Qualifications are important. Self-esteem is life changing
Eastward House School, Cardiff
The Team
Our fantastic and supportive staffing team bring a wealth of care, energy and experience to all of their roles and ensure they provide the support required for all of our pupils.
​They hold a range of qualifications and training and partake in safeguarding, positive handling and first aid training as appropriate, in addition to continuous professional development. All of our staff are EWC registered.
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Proprietor​: Harriet Harrison​
Senior Leadership Team

Peter Davies
Business Manager​
Pete completed his undergraduate in Sport and Physical Education before moving into the world of work and joining Castle School, Pembrokeshire.
Pete gained valuable and extensive experience and knowledge working across multiple independent schools in South Wales and developed a passion for alternative provisions and business management.​
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Pete has the qualities and personal skills to develop meaningful relationships with all pupils and has a deep understanding and practice of restorative approaches. Pete has brought his energy and fun (and sometimes dodgy dad jokes) to his role at Eastward House, since its doors opened in 2021.​
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Pete is a patriotic Welshman who enjoys all sports, with a keen interest in playing and watching football whilst being a dedicated goalkeeper for his local team. Everyone is in safe hands with Pete around.​

Rhia Skuse
Education & Wellbeing​
Rhia has a BA Honours in Education with a PGCE in Primary Education. Rhia has a background working in youth engagement projects and has a qualification in Youth and Community work at Cardiff Metropolitan University. She is passionate about engaging young people in education through extensive wellbeing and pastoral support and building relationships. Rhia is an adolescent Thrive registered practitioner and is a consistent listening ear for the older pupils across the school.​
Rhia is a level 2 Forest school practitioner and recognises the benefits of the outdoors in education. Rhia has spent time working across diverse educational settings and enjoyed working in the Montessori school in Cardiff and specialist provisions, where she developed her passion for ALN and alternative pathways.
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In her spare time, Rhia is an enthusiastic runner and loves competing in races and events. Rhia loves the outdoors and being busy and her favourite place to be is North Wales amongst the mountains or on the coast.​

Seb Leer
Teaching & Learning
Seb is an experienced teacher and has had the pleasure of working at Eastward House school since September 2022. In that time, he has used his playful and curious nature to build meaningful and trusting relationships with the wonderful pupils at EHS whilst leaning on the many teaching strategies he has gained to ensure their continual progress. He uses his expertise to drive forward teaching and learning across the school. ​
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Seb has enjoyed significant time travelling and experiencing different cultures, including spending a year in Malaysia. Having been Expressive Arts lead for many years in his previous setting, Seb uses this to bring creativity to all he does. Seb is a Trained Thrive Practitioner allowing him to actively develop the wellbeing and resilience of the pupils at EHS.​
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Outside of the classroom, Seb enjoys playing the guitar, keeping fit, bike rides and spending time with his family. ​
Teaching Team

Pen y Fan Lead
Chris Bush
Chris is an experienced teacher of over 10 years who leads our Pen y Fan cohort. He gained an undergraduate degree in Sport Science at St. Mary's University College, Twickenham and then completed his PGCE at Kingston University.​
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Chris is a trained ELSA and has a gentle and consistent manner, which combined with his methodical approach to teaching ensures pupils feel safe, comfortable and maximise their academic potential.
Chris has pursued his love for table tennis from a young age, travelling extensively competing in major competitions. He is keen to bring these skills to Eastward and inspire the next generation!

