Meet the Team
Head Teacher
Jemma Westby
Jemma started at Tyldesley School in January 2017, initially starting as a Maths teacher, having had a successful teaching career within offender learning for 9 years, working with the most disadvantaged adults within the community. From the start of her career with Cambian, she strongly believed in the views of Cambian and their Ethos to safeguard and educate young people that have had historic disengagement from education.
Since Jemma’s appointment as Maths teacher in 2017, her career has progressed quickly. Having started in post as a Maths teacher, she supported and implemented a suitable curriculum in accordance with the students’ abilities. Jemma then became the Deputy Head Teacher after the OFSTED inspection in November 2018. In November 2016, just before her employment began at the school, it was deemed inadequate by OFSTED. Jemma helped to support the rapid and successful turnaround of the school, taking it from inadequate to Good with an outstanding feature for behavior, welfare and safety of students.
Jemma recently secured the job of Head Teacher in September 2020 and is continuing to drive the school forwards. The school has built strong community links with external providers and Local Authorities and Jemma is committed to the school and strives to support the school to be the very best in the business.
Deputy Head Teacher
Jade Chaisty
Jade is the deputy head teacher at Tyldesley School; she began her journey working with Tyldesley School in January 2014, as a volunteer, whilst completing her BA Hons degree in Early Year’s Childhood Studies. Jade became part of the Tyldesley school team and was appointed the role of learning support assistant in April 2014. Since then Jade has been keen to develop herself academically and professionally and has shown her dedication to the school, students and the company. Jade went on to complete her Post Graduate Certificate in Education and taught the students health and social care and PSHE. Jade has experienced different roles within the company such as; learning support assistant, instructor, teacher, head of curriculum and now a deputy head teacher. During this time, Jade has also had experience within the Cambian residential homes, working as a residential care worker.
Jade believes she is extremely fortunate to work with such an amazing staff team and to have the opportunity to improve both the academic and social outcomes of our diverse cohort of learners. Jade’s enthusiasm and outlook towards the school’s development has been outstanding from the very beginning and she is looking forward to being part of driving the school forward and giving the students the opportunity to access an education they deserve. Jade feels her experience has helped her understand every aspect of how the company works as a whole; moreover, helping and supporting our young people achieve their full potential.
Head of Pastoral / DSL
Cathy Westwell
Telephone: 01942 877660
Cathy joined Cambian in January 2015. Cathy has previously worked in various sectors including local authority. The majority of her career has been spent working in residential care with young people who have significant SEMH. She has also worked with young people with learning difficulties and or physical difficulties. As a former Care home manager, Cathy is very passionate and enthusiastic about education, identifying it as an important tool in the development of the young people who she previously worked with in the residential care sector.
Cathy and her teams always encouraged her young people to access education and to gain as many qualifications as possible, as this is the key to their future.
Cathy has also supported young people to access schools, colleges and universities and has watched proudly as they achieved their desired goals despite having come from many difficult situations and circumstances. Cathy’s mantra to young people she works with is that education is key and whatever else happens no one can take this away from you so use it to the fullest.
Cathy believes she is fortunate to have come to work at Tyldesley School and the team here as they are caring and extremely passionate about the educational outcomes for all students.
Cathy looks forward to continuing to improve the school and the outcomes for students as part of this creative and forward thinking team.
Hair and Beauty Instructor
Michaela Howarth
Michaela has worked for Cambian for almost two years. Michaela has worked within hair and beauty salons from leaving school and over this time Michaela has developed a passion for teaching apprentices within the salon environment. In 2022 Michaela began delivering Hair and Beauty at Cambian and has worked closely with many students preparing them for working life.
Michaela has supported learners in completing their Hair and Beauty qualification and has offered additional support and guidance to students who wish to enrol on apprenticeships. Michaela is currently studying her Level 5 in Education and Training qualification in order to develop herself further in her teaching career.
Maths Instructor
Gary Maddren
Gary joined the Cambian Tyldesley School in 2022. After finishing his studies at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts (2010 Alum), Gary then went into management roles working in Italy and Canada.
Subsequent to returning back to the UK, he has made a career change into the education sector. Gary has become a key member of the maths department in his role as an instructor and assists other subjects also. He is passionate about delivering student focused, interactive and dynamic lessons to help students reach their full potential.
Humanities Instructor
Jonathan Pickett
Jonathan graduated from John Moore’s University with a BA (Hons) in Performing Arts and a level three in education. Jonathan has been at Tyldesley School for 7 years. Jonathan has gained experience in preparing students for examinations and has more than 17 years’ experience working in education.
Jonathan has knowledge of delivering drama workshops to children of all ages, focusing on many issue based topics and took lead for the SMSC within the school. Jonathan also toured Spain working Internationally to teach Spanish children English through theatre. He has also worked as an actor and has many credits for professional television and theatre.
Teaching Assistant
Jodie Beardmore
Jodie started working at Cambian Tyldesley School, as a teaching assistant earlier this year. Jodie supports young people in lessons and enjoys planning and supporting students on educational trips. Jodie has worked in the beauty industry for over 10 years; she has used this to support students gain qualifications in Hair & Beauty. Jodie Is excited to see where her future takes her during her time at Tyldesley School. Jodie is eager to learn and develop new skills.
Phonics Intervention/Teaching Assistant
Emma Johnson
Emma has worked in childcare and education since being 16 years old, she has a foundation degree in children, young people and their services and has managed numerous settings over the years. She has most recently worked as a one to one teaching assistant for a student with SEMH and additional needs. Emma has a trauma informed background and is very knowledgeable within her role in school.
