist settings. This journey has given me significant experience as a senior leader, and my passion lies in creating inclusive learning spaces where every child can thrive. My work as a Thrive, SEMH, and SEND trainer has been instrumental in promoting aspirational goals for all our young people, ensuring they flourish in the environments and communities we serve. I am genuinely excited to be part of the Newton Wood Barn team, where I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact on children and young people’s lives and contributing to a nurturing and inclusive learning community.
Victoria Brown – Team Manager
Victoria, also known as V, Manager of Newton Wood Barn and Forest School Program Lead. Working previously in SEN schools, she started her career as a learning assistant over six years ago before taking on a forest school. Having a child centred approach and practical learning and teaching based skills, V Is passionate about providing a full and engaging experience outdoors.
From there she has developed her skills in survival, bushcraft, outdoor education and learning through practical means. She is a dedicated advocate for working with hands on learning. V advocates using different tools and acquiring life skills, as well as understanding how to learn a trade. V often talks about careers when she teaches and how skills can transfer from one part of life to another.
Being a creative, passionate and crafty tutor, she is able to give a child centred approach to all ages from 4-19 years of age.
-Bringing history to life/-Science outdoors/-DiscoverCultures and celebrations/Handmade gifts/-Bushcraft/-Wildlife/-Survival/-Design and Technology/-Carpentry/-Small animal care
Credentials: -Animal care LV 2,3,4/-Bushcraft/-Dog Grooming/-Mental health First aid/-First aid/-B-tech Biology/-Batchelors degree Street Arts and performance
Phillip Webb – Senior Instructor
Hi, I’m Philip, and I’ve been lucky enough to join the team here at Newton Wood Barn, and bring my own unique background and skills to this amazing provision.
Having worked as a Administrator and Instructor in a Mobile Planetarium and Science education company, a Lego Model Builder in a touring show manufacturing company, and a Design and Technology Technician at a private school in London, its safe to say my work history has been an unusual one, but at the heart of it all was a key focus in working both alongside and for young people, helping to build their skills and brighten their worlds.
Design and creativity is at the heart of my outlook and approach to life, and I can’t wait to help foster and grow our young peoples minds and skills, and look forward to what the team and our young people can go on to make!
Sophie – Instructor
Hi, I’m Sophie, I like being outdoors and keeping busy, I enjoy playing sports and being outdoors. I have a huge love for animals, including a horse I look after and my dog. My favourite things are spending time at the beach, going for walks and love food.
Jessica, Instructor
Hi, I’m Jessica, and I love being outdoors—especially when I’m surrounded by trees and nature. There’s nothing better than exploring the forest, whether it’s on my bike or out walking my dog through the woods.
Spending time outside helps me recharge and stay connected to the world around me. I enjoy the peace and adventure that comes with being in natural spaces, and I’m always happiest when I’m out in the fresh air, whatever the weather.
I’m really excited to be part of the team and to share my passion for the outdoors with others!
Edd, Instructor
Hi I’m Edd. I spent most of my working life as a tree surgeon.
It is a job that helped me to grow, taught me so much and gave me a lot of joy.
Through creative play, physical activity and a connection with nature I aim help our young people to discover the activity and direction in life that brings them the same privilege I have had in life, and allow them to discover who they are.
Morgan, Instructor
Hi, I’m Morgan! You’ll probably spot me with a big smile on my face—especially if I’m around cars, tools, or anything to do with mechanics. I love figuring out how things work and getting stuck into hands-on projects.
One of my favourite places to be is the woodcrafting room, where I can get creative and build things from scratch. When I’m not there, I’m usually out playing sports, designing obstacle courses, or spending time with my new puppy—who always keeps me on my toes!
I love staying active, being part of a team, and making the most of every day.