LLC & Humanities
Annie Greville
Annie holds a BA from Cardiff University and is a qualified teacher. Prior to joining Eastward, Annie taught English and Religious Education in a number of secondary schools throughout Cardiff, gaining valuable experience in diverse educational settings. ​
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Annie's ability to form trusting relationships with her pupils allows them to feel valued and motivated at school. She is particularly passionate about ensuring that children with additional needs receive the support and opportunities they deserve, advocating for an inclusive approach that allows every learner to thrive. She is currently furthering her expertise by working towards a Master's in Additional Needs Education

Maths & Numeracy​
Cei Edwards
After graduating with a degree in Mathematics from Nottingham Trent University, Cei worked in education across alternative learning provisions. During this time, he also undertook a PCET course to become fully qualified at Cardiff Met university. Cei has gained extensive experience since qualifying and is passionate and enthusiastic about maximising every learner’s potential. Cei has a gentle and calm approach that enables him to connect with pupils on their level and gets the best from them at all times. Cei naturally adopts the PACE approach in his mannerisms and ways of working with pupils, and is an advocate for this approach across the school.​
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Being an avid music fan and having played a range of instruments from a young age, Cei is keen to offer these skills to learners or to share his love of music. Cei has played a large range of sports and is always eager to take part in any sporting activities. He enjoys live gigs, football and eating Italian food!​

Science & Technology
Amy Wyatt
Amy completed her undergraduate and masters degree in Biology followed by a PhD in Earth Sciences, all at Cardiff University. ​
Alongside her academic work, Amy has delivered educational programmes for organisations such as The Brilliant Club, which aims to increase the number of pupils from state schools progressing to competitive universities. She also worked as a science tutor, allowing her to develop new skills and tailor her lessons to support the diverse learning needs of her pupils. She loves connecting students with the natural world, absolutely adores gardening and actively encourages everyone to use nature as a tool to support mental health and well-being.​
A keen adventurer, Amy enjoys challenging herself to try new things and see new places. As part of her PhD, she spent two summers in the Arctic circle (Svalbard) studying 380 million year old fossil forests, though her fieldwork was occasionally interrupted by the need to hide from curious polar bears who clearly weren't a part of the research plan. She has an extensive exotic plant collection and enjoys talking with anyone about fossils and natural history.​

Garth Teacher
Joe Gale
Joe is a qualified primary teacher who recently joined the EHS team in early 2025. Joe teachers in Garth and his teaching methods and classroom management are driven in a good humoured way by empathy, professional commitment, curiosity and integrity. Joe foster’s a relaxed, humorous environment where learners are motivated to take ownership of their learning journey, preparing them well for lifelong learning and responsible citizenship.
Joe creates a classroom atmosphere where respect, empathy, and mutual support are the norm. His approach to well-being is holistic, ensuring that emotional, social, and academic needs are addressed. Joe is always someone who is willing to go the extra mile for his peers and his pupils.​
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Joe enjoys time with his wife and dog, whilst being a keen rugby player when he isn’t injured. ​

Spanish
Delia Sanchez
Delia is a qualified Spanish teacher who is currently teaching Spanish across the school, from introductory sessions in Garth through to GCSE Spanish with our older pupils. She also works as a Teaching Assistant as a member of the Garth cohort, supporting pupils across different areas of learning.
With extensive experience teaching in Spain, Delia brings a dynamic and positive approach to the classroom. She has a natural ability to connect with children through her empathetic and caring nature, earning their trust and giving them the confidence to thrive.​
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Delia has a particular passion for pupil wellbeing and brings this passion to targeted pupils across the school as well as delivering purposeful PSE sessions. As a qualified swimming instructor and a passion for health and fitness, she is able to use these skills to enhance her wellbeing approach through activities such as swimming and MMA. ​