Higher Level TA/Deputy Designation Safeguarding Lead
Ashley Carr
Ashley has worked for Cambian for over two years as a higher-level teaching assistant. During this time she has developed her pastoral skills, supports our independent careers advisor and has become the school’s deputy DSL.
Before this, Ashley was a manager of an out of school club for eight years, where she cared for children aged 4 years to 11 years. Ashley has worked in childcare and education since being 16 years old. She has gained numerous qualifications including level 3 Diploma in childcare and education, SENCO, level 3 education and training and SALT training throughout this time.
Maths Teacher
Les Khan
Les is a numeracy specialist with over 25 years-experience ranging from primary, secondary and adult learning settings. Les has consequently developed the skills and knowledge required to make learning engaging, enjoyable, and effective. As a creative professional, Les is passionate about helping all learners to improve their numeracy capabilities using a variety of visual and kinaesthetic techniques.
RSE Instructor
Lisa Redford
Lisa has worked at Tyldesley School for three years. She has worked with a wide range of students, teaching RSE and Art. During her time at Cambian she has achieved her level 3 Teaching Assistant and ELKLAN qualifications. Lisa has a passion for working with young people and having a positive impact on their lives.
Teaching Assistant
Kanisha Holvey
Kanisha has achieved her level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification and has been working at Tyldesley School for one year. She is a qualified dance teacher and has experience working with children aged 2 to 18.
Kanisha is very passionate in supporting all young people within the school: engaging with them on offsite provisions, motivating them to reach expectations and personal goals. She is constantly working on new ideas and projects to create fun and positive learning throughout our students’ educational journey.
Science Teacher
Sophie Graves
Sophie began her Cambian journey in 2022, from there she has nurtured and grown a science culture at Tyldesley, creating a well-resourced science lab and school garden.
Sophie’s passion for science is infectious and she loves to collaborate with other subjects to highlight that science is all around us and accessible to everyone. Trips to the science museums, the school gardening project, national science week and crime scenes are all experiences that the students have been able to explore this year. Her hands-on learning and love of experiments means that students are eager to engage.
Sophie achieved a BA in Human and Biological sciences with Music (2.1) in 2006 and then began working as a science technician in a high school where she got the teaching bug. After spending more and more time in the classroom and wanting to give students to their own light bulb moments, she completed the graduate teacher training program and gained QTS.
She has now been teaching science for over 12 years in both high schools and six form college, teaching a variety of science-based courses from primary STEM clubs to HND Biology. Sophie is the happiest she has been in her teaching career and loves being part of the Tyldesley school family.
Maintenance Site Manager
Alireza Saberi
Ali has worked at Cambian Tyldesley school for 2 years.
Sports Instructor
Katie Morris
Katie has been a member of the Tyldesley team for over 5 years. Katie has a passion for sports and has been the lead for the subject for 3 years. Katie has brought exciting projects such as the 0161 working with young people, helping them focus on a career in the sports sector for their future.
Leadership is key to her work when supporting students. Katie has lots of experience working with a range of students: preparing them for exams in readiness for moving on to college. Katie encourages and supports students within P.E using cross curriculum and is dedicated to motivating students to fulfil their goals.
English Teacher
Tracey Hunter
Tracey has worked for Cambian School for the past 7 years and has a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Community Studies and has also completed a Post Graduate Diploma of Education with an English specialism: grade 6. Tracey has also completed a phonics Key stage 3 training course, where she assesses the students to support in their spellings and reading skills.
At Tyldesley School, Tracey teaches English Functional Skills from Entry 1 to Level 2 and GCSE English Language and English Literature GCSE.
Teaching Assistant
Louise Menzies
Louise has worked at Tyldesley School for 2 years. During her time at Tyldesley School she has completed her level 3 Diploma, in supporting teaching and learning. Louise has a wide knowledge of working with students from a wide range of backgrounds: to assist them in their learning and preparing them for exams.
Louise has positive relationships with students, and is passionate about students achieving their goals and aspirations.
Administrator
Natalie Speak
Natalie started working for Tyldesley school in 2017, she started her career here as a teaching assistant. She has worked within education settings from leaving school with experience in all ages from nursery up to post 16. Natalie has a level 3 qualification in supporting Teaching and Learning. She also holds a level 3 qualification in Business Studies.
At Tyldesley School, Natalie is responsible for collaborating with teachers, teaching assistants and parents to support students through their educational journey. Natalie works closely alongside many external providers and professionals. During her 7 years at Tyldesley School, Natalie’s job role has evolved and grown within the organisation. Natalie is proud to be a part of the team that provides creative, engaging, and a bespoke learning experiences for the children in our care.
Governance Board
Termly Governance Board meetings are held at Cambian Tyldesley School to ensure that the management of the school is closely scrutinised and held to account in all areas of responsibility.
The agenda comprises of:
✓ Voice of the Child - student feedback
✓ Head Teachers Highlight Report outlining achievements and challenges and progress against school improvement report
✓ Outcomes for Children and Young People - Care
✓ Outcomes for Children and Young People - Education
✓ Outcomes for Children and Young People - Therapy
✓ Commercial Performance
✓ Staffing and Personnel
✓ Estates Report
✓ IT report
The Governance Board contain key individuals from outside and within the school who attend this meeting each term and parental and staff feedback is always welcomed.