06/09/2026
💙 To Andrew — CEO and Co-Founder of Mindful Waters Education 💙
This man is one of the most incredible teachers, mentors and individuals I have ever known. For years, so many children and young people have looked up to Andrew—not only because of what he has taught them, but because he has made them feel understood, valued and capable.
Andrew has always dreamed of leading a school where no child leaves education feeling the way he once did: like a failure, as though they were “thick” or “naughty”, or that they would never achieve anything.
He wanted to create a place where children who find traditional education difficult could finally belong. A school where behaviour is understood as communication, relationships come before punishment and every child is given the opportunity to discover their strengths. A place where children feel safe enough to be themselves, believe in what they can achieve and begin to enjoy learning again.
After years of leading behaviour, interventions and vocational learning within alternative provision, Andrew brought together all of his knowledge, experience, skills and passion—and asked me to join him in creating Mindful Waters Education.
My real-life partner and my work partner in crime! 💙
Together, we have spent months pouring everything into making Mindful Waters ready. There have been long days, sleepless nights, endless conversations, challenges, laughter, tears and moments when we have wondered how we would get everything finished—but we never stopped believing in our vision.
We also need to say the biggest and most heartfelt thank you to our three beautiful children. Our babies have put up with Mummy and Andrew spending far more time working than normal over the past few months. They have shared us with Mindful Waters, even when they deserved to have us all to themselves.
They have helped us prepare the site, welcomed families on our open days and proudly helped to show them around. They have taught other children how to fish, encouraged nervous children to take part in tours and helped them feel safe, included and excited about joining us.
They have been patient when we have been answering messages, attending meetings, planning lessons or working late into the night. They have made sacrifices without truly understanding just how important their support has been.
To our beautiful children: thank you for believing in our dream and for helping us make Mindful Waters what it is. We are so incredibly proud of the kind, caring and confident children you are. We know that we have lost precious hours with you over the last few months, and we promise that we will make those hours back with you. None of this would have been possible without your patience, love and help.
And tomorrow, that vision becomes a reality.
To the 60 home-education families who have enrolled and trusted us with the education, wellbeing and happiness of your children—thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We promise to provide an education filled with belonging, encouragement, creativity, adventure and unforgettable experiences. We hope every learner carries their memories of Mindful Waters with them for a lifetime.
A huge thank you must also go to the wonderful Sam and Paul, the owners of Chigborough Farm and Fisheries, Maldon. Thank you for reaching out to us at the very beginning, for believing in our vision and for giving us the opportunities that have helped turn this dream into a reality. We will always be incredibly grateful. Sam Tallowin 🩵🐟🌿🪵
Andrew and I will definitely not be sleeping tonight—but we have never been more excited!
To our very first cohort of Mindful Waters (our KS3 and KS4 learner): we are ready for you, and a warm welcome will be waiting for you in the morning. We cannot wait to meet you at the beginning of this very special journey.
Andrew, I am unbelievably proud of you. You have allowed us together to create the school that the child you once were needed—and tomorrow, we will open its doors for every child who needs to know that they are not a failure, they are not “naughty”, they are never beyond hope and they can achieve anything... but most of all, they will be happy! 🩵
Tomorrow, the Mindful Waters journey officially begins. 💙🎣🌿
Belong. Believe. Achieve.
