About New Leaf Learning

Lead Teacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead

Alex has worked as a senior teacher, SENDCo and Designated Safeguarding Lead for over 20 years in Northamptonshire schools. Alongside this career she has worked in a consultancy capacity supporting school leaders.

Alex has been a facilitator on the Outstanding and Improving Teacher Programmes. Bringing together training  in Theraplay, Drawing and Talking, Protective Behaviours and 123 Magic.

Alex wrote The TRUST Programme after her study of Psychology and Educational Neuroscience. She brings The TRUST Programme to New Leaf Learning.

Teacher

‍Preety worked as a classroom teacher across the primary age group for twelve years before making the decision to leave mainstream teaching and re-train in the mental health world. As a class teacher she was passionate about the wellbeing of her students and ensuring that all were able to access learning in a way that was comfortable for them.

Since retraining as an integrative therapist, Preety has worked with individuals and families struggling to cope with difficult emotions or life events such as bereavement, anxiety, PTSD and exam stress.

In her spare time Preety enjoys leisurely walks with her dog, going to the gym and baking the occasional cake.

Yoga and Drumming Teacher

Trudie started working with children and families over 20 years ago firstly as a Community Paediatric Nurse and then a Health Visitor.

Trudie took her knowledge and experience in supporting Women and Children and developed her own business, the Zen Den. She is passionate about empowering others through mindfulness and meditation and brings this passion to her role of Drumming and Yoga teacher at New Leaf.

Chair of Trustees

Johnny is Chair of Trustees at New Leaf Learning and Managing Partner at Courteenhall Farms in South Northamptonshire.

Previously a medical doctor and GP who worked at Northampton General Hospital, Johnny served as the Department of Health’s Advisor on General Practice.

Alongside his wife Anna, also a GP, and their two children, Johnny brings his experience in health, sustainability, and leadership to support our mission of helping children thrive through nature. He is passionate about helping young people grow in confidence and wellbeing, and his belief that healthy environments create healthy people shapes both his family life and his work at Courteenhall, where he leads a pioneering sustainability and stewardship programme.

He co-founded the Tove Valley Cluster Farm and is a regular speaker and media contributor on regenerative farming. He was named Sustainable Farmer of the Year (2024) at the British Farming Awards. Johnny also serves as a Deputy Lieutenant of Northamptonshire.

Trustee

Mark is a National Leader of Education and Executive Primary Principal at Raunds Park Infant School and St Peter’s Primary Academy. Teaching and learning are his passions, and he sees working with children, staff, and families to support every child’s development as a real privilege. Mark believes that positive, happy, and professional relationships sit at the heart of New Leaf Learning’s work and success.

A keen rugby and cricket enthusiast, Mark is also passionate about music—playing several instruments, enjoying live performances, and always ready to join in creative projects.

Married to Sally and owner of Sky, a small wellbeing dog from Courteenhall who supports children in school, Mark is proud to serve as a trustee of such an inspiring and impactful charity dedicated to helping children and families thrive.

Trustee

Louisa is Head of Regional Operations at the Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation, where she leads programmes promoting social mobility and widening access to high-quality education for young people facing complex challenges. Previously, she served as Programme Manager and West Midlands Regional Lead, developing partnerships with local authorities and schools across the region.

A former Unitary Authority Councillor and Assistant Cabinet Member for Education with West Northamptonshire Council, Louisa has extensive experience in education policy, careers guidance, and community engagement. Her earlier career includes serving as Head of Careers and Oxbridge Coordinator at Northampton School for Girls, where she championed aspiration, opportunity, and impartial advice for students.

Louisa has long supported the TRUST programme, recognising the power of nature-based learning to nurture confidence and re-engage children in education.

Trustee

Rupert is a Crown Court Judge in Northampton, a role he has held for over 15 years. He also serves as a legal member of the Mental Health Tribunal, bringing a deep understanding of neurodiversity and the complex challenges faced by children and young people.

A Deputy Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, Rupert plays an active role in citizenship ceremonies and is a strong advocate for criminal justice reform, rehabilitation, and diversion from the formal court process. Before joining the New Leaf Learning board in 2024, he served as a trustee of the Rutland Agricultural Society for 25 years.

Rupert is married with four children, the youngest in Year 9, giving him plenty of hands-on experience with young people. He lives north of Market Harborough on a small farm, where he rears pigs, goats, and free-range chickens alongside running holiday accommodation. His love of the outdoors and belief in the power of nature to support wellbeing align strongly with New Leaf Learning’s mission to help children grow in confidence and connection through learning in natural environments.

Schools may nominate primary-aged children (typically ages 5-11) who are currently struggling to engage in mainstream learning. There are no formal referral criteria — schools select the children and parents/carers they believe will most benefit.

TRUST stands for Trying, Resilience, Understanding & empathy, Self-regulation and Teamwork. These are the five core skill-areas the programme teaches, helping children grow confidence, emotional regulation and collaboration.

The programme runs one day a week over five weeks, typically groups of 5-7 children attend alongside two school staff, with parallel parent-sessions and staff CPD built in.

Sessions happen outdoors at Courteenhall Estate in Northamptonshire (not open to the general public). Activities include den-building, pond-dipping, slack-lining, gardening, cooking, animal care, and yoga/meditation for self-regulation.

Parents attend dedicated workshops to learn strategies for behaviour support and nurture. School staff take part in trauma-informed CPD, enabling them to embed the learning back in school.

The cost to schools for the standard 1 day a week/ 5-week group is subsidised (e.g., around £995 for one group) with additional children or adults charged extra. Funding is supplemented via donations, grants and business sponsorships.

Progress is measured using formal assessment tools (e.g., the Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire) alongside ongoing monitoring. Early trials have shown improvements in self-regulation, resilience and classroom engagement.

Schools (or parents via schools) should contact NLL via phone or email to express interest, discuss suitability and check availability. Schools are encouraged to pick children and engage parents early.

No — while many children on the programme may have SEND or trauma backgrounds, the programme is open to children who are simply not currently engaging in mainstream learning and could benefit from a connection-focused nature-based intervention.