The Governing Body

Chair + Safeguarding & ISS

As a former teacher I have long been an advocate for the excellent offer for young people Chances provides so I am thrilled to be part of the Governing body. School is not always straightforward for some young people and Chances gives a time to reset. I have seen with young people I have worked with what a big difference time at Chances can provide. As a Governor I see my role as a support and advocate for the staff team to ensure that the young people coming to Chances get the best provision they can to help them return positively to their home school or move successfully into post 16 education or work. I was a secondary senior leader for over 30 years then became Head of the Virtual school in Devon working with children across the county with a social worker. I am now working part time as an independent visitor to residential children’s homes and also have the delightful job of looking after my 2 year old Grandson for 3 days each week which certainly keeps me busy! 

The Governors are always happy to chat with parents or students to get feedback on the offer from the school so please do get in touch via the school office if you have any concerns or positive feedback.

Wendy Ohlson

Governor - Policies

Steffanie Morby is currently the Senior Assistant Head Teacher at St James in Exeter. She has a strong commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and securing positive outcomes for all students. Steffanie brings a thoughtful, student-centred approach to her role on the governing body and is keen to work closely with staff, families, and the wider community. She is passionate about supporting Chances Alternative Provision to continue providing a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where every learner can thrive.

Governor - Behaviour and Attendance

Mary Pugsley MBE is the visionary Founder of Hair at the Academy training salon and the social enterprise Hair in the Community. A recognised community champion, Mary has spent over 20 years pioneering inclusive vocational education that supports individuals facing social, educational, and economic barriers.

As a governor for Chances School, Dawlish, Mary offers strategic leadership, safeguarding insight, and a deep understanding of how to support young people who have struggled in mainstream education. Her approach is compassionate, practical, and outcomes-focused, ensuring learners are supported to progress confidently from education to employment.

Mary also sits on the South West Steering Committee for the Jobs Foundation, contributing her expertise to regional employment and skills

Associate Governor - Community

During my career, I had the great experience of teaching across all phases from Primary to Further Education. Beginning as an English teacher, I re-trained in special needs and I became an SEN Advisor in Central Warwickshire, with a caseload of sixteen schools. Since retiring, I have volunteered in Romania many times, using specialist knowledge in the areas of Autism, ADHD and Specific learning Difficulties. I have been a governor in special schools for over ten years. At the moment, I work to establish community links for Chances School, giving young students the opportunity to contribute to their community in many different and positive ways.

My other interests include theatre, film, 20th and 21st century literature and learning French - more slowly than I would like.

I am proud to be a governor at Chances School. 

Governor - Curriculum

I have worked in education since 2013, with English as my specialist subject. I am deeply passionate about literacy and its power to open doors for all young people. I have completed the NPQLL and NPQSL and am currently part of the leadership team at Lodestar Academy.

My area of expertise is curriculum and curriculum development, with a particular focus on ensuring all students have access to the broad and balanced curriculum they deserve, adapted thoughtfully to meet their individual needs. My approach is firmly student-focused, grounded in a strong belief that every young person deserves equitable access to high-quality education. I am a strong advocate for relational and trauma-informed practice and believe that positive relationships are central to both learning and wellbeing.

Governor - Community

Staff Governor

Staff Governor

Clerk of Governors

chances@spacepsm.org

Governor - SEND