ABOUT US

Who's who at SwitchED 2!

Andy Coates & the kids

My teaching background is in hospitality having worked in the industry for 10 years. My experience has been in specialised education teaching food technology, maths and science, I have also served as a member of the senior leadership team, responsible for Key Stage 4.

 

Rebecca Coates

I have been a Primary School Teacher for the past 17 years, leading Science for 10 years in my previous school.

My passion is engaging pupils through a hands on practical approach and I enjoy developing children's curiosity through investigations and experiments. I have a keen interest in improving the environment and run an Eco Club where we plant flowers to encourage a range of wildlife as well as growing our own fruit and vegetables.

Jo Sedgwick

I have been privileged to work in the special education sector for the past 34 years, dealing mainly with administration, finance and HR.

I have worked closely with Governors, various Local Authorities and staff, but most importantly, some amazing young people.

I love feeling that although I may only be a very small cog in the wheel, I am part of a team who really are making a big difference to the young people in their care.

 

Chris Ross 

I have experience working in residential care and have spent the last four years coaching a junior football team from Under 9's to Under 13's.

I am looking forward to transferring the skills I've learnt into my role at SwitchED2 as well as learning new ones.

In my free time, I enjoy playing football and for my 'sins', I follow Carlisle United up and down the Country!

 

 

Rachel West

I joined the SwitchED2 team in January 2019 and it is a pleasure to arrive at school every day in such a beautiful setting.

I love taking part in lots of new challenges with the children such as abseiling, climbing, canoeing and tree top rope adventures.

 

Wayne Troughton  

I have previously worked in a therapeutic children's home setting with young people aged 8 - 18 years of age. I am now looking forward to using my skills and knowledge at SwitchED2. 

I have also been involved with Torrisholme cricket club for 27 years, throughout this time I have helped coach a number of different age groups from under 9s to under 16's - the best parts of this was seeing young people develop their skills and go on to play senior cricket in open age teams.

As well as cricket, I have also coached football for 13 years. During this time, the team went on to win the league and cup as well as getting to the Lancashire cup final. 

 

Nicola Braithwaite

I have worked within the education sector for over 20 years, starting initially in early years before moving into special education and latterly further education.

At the moment, I am working 2 days a week for SwitchED2 in the outreach provision at Barrow. This is proving to be a fantastic opportunity to offer bespoke packages to individuals who wouldn't otherwise access education and allows me to put my organisational skills to good use!

In my spare time, I enjoy coaching netball and supporting my favourite rugby league team - Leeds Rhinos.

 

Jo Whyke

I have worked with pupils with SEND for over 20 years in a range of settings including Autistic Centres and Special Schools.

I have managed Post 16 units and have a passion for making learning engaging and relevant for our students.

I am thrilled to be joining the team at SwitchED2.

In my spare time, I enjoy long walks with my spaniel Jasper.

 

Leanne Hartley

I have worked as a vetinary nurse for 12 years and during this time have loved being able to visit schools to deliver engaging educational sessions to a wide range of children.

 I am passionate about teaching and inspiring others, particularly young people, to develop confidence, skills and a responsible approach to animal care and welfare. 

I am looking forward to transitioning into my Instructor role where I can positively support learners and share my enthusiasm for animal care and science. 

 

Kris Stride

I have worked in childrens homes for the past 14 years and I am looking forward to transferring the skills I have learnt there to SwitchED2.

I had a background in sports coaching and organising athletics / football tournaments prior to working in the care setting. 

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, I like to watch and play any sport available and love getting out and about at every opportunity.

Jessie McGregor

I have supported children and young adults gaining equine qualifications for the past 4 years with a range of learning needs. 

I am looking forward to sharing my experience in a range of different land based activities such as field craft.

 

 

Vicky Pearman

I have worked in Education most of my working life.  I have worked in a variety of settings, including agricultural colleges.  I began my teaching career working with Pre-16 students then progressed onto specialising in supporting SEND students.  I thrive off seeing students progress and achieve their goals.  

 

I enjoy spending time outdoors playing on natures playground, walking my two dogs, and spending time with family and friends.  I am a keen runner and have completed many trail races and a couple of marathons.

Grace Herron

I'm a youth leader and community arts practitioner who loves helping young people build confidence and express themselves creatively. Over the years I've worked across schools and community projects supporting children and adults, including those with special educational needs, and I care a lot about creating spaces where people feel safe, included and valued.

Before moving into youth and community work, I spent some time working in theatre and TV, and I still have a big love for film, theatre and storytelling.

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Miriam Ager

I have over 15yrs of  varied experience supporting young people. I started my career in mainstream, before moving into alternative provision. I have worked within social care in residential homes and delivered targeted Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) with a focus on SEND support. I am a passionate advocate for relationship building and love watching young people thrive when they feel seen and heard as individuals.

I'm excited to get to know all the wonderful young people at Switched2 and getting stuck into some outdoor education!

I have just relocated to the Lakes from Oxfordshire so I can do the things I love most, walking in the Fells and wild swimming!

Skip

Skip will greet you with a growl and a bark  but she is just protecting 'her' pupils and letting staff know that we have a visitor on the premises!

She loves nothing more than playing football with them and is regularly used for fetching the ball when it has been kicked down the lane.

Also Millie, The Herefords, Jodie The Boss!