Highly experienced and caring staff
At Amicus we are proud of our flexible, professional, and well-trained staff team. The team is supported throughout their employment at The Amicus Community, from their first day of work until they retire or move on. We have several members who have been with us for many years, including our two Directors who set up the organisation. Both Rebecca Newton, Strategic and Clinical Director, and Stewart Thomson, Director of Therapeutic Services, have been with Amicus since its creation in 2004 and they continue to develop and grow the therapeutic community through their conviction, expertise, experience, and passion for the therapeutic work with the children.
The School Proprietor and Responsible Individual for the homes is Rebecca Newton. Rebecca also holds the role of Strategic and Clinical Director. Rebecca Newton can be contact during and outside of term time via email on Rebecca.newton@theamicuscommunity.com tel: 01243 544107 or mobile: 07584 055330 and with the correspondence address: The Amicus Community – PO Box 79, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9XA.
Stewart Thomson is the Director of Therapeutic Services and also hold the role of Registered Home Manager for our homes Jasmine and the Paddocks. Stewart is also contactable via the correspondence address above and through email: stewart.thomson@theamicuscommunity.com and via the Head Office on 01243 544107
The Headteacher and DSL of The Amicus School is Leeha Watney. She is contactable during term time at leeha.watney@theamicuscommunity.com or by calling the office number on 01243 544107 and with the correspondance address: The Amicus Community – PO Box 79, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9XA.
The roles within our staff team
The staff at the homes comprise of a Registered Home Manager, a Therapeutic Home Manager, Deputy Home Manager, two Senior Therapeutic Care Workers, and up to six Therapeutic Care Workers. The school staff consists of the Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher, three Senior Therapeutic Education Practitioners, a Senior Therapeutic Behaviour Support Practitioner and up to 8 Therapeutic Education Practitioners. In addition, the staff are supported by Amicus’ Senior Leadership Team, Therapies and Network Team, Administration staff, Housekeepers, Maintenance Workers, Cleaners and Cook. All of whom ensure the smooth running of our community, so the children receive the caring, safe, and comfortable environment they need and can build meaningful relationships with those supporting them in their care and education.
Ensuring our staff are supported too
The nature of our work with children who have experienced trauma means our staff also need to be supported and well trained due to the emotional content this can have and bring. Our underpinning of our psychoanalytical therapeutic model throughout the community means all staff has opportunities to reflect and discuss their relationships with the children, other members of the team, and their actions and feelings. This is carried out regularly in individual Supervision/Consultation and alongside the rest of the team, in Group Dynamics / Process meetings and Clinical discussions, and case conference groups. Additionally, many staff attend their own professional analysis or therapy. All our staff members have regular training internally and externally which supports the whole team and ensures continuing professional development.