Pastoral Team
Mrs Jones, Pastoral Manager
Mrs Jones joined Ockendon in 2014 as a Teaching Assistant, supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities via intervention programmes and in the classroom. She went on to become an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) where she supported and assisted students with any emotional or behavioural needs. In September 2024 Mrs Jones joined our Pastoral Team.
Growing up in East London, Mrs Jones moved to the local area 20 years ago, both her children have been educated at HAOC. Throughout her career she has gained various qualifications, after starting a career in banking. However, after having her second child chose to progress with a career focusing on student behaviour and wellbeing which began at Palmers College in Grays.
As part of the pastoral team, she manages attendance, behaviour, and student wellbeing.
Over the years Mrs Jones has maintained positive relationships with our students and their families. She is passionate about encouraging students to make the right choices and she promotes HAOCs values of 'work hard, be kind and take responsibility’.
Mr Warren, Pastoral Manager
Mr Warren brought with him to HAOC, over 9 years’ experience working in behavioural and pastoral roles as well as 15 years’ experience working with young people through coaching sports.
After studying Sports Coaching at the University of Roehampton Mr Warren continued to coach football, at both youth and adult levels and currently holds UEFA B coaching license.
His career in education led him to work closely with students who have SEND and behavioural needs, gaining experience working in the London and Kent areas supporting these students from a range of different backgrounds.
As a member of our Pastoral Team, Mr Warren is there to support students alongside their Achievement Leader. Within the pastoral team, he focuses on pastoral issues and wellbeing to support students with their self-esteem and ensure this impacts positively on their academic and social journey. He also manages the attendance and behavioural needs.
Mr Warren is passionate about improving behaviour and promoting inclusion, to inspire positive perspectives and enable others to build long lasting behaviours that will improve their ability to maintain their mental fitness.
He sees great importance in building positive relationships and working closely with parents and carers to create the best possible solutions and habits for each student.
Mrs Laybourn-Morris, Pastoral Manager
Mrs Laybourn-Morris began working at the academy in 2016 as an Attendance Officer and worked closely with students and families.
She has always lived in the local area attending William Edwards Secondary School and Thurrock Technical College. From there she progressed to a long career as a Criminal Defence Legal Secretary for 15 years.
As Pastoral Manager, she supports students alongside the Achievement Leader. As part of the pastoral team, she manages attendance, behaviour and focuses on pastoral issues and student wellbeing. She works hard to develop and maintain good positive relationships with the students in her year group along with families and external agencies. She also works closely with the safeguarding team and SEND department.
Throughout her career she has gained Level 2 Safeguarding qualification and is fully First Aid trained.
Mrs Laybourn-Morris actively promotes the academy values of ‘work hard, be kind, take responsibility’, helping students to have a happy and positive experience during their time at Harris Academy Ockendon.
Mrs Howard, Behaviour Lead
Mrs Howard studied at The Ockendon Academy, and Palmers College, going on to gain a BA (Hons) in English Language and Literature via The Open University, and the NPQLBC (National Professional Qualification in Leading Behaviour and Culture).
Her role within the academy is Behaviour Lead, and as part of the Pastoral team she contributes to the development, planning and implementation of strategies such as attendance, safeguarding, and behaviour management, with a specific personal interest in supporting students' emotional wellbeing. She is committed to encouraging the physical, intellectual and emotional development of her students to encourage and aid them to achieve their full potential.
Mrs Howard actively upholds the Academy’s values of working hard, being kind, and taking responsibility, promoting the mission of ‘Enjoying being the best you can be’ whilst encouraging a ‘can do attitude’ amongst the students.
As the Behavioural Lead she has expert knowledge and training in safeguarding and child protection guidance and policies, and ensures these are implemented and followed at all times.
She develops and maintains links within the community outside school, ensuring professional relationships are formed with other agencies where needed, whilst also promoting partnership with parents and carers in order to support the students in their school journey.
Mrs Howard works hard to build positive trusting relationships with students in her year group, doing this with professionalism and plenty of humour!
