Governors

The Governing Body has a number of duties and responsibilities towards all its stakeholders – pupils, staff, parents, the local authority and the wider community.

The role includes:

Educational Standards

  • Ensuring the school fulfils the legal requirements of the education system
  • Setting challenging but achievable educational targets
  • Ensuring the school is adequately resourced and that its resources are utilised properly and creatively
  • Ensuring all pupils receive an excellent, well-rounded education academically, morally and socially so that they can move forward into the world, fully equipped for the next stage of their learning

Leadership

  • Developing a vision for the school and setting its strategic aims
  • Establishing the values that the school is expected to meet and maintain
  • Acting as critical friends – monitoring and evaluating performance and progress towards the school’s priorities and targets, supporting staff and challenging their expectations
  • Relationship with Stakeholders

Relationship with Stakeholders

  • Accountability – ensuring that the school is accountable to the children and parents it serves, to its local community, to those who fund and maintain it, as well as the staff it employs
  • Maintaining a close relationship with parents and the local community
  • Caring for the welfare and well-being of staff and pupils

The Governing Body seeks to fully represent the local community and is drawn from four groups:

  • Local Authority Governor (1): local people appointed by the local authority (Stockport Council)
  • Parent Governors (4): elected by the parents of the pupils at the school. A Parent Governor usually has a pupil attending the school.
  • Staff Governor (1): representing staff at the school and elected by their colleagues.
  • Headteacher (1) Head Teacher is on our Governing Body
  • Coopted Governors (6): co-opted by the Governing Body, these governors either have close links with the local community or bring with them specific skills or expertise that the Governing Body feels are required. Sometimes a Community Governor satisfies both criteria.
  • Associate Members (4) – these members of the Governing Body have been appointed for their specific expertise. They do not have voting rights.

The Governing Body at Alexandra Park aims to be a cohesive and professional team who use their skills and experience to work in partnership with the staff and parents and share the commitment that Alexandra Park Primary School should provide the best possible education for its pupils. The  Governing Body consists of a Teaching and Learning Committee, a Resources Committee and a Steering Group.  The minutes and proceedings of the Governing Body are available for reference at the school. Members of the Governing Body are always willing to discuss school matters. They can be contacted via the School Office.

 

Governing Body

Anne Trafford

Mrs Anne Trafford


Chair of Governors (LA Rep)

anne.trafford@alexandrapark-pri.stockport.sch.uk

 

Position

Chair of Governing Board & Staff and wellbeing Governor

Member of Teaching and learning sub-committee
and Finance and Premises Committee

Term of office

1st September 2017-31st August 2021

I have been chair of governors since the two schools (Infant and Junior) merged in 2009 to become a two form entry Primary. I was the chair of governors for the Junior school prior to that. I have been a governor for over twenty years and have seen many changes in education. I am Chair of the management committee of GOVAS Stockport which is a fully independent association of governors affiliated to the National Governors Association. I attend the chairs briefing provided by SMBC each term and make good use of the governor training provided.

I am retired and worked as a Health, Safety and Environmental Adviser at the research site of an agrichemical company. When I stopped working I became a volunteer adviser for Citizens Advice Stockport.
I am proud of my association with Alexandra Park and its aspirational and ambitious culture of both staff and pupils. Education that inspires is the most important gift we can give to children.
One of my daughters teaches at the school and one of my grandchildren attend as pupil, another has moved on to senior school

Catherine Hambleton Grey

Mrs Catherine Hambleton-Gray


Deputy Chair of Governors

 

Position

Member of Teaching and learning sub-committee
and Finance and Premises Committee

Term of office

March 2019-March 2023

I joined Alexandra Park as an Associate Governor in spring 2019 and am looking forward to playing an active part in this position. I have spent 22 years working in various HR and learning and development roles in a number of retail and leisure businesses and hope I can utilise my commercial background and skills and experience to support the school and help continue to drive it forward.
I have been working with Mr Brooke over the last few weeks to plan a number of leadership development sessions for the senior teaching team which draws on my experience, and will help contribute towards the overall school plan. We ran the first session in September and have future sessions planned over the next few months.

Alison Newton Associate Governor

Miss Ali Newton


Associate Governor

 

 

 

 

Position 

Member of Teaching and learning sub-committee
and Finance and Premises Committee

Term of office 

1st November 2018-31st October 2022

I worked for the Council for 25 years, 24 years in education with over 13 years as a Governor Support Officer. I currently work for NHS Stockport CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group). I have been a governor (sitting on the 'other side of the table’) for over six years, currently as an Associate Member but previously as Vice-Chair and Chair of Teaching & Learning and Resources Committee.

'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’ Nelson Mandela

 

 

Julia Hewer

Mrs Julia Hewer


Parent Governor

 

Position

Chair of Finance and Premises Committee

Member of Teaching and learning sub-committee
and Finance and Premises Committee

Term of office

17 November 2017 - 16 November 2021

I am in my second term of office as a Parent Governor at Alexandra Park Primary School. I currently have one child at the school, the elder one has moved on to senior school. I am heavily involved in supporting the fundraising and social events that happen through the school’s Parents and Friends Group.
Since graduating from university with a degree in accounting and social policy, I have always worked in the voluntary sector. The majority of this time has been within Stockport based organisations. I am now the deputy director of Signpost Stockport for Carers, an organisation that supports anyone who has an unpaid caring role for a relative or friend, including young carers from the age of 6 years old.
I am passionate about ensuring that all children have opportunities and experiences that will help them to see and achieve their full potential, despite the challenges and difficulties that they may face. My hope is that, through playing an active and involved role on the governing body of Alexandra Park, I will be able to support the staff, parents and carers to achieve this for all of our children. I would also like to play a real part in ensuring that our school, and each one of our students, is inclusive, caring and ambitious.

 

Phil Brooke

Mr Phil Brooke


Headteacher

 

 

 

 

 

Position

Headteacher

Member of Teaching and learning sub-committee
and Finance and Premises Committee

Term of office

Not applicable

My teaching career began when I worked as an English teacher, and teacher trainer, for Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) in a very beautiful, remote province of China.
I am passionate about providing the children at our school with the highest levels of care and education. I believe if we can achieve this as a school then we can improve the life chances of every child at our school.
Throughout my career I have looked for opportunities to challenge myself and improve my own learning. I have worked as a Specialist Maths Teacher; a Mastery Specialist Teacher for the NCETM; and have completed my Masters Degree in Education. This desire to learn is very important to me, and I am very fortunate to work at a school with colleagues who share the same desire to help children through continually improving their own, and other’s practice.

Claire Williams

Mrs Claire Williams


Co-opted Governor

 

  

 

Position

Deputy Headteacher

Member of Teaching and learning sub-committee

Term of office

1st November 2018-31st October 2022

I am the Deputy Head Teacher at Alexandra Park Primary School. I am passionate about our school providing the best care and opportunities for all our families and school staff. Our school values of Care, Aspire, and Achieve are at the heart of everything we do as a school, including the work of the governing body.

I have been a teacher for 15 years and have had a varied career. I have taught in every year group as a class teacher and have held a range of leadership roles prior to joining Alex Park including SENDCO (Special Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator); Maths Lead across four schools; NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher) and SCITT (School Based Initial Teacher Training) lead. I am also a Professional Development Lead and Mastery Specialist Teacher for the NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics.) This role involves working on national projects to develop teaching and learning in mathematics across the country - working with groups of schools and leading Teacher Research Groups. As well as this work, I have contributed to published teaching materials and spoken at conferences for leaders on the teaching of mathematics. Furthermore, I am a Specialist Leader of Education for Mathematics and have worked extensively with over 50 schools supporting and developing the leadership of maths teaching and subject leadership.
My role at school is interesting and varied. I currently lead on the wider curriculum and pupil premium, alongside teaching in year 6 and my deputy headship role. I love the fact, that due to the nature of my role, no day is ever the same. I am fortunate that I work across the school, leading CPDL, supporting NQTs, working in TRGs, working with children and their parents. Additionally, I provide strategic leadership and management in all areas of the school.

Charlotte Millward

Mrs Charlotte Millward


Staff Governor

 

 

 

 

 

Position

School SENCO & Personal Support learning Governor

Member of Teaching and learning sub-committee
and Finance and Premises Committee

Term of office

1st November 2018-31st October 2022

I am the SENDCO (Special Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator); and Designated Safeguarding Lead at Alexandra Park Primary School. I am passionate about inclusion and ensuring that our school provides the very best levels of care and opportunities for all our children. Our school values of Care, Aspire, and Achieve are at the heart of everything we do as a school, including the work of the governing board.
I have been a teacher for 12 years and have taught in two different Stockport Schools. I have mainly taught in KS2 and prior to joining the team at Alexandra Park, I was the Lower Key Stage 2 Phase Leader. Since joining this school I have achieved the NASENCO award. My role at school is interesting and varied. I lead a Pastoral team and coordinate a wide range of support for children with varied and sometimes complex needs. Our Pastoral Team offer a wide range of interventions out of our Nurture Room including Drawing and Talking Therapy, Lego Based Therapy and Social Skills groups. I coordinate provision across the school for children with an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) and help teachers to ensure that our children on the SEND register receive tailored support.
My role as Designated Safeguarding Lead is absolutely key to ensuring that our children are safe. Key to this role is working well with other professionals and information sharing as well as working with our families to offer timely support. I feel very lucky to be in a position where I can help support the children, our staff and our families.

 

Hannah Matthews

Dr Hannah Matthews


Parent Governor

 

 

 

 

 

Position

Chair of Teaching and learning sub-committee

Member of Teaching and learning sub-committee
and Finance and Premises Committee

Term of office

17 November 2017 - 16th November 2021

I have been a parent governor since 2017 and I am the Chair of the Teaching and Learning committee. I am also a member of the Resources committee.

