Meet the Governors
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.
If you are interested in becoming a governor and making a difference, please contact office@penkethsouth.co.uk or to contact the Chair of Governors directly, please email Carolyn Williams at carolynpmwilliams@sky.com
The Governors (in alphabetical order)
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Elizabeth BairdCo-opted GovernorAppointed in March 2019 Link Governor for Behaviour, Welfare and Personal Development I was appointed as co-opted governor to the school. My background is in Psychotherapy and Counselling, and I have recently left a management position in an NHS mental health service. I am currently working part time in private practice. I enjoy walking, and am a member of Warrington Rock Choir. I love singing and have had the opportunity to sing with the choir in the Liverpool Philharmonic, Bridgewater hall, and a variety of other locations. I have grandchildren in the school who are enjoying their time here. I am keen to support the school to see it go from strength to strength, and provide a great and fun learning environment for the children. |
Kathryn BullivantParent GovernorAppointed April 2018 Link Governor for Early Years I am one of the two Parent Governors, and have two children 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. |
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Steph ClarkeCo-opted GovernorAppointed November 2017 Link Governor for Vunerable Pupils My current role is Assistant Principal at Penketh High School and I was thrilled to be welcomed onto the Governing body of Penketh South in 2017. I have previously worked as a Director of Learning & Head of Year and I now oversee the Personal Development and Enrichment programme at Penketh High School. I am passionate about ensuring all pupils have the opportunity to gain experiences and skills that will enable them to flourish in society and in later life. I see these experiences as important and an exciting feature of school life and feel they contribute enormously to pupils social and academic development. I grew up and live in Chester and enjoy spending my time riding my horse, walking my dogs in North Wales and meeting up with friends. |
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Jane Evans - Vice Chair of GovernorsCo-opted GovernorAppointed in July 2015 Link Governor for English, Maths and Safeguarding I have worked at Locking Stumps Primary School for 10 years and became the Headteacher in January 2013. I am a passionate Manchester United fan and have now held my Season ticket for 25 years! I attend all home games. I love camping with my husband Gareth, who is a music teacher specialising in African drumming workshops. I spend a lot of my time with my friends and family; walking, camping and generally having fun! |
Angela GraceStaff Governor (by virtue of role)I have been the Headteacher here for 10 years and feel very privileged to come to work every day to be greeted by the smiling faces of our amazing pupils. I am a keen Warrington Wolves fan and season ticket holder. As much as I love being a Headteacher, I also love my holidays, travelling to places around Europe in particular. Music is a passion and I try to go to as many live music events as I can and often have music on whilst I work. I feel strongly that children should have a curriculum that is rich and varied and the Arts have such a huge part to play in this. Safeguarding our pupils is paramount to my role and one of the main reasons why I joined the teaching profession and I will fight 'tooth and nail' to protect vulnerable families. |
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Howard PlattCo-opted GovernorAppointed in 2018 I am a community governor at Penketh South appointed in early 2018, I am also a governor at Beamont Collegiate Academy (BCA) and Chair of The Challenge Academy Trust (TCAT) My day job is chairman of Locker Group in Warrington one of the last surviving Warrington wire companies. By training I am an accountant and I was pleased to be appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Cheshire in 2017. My other interests include being patron of Lymm Heritage Centre and I am a panel member of North West Business Angels (a sort of Dragons’ Den investment forum). I am loving my involvement at Penketh South the children are a real joy and a credit to the parents and staff. |
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Claire RoperStaff GovernorAppointed in February 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. |
Maria WarburtonLocal Authority Clerk
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Carolyn WilliamsChair of GovernorsCo-opted GovernorLink Governor for Curriculum Appointed in June 2007 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. |
Governors - Resigned
Maureen Mellor - Resigned
Caroline Roberts - Resigned
Julie Ord-Jenkins - Resigned
Kath Fereday - Resigned
Ben Dunne - Resigned
Cath Harding - Resigned
Linda Lowe - Resigned
Mike Messenger - Resigned
Carl Rutter - Resigned
Emma Tear - Resigned
Jennifer Willett - Resigned