Mark Hurst

“My aim for the Trust Early Help Service is for the service to effectively support students and their families providing stability, increased knowledge supporting emerging needs through a holistic approach. Bringing the community and schools together to support each other to grow and thrive.”

I have lived and worked in Burton upon Trent and Swadlincote for 30 years. I feel I know our communities very well whilst being in an ideal position as Early Help Manager within The de Ferrers Trust to offer support to those students and their families, who may need it. 

I did not start my working life in education but in the world of business, working for Forte, Little Chef and Travelodge, whilst I did my A levels. Once completed, I worked full time and became one of the youngest managers across the Midlands. I then went on to become an Area Manager for a  patisserie company based in Birmingham. In those 14 years working for both companies, I learnt a great deal, not limited to the business world.

Whilst my children were young I decided to have a change of career and moved into the world of education. I started off as a volunteer SEND TA to gain some experience and challenge myself. I then went on to secure a full time position, as well as completing an Open University Degree in History. Since then I have not stopped learning, in fact I have an absolute passion for lifelong learning. 

I have worked in many varied pastoral positions in education for the past 15 years, along with supporting the development of several initiative new provisions which support both students and their families. These have included; provisions for SEND students, provisions for students experiencing mental health and wellbeing challenges, supporting students who have difficulty regulating their behaviour and most recently the development of an Early Help service which provides support for the whole family.