Meet the Team:

Julie Townsend BA(Hons) PGCE

Director/Mindfulness Practitioner/English Lead/Expert plate spinner

I am a Teacher with 25 years of vast experience of teaching in Mainstream Secondary and Primary Schools,  Special Education and Alternative Provision.  Previously being a home educating parent of my two children has given me an understanding of educating in diverse ways, by employing different curricular e.g. Steiner.

At the heart of my role as an educationalist, has been that of a facilitator and encouraging young people to take ownership of their learning.  Students should have the self-belief to take control as they move along their educational journey; to develop the view that nothing is impossible.  These beliefs have led me to pursue a course in Mindfulness and complete .b training in Mindfulness for Children.

My subject specialisms of PE, English, Music and SEN enable me to extend these teaching skills to the young people at Prime8 Education both at the Group Base and 1:1 Community.

Julie’s mantra: “There is no such thing as a Naughty child”.

Julie Townsend

Debbie Crookes

Community Tutor / ASDAN Lead / Surrogate Mum/Nan/Carer

I have worked in Education for over twenty years, first with the National Autistic Society then sixteen years at a Comprehensive school and finally as a Tutor in the local community.

It was while working in a comprehensive setting that I realised that some children were undervalued or written off by those in authority, whilst others were allowed to slip through the net and labelled as having no value to the education system.

I have seen this type of children flourish, grow and achieve- this is what drives me to help, to listen and to nurture and through Prime8 Education I feel I am doing just that!!!

No two days are the same and plans can go out of the window at the drop of a hat.

Debbie’s mantra: “Expect the unexpected!!!”

Amanda Shaw -

Tutor/ Mindfulness Coach /Qualified Counsellor

Having worked with children all of my life I am committed and passionate about working with children and young people. I have four children of my own and have been through many challenges that parenting and life can hold. The ever changing school environment makes me sensitive to the challenges that life can bring to our students which makes me more passionate to help and support them. I hold a CACHE Level 3 Children and Young people qualification and continue to update my personal development. I also worked for Bassetlaw Day Care Scheme run by Nottinghamshire County Council working with Children In Need and Vulnerable families. Working along side many professionals and foster Services opened my eyes to the complex lives that children can live and experience.

My journey continues with Prime8; I recently finished a .b Mindfulness course which will enable us to bring the attention to Mindfulness which will enhance the lives of our students.

Amanda's Mantra: Anything is possible, anything can be...

Claire Flear BA (Hons) PGCE

Teacher/Maths Lead/DSL

I have worked in mainstream education for the past 20 years. Through working in education, I have seen children who can struggle with the structure and routines of mainstream education. To work at Prime8 and see children like this thrive and gain an education is a pleasure and privilege to be a part of. I have brought with me a range of skills from teaching across the curriculum as well as being involved in my own children's journey through education. Through working at Prime8, I have then been able to develop new teaching styles and learn more about the challenges that face some children in education today. I have worked in community with students on a 1:1 basis and have, more recently, taken on the role of Maths lead at our academic base.

Claire's Mantra: Everyday is a learning day. 

Ali Housham BA (Hons) in Education

Science Lead/Champion to all Students

Fifteen years ago, I began my journey in education with the goal of supporting my children's learning throughout their school years. Little did I know that this path would lead me to discover my true passion for teaching and advocating for children who often go unnoticed within the education system. I realised early on that many children are dismissed for various reasons - many of which stem from misunderstandings or a lack of willingness to truly listen and understand their individual needs.

I have experience working across various educational settings, including primary, secondary, and alternative provisions. Each of these experiences has provided me with valuable insights, reinforcing the understanding that behaviour is communication.

Ali's mantra: “Children are like plants - when nurtured in the right environment, they can blossom and reach their full potential”.

Libby Hunt 

Alternative Provision Support Tutor/Prime8's ball of energy.

School was never really my "thing" - like many of the young people I work with now, I struggled to find where I fit. Mainstream education didn’t work for me, and I ended up attending alternative provisions. Looking back, I know I wasn’t a “bad kid”, I just needed people to see me; not just my behaviour.

That’s what brought me into this job!  I’m still new to the role, but I’m learning every day and loving every minute. At Prime8, I support lessons and continue to build on my skills to lead independent classes. I want to be someone who understands the young people who remind me of myself  - the ones who get written off too quickly. The ones who need patience, trust, and someone who genuinely gets it. Prime8 is my opportunity to do just that!

Libby's mantra : Every young person deserves someone who sees who they can be - not just who they are today!

Lisa Pacifico-Beard - BA (Hons) PGCE

English Teacher/calmness personified

My teaching journey began as a TESOL Teacher (Teaching English as a Second Language) in Oxford, at an English language school. This led me to teach all aspects of the English language to international students. During my teaching experience of 21 years, I have worked in various capacities, including Colleges of Further Education, Study Skills Tutoring and as a Student Mentor.

My past experiences as a student and an educator have enabled me to understand how different students can be, that not everyone learns the same way, in the same environment or at the same pace. Prime8 Education offers an alternative direction. Whether it be in a Forest School setting or at Base, learners should feel they belong and that they have the opportunity to achieve in an alternative educational environment.

Lisa's mantra: Empathy, understanding, tolerance and patience go a long way...