STAFF
David Downs DIP
MANAGER - Lead Safe Guarding officer
David has 15 years building and developing tailored and unique behavioural intervention programmes for groups and individuals; behavioural consultant to external agencies and schools. He has 22 years experience as a professional coach to elite athletes in multiple disciplines of sport. David has a Diploma in Sports Fitness and many coaching qualifications which are demonstrated through the vast portfolio of professional sports teams that have benefited from David's Expertise. David has been involved in many community outreach programmes.
He also has over 20 years experience working as a professional strength and conditioning coach for many professional Rugby league clubs, and more recently was working as a defence consultant for the Toronto Wolfpack Rugby club.
Being a highly qualified and practiced practitioner of martial arts, he has an history of teaching calm in confrontation, utilising relaxation techniques to assist young people in taking control of their life.
David is Samaritan trained and has huge experience in dealing with people with emotional difficulties.
David is also our Lead Child Protection Officer and Safeguarding Lead.
Jon Findlay
Qualified Teacher
Jon has over 15 years teaching experience within the education sector. He has obtained a BA in Music and Sports Studies and a MSc Psychology. Jon has 7 years experience as a pastoral leader in a secondary environment and has QTS (Qualified Teacher Status).
Scott Bland
Qualified Teacher
As a dynamic and resilient education professional, Scott brings over ten years of experience in primary education(QTS), where he developed a wealth of expertise in classroom teaching, management, and parental engagement. Scott’s strong leadership skills are demonstrated through managing sports events, mentoring newly qualified teachers, and implementing innovative classroom strategies. Exceptional communication abilities are a key strength, showcased in public speaking, written correspondence, and fostering relationships across the school community. Scott possess a comprehensive skill set that aligns with diverse roles and is eager to apply these competencies to a new professional trajectory, where he can contribute fresh insights while expanding he career horizons.
Scott has many years of coaching and being involved with team sports.
Terry Walls
Qualified Teacher
Terry is highly qualified teacher with over 40+ years working in the education sector (QTS) from being head of years in multiple subjects to becoming an exam invigilator. With Terry’s knowledge of all subjects he is able to engage all students into lessons and make lessons understandable for all students.
Terry comes to Action2Change part time focussing on mathematics and engaging with students who are working towards their exams 1-1 or small groups.
Terry is also our careers advisor for students wanting to move onto college or their choice of work after their exams.
Kirsty Asquith
Safe guarding officer - School liasion
Kirsty has many years of experience of working in primary education gaining a diploma in Child Care and Education. Kirsty is always developing her knowledge and skills recently gaining CACHE level 2 Children and young people's mental health.
Kirsty also has 10+ years working in the hospitality trade, gaining a Diploma in Food and Hygiene.
Kirsty is 1st aid trained and has a safeguarding qualification.
Neil Siddall
Safe guarding officer - Fire Warden
Neil has qualifications in Mechanics class 1 certificate and Grade 1, Neil is skilled in all aspects of work allowing him to support and teach others.
Neil gained awards on completing an Autism Course and NVQ level 2 in care services.
Neil is 1st aid trained and has the qualification to be Safeguarding officer aswell as completing a Fire Marshall course.
Michael Hughes
Mick is a qualified sports coach with 7+ years experience and an FA coaching award.
Mick has skills in Landscaping gaining awards for his work. Mick is skilled in all aspects of work allowing him to support others in their learning.
Mick is 1st aid trained and gained a Safeguarding Qualification.
Lindsay Garforth
Lindsay has many years of experience in the Hospitality Business working for others or managing her own business’ gaining awards and qualifications. As well as this Lindsay has a qualification in Health and Social care.
Lindsay has a Food hygiene qualification and 1st aid trained.