An Introduction from the Chair of Governors
Mrs Carolyn Williams
I am proud to be the Chair of Governors at Penketh South Community Primary. Our school is committed to providing a positive and caring education where children aged 2 to 11 can thrive and learn effectively. We are a member of The Challenge Academy Trust (TCAT), a Warrington based charitable trust that aims to provide an environment in which every young person is nurtured, challenged and inspired to achieve the very best for themselves and their communities. This shared vision is reflected in Penketh South’s established motto – “Do your best. Be your best.” – and provides a welcoming and motivational message to pupils and visitors in the school’s main reception area.
Our local governing body constitution allows for eleven governors. This includes two elected parent governors, one elected staff governor, the head teacher, one community governor and six co-opted governors. Governors serve for periods of four years but can be re-elected or have their terms of office extended.
We publish the names of governors, indicating the aspect of the governing body they represent. We also provide information about governors’ attendance at Governor Meetings during a school year.
In line with other schools within TCAT, there are six full Governing Body meetings each year which oversee the quality of educational provision and finance and resources. In addition there are a number of committees that meet as and when needed and deal with aspects such as performance management and pay.
Members of the governing body also take on specific roles and link with staff in the school who are responsible for leading on areas such as safeguarding, special educational needs, behaviour and personal development, health and safety, finance and personnel as well as the curriculum, early years provision and English and maths. In addition to supporting the staff member, the link governor keeps the full governing body up to date with the area that they are responsible for and has the opportunity to develop deeper understanding and knowledge of their specialism.
It is a great privilege to be involved in school governance. At the heart of everything we do is a deep commitment to the development and well-being of the children, to their families and to the staff at Penketh South.
To contact the Chair of Governors directly, please email Carolyn Williams via the school office: office@penkethsouchcp.co.ukor write to Carolyn Williams by letter to the school office For the Attention of Carolyn Williams, Chair of Governors at Penketh South
If you are interested in becoming a governor and making a difference, please contact office@penkethsouchcp.co.uk
The Governors
Carolyn Williams
Chair of Governors
Co-opted Governor
Link Governor for Curriculum
Term of office from 11 Jun 2015 to 8 Jun 2027
First appointed on 11 Jun 2015
I have been involved in the life of Penketh South for over 15 years. My daughter previously attended the school and I first joined the Governing Body as a parent governor back in 2007.
I am now a co-opted Governor and, as well as being the Chair, I am the link governor for the curriculum. I am also a member of The Challenge Academy Trust (TCAT) Quality and Standards Committee. I am especially passionate about ensuring that all the pupils at the school achieve their potential in a safe, supportive and happy environment.
My professional background is marketing and I currently work in the university sector as a Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions.
I have a keen interest in music and enjoy attending concerts and the theatre. As a member of the National Trust one of my favourite past-times is to visit the historic buildings and gardens as well as walking in the many areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Claire Lawton
Headteacher
First appointed on 1 Sept 2024 as Headteacher of the school
I have been a teacher for 24 years and an experienced senior leader for 14 years as Head of Early Years, Assistant and, latterly, Deputy Headteacher for the last five years at Barrow Hall Primary School. I have led many teams; EYFS and KS1, English, Curriculum, Assessment and Disadvantaged pupils’, as well as managing the school website. Prior to this, I worked for 7 years at Hill View Primary in Runcorn leading Early Years and worked for Halton Authority supporting teachers early in their career.
Personally, my interests lie in sport, outdoor learning – I am a qualified Forest School Leader – and the Arts. Amongst other things, I enjoy travelling to different parts of the world with my husband, walking our dog, photography as well as enjoying being outdoors for physical and mental wellbeing.
Lorraine Brown
Deputy Headteacher
Associate Governor
I became Deputy Headteacher at Penketh South in 2015 after previously being an Assistant Headteacher at a much larger primary school. I started my career as a nanny in Canada and then became a Teaching Assistant before completing my degrees.
I love spending quality time with my family and friends. I love to travel and most of my favourite activities are mainly outside. I love to run, walk especially in the Lake District, Kayak, Paddleboard to name a few. I am also a massive Everton fan and I have had a season ticket for over 30 years!
Claire Roper
Staff Governor
Term of office from 5 Feb 2014 to 2 Feb 2026
First appointed on 5 Feb 2014
I have worked at Penketh South since January 2007 and opened the school Nursery. Previous to this I worked in Grappenhall for 7 years. I grew up in Warrington and have lived here most of my life (other than the 3 years I spent in Birmingham for university).
I am a mum of 2 young boys so have an understanding of parental views and concerns. My favourite thing to do is to spend time with my family. I also enjoy reading and going on holidays.
Kathryn Bullivant
Co-opted Governor
Term of office from 17 Mar 2022 to 16 Mar 2026
First appointed on 4 Apr 2018
Link Governor for Early Years
I am one now a co-opted Governor, and have one child currently in the school.