Both my son and daughter attend Alexandra Park and I am very proud of their progress since starting at the School, especially regarding the support and education that is provided.

For five years I worked for Stockport Council as their Sustainability Policy Officer. I worked with many schools across the borough to promote environmental and social education. I was a trained EcoSchools assessor and I also worked closely with the Stockport Fairtrade Group, setting up Stockport Fairtrade Schools Scheme.

I have been involved in the teaching profession since 2001. I am currently a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Management at Manchester Metropolitan University. I have also taught Geography and Science subjects in schools across Stockport and Greater Manchester. Three of my undergraduate students from the University are currently undertaking research projects in the School looking into healthy food choices and improved student outcomes e.g. behaviour, attainment, health etc.

Glenys Millins

Mrs Glenys Millins


Co-opted Governor

 

Position

Inclusion & Governor

Member of Teaching and learning sub-committee

Term of office

7th October 2019- 6th October 2023

After growing up in West Bromwich I completed my teacher training at a college in Bromsgrove. I then married and moved to Lancaster in 1976 and stayed there until 1980 when I came to Stockport. My two young daughters then kept me busy until returning to teaching on a supply basis at the end of the 1980s.
Alexandra Park became part of my life over 30 years ago and although now retired I thoroughly enjoy continuing my connection through the governing body and as a “helper” with the Reception children.
As soon as I came to Alexandra Park it felt like a place that did everything to care for as well as to educate children. I have known 5 Headteachers and this spirit has always remained at the forefront as the ethos of the school.
I began as a class teacher but was soon encouraged to take on more responsibility and eventually I became the SENCO. This role had many challenges and rewards and even recently I met by chance a family who we had supported many years ago.
I also held the role of “acting deputy headteacher” on 2 occasions so I have always felt that Alex Park gave me all opportunities to see where my career lay. It ended up being to stay in a place where I loved to be.
Since retiring I’ve had chance to support my dad, daughters and grandchildren more and to relax with my husband who I married nearly 2 years ago.
Since my early childhood I’ve enjoyed watching football and in spite of living in West Bromwich spent many Saturday afternoons watching Aston Villa. My grandad was an avid fan so it was a family tradition to support them. I also enjoyed taking my daughters to watch Athletics and this summer took my grandchildren to the AAAs meeting in Birmingham.
After 4 years I think I’ve now settled into retirement and have the time to see friends and to go walking everyday even if for only a short time. I also volunteer at a Day Centre every Monday afternoon and visit elderly people who have recently been discharged from hospital. I hope to continue by association with Alexandra Park for many years to come.

WEndy Somers

Mrs Wendy Somers


Associate Governor

 

Position

AP Pre-school Manager
& Wider curriculum Governor

Member of Teaching and learning sub-committee
and Finance and Premises Committee

Term of office

2nd November 2017 - 1st November 2021

Wendy Somers: Associate Member

I own and manage Alexandra Park Pre-School, which has been based in the Primary School since September 2005. I have worked at the Pre-School for 21 years.
Most of our children move to the Primary School when they start Reception.
I have been a member of the Governing body since 2008.
My 2 daughters (now 25 & 26) attended this school, so I have had strong links with the school for many years and have watched it grow to the Outstanding School it now is.

 

Mr Owen Peters


Co-opted Governor

 

Position

Member of Teaching and learning sub-committee

Term of office

25th May 2017-24th May 2021

I have been a member of the Governing Body for nearly 2 years. This opportunity arose from my work in the community, in particular my work within Alexandra Park. My achievements include the construction of Alexandra Skate Park and helping to found the Friends of Alexandra Park. I have experience in applying for funding, working with council bodies and maintaining a positive community image.
Since first starting as a Governor at the school, I then attained a job within the KS2 where my role was to ensure every child was cared for and had access to all opportunities within Alexandra Park.

I am proud to ensure our 3 values are always achieved. Care. Aspire. Achieve.

 

Mr Paul Lawton


Co-opted Governor

 

Position

Member of Teaching and learning sub-committee
and Finance and Premises Committee

Term of office

1st November 2018 - 31st October 2022

 

Peter Mayhew

Mr Peter Mayhew


Associate Governor - School Business Manager

 

 

 

 

Position

Member of Finance and Premises Committee

Term of office

10 January 2019-09 January 2023

I have been the School Business Manager since February 2019 and so sit on the Governing board as an associate Governor.
This is my first role in the public sector having spent 22 years at M&S as a Manager in a wide variety of roles from financial management to store management.
I am proud to work at Alexandra Park and with such a great group of inspirational colleagues. I look forward to making a positive impact on all the stakeholders I work with and making sure the school maintains its outstanding performance.

 

Mrs Shonagh Camacho


Governor Support Officer

Mr Joe Stretch


Parent Governor

 

Position

Member of Teaching and learning sub-committee
and Finance and Premises Committee

 

Term of office

1st November 2018 - 31st October 2022

Declaration of Interests
Governors Attendance 2018/19
Governors Biographies January 2020