At Heart of England Training’s Rugby Academy, learners receive more than just education and training. They benefit from dedicated support, guidance and encouragement from staff who are committed to helping them succeed. One of those individuals is Clare Bowes, our SEN Support Worker and Academy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
Having been part of the HOET family since November 2021, Clare plays a vital role in ensuring learners receive the support they need to thrive both academically and personally.
Nearly Five Years of Supporting Learners
Clare joined HOET almost five years ago and has developed her role significantly during that time.
“I started at HOET in a learner support role, providing day-to-day support to learners and helping them access their programmes successfully,” she explains.
As the needs of the Academy evolved, so did Clare’s responsibilities. She adapted to changing learner numbers and took on a wider range of duties that helped support the smooth running of the provision.
Alongside direct learner support, Clare became responsible for monitoring learner records, checking EPYP OneFiles for accuracy and compliance, overseeing learner bursaries, monitoring attendance and maintaining learner registers.
Her willingness to embrace new challenges has helped her grow professionally while continuing to make a positive impact on learners.
Championing SEND and Safeguarding
Today, Clare’s role covers all aspects of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Additional Learning Support (ALS) across the Rugby Academy.
She coordinates and completes Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) reviews, working closely with learners, parents, carers and external professionals to ensure every learner receives the support they need.
“I am responsible for assessing each learner’s support requirements by reviewing their EHCP and determining the appropriate level and allocation of support to meet their individual needs,” says Clare.
To help learners access the curriculum successfully, Clare adapts learning materials, provides classroom support and holds one-to-one meetings with learners and their families. She also shares effective SEND strategies with colleagues, helping to create an inclusive learning environment across the Academy.
Alongside her SEND responsibilities, Clare also serves as the Academy’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
“This role requires close collaboration with staff, learners, families and external agencies to ensure learners receive the support they need to achieve their potential.”
Celebrating Learner Success
Ask Clare what she enjoys most about her role and her answer is simple: seeing learners succeed.
“I love seeing the learners’ success, whether that be passing their Functional Skills, conquering the skill of completing a haircut or overcoming their fear of answering the phone on reception.”
For Clare, the most rewarding part of the job is witnessing young people develop confidence and independence.
“Seeing the young people develop and grow in confidence is the best part of my job.”
These moments, large and small, are what make her role so meaningful and demonstrate the difference that personalised support can make to a learner’s journey.
A Team That Supports Each Other
The culture at HOET is something Clare values highly.
Describing it as “personal, inclusive, high standards, holistic and nurturing,” she believes the supportive environment at Rugby Academy is a key reason she enjoys coming to work every day.
“The team at Rugby has evolved over the last six months or so, and although I am sad to have said goodbye to some of my colleagues, we have recruited lovely new staff and the team is as dedicated as ever.”
She adds:
“This makes for a positive working environment and I like that we all pull together and support each other.”
Building Confidence Through Professional Development
Over the years, Clare has continued to develop her own skills and confidence, taking on additional responsibilities and pursuing further professional development.
She credits Rugby Academy Centre Manager Georgina (Ree) Barratt with helping her along the way.
“Ree has helped me to build my confidence and self-esteem; I am now able to deal with extra responsibility and have recently completed two courses and nearly finished another.”
One achievement she is particularly proud of is working towards the Specialist Status in SEND Award.
“As part of the Specialist Status in SEND award, I had to demonstrate nine competencies and create a presentation which I had to deliver over Teams to a group I hadn’t met before.”
For Clare, stepping outside her comfort zone was not easy.
“This was outside my comfort zone and caused me some anxiety; however, I am proud that I did it and look forward to hopefully achieving specialist status.”
Life Outside of HOET
When she’s not supporting learners, Clare enjoys spending quality time with her family and her beloved dog, Mabel.
“I love my UK holidays with my family and little dog Mabel.”
And for those who think they know Clare well, she shares an interesting fact that may come as a surprise:
“I have three tattoos!”
Thank You, Clare
Clare’s dedication, compassion and commitment to supporting learners make her an invaluable part of the HOET Rugby Academy team. Whether she is helping learners access the curriculum, promoting inclusion, coordinating EHCP reviews or safeguarding learner wellbeing, Clare’s work has a lasting impact every day.
Thank you, Clare, for everything you do to support our learners and colleagues.
