Meet the Governors
The governing body have an important role in school setting the school’s vision, ethos and direction. They hold the co-Headteachers to account for the school’s performance, and that of our children. In addition, they also oversee the finances of the school. Most importantly, the governing body act in the best interest of all the pupils of the school, so they feel safe and happy. They listen to the views of all the school’s stakeholders, including pupils, parents, staff and the wider community.
Constitution of Governing body
The Constitution of the Governing body is as follows:
- 2 Co Headteachers
- 3 Associate members
- 1 LA (Local Authority) governor
- 1 elected staff governor
- 7 co-opted governors
- 1 parent governor
Name |
Category of Governor |
Terms of Office |
Specific Responsibilities |
Declaration of Interest |
---|---|---|---|---|
Andrea Riley |
Headteacher |
22/01/2014 – 22/01/2050 |
Co Headteacher |
None declared |
Alistair Darnell |
Headteacher |
02/09/2020 – 01/01/2050 |
Co Headteacher |
None declared |
Sandra Evans |
Staff Governor Representative |
16/11/2016 – 16/11/2024 |
School Business Manager |
None declared |
Judith Norfolk |
Co opted Representative |
09/07/2015 – 30/05/2023 |
Chair of Governors/H&S |
None declared |
Georgina Mitchell |
Co opted Representative |
26/11/2016 – 27/11/2024 |
Pay committee/SEN/PP |
None declared |
Katie Benn |
Parent Representative |
15/01/2017 – 10/07/2025 |
Early Years |
None declared |
Mike Donoghue |
Co opted Representative |
03/09/2018 – 09/07/2026 |
Safeguarding/Cluster |
None declared |
Rebecca Houlding |
Co opted Representative |
03/09/2018 – 18/09/2022 |
Pay committee |
None declared |
Erin Cowdell |
Parent Governor |
23/01/2020 – 23/11/2024 |
Finance |
None declared |
Alice Smart |
Associate Member |
27/11/2014 – 27/11/2022 |
|
None declared |
Amal Abdul Kader |
Parent Governor |
24/11/2020 – 23/11/2024 |
|
None declared |
Lisa Gleadhill |
Teacher Governor |
22/01/2014 – 22/11/2025 |
Teacher Governor |
None declared |
Pam Foreman |
Co opted Representative |
22/01/2014 – 22/07/2024 | Clerk to the governors |
None declared |
Linda Spurr |
LA Representative |
22/03/0222 - 21/03/2026 |
|
Here is an introduction from some of our Governors
Judith Norfolk (Chair Of Governors)
I am a retired headteacher with over thirty years of experience in primary education. I am passionate about ensuring that children are given every opportunity to be the best they can be and reach their full potential. As a governor I see my role as being one of offering support and challenge to the school in establishing and maintaining a strategic vision and set of values. At the heart of this is the school’s commitment to deliver high quality teaching and a learning experience full of enrichment which removes barriers and supports each child to become a positive member of the school and wider community. I have enjoyed being part of the school’s journey so far and look forward to many more successes in the future.
Sandra Evans
Hello, my name is Sandra Evans. As well as being a governor of Castleton Primary and Children's Centre, I am also the Business Manager, mainly in charge of the school and centre finances. I started working at Castleton in 1990 as an administrator and joined the governing body in 1995. I am very proud to be part of a highly committed and caring team, who strive, not only to make a difference to the pupils of Castleton, but to the whole community. Being a member of the governing body enables me to help make decisions to keep the school and centre moving forward to become 'the best'.
Amal Abdulkader
I am passionate about my children’s education quality and cultural behaviour. I can see the significant improvements my children have shown throughout the last two years. I believe in the parental viewpoint of the school and its effect in enabling the children with a broadening, wide and inclusive educational methods. I believe in the continuous learning for teachers, administration staff and school governors. Because, I believe it is an honourable responsibility to support and serve children that is best done in a qualified, competent and masterful way.
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Mike Donoghue
Throughout my working life I have seen the difference that a positive educational experience can have upon the future of any child. So I was pleased to become a governor and, while seeing first-hand how the team at Castleton supports the children and the Community, become a small part of that team . I bring to this role over 40 years professional experience of working with families in a variety of settings. Also as Pastor of Bethel Free Church believe I can bring a spiritual dimension to the role.
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Linda Spurr
I became a volunteer reader at the school two years ago, which gave me an insight into the other aspects of school life. I have seen at first hand the positive impact on children of a sade and happy school environment, which helps them to thrive. All of this has made me feel that I wanted to play a bigger role, supporting the pupils, teaching staff and leadership in the future.
Georgina Summers (Vice Chair of Governors)
I originally became a governor because professionally I was looking to move into Non-Exec Director work and the two roles are very similar: bringing constructive challenge to give confidence that decisions taken are right for the organisation and its stakeholders, in this case not only the pupils, but also the staff, the parents and the local community. However, it has become much more than that; over time I have really begun to appreciate how small things a governor can offer - a contact, an idea – can make a huge difference to the local community and it feels good to be able to give something back.
Katie Benn
I became a parent governor because over the past 22 years I have had at least one of my three daughters attending Castleton Primary School. My eldest daughter is now a fully qualified high school teacher, which makes me very proud. I believe in education and what teachers do for the children at Castleton. Being a governor helps me give something back by supporting the school and pupils.
Erin Cowdell
I am new to the School Governing Board as a Parent Governor at Castleton Primary School, but very much look forward to being further involved in the school and helping it continue to offer such a supportive and diverse environment for education. I wanted to be part of the SGB at Castleton because I could see how much the school’s leaders, teachers and support staff truly care about the pupils, about making their educational experiences the very best they can be. I would very much like to play my part in helping ensure that all children who attend Castleton Primary are able to thrive, to be safe and to enjoy their time in primary education as much as my daughter has. I currently work at Yorkshire Water as a financial data analyst and I am originally from Texas, USA.
Lisa Gleadhill
I have worked at Castleton Primary School for a number of years. I believe my experience, passion and dedication as a classroom teacher will provide a different perspective for the governing body. As a governor I see my role as being a voice for the children, staff and local community.