Debbie Ralls lives in Manchester and is a Lecturer in Education at Newcastle University. Debbie has over 30 years of experience teaching in further education colleges, alternative school provision for long term non-school attenders, and universities. She has worked with students and communities all over Manchester, including Wythenshawe, and was previously the course leader for Literacy and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses and the PGCE Teacher Education programme at Manchester College. Debbie loves meeting and learning from young people. Her university research focuses on education and social justice. Debbie is passionate about the importance of local schools and places building equitable, trusting relationships with young people that give them possibilities to develop leadership skills, and the opportunity to work together with teachers, parents, community members and other professionals on key decisions that affect their experiences in school and the place where they live.
Paul Seymour is Executive Director of Customers and Communities at Wythenshawe Community Housing Group. Paul has overall responsibility for the Housing related services in Wythenshawe which includes Neighbourhood services, Community & Neighbourhood development including the Youth & play services and also services that assist tenants to live well in its 14,000 homes across Wythenshawe. Paul is a member of the BW3 (Business working with Wythenshawe) charity which supports the aspirations and opportunities for young people across Wythenshawe and is also a non-executive of a national housing association. Paul feels passionately about ensuring young people in Wythenshawe have the best education and reach their potential.
George started working as a Secondary school Teacher in 1996 after graduating in 'La Isla de La Juventud in Cuba'. He then moved back to Zimbabwe where he continued working in Education before relocating to the United Kingdom in 2007. In September 2010, he joined Manchester Enterprise Academy where he has had an enjoyable and fulfilling journey up to now.
"I have had the pleasure of working in so many different places as a teacher and I have always embraced the challenges that I have been faced with in all the different schools that I have worked in. MEA stands out for me for one simple reason, I feel like I am part of a 'special family' at MEA. We all look after each other and we all celebrate the good times together but above all, we all help each other face and overcome any challenges presented to us. I am proud to be part of the MEA Community."
Declan is an experienced educator and specialist in the field of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), with over 16 years of experience across mainstream schools, pupil referral units, and specialist settings. He brings a wealth of knowledge in supporting young people with a broad range of needs including Significant Learning Difficulties (SLD), ADHD, Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC), and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
Declan is a passionate advocate for inclusive education and is committed to ensuring all young people receive equitable opportunities to thrive. He has a strong belief in the power of community and works to ensure that schools are not just places of learning, but hubs that are embedded within and serve their wider communities.
In addition to his school-based work, Declan contributes to the wider educational landscape through his role on several boards, including Teach Manchester, which supports the development of trainee teachers across all key stages and educational settings. Declan’s strategic insight and deep understanding of SEND make him a valuable asset to school governance, particularly in areas of inclusion, curriculum development and community engagement.
Minutes of meetings are available on request by contacting MEA:
Ms Ralls can be contacted via MEA email:
Trust governance information can be found on the Prospere Learning Trust site including a copy of the PLT Scheme of Delegation: