Meet The Pod Micro School Team
Rob Collard
Qualifications:
BSc (hons) Geography and Ocean Science
Primary Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
My first taste of teaching was in 2001, teaching children in Tanzania about how to reduce the risk of malaria. Since then, I have been hooked on teaching and my passion for helping the next generation achieve more.
I taught people from the age of two to adult in Japan before returning to the UK to qualify as a teacher in 2009. Over 11 years, I have taught in three different schools ( one in Essex and two in North Somerset), teaching all primary ages from 2 up to 11. I have been geography leader, curriculum designer, deputy headteacher, designated safeguarding leader and headteacher.
Following the pandemic, I wanted to explore different ways to teach children outside of the constraints of the current school system, with a focus on experiences, practical learning, personal growth and exploring the natural world around us. I also wanted to cater for those children who find school a challenge so that they too can be supported by high quality teaching but in a more comfortable and nurturing environment.
Thus, Pod Micro School was born.
From the very beginning of my career, I’ve been drawn to working with children who learn and experience the world differently. My journey began with children with additional learning needs, where I discovered how much I love finding creative ways to help each child thrive. That curiosity took me all the way to Pennsylvania, where I spent a brilliant summer teaching at a specialist camp, before returning to the UK to teach across mainstream schools. Over the years, I’ve been Maths Subject Lead, SENCO, and part of Senior Leadership Teams, supporting children across the primary range — including those with autism, ADHD, sensory differences, PDA, ODD, dyslexia, and anxiety-related barriers to learning. I’ve developed particular strengths in understanding children, what makes them tick, and seeking to understand the ‘why’ behind their behaviour and learning.
Joining The Pod has given me the opportunity to teach in a truly holistic way, helping children grow in confidence, independence and to engage in learning that feels meaningful to them.
Stacey Broad
Katherine Bell
Qualifications:
BA (Hons) in Fashion and Dress History
Masters in Museum Studies
Diploma for Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector
I am passionate about object based learning and have been creatively educating others on history and design for over a decade. I have worked and volunteered in various heritage and alternative education settings and love exploring the world in a non mainstream approach, from dressing up and telling myths to weaving in the woods. I have recently registered as an Arts Award advisor and am keen to enable children at the Pod to try out different arts and crafts and discover their creative sides.
I split my working week between working at the Pod and working at Weston Museum, where I lead learning sessions with schools and home educators. In my spare time, I am a re-enactor in a local Viking group and a textile crafter with a particular love of ancient techniques like hand spinning and weaving. I also sell my weaving and give talks to local history groups.
Lisa Gardner
I have worked as a pastoral lead in a primary school for the last 5 years but worked with children for over 20 as a TA, childminder, nanny and in a nursery. Trained therapeutic mentor, drawing and talking practitioner, North Somerset Autism champion and lived experience with my own family. I love the freedom and flexibility to meet children’s needs in the Pod and be in nature and enjoy positive nurturing experiences together in a welcoming space.