Art
Sasha Kingston
Sasha is our part time art teacher who supports our pupils in preparing for their GCSE art, whilst also encouraging art for pleasure. Since graduating from the Royal College of Art, Sasha has continued to develop and be inspired by the drawn mark within the process of papermaking as a material, especially the incorporation of the process of papermaking in her Art constructions.​
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Sasha has been developing her work inspired by Footfall. Documenting ideas through photography and drawings whilst out walking has led to her current body of work. She is particularly interested in the monochromatic colours, linear traces and marks - which have become very significant within her art pieces.
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Learning Support Assistant
Beth Lyon
Beth has recently joined our team and is a dedicated and passionate Learning Support Assistant with hands-on experience supporting students across a range of ages and with varied Additional Learning Needs. With a Bachelor in Animal Ecology, including a focus on environmental studies, she brings a unique perspective to her role. Beth is able to foster an inclusive learning environment, while integrating her love for nature, wildlife, and the environment. ​
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She has made her way to Eastward all the way from Australia, and has lived in Costa Rica and studied wildlife in other countries including Cambodia along the way.​
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Her diverse skill set allows her to engage students effectively, promoting individual growth, and supporting the development of tailored learning strategies. She is committed to enhancing student well-being and academic achievement through a compassionate and resourceful approach, drawing on her passion for the natural world to inspire and motivate learners. Beth brings a positive yet calm energy to Eastward House. ​

Learning Support Assistant
Tiffany London
Tiffany is our very enthusiastic, happy and caring school bus driver at the start and end of the day and so much more in between. She is a Teaching Assistant across the school and works with individual pupils to support their wellbeing and self esteem with targeted approaches. ​
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Tiffany has a passion for expressive arts and enjoys sharing her skills and enthusiasm with pupils across the school. She delivers group and individual art sessions throughout the week and her classroom is everyone’s favourite place to be. Pupils have created memory bears, working models, blankets, bags, golf courses and so much more whilst developing motor skills, self esteem and life skills in a nurturing and inclusive environment. ​
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Tiffany enjoys the outdoors and being adventurous and has a passion for working with pupils who require additional support to access the curriculum.

Learning Support Assistant
Lydia Watson
Lydia is a dedicated and experienced Teaching Assistant who is passionate about supporting pupils in both their academic and personal development. With an ability to connect with students, she builds strong and trusting relationships with pupils so that they feel valued and nurtured. Her intuitive nature and sense of humor allows her to engage with pupils effectively, ensuring they receive the encouragement they need to thrive. In addition to her role in the classroom, she enjoys working alongside pupils to develop their food technology skills and is often found creating wonderful recipes in the school kitchen! ​
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Lydia is a passionate member of the Eastward staffing team and brings a sense of fun and joy to Eastward House school.

Learning Support Assistant
Anna Martinson
Anna is a highly valued member of Eastward House school and is a trusted key adult for many of our pupils. Anna, who holds her Teaching Assistant Level 2 qualification, works as a Teaching Assistant in Pen Y Fan, supporting pupils to access wellbeing activities off-site and with their learning. Whether it’s completing literacy tasks, popping to the shops or going horse riding, her gentle and caring nature ensures pupils feel settled in her company. ​
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Outside of school, Anna is a talented pool player who enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Learning Support Assistant
Rosa Balgarnie
Rosa is a strong and dedicated member of Eastward House school. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in French and Politics and is always proactive in advancing her knowledge and skills. She has completed further training on Global Developmental delay and Dyslexia awareness at Level 3. Rosa has gained valuable experience through a student teaching module and working at after-school activity camps. Rosa has also taught English to French students abroad, which enhanced her ability to adapt to diverse learning styles and cultures.​
With a calm, gentle and patient approach, Rosa strives to help pupils feel confident and engaged in their learning.
Rosa is a keen runner and enjoys competing in races, she always brings her passion for health and fitness to Eastward House and contributes enthusiastically to PE sessions and Outdoor school.

ELSA
Elaine Harvey
Elaine is our warm, kind and caring ELSA. She supports our young learners' emotional development, providing them with the tools to manage difficulties which life may throw their way. Elaine recognises the importance of forming relationships in helping our pupils feel safe and secure at school. Elaine is able to provide our pupils with short, measurable targets to support them in making progress. A quick catch up with Miss Laine always brings a smile to people's faces!​
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Elaine enjoys spending time with her family and music during her spare time, and may at times be found dueting with Mr Pete.


