Hi, I’m Ian.

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I’m a qualified teacher and proud dad of nine (yes, nine!). Around fifteen years ago, while coaching children’s football, I discovered a passion for helping young people grow, on and off the pitch. That experience sparked a career change and a journey through education.

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During the early stages of that journey, I was inspired by Rita Pierson’s TED talk, “Every child deserves a champion” —  The message perfectly matched the values and approach I was developing, and gave me confidence in a philosophy built through connection and relationships. It has has stayed with me ever since. 

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Along the way I completed a Learning & Teaching degree, carried out extensive research into child motivation, gained my PGCE, led parenting workshops, and worked in a succession of support, mentoring, teaching and leadership roles across mainstream, SEMH and Alternative Provision settings.

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I’ve had the privilege of connecting with children of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. - which has been truly valuable and rewarding. 

 

Unsure where to land, I have thoroughly enjoyed the adventure of day to day supply teaching over the last two years. This choice has enabled me to use and broaden my skills, whilst working with dozens of schools and thousands of children - a fantastic daily window on the world of education. 

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And something has become apparent. 

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The needs of young people are becoming increasingly diverse and complex. ​Which brings me to Red Root - I think I can help. 

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I’ve always seemed to have a knack of connecting well with young people, including those who can be hard to reach. Behind every behaviour is a story and they all have unique potential. 

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Finding an interest, talent or strength is often where the journey starts. But the real magic happens after that. When trust builds, conversation flows and personality grows.

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Research increasingly highlights the importance of just one trusted adult in order to drastically improve the trajectory of a child's life. The Red Root approach is built on that principle. 

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It’s calm, relational and nurturing, but also rooted in empowerment, high expectations, responsibility and accountability. 

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Our personalised coaching and mentoring programs can support your students - using our 3-step development pathway of

Connection > Challenge > Growth - from the roots. 

 

If you have anybody in mind let's start a conversation. I'd love to help.

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​​​​​Ian Bannister 

Red Root Mentoring 

 

Get in touch >