After being a stay-at-home mum for the last six years, I have recently published my first romance novel.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and reading.
I am also involved with fundraising for school as a member of Friends of Penketh South.
Jake Smith
Parent Governor
Term of office from 16 Nov 2021 to 15 Nov 2025
First appointed on 16 Nov 2021
My son attends Penketh South Primary School and my family have lived in the local area for over a decade. My wife and I are currently attempting to restore a very old house in Penketh.
I run a software development company in an operations role and wanted to join the Governors to help in whatever way I can. I have an active role in recruitment and so have a view on what the next generation are going to need to know to succeed should they be interested in technology.
In my spare time, I am a keen walker, motorcyclist and DIYer.
Stephen Hennessey – Vice Chair of Governors
Parent Governor
Term of office from 5 May 2022 to 4 May 2026
First appointed on 5 May 2022
I am a father to two young boys both attending Penketh South, one in year one and the other in the nursery, so I have a long term vested interest in helping to make our school the best it can be. I want to support ensuring my sons and every other child who attends can look back on great memories of their time here.
I am an accountant by trade and currently work as Finance Director for the UK subsidiary of a Swedish Bank.
In my spare time, I enjoy family days out (Chester zoo is a favourite) and I taking camping trips. However, after a hard week nothing is better for unwinding and relaxing than building a Lego set with the kids.
Pamela Lucido
Community Governor
Term of office from 06 Feb 2024 to 05 Feb 2028
First appointed on 06 Feb 2024
My first involvement with Penketh South began in 1993 when my eldest daughter joined the school. Both my children came to the school from Reception through to Year 6 and 2 of my grandchildren have since been to the nursery. My career background is in Financial Management, with me having spent the whole of my working life in banks. I retired early to help look after my grandchildren and have thoroughly enjoyed seeing them grow and develop with the help of Penketh South and I hope to be able to support other families and children to do the same through my role of Community Governor.
I am an avid reader and read a variety of genres and also love my holidays. Exploring other parts of the world and seeing different cultures with my family is one of my favourite things to do. I have a vested interest in harbouring a love of reading at an early age and hope to be able to bring my wealth of knowledge and experience to support the Governing body achieve their goals.
Simon Carroll
Co-opted Governor
Term of office from 06 Feb 2024 to 05 Feb 2028
First appointed on 06 Feb 2024
I have worked in Education for the past 18 years and I am currently the IT manager of a large secondary school in Warrington. I have an active role in supporting both students and staff with all aspects of IT and E-Safety. I hope I can bring some of this experience to my role and help in any way possible.
I have one son in reception at Penketh South and love seeing how much the school is encouraging him to flourish each day.
I am also a part time artist and love to paint whenever I get the chance.
Maria Warburton
Local Authority Clerk
The Governing Body and Committees
The school Governing body works with the school to ensure that the pupils receive a high quality education and have the best possible opportunities to achieve their goals.
Together with the headteacher, who is responsible for the day-to-day management of the school and the staff, governors set the school’s aims and policies and ensure that they are put into practice.
Through the governing body meetings, they hold the headteacher and the senior staff to account for pupil attainment and progress, staff performance management, financial performance and effective management of the school’s premises.
The full Governing Body meets six times throughout the year. Additionally there are a number of committees that meet as and when required including:
- Pay Committee
- Pay Appeals Committee
- Headteacher Performance Management Panel
- Complaints Committee
- Staff Dismissal Committee
All committees report to the full governing body. Committees have delegated power to make decisions on behalf of, and without referral to the full governing body, except where the subject matter requires full governing body consideration by law or in accordance with the school’s established scheme of delegation.
The Complaints Committee
Any Governor can be called into this panel when or if it is ever needed. The criteria is that they must be available and totally impartial to any matters discussed.
Dismissal /Redundancy Appeals
Any Governor can be called in to this panel when or if it is ever needed. The criteria is that they must be available and totally impartial to any matters discussed.
Pupil Discipline
Any Governor can be called in to this panel when or if it is ever needed. The criteria is that they must be available and totally impartial to any matters discussed.
Staff Dismissal
Any Governor can be called in to this panel when or if it is ever needed. The criteria is that they must be available and totally impartial to any matters discussed.
Headteacher Performance Management Panel
To form as required. Governors who sit on this panel must have had appropriate training.
Pay Committee
Any Governor can be called in to this panel when or if it is ever needed. The criteria is that they must be available and totally impartial to any matters discussed.
Pay Appeals Committee
Any Governor can be called in to this panel when or if it is ever needed. The criteria is that they must be available and totally impartial to any matters discussed.
Current Academic Year
Documents will be uploaded throughout the course of the Academic Year. Please see below for Documents from 2 Previous Academic Years.
Previous Academic Year
There are a number of opportunities for school governors and if you are interested in learning more please contact Carolyn Williams, the Chair of Governors or Mrs Lawton, the Headteacher through the